Europe's Culture Of Corruption Raises Concerns In The EU

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky (R) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen make statements following talks in Kiev, Ukraine, June 11, 2022 © AFP / Sergei Supinsky  

Politico: Ukraine needs to do more to fight corruption, Germany’s Baerbock says 

Kyiv ‘still [has] a way to go in the implementation of the anti-oligarch law and the fight against corruption,’ German foreign minister says.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Monday called on Ukraine to step up its efforts to fight corruption during a surprise visit to Kyiv. Ukraine “still [has] a way to go in the implementation of the anti-oligarch law and the fight against corruption,” Baerbock said on arrival in the Ukrainian capital, the German foreign ministry said in a statement. 

The German minister praised Kyiv’s “impressive” progress on judicial reforms and media legislation — completed even as Ukraine has spent the last 18 months fending off Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion, which has cost thousands of lives. Baerbock also reassured Kyiv that it would get Berlin’s “decisive support” for its European Union bid. 

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Update: EU believes Ukraine is ‘a very corrupt country' – Politico (RT)  

WNU Editor: Zelensky is not convincing in making this case .... Zelensky: Corruption cases in Ukraine don't involve foreign funds (Kyiv Independent). More here .... Corruption in Ukraine has nothing to do with assistance from partners – Zelenskyy (Ukrainska Pravda).  

Update #2: In a recent interview with CNN, Zelensky talks about the war and the problem of corruption (see video below). 

Ukraine's Population Is Collapsing

Figure 1. Size of the Ukrainian population (in thousand persons at the beginning of each year) 

Wilson Center: Ukraine’s Demography in the Second Year of the Full-Fledged War 

The Ukrainian demographic situation is an incredibly complex issue. Simply raising the population question requires that we first clarify our frame of reference. Are we asking about the Ukrainian population living within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, the so-called 1991 borders? Or about the Ukrainian population inhabiting the territory within the 1991 borders but without Crimea and Sevastopol (this is the area within which the State Statistics Service of Ukraine gathered information in 2015–2021)? Or about the population of both the territories controlled by the Ukrainian authorities before the start of the full-scale Russian aggression (the so-called 2022 borders) and the non-government-controlled lands? Or about the remaining population living on the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities after the start of the Russian full-scale invasion, and if so, in which month, since the current situation is highly unstable?  

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Update: Ukraine’s population close to half level of 1991 – think tank (RT)  

WNU Editor: And the forecast for the future is even more grim .... Ukraine’s population close to half level of 1991 – think tank (Reuters).

Western Ukrainians' Want To Join NATO And The EU

Statista: Ukrainians' Desire to Join NATO and the EU 

NATO foreign ministers are meeting in Oslo today. Ahead of the session, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Sweden and urged Turkey and Hungary to ratify the Nordic country's membership in the organization. The bigger elephant in the room during the meeting will be another nation's membership prospects: those of Ukraine. While the country is not expected to join immediately, the question of what NATO can offer Ukraine right now will be posed during the meeting. Ukrainians' desire to join the treaty (and the EU) is higher than ever after some hesitation, a survey from the country's Rating Sociological Group shows.  

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WNU Editor: This is nothing new. Western Ukraine support for joining the EU and NATO has always been strong. It was one of the main reason why the 2014 Maiden Revolution occurred. When then Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych signed an agreement with Russian President Putin for closer ties, those who favored closer ties to the West revolted. 

As for eastern Ukraine, for as long as I can remember the sentiment has always been the opposite. And this war has now only hardened both sides where reconciliation is now impossible.

Ukraine Facing Hyperinflation

Inflation in Ukraine is expected to hit 30% and may continue to rise if money printing continues  

DW: Ukraine battles to avoid hyperinflation as war costs soar 

Ukraine's central bank has been de facto printing money to pay its troops, but the measure is unsustainable. More international support is vital, but how much new cash could be raised domestically? 

As the war against Russia enters its seventh month, Ukraine is stuck between a financial rock and a hard place as it seeks to stay afloat while fighting off Moscow's invading forces. 

