Hello everyone,
The older I get the more I despair. As a veteran in life I thought I had seen it all. In the UK we had the hassle of Brexit, then the entire world has battled with Covid-19. Last week we watched in horror as Russian tanks began moving into Ukraine. War in the 21st century. Another war in Europe. Okay, it is 1500 miles away from me and is in Eastern Europe but it is still an horrific war. My heart breaks as I watch thousands of desperate people, who days before were living ordinary happy lives, fleeing their country and declaring refugee status. This is so reminiscent of the beginning of WW2 in the late1930's. Remember that little man with the moustache, Hitler? He was on a mission which lasted several years and devastated the world. Millions killed. Life changed forever beyond all belief. How did his life end? By his own hand in a Bunker, I think. Mr. Putin is on a mission. Maybe, he needs reminding of history and Hitler!
People are asking why the rest of the world do not combine forces and aid Ukraine in combat or take strong military action over Russia, not just sanctions. I guess the answer is simple. We are dealing with a man who many feel is unhinged and unpredictable. His sanity, state of mind is being questioned. It has been commented that those close to him have a look of fear. They cannot understand what he is doing. He has access to nuclear weapons. If pushed, he will press the button and there is no return. The situation must be handled with kid gloves.
A resolution? Will it be soon? Could there be a coup in Russia? Some soldiers have left Ukraine and resigned because they feel what they are being ordered to do is wrong. Russia has become a pariah in our society. Some Russians are turning against their leader. Would anyone or group be brave enough to assassinate him? Talks? Can you reason with a maniac? Is he guilty of war crimes? If so, surely he will be arrested and prosecuted?
Meanwhile, the world watches and waits. Good will always win over evil. In the last week one thing has come out of it and that is kindness of strangers. Countries have opened their borders to Ukraine refugees, particularly the closest Poland. Donations of food, essentials, clothes, toys have poured in and are at the border as thousands cross into safety. Many are struggling to get to relatives around the world.
Ukraine you are strong. We stand with you. God bless you all.
***********************************
It is a month since I wrote this. The world watched in horror at scenes reminiscent of the Second World War and scenes we never expected to see again. So far, 4,000,000 people have left their homes with all that they could carry in one bag and headed for the borders. We witnessed incredible scenes at railway stations as trains left with carriages overfull, crammed beyond all belief with humans heading for countries where they could claim refugee status. One day they had a home, job, education and a life. The next they had nothing but hope. My friends, never take anything for granted. A comfortable situation can change in a second. In Germany there were numerous people waiting at a railway station holding signs saying things like, ‘One room’ or ‘Can take two people’. One or two interviewed were themselves refugees who has been taken in by the country and wanted to help others in that situation. Many Ukrainians drove to the borders only to join a queue for about five days before they could get across. One man left his vehicle and walked the last ten miles with his family, and carrying his dog who was too old to walk the whole distance. Pets were not left behind. At the border he was obliged to say goodbye to his family, watch them cross to safety before he returned to fight. I can only imagine the sadness as families parted not knowing if they will ever meet again or if their husband, father or son will be killed in battle. All men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave but conscripted to fight.The homes they left behind? Looking at the news coverage they are in ruins and all possessions gone.
This is known as Putin’s war. This morning I hear that his advisors are too afraid to tell him that things are not going as he expected. ManyRussians have defected not wanting to fight. Some are even accidentally shooting their own planes down. I am thinking of the film, ‘Oh what a lovely war’. The futility of war! This is one man’s war, a dictator who is ruling by inflicting fear on his government. If they do not follow instructions are they going to be shot? Has Putin not realised that the world is united with Ukraine? On Tuesday I watched a concert put together in support of Ukraine. Funds, military aid and supplies are flooding in to assist. Now, it seems that Putin is using blackmail. How low can a man stoop? He is demanding that countries pay for their gas from Russia in roubles. He is desperate for roubles as sanctions are taking their toll. Failure to pay in roubles as opposed to euros or dollars will mean no gas supply. He is fighting a war that he can never win.
One question, when will it all end?
Lady M
No comments:
Post a Comment