The last 24 hours have been about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and the Kherson counteroffensive taking place. Both are delicate situations that require monitoring right now. Ukraine is advancing on Kherson, and there are reports that Russian bases have been destroyed. Obviously, the Ukrainian troops can’t reveal too much information for security purposes. The Russian defence ministry has acknowledged that Ukraine has mounted a counteroffensive, and the admission to it reinforces the reports that Ukraine has provided.
This is important, as Kherson has been on the brink of annexation by the Russians. The use of western weapons has made a difference to the strength of the Ukrainian Army, however, this is a difficult battle where sadly many lives will be lost on both sides. Will Russia retreat? It is unlikely as they are prepared to sacrifice soldiers in order to achieve the special military operation. That is why NATO needs to be on standby, for I believe that is the only way Russia will leave once and for all.
Day 188 (30 August)
The IAEA team have arrived in Kyiv and have met with Zelenskyy. Recent images show that there has been damage sustained to the building of the Zaporizhzhia plant, and that Russian vehicles are parked in dangerous locations near the reactors and pipes. The Russians have been using the nuclear power plant as a shield and as a military base, and are using this as a form of blackmail knowing that damage to the plant would cause a nuclear disaster.
Recent satellite images have shown the extent of the damage in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which includes two holes in the roof. In addition having armoured vehicles so close to nuclear reactors is a threat to the plant, as well as shelling that has been occurring facility on a daily basis.
France and Ukraine will be holding a joint forum on how to rebuild Ukraine. This event will be held in Paris, in autumn and representatives will be invited to join the forum.
The murder of Oleskiy Kovaliov, former Ukrainian lawmaker from the Servant of the People's Party has been confirmed. He had, according to the Ukrainian secret service become a Russian proxy in Kherson. Earlier, his car was blown up in an attack on the 22nd of June, and he survived that attack. This time he was killed by a gunshot in his home, and his partner was also shot with him. This is likely to be the work of the resistance who are taking control of the occupied areas resisting Russian occupation by punishing any Ukrainians betrayed them. Kovaliov was is in charge of grain supplies in Ukraine ,and it is possible that he was the one that facilitated the Russian looting of grain.
Ukraine has announced that they are interested in joining NATO, but they do not want the membership plan MAP, they need membership. They state that they have already implemented many of the requirements that the alliance has stipulated, and the troops have more experience that than some of the NATO allies. While this might be true, the alliance cannot bend the rules, yet it was their failure years ago that contributed to the invasion.
Ukraine has identified a Russian soldier who allegedly committed a war crime by torturing and killing five civilians in Bucha. Iznaur Musaev was charged absentia for violating the laws of war in Kyiv during March 2022. While his location is unknown, these war criminals need to be named, not only a a deterrent, but also so that their victims can receive some justice.
Russia have said they will not demilitarised the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The Russians say this is not for discussion and have placed the blame on the tense situation around the plant on Ukraine, stating that Ukraine is the one endangering the nuclear plant even though Russia have illegally occupied the
plant that belongs to Ukraine
There have been many reports stating that Ukrainian troops have broken through the first line of defence in Kherson, and that the troops have liberated at least for settlements in the area. Key areas such as warehouses and weapons depots also been destroyed by the Ukrainian troops as the counteroffensive moves forward
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Kherson is important for many reasons, as it it the largest city that Russia has occupied and it is near Crimea and will form a path from Russia via Crimea into the rest if Ukraine. As a port, it enables access and is also close to Odesa which has been a prime target. The situation in Kherson is difficult, people are forced to use Russian money and farmers are giving people food as there are no supplies. There is no law or rules, and people are only allowed to leave the city in two directions–either towards Crimea or Zaporizhzhia, both are Russian occupied areas.
On the 8th of September there will be a meeting in Germany to discuss the support for Ukraine that will be headed by the US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin. Ministers from the allied countries will meet together to discuss military aid for Ukraine.
The Pope for the first time has made a statement, stating that the Russian Federation is the aggressor in the war in Ukraine, and has stated that it is "Morally unjust, unacceptable, barbaric, senseless, repugnant and sacrilegious.” Previously the pope had declined to make a statement as to who was responsible for the war which led to criticisms from Ukraine.
The EU has provided more than 5 million anti-radiation tablets to Ukraine in the event of a nuclear accident at the Zaporizhzhia power plant. These are to be taken only if a radiation leak is confirmed, and to people who live within 30 miles of the power plant. The potassium iodide tablets have already been offered as a preventative measure. The tablets help prevent radioactive iodine which is a cancer causing is a isotope known as iodine 131 from being absorbed into the thyroid gland, thus, it can reduce the risk of thyroid cancer.
The issue of gas from Russia is also a major concern the Nord stream 1pipeline it's going to be shut for three days for alleged maintenance Gazprom has stated. This is the main pipeline for Germany's supply of gas. Many have claimed that Russia is using energy as a weapon of war and a means to try and blackmail countries into appeasement and to support them.
The EU will set up a military training program for Ukraine. The EU defence ministers are setting up this training program which is also to help define and work towards the military assistance for Ukraine. What it appears to me is the EU of forming some kind of army to help support the Ukrainian troops should the need arise. This kind of EU army has been discussed before, and the aim is to have some kind of united army across the EU should troops be needed in Ukraine. I can’t see Hungary taking part in this though…
I am very pleased to heat the statement from Pope Francis. And who amongst us could have predicted this turn of events, a major counteroffensive on the part of Ukraine, as Russian troops invaded last March?! TC
A strong statement from Pope Francis. Following the death of former Soviet leader Gorbachev, we are reminded it was his reforms which led to the collapse of the USSR, which Putin would like to restore.