Tax revenues have plummeted due to an economy in free fall while military spending has skyrocketed, leaving the government facing a budget shortfall of $5 billion (€5.02 billion) per month. 

To make up for the lack of cash, the country's central bank has effectively been printing money — buying government bonds to the tune of $7.7 billion over the past six months. The Financial Times reported that the printing presses effectively created $3.6 billion in June alone.  

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WNU Editor: Ukraine is not the only country in Europe facing inflationary problems .... Euro Zone Inflation Hits Another Record of 9.1% as Food and Energy Prices Soar (CNBC).

OECD Ready To Help Ukraine Eliminate Corruption When The War Is Over

Ukrinform: OECD ready to help Ukraine eliminate corruption risks in post-war reconstruction process 

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is ready to help Ukraine so that corruption risks do not stand in the way of the post-war reconstruction process. 

OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann said this during an event dedicated to cooperation between Ukraine and the OECD, Ukrinform reports, citing the Ukrainian President's Office. 

Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak, in turn, said that the OECD should be one of the key international players during the reconstruction of Ukraine and the country's membership in the OECD Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions will play an important role in strengthening anti-corruption policy.  

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WNU Editor: Corruption is killing Ukraine's war effort .... Ukraine war veterans on how Kiev plundered US aid, wasted soldiers, endangered civilians, and lost the war (The Gray Zone), and not surprising, Russian media is playing this all up .... Afghanistan all over again: Ukraine’s rampant corruption means the Western supply of weapons is likely to eventually backfire (RT). 

On a personal note. When the war started I helped organize the shipment of pharmaceutical supplies from Canada to Ukraine. I am still doing this, but it is sometimes frustrating. We estimate that a third of our shipments are not being delivered, and our shipping problems are getting worse.

Ukraine's State-Owned Natural Gas Giant Naftogaz Defaults On Bond Payments

Financial concerns: Naftogaz has warned it may be unable to arrange loans that are required to buy natural gas for underground storage ahead of winter Photo: REUTERS/SCANPIX  

Euractiv/Reuters: Ukraine's Naftogaz stumbles into default amid new debt overhaul push 

Ukraine’s Naftogaz has become the first Ukrainian government entity to default since the start of the Russian invasion, after the state energy firm said it would not make payments on international bonds before the Tuesday (26 July) expiry of a grace period. 

The default may accelerate repayments on the two other Naftogaz bonds, but does not trigger a sovereign cross-default. 

The energy company said in a statement that it had failed to get creditors’ support on a proposal to freeze payments on some of its bonds for two years, which it launched on 12 July saying Russia’s invasion meant many of its customers were now unable to pay their bills. 

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Update: Naftogaz of Ukraine announces default on Eurobonds (Ukrinform)  

WNU Editor: Can's say that I am surprised. The entire country is broke. 

Update #2: Ukraine' Naftogaz wants to suspend all payments for two years .... Ukraine’s Naftogaz to Offer New Debt Plan After Missed Payment (Bloomberg). In the meantime the Ukraine government has formally taken control of Naftogaz .... Ukraine government firms up control over Naftogaz after Eurobond default (Upstream).  

Update #3: This money is never going to be paid back .... Ukraine expects to get up to $20B in loan from IMF, says NBU governor (Ukrinform).

Ukraine Government Issues Blacklist Of ‘Russian Propagandists’ That Includes Western Politicians, Intellectuals, And Reporters

Unherd: Ukraine Government issues blacklist of ‘Russian propagandists’  

The list includes a number of prominent Western intellectuals 

The Government of Ukraine has issued a blacklist of individuals who they judge to be “promoting Russian propaganda” — including a number of prominent Western intellectuals. 

The “Center for Countering Disinformation,” established in 2021 under Volodymyr Zelensky and headed by former lawyer Polina Lysenko, sits within the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine. 

Its stated aim is to detect and counter “propaganda” and “destructive disinformation” and to prevent the “manipulation of public opinion.” 

On July 14th it published on its website a list of politicians, academics, activists that are “promoting Russian propaganda” — including several high-profile Western intellectuals and politicians. 

