The Baltic States Enforce EU Ban On Russian Vehicles
The incident last year where 2 Russian jets fired on British surveillance planes and missed was said to have been an accidental misfire. However, a few days ago, the US had intercepted recordings from sensors in the area and they reveal that one Russian pilot misinterpreted a remark ‘that’s the target’ as a green light to fire. The other Russian pilot is heard swearing, and asking what he is doing and to stop, but he fired another missile that also failed.
We can consider the failure of the missiles a blessing as that would have been considered an intentional attack on a member of NATO for no reason. British aircraft are the only ones to patrol the Black Sea to help escort cargo ships safely to port, and they continue to do so, which is where the incident took place. What is the reaction from the global community? No one wants to criticise Putin because they know he is unstable and they fear a nuclear war, but the rules of engagement were broken, plus Russian drone fragments are landing in Romania, yet NATO remains silent.
The problem with this is that it enables Russian propaganda—if the West say nothing, then Russia hasn’t done anything wrong. Winter is approaching, and while Ukraine has liberated some areas, it has been slow and Ukraine can defend itself, but it cannot defeat Russia with the weapons and the army it has at present. If you think of Lord of the Rings, when man went into battle, they knew their army was outnumbered and called for help (and the elves and other came). However, this is real life, and so where will Ukraine acquire troops to match the Russian numbers?
Reports states thatUkraine has 1,500 soldiers to 20,000 Russian troops in the South when the Russians invaded. This gives you an idea of how outnumbered the Ukrainians are, and the slow arrival of the weapons from the allies means that Russia has the advantage. I believe that only NATO troops being activated can lead to Russia leaving Ukraine, but NATO looks as if they are afraid, and Russia knowns this and uses it to their own benefit and this hesitation permits propaganda that isn’t challenged.
Day 568 (14 Sept)
Ukrainian pilots have been testing Swedish Gripen jets as Sweden considers sending Ukrainian some of their fighter jets.
Penny Pritzker is the new UN special representative for Ukraine's economic recovery. The tasks will include organising export markets and businesses that were closed in Russia during due to the invasion, and looking at ways to secure investment for the rebuilding of Ukraine.
Ukraine liberated Andriivka in Bakhmut. Another gain for Ukraine, but now they must hold their position, but it leaves them vulnerable once the troops move elsewhere to liberate other settlements.
Russia expels to US diplomats, and the US has stated it will respond appropriately.
The ICC has opened an office in Kyiv to assist in investigating the alleged Russian war crimes.
NATO has stated it cannot see any signs of an intentional attack by Russia against Romania after drone fragments were found for the third time on Romanian soil.
Day 569 (15 Sept)
The UK has declared the Wagner Group as a terrorist group, which means anyone joining or supporting them would be committing a criminal offence.
The sham elections have been taking place in the occupied areas of Ukraine, with a list of 34 foreign observers. It has been suggested that sanctions be imposed against them.
Ukraine has imposed mandatory evacuations for children in 31 districts in Kherson due to heavy shelling.
Finland bans Russian registered vehicles days after several Baltic states (Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia) confirmed they would enforce the EU decision on the ban.
The Cuban ambassador to Russia (Antonio Garmendia Pena) has stated that the government would not stop any Cuban who wished to join the Russian army and to fight in Ukraine. We now see countries choosing their sides, and this makes NATO and the UN look weak.
Day 570 (16 Sept)
General Surovikin has been seen alive, and is apparently in charge of a private military company that seeks to ‘poach’ Wagner troops. If true, then it seems that the Kremlin have not taken control of Wagner, which then leaves the question as to who is running it and financing it since the Kremlin stopped payments?
Attest, a Ukrainian saboteur group has claimed that they recruited a Russian solider who then blew up military trucks in Henichesk near the Azov Sea.
Poland has announced it will enforce the ban of Russian registered passenger cars as stated by an EU decision that bans Russian vehicles to enter the EU. The Baltic states have already clarified that they will ban all vehicles and they will be treated as illegal imports.
North Macedonia have expelled, three Russian diplomats after it was reported that they had violated the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
The US have reiterated that it does not encourage, or enable Ukraine to use US supplied weapons outside of Ukraine. However, they also state that it is up to Kyiv to decide how best to use those weapons. Basically, they can’t stop Ukraine using the weapons on military targets, and if they stop delivering aid and weapons, then they know Russia will occupy Ukraine.
The Ukrainians have to make judgements about what can be most effective in working to regain their full sovereignty, and their territorial integrity. (Blinken)
Day 571 (17 Sept)
Zelenskyy will visit Washington D.C. and address Congress later this month on 21 September after attending the UN General Assembly. There will be probably be an announcement of another military aid package.
Ukraine has liberated Klishchiyivka near Bakhmut. While Ukraine has made these small but important gains, Russia is still seeking ways to ‘retake’ the regions. Liberation doesn’t mean the Russians have gone.
Russia has begun to sell stolen property under the guise of nationalisation in order to fund the war in Ukraine. This includes selling a property that belongs to Zelenskyy in occupied Crimea.
Day 572 (18 Sept)
In Slovakia, Robert Fico, a former Prime Minister of the country who is running again to hold office, has stated he would halt all aid to Ukraine if he was elected.
The ICJ (International Court of Justice) has resumed the hearing where Ukraine field a lawsuit against Russian over genocide. The hearings will be held 18-27 September in The Hague and the judges will hear objections raised by Russia, who have claimed genocide as a valid reason for the special military operation.
In the Netherlands, a Dutch Defence Ministry employee has been arrested with another man for supplying components to Russia and thus intentionally evaded sanctions.
Claims made by Georgia, accuse Ukraine of planning acts of destabilisation in the country. Ukraine denies such allegations, which were earmarked for October-December 2023, when the progress on Ukraine’s EU membership would be published.
Ukraine is to sue Poland, Hungary and Slovakia over the EU grain ban. The ban has been lifted, but the countries still object to the Ukrainian imports and wants to extend the ban.