"Certain principles of our international system are sancrosanct. Sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights. These are the core tenets of the UN Charter, the pillars of peaceful relations amongst nations.
...
For the second year in a row this gathering, dedicated to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, is darkened by the shadow of war. An illegal war of conquest, brough about
by Russia against its neighbour, Ukraine. Like every nation in the world the United States wants this war to end. .... Russia alone bears responsibility for this war.... No nation wants this war to end more than Ukraine.
...
If we allow Ukraine to be carved up is the independence of any nation secure? I respectfully suggest the answer is, "No!". We have to stand up to this naked aggression today and deter other would be agressors tomorrow." (CBS News : 20 September 2023) (my emphasis)
CBS News : 20 September 2023 : YouTube
"King Charles was given a standing ovation yesterday (20 Sept 2023) when he addressed the French parliament.
...
In his speech, Charles deplored Russia’s “horrifying” invasion of Ukraine and urged the world to stay steadfast in its support for Kyiv. His message could not have been more timely. There are fears that if Donald Trump wins the presidential election next year he will pull the plug on US military support." (Mirror : 21 September 2023) (my emphasis)
The Mirror goes on to report that,
"Cracks are also beginning to appear in Europe’s united front, with Poland announcing it was halting arms shipments to Ukraine. Kyiv’s forces have regained yet more territory from the Russian occupiers during their summer offensive. There can be no let-up in our resolve if we want Ukraine to triumph." (ibid the Mirror) (my emphasis)
These cracks all stem from Putin's refusal to extend a United Nations-brokered deal to safely ship Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea.
As reported by Aljazeera,
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his stance on reinstating a United Nations-brokered deal to safely ship Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea only after the West meets Moscow’s demands on its agricultural exports.
The Russian president’s remarks on Monday came after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Black Sea city of Sochi in the hope of reviving the agreement seen as vital for global food supplies, especially in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
...
The United States and the European Union have dismissed Moscow’s complaints as without merit, saying their sanctions do not target Russian grain and fertilisers." (Aljazeera : 4 September 2023) (my emphasis)
Aljazeera : 4 September 2023)
"The European Commission has announced restrictions on the imports of Ukrainian wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed in Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Bulgaria until June 5.
The move led to Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria lifting unilateral import bans they had imposed citing the need to protect their farmers. Romania had not banned imports."
...
Farmers in eastern Europe initially benefitted financially from the Ukraine conflict as prices for their crops rose sharply in line with global grain markets.
They have, however, faced increased competition in local markets from Ukrainian grain and oilseeds. The farmers have also found it more difficult and more expensive to transport their crops as many of the trucks and railwagons they would typically use are carrying large volumes of supplies from Ukraine instead." (Reuters : 9 May 2023) (my emphasis)
"The European Commission has lifted the temporary bans on Ukrainian grain after Kyiv agreed to tighten control over its agricultural exports.
But the measure failed to satisfy Poland and Hungary, which swiftly announced they would impose their own nationwide prohibitions on a unilateral basis, the very chaotic scenario that Brussels wanted to avoid at all costs." (EuroNews : 15 September 2023) (my emphasis) (cf also: Andy Bounds et al: Financial Times :15 September 2023)
"Poland has said it will stop exporting weapons to Ukraine as a week of escalating tensions between the two countries reached boiling point over a ban on grain imports.
Microsoft Start (Independent article) : 22 Septrember 2023
...
The row between the neighbouring countries began last week when Poland imposed an import ban on Ukrainian grain, including wheat and maize, after an EU-brokered deal expired. " (Microsoft Start (Independent article) : 22 Septrember 2023) (my emphasis)
Putin's euphoria at this current spat between Poland and Ukraine has, however been rather short lived.
As reported by The Guardian (Associated Press),
"Zelenskiy secures $325m in new US aid even as Republican support wanes.
...
The administration did announce another $325m Thursday in what’s known as presidential drawdown assistance for Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the package would include additional air defense, artillery ammunition, cluster munitions and other arms." (The Guardian (Associated Press) : 22 September 2023) (my emphasis)
Furthermore, as reported by Matthew Dooley (left),
"Ukrainian armoured vehicles have smashed through a gap in Russian defences on the Zaporizhzhia front, it has been reported.
Eight-wheeled Stryker and tracked Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles were seen behind Russian tank traps and dragon’s teeth near Verbove - suggesting a potential Ukrainian tactical breakthrough in the area.
Russia analyst for The Institute for the Study of War, George Barros, said the news could mean Kyiv was preparing for another big push." (Express : 21 September 2023) (my emphasis)
"Ukrainian armoured vehicles are operating beyond the final ‘formidable” line of the Russian three-layered defences in the south of the country, military experts said on Friday.
...
In its latest intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence in London said: “Over the last four days, both Russia and Ukraine have experienced unusually intense attacks deep behind their lines. There have been reports of explosions at Russian logistics sites, air bases and command posts in Crimea, the Krasnodar region, and near Moscow." (Evening Standard : 22 September 2023) (my emphasis)
Having been :-
- excoriated at the recent UN General Assembly meeting,
- and with Ukraine's forces successfully moving towards the Sea of Azov,
- together with Ukraine securing $325m in new US aid,
Putin is now drinking in the "last chance saloon".
And this is the looming danger of him lashing out.
UPDATE 1: 22 September 2023 : 14.07
BBC News has just reported that,
"A missile has hit the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea navy in Crimea, Russia says.
...
Videos on social media show smoke billowing from the building - we are working to verify images as they emerge
...
One serviceman is missing, Russia's defence ministry says, updating an earlier report that said he had been killed
...
The Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol has warned residents to stay away from the city centre. (BBC News : 22 September 2023) (my emphasis)
BBC News : 22 September 2023
"US President Joe Biden plans to give Ukraine advanced long-range missiles to help Kyiv with its ongoing counter-offensive, US media report.
They quote US officials familiar with the issue as saying Ukraine will get some ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 190 miles (300km).
This would enable Kyiv to hit Russian targets deep behind the front line.
At least one Ukrainian missile hit the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet in annexed Crimea on Friday.
A Ukrainian military source told the BBC the attack in the port of Sevastopol was carried out using Storm Shadow missiles, which are supplied by Britain and France, highlighting the importance of Western weaponry to Kyiv.
Such missiles have a range of just over 150 miles." (BBC News : 23 September 2023) (my emphasis)
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