Republican Senator Rand Paul, former Democrat Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, military and geopolitical analyst Edward N. Luttwak, realist political scientist John Mearsheimer and heterodox journalist Glenn Greenwald were all included on the list. 

The list does not explain what the consequences are for anyone mentioned.  

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WNU Editor: The names of those who are "blacklisted" are here (link here). Glen Greenwald's response to this blacklist is spot on (see below):

You can see the full Ukrainian blacklist, obtained by @unherd. Beyond the individuals listed above, officially maligned are @JeffDSachs, @RandPaul, former Brazil President @LulaOficial, Col. Douglas MacGregor, Caleb Maupin, Marine LePen and many others:https://t.co/tCEYDdc4TY pic.twitter.com/lDdKfhpoTS

— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) July 25, 2022

Ukraine Government Issues Blacklist Of ‘Russian Propagandists’ That Includes Western Politicians, Intellectuals, And Reporters  

Tulsi Gabbard, Rand Paul Placed on List of Russian Propagandists by Ukraine -- Newsweek  

As Ukraine 'blacklists' some Americans, one journalist wonders if Zelenskyy watches 'Morning Joe' -- FOX News  

Ukraine accuses Tulsi Gabbard and Rand Paul of promoting 'Russian propaganda' -- The Week  

Ukraine Issues Blacklist Of 'Russian Propagandists', Includes US Senator & Prominent Journalists -- Zero Hedge

Ukraine Sovereign Debt Has Been Lowered To "C" - Only One Step Before Default

🇺🇦💰📉Fitch downgraded Ukraine's long-term rating from "CCC" to "C" - default has begun. pic.twitter.com/4prRmha6yz

— AZ 🛰🌏🌍🌎 (@AZmilitary1) July 23, 2022

The National: Fitch downgrades Ukraine as debt restructuring and deferral plans begin 

Fitch Ratings lowered Ukraine's credit score after the war-torn nation started the formal process of restructuring $22.8 billion in sovereign debt and deferring payments on external bonds.

The country's long-term foreign currency issuer default rating was lowered to C from CCC — only one step before default — the New York-based agency said on Friday. The protracted war is delivering "severe stresses" to Ukraine's macroeconomy, financial position and public and external finances, it added.  

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WNU Editor: Ukraine is just one step away from going into default. But I am willing to bet that Western governments are going to step in to make sure this will not happen.

Our Allies Are Bankrupt

Financial Post/Reuters: Ukraine default fears grow as Naftogaz asks for debt freeze 

LONDON — Ukraine’s state-owned gas company Naftogaz has asked its international creditors to defer payments on its debt for two years, fanning expectations that the government may soon do the same. 

Naftogaz which has a $335 million bond maturing as well as two interest payments due on July 19, said Russia’s invasion had left it short of cash as many of its customers were now unable to pay their bills. 

In its request for the payment freeze, Naftogaz said the five-month old war had resulted in a “significant economic and business decline in Ukraine” and that the missed bill payments had “negatively affected its liquidity position.”  

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Update: Naftogaz facing technical default (Ukrainian News)  

WNU Editor: It is not only Ukraine. The German utility giant Uniper is now saying that it is at risk of insolvency within days!!!!! .... Uniper Starts Using Winter Gas With Urgent Bailout Needed (Bloomberg)

Hat tip Small Dead animals.

EU Leaders Grant Ukraine And Moldova Candidate Status For EU Membership

Daily Mail: European Parliament APPROVES Ukraine EU candidacy… but it could be DECADES before the country is allowed to join, with some member states lukewarm about letting them in 

* European Parliament votes overwhelmingly in favour of Ukraine accession 

* Moldova and Georgia bids also backed in stinging rebuke to Vladimir Putin 

* But any accession process to the EU is likely to take years if not decades 

* Ukrainian President Zelensky said he had been calling EU leaders to make case 

The European Parliament has approved Ukraine's bid to join the EU in a vote backed by an overwhelming majority of MEPs. 

Leaders of the member states will gather in Brussels later today to discuss calls to formally grant Ukraine 'candidate status' to join the bloc, as Russian forces slowly advance in the eastern Donbas region. 

