The Grain Blockade Continues While Russia Issues Threats If The US and UK Supply Long-Range Rocket Systems To Ukraine
Zelenskyy visits the frontline in Severodonetsk
The war continues in Ukraine, and the threats from Russia keep on increasing. Support from some countries continues, while others are sticking to attempt to gain a ceasefire and peace negotiations. Ukraine has stated that neither are on the cards, so why do Italy and France keep repeating what they want when it is not in the best interests of Ukraine, and nor have they stated that it is the outcome they seek?
The Estonian Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas lays it out perfectly and rationally, stating that Russia must be defeated because a ceasefire does not solve the problem of Russia wanting to invade other countries. If Russia is not punished and held accountable for the war crimes committed, what will deter them from carrying out such invasions again? She has visited London to speak to the UK counterparts and discuss how to support Ukraine to help keep democracy safe in Europe.
There is no point going back to the status before 24 February 2022, because in Crimea and the separatist Donbas region, they house traitors who are willing to assist Russians invade Ukraine. Ukraine must regain all occupied territories to ensure Russia will not invade again, and traitors must be punished through exile or imprisonment.
In the UK, Boris Johnson has won a vote of no confidence by his party today, and although the figures against him were high, it was the best decision for now. Johnson has his faults, and the behaviour during Covid-19 was not in keeping with the guidelines, but we must look at the future and the bigger picture. Many people defied the guidelines and were not caught, but politicians are held to higher standard. Just imagine if John Major’s affair with a Cabinet Minister (Edwina Currie) had been released while he was in office—he would have been forced to resign.
To ensure peace and stability there needs to be consistency, and a change in leadership would not be good for Ukraine, UK, or the world at this present time. Despite his faults, Johnson has been a leader on an international scale by supporting Ukraine and speaking out without fear (like Germany, Italy, and France). The ramifications of losing Johnson during the Ukrainian conflict would have been catastrophic for the world. Deals made could have been rescinded, and a divided Europe is what Russia wants and plays into their propaganda narrative. Weapons that Ukraine have been promised might have been delayed, and that would have cost lives and helped Russian troops to gain an advantage. The stakes in the world are far greater than the constituency of an MP.
The MPs who voted against him should think of the bigger picture—this is a man who can hold off World War III, and you were willing to dump him for who? Jeremy Hunt, who single handedly managed to crucify and destroy the NHS? As a friend of mine said, choosing between Johnson and Hunt is like choosing between which STD you wish to catch. Truss has been named as possible leader, and again that is a no go. She has shown weakness, and publicly no one warms to her. Like France, they had to choose between Macron and Le Pen, and they chose the lesser of two evils.
Boris may not be liked, Churchill wasn’t liked by all either but they are tasked with a job that many cannot do. That is to make decisions that might not be favourable, but are the best ones they can make at the time. Right now, the world and especially Ukraine needs him to stay the course.
Day 103 (6 June)
The grain blockade continues as 30 Russian vessels block the Black Sea. Turkey doesn’t seem to be a good mediator as they are supposed to ‘control’ the waters. The Russians also destroyed a grain depot in Mykolaiv, as well as the trains that were transporting the grain to the ports. Think of all the wasted food, yet the stolen grain the Russians shipped out is to be sold cheaply to African countries in a bid to buy support.
Zelenskyy visits soldiers to boost morale in Lysychansk and Zaporizhzia.
The UK has agreed to send M270 multiple launch rocket systems that can fire missiles as far as 50 miles away. This is advanced weaponry that Ukraine does not have and soldiers will be trained in the UK on how to use the equipment. This was in response to the Kyiv attacks yesterday, and this gift is co-ordinated with the US who are supplying similar weapons. Russia responded by saying if the weapons are sent, then Russia will attack other parts of Ukraine and it will be the fault of the UK and US.
The UK is also sending a team of lawyers and police officers who specialise in war crimes, and international criminal law to assist Ukraine in their investigations. They will sent to the ICC in The Hague to to assist Karim Khan who is in charge of the investigations.
Spain and Norway are the latest countries to send more heavy weapons to aid Ukraine in defending themselves against the Russians.
NATO has begun two weeks of naval exercises in the Baltic Sea, and Finland and Sweden have been included in the drills that involve more than 16 nations.
Lavrov has been seeking the support of Serbia who relies on Russia for gas. However, he was unable to fly to Belgrade due the flight ban as the plane would need to cross Bulgarian airspace.
Zelenskyy has stated that the 2,500 soldiers who were captured in Azovstal must be released as there are fears for their safety, and Russia cannot be trusted to abide by international laws. Denis Pushilin, the pro-Russian leader of the separatist Donetsk People’s Republic has stated that the soldiers must be tried for being Neo-Nazis, and that the West must watch the trials.
There are concerns for the nuclear power station Zaporizhzhya NPP, and an IAEA team will travel there to carry out safety checks. The plant is still being run by Ukrainians although the Russians have occupied the station. Requests for the UN to intervene have not been met as yet, as there are grave concerns about the safety and a possible humanitarian crisis if there are issues that are not dealt with in a timely manner.
Zelenskyy has rejected Macron’s proposal of an outer group associated with the EU as an alternative to memberships. He has stated it has not been offered, and if had been they would not have agreed.
From afar (Canada) I share E-L's assessment of PM Johnson, yes frayed but the world needs him to remain as PM at this particular time in history. Russia continues to lobby African countries with his stolen Ukrainian grain.