In a post on X, President Zelenskyy has called out Western partners over the misuse of parts in the Russian armoury. He’s said that “Western components” are being used in Shahed missiles.
He says that America, Europe, and China are to blame for the parts reaching Russia. He says thousands of missiles and drones have been sent into Ukraine using such parts.
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.
As of 24 February 2022 Russia has been attacking Ukraine.
The result of its war is telling in the statistics. In a recent report the UN has calculated via its refugee arm, the UNHCR, that as of April over 6 million Ukrainians are displaced in Europe.
The UNHCR have also undertaken practical work in Ukraine.
It’s supported efforts to repair houses, distribute emergency supplies, provide cash, legal support, and planning for winter fuel assistance. It’s also set up a Human Rights Center in the west of Ukraine.
Europe is a tightly packed continent but it falls out from time to time with its neighbours over vast differences. These aren’t easy to understand primarily because we’re citizens of different nations.
Wars only make sense where they happen and yet they can make sense to us because we’re also involved in some way. It may jeopardise our security to stand apart so it’s necessary to lend support.
However the ramifications of a war like this involves many parts of the world besides. In a report The Economist suggests 36% of nations don’t support Russia, 31% are neutral, and 33% do support it.
These are even numbers considering the gravity of a war it entails. It isn’t possible to end conflict by giving or removing support alone. Only implicit movements will determine what the outcome will be.