But some member states have been lukewarm about letting Ukraine join the EU, and any accession process is likely to take years if not decades.  

Read more .... 

EU Leaders Grant Ukraine And Moldova Candidate Status For EU Membership  

European Union makes Ukraine a candidate for EU membership -- AP  

EU leaders grant Ukraine and Moldova candidate status -- DW 

European leaders formally accept Ukraine as a candidate to join the EU -- CNBC  

Ukraine’s EU hopes get shot in the arm as bloc’s leaders approve candidate status -- CNN  

European Union grants candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova -- Axios

Ukraine Has Banned The Country's Main Opposition Party And Seized All Of Its Assets

OPZH banned 

Summit News: Ukraine Bans Main Opposition Party, Seizes All Its Assets 

‘Beacon of democracy’ cracks down on dissent. Ukrainian authorities have banned the country’s main opposition party and seized all its assets, once again undermining the narrative that President Zelensky is presiding over a beacon of democracy. 

The country’s Ministry of Justice announced the move via Facebook, revealing that the Opposition Platform — For Life had been shut down and its assets, money and property transferred to the state. 

The party had previously had its operations suspended in March after it was accused of being complicit with Russia and being “anti-Ukrainian.” 

The ban means that Zelensky’s main political opposition has been eliminated. The OPPL was the second largest party in the country and its popularity surpassed that of Zelensky’s Servant of the People party last year. 

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WNU Editor: The main opposition leader is under house arrest and facing treason charges (link here). To put it bluntly .... in today's Ukraine no dissent against the Zelensky government is permitted.

Ukraine is also attempting to extradite and imprison citizens who live in other European countries if they criticize Zelensky (link here). 

Ukraine Has Banned The Country's Main Opposition Party And Seized All Of Its Assets  

Court Bans Activities Of Opposition Platform - For Life Party In Ukraine -- Ukrainian News  

Court bans Opposition Platform – For Life party -- Ukrinform  

Court bans activities of pro-Russian party Opposition Platform – For Life -- Kyiv Post 

Ukraine Bans Pro-Russian Party Of Putin Friend Medvedchuk -- RFE  

Ukrainian court bans party led by Putin ally Medvedchuk -- Euronews

France’s European Affairs Minister Says Ukraine's EU Bid Would Take At Least 15-20 Years

French European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune (file photo)

RFE: France's European Minister: A Ukraine EU Bid Would Take At Least 15-20 Years  

France’s European affairs minister said that any bid for Ukraine to join the European Union would take at least 15 to 20 years to complete, putting a damper on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's hopes of gaining a quick entry into the bloc. 

"We have to be honest. If you say Ukraine is going to join the EU in six months, or a year or two, you're lying," Clement Beaune told France’s Radio J on May 22. 

"It's probably in 15 or 20 years -- it takes a long time." "I don't want to offer Ukrainians any illusions or lies," he added. 

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Update #1: France sees no EU entry for Ukraine before ’15 or 20 years’ (EurActiv/AFP) 

Update #2: France warns Ukraine not to have 'illusions' about quick EU membership 'Have to be honest' (Express)  

WNU Editor: This issue is splitting the EU .... Ukraine's EU Application Is Splitting Europe in Two (Newsweek).

France And Germany Say No To Ukraine's Push For A Speedy Entrance To The EU

Newsweek: Ukraine's Hopes of Joining EU Crushed as France, Germany Resist 

Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed the Bundestag (German parliament) on Thursday and expressed support for Ukraine but warned that there are "no shortcuts" on the road to membership of the economic bloc. 

His comments appear to reiterate remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron on May 10 in which the newly re-elected leader of France said Ukrainian membership could take "decades." 

"There are no shortcuts on the way to the EU," Scholz told the Bundestag, arguing that carving out an exception for Ukraine would be unfair to other countries, specifically highlighting several Balkan nations. 

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Update #1: Ukraine blocked from speedy entrance to EU by France and Germany (NYPost)  

Update #2: 'No shortcuts' to Ukraine EU membership - Olaf Scholz (Times of Malta/AFP)  

WNU Editor: Ukraine has condemned this decision .... Ukraine slams 'second-class treatment' after Scholz dashes Kyiv's hopes of quick EU membership (Euronews).

Ukraine's 'Unity Day' Display Of Patriotism Had Disappointing Small Crowds

 

Daily Mail: Defiant Ukrainians sing and wave flags on their 'Unity Day' even as threat of Russian invasion hangs over them, writes IAN BIRRELL 

* Ukraine celebrated the hastily-declared Unity Day yesterday with passionate words from the president 

* Patriotic events took place across land and more than 50 MPs singing the national anthem outside parliament 

* Marks day Western intelligence had warned might be chosen by the Kremlin to launch an invasion of country 

Ukraine celebrated the hastily-declared Unity Day yesterday with passionate words from the president, patriotic events across the land and more than 50 MPs singing the national anthem outside parliament in defiance of the Russian troops massed at their border. 

President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded the combative display of patriotism late on Monday to mark the day that Western intelligence had warned might be chosen by the Kremlin to launch an invasion of his country. 

Yet the response was muted from his beleaguered fellow citizens – who woke up fearing the worst, waved a few flags and carried on with their lives, trapped wearily in the midst of a destructive geo-political struggle that has gripped them for years.  

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Update #1: Lots of flags but little enthusiasm for Ukraine’s ‘Unity Day’ (Al Jazeera)  

Update #2: Ukraine's Unity Day more of a collective shrug in a weary nation (Washington Post)  

WNU Editor: I know in Kharkiv they were expecting thousands to show up .... but it was only a few dozen. Kyiv had more people, but most who showed up at the stadium work for the government and were told to attend. 

My cousin showed up for the stadium event in Kyiv. She supported President Zelensky when he ran for Presidency, and still prefers him over his opponents. But she just told me right now that this event was a disappointment. The crowd was depressingly small, and there is a growing dread that they have already lost. 

Even the Washington Post in its latest post is noticing how weary everyone is. 

I am surprised that I am hearing this. This is not the Ukraine that I know. The people of Ukraine need to get their act together. If not, Putin will see this as weakness and an opportunity, and he will definitely take advantage of it.

Who Supports Who In The Ukraine Crisis?

U.S. Secretary Of State blinken and russian Foreign Minister Lavrov  

Al Jazeera: Ukraine crisis: From Belarus to Japan, where do countries stand?  

A look at how world powers are responding to the rapidly escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine. 

Ukraine has been on edge for nearly two months, with Russian troops massing on its border. 

Russia insists the troops are only there to defend the country from NATO’s expanded presence in the region, but Western intelligence officials argue Moscow’s military buildup could signal the beginning of a ground invasion. 

Moscow has been displeased ever since a protest movement unseated a pro-Russian government in 2014. 

Although Russia insists it has no military designs, it also says talks that de-escalate the situation would have to involve NATO promising not to let Ukraine join and to keep forces out of Eastern Europe. 

 Al Jazeera takes a look at how world powers have reacted to the rapidly evolving crisis: 

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WNU Editor: No surprise on who is supporting who. But I sense a lot of hesitancy from most governments to upgrade their commitment to defend Ukraine. Case in point. Germany is definitely not on the same page as the U.S. .... Germany not to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine - chancellor (TASS), a fact that I am sure will be brought up when German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meets President Biden in the coming days .... Germany's Olaf Scholz goes to Washington amid criticism (DW).

Norwegian NGO Predicts 2 Million Refugees If A Russia- Ukraine War Breaks Out

More than 850,000 people are already internally displaced and three million rely on humanitarian assistance. PHOTO: NYTIMES  

Euronews: Ukraine crisis: Up to two million could be displaced if there is renewed conflict, says NGO  

Up to two million people living near the front line in eastern Ukraine risk being displaced if fighting resumes, the Norwegian Refugee Council warned on Thursday. 

"The lives and safety of millions of people in eastern Ukraine are on hold while we wait for a political breakthrough to break the deadlock," the NGO's secretary-general