Ukraine War

  • What Ukraine means for Europe

    The war in Ukraine with Russia has lasted nearly three years. Although targets are hit deep inside either countries, the combat has only straddled their shared border. Its hostilities are mainly centred on Eastern Ukraine and Western Russia.

    Despite this, the threat remains for the rest of Europe. There are plenty of targets for Russia to strike. It hates most of the West, and Putin hates our allies and partners in particular. He’s regularly stated a willingness to respond if we attack it first.

    It’s not obvious where it goes next, and if the rest of Europe should be afraid. Ukraine’s potential membership of Nato, and the EU, sets up such confrontation in the future. Now, it’s a question of what happens if the war were to spread outward.

  • 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.

  • Ukraine has its way with words

    An advocate for Ukraine stood outside Downing Street today to support the nation’s conflict with Russia.

    I didn’t stop to ask him questions since he was speaking yet I took a picture and moved on.

    He sounds eloquent – and defiant – in his beliefs and cause. It’s inspiring to see.

    The trouble with Ukraine is it doesn’t often get a voice, but it has President Zelensky. This is a bonus for a state that hasn’t had a voice before in any meaningful way with us.

    I’m inspired by the efforts of Ukraine to repel just an invasion and keep the conflict contained.

    It’s to Ukraine’s credit to do this, and to make sure we don’t see war, too.

    It’s a bonus that we’ve witnessed leadership like this, albeit in Ukraine and not nearer our shores.

    This is a debt we have to repay. So maybe we should get on with it and show leadership here. This is our duty, after all.