Russia and Ukraine

  • Ukraine is our first line of defence in Europe

    Ukraine is fighting a battle against a Russian state that has a lot of resolve behind its campaign to overturn democratic principles and to return regions into its iron grip of paternalistic control.

    This is the bitter reality of fighting on the battlefield in places where Russia had been expelled and should no longer be seen or heard of.

    The regional difficulties that emerge as political technicalities cannot override the notion that powers a Ukrainian’s soldiers belief in his or her country as Europe’s first line of defence.

  • Zelenskyy decries Putin’s war targets

    President Zelenskyy has hit out at Russia’s use of powerful weapons against civilian infrastructure. He cited power plants, transformers, and residential buildings as being the latest targets.

    He said on X that Putin’s will is clear, saying “his only true message is written in destruction and death, delivered through every missile and drone Russia sends”. He asked for help in response.

  • Ukraine calls for air support

    In a post on X, Ukraine’s President claimed Europe could do more to help defend Ukraine’s airspace. Zelenskyy said Russian missile and drone strikes can be mitigated with European air defence systems.

  • UK slams Russia

    The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has today summoned the Russian ambassador to the UK. It’s due to accusations of intimidation or harassment against the UK in Russia and activities to promote misinformation in Europe.

    The FCDO allege Russia has attempted to do it to dissuade the UK from its support of Ukraine. Since the start of its fight against Russia in February 2022 we’ve provided moral, military, and financial support.

    “The UK condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s unprecedented and unfounded public campaign of aggression against the UK, including the malicious and completely baseless accusations made against Foreign Office staff last week. This behaviour is in direct contravention to Russia’s obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”

    Lately Russia has also been accused of placing assets in the UK to disrupt our normal activities. Although it’s not directly linked to its war against Ukraine, its activities here are under constant review.

  • The mystery of a Russian’s yacht

    I was on a walk through Canary Wharf yesterday and spotted this beauty in the waters. It’s allegedly owned by a “Russian national” according to the National Crime Agency, and sits there waiting for its owner since its “detention” following sanctions of Russia and allies of Putin.

    Captured in South Dock, Canary Wharf

    The visible effects of the Ukraine war are obvious to see in media reports and online. Yet the sight of a vessel of alleged Russian origin moored still in UK waters brings it home a little further. This is a genuine war with genuine consequences.