The Americans Visit Ukraine
A quick visit by the Americans come with more warnings from Russia for them to stop supporting Ukraine
We had no reason to doubt Zelenskyy when he stated that the Secretary of State (Blinken) and Secretary of Defense (Austin) from the US would visit Ukraine, even if the visit was under a veil of secrecy. The visit was more symbolic and the Americans knew that they would be targeted by the Russians. Shortly afterwards, Russia launched attacks on five railway lines in order to damage the infrastructure. Civilian casualties and deaths occurred as a result.
The unstable situation in Mariupol continues, and while the US pledges more aid and funding they have stated that they will not send any troops to Ukraine. Perhaps that statement was to appease the Russians who have been threatening them? If the Russians were interested in peace talks, then opening the humanitarian corridor would not be difficult and would be seen as a positive gesture. The fact that they have not opened a safe corridor leads to the suggestion that the talks are for show, and give them time to regroup while starving those who are trapped.
It is quite clear to the international community that Germany, Austria, and Hungary don’t seem to be able to grasp the fact that Putin cannot be talked down. Diplomacy only works with those who seek resolutions, but dictators do not. One must distinguish between a leader and a dictator. One seeks the best for the country they represent, and the other seeks personal gratification for power.
From what I can see is that we must allow the politicians and leaders to carry out their discussions, yet we all know that they are merely stalling the inevitable. Perhaps they are doing it because it is expected of them, and at least the Austrian ministers stated that they didn’t think it would do much good.
Much has been said about 9 May, which is considered a public holiday called Victory Day that Putin is aiming for. Historically, that was the day the Nazis’ surrendered during the Second World War. Many believe that the date will be significant in this war against Ukraine.
Day 61 (25 April)
The Americans visit Ukraine, but only confirm the visit after the delegation had arrived safely in Poland. The US has pledged more aid that will also be used for NATO to assist with the enhanced defence line, and have also stated they will reopen their embassy soon.
Bridget Brink is nominated as the new ambassador to serve in Ukraine, who is currently serving in Slovakia
After many false starts, the Russians have allowed an evacuation corridor in Mariupol for civilians. Whether it is successful remains to be seen, and there is no suggestion of what will happen to the soldiers. Ukraine has asked for guarantees in writing to enable a safe evacuation, but words on paper seem to have little effect.
Russia has been targeting at least 5 railway stations, killing a number of civilians. Kranse (near Lviv), Kozyatyn, and Zhmerynka have been hit, and as the American delegation left Kyiv to Poland, many see this as warning the the US.
Those who have been able to leave Mariupol have reiterated their stories that they were held in Russian filtration/processing/concentration camps where the conditions were poor, and where people were interrogated, photographed and fingerprinted.
Russia has warned the US again that they consider it is unacceptable to supply Ukraine with weapons, and demand that the US cease to do so.
Experts from the International Atomic Energy Authority will visit Chernobyl over concerns of a radiation leak after the Russians had left.
Russia has expelled 40 German diplomats in Russia in retaliation for expelling 40 Russian diplomats. Germany said they expected the move.
Germany admits that they should have done more to assist Ukraine back in 2014. The international community are still skeptical of Germany should they have an agenda of their own, having previously had strong commercial ties.
I came across a quote by Albert Einstein which I think is appropriate here. "The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything."
After two months, deaths continue to mount (on both sides) and the destruction in Ukraine continues, so do the discussions, with Russia warning it is "unacceptable" to supply Ukrainians with weapons to defend themselves. With the anniversary of the 1945 VE Day approaching, I believe Putin use that day to announce victory, Putin will "discuss" nothing less than total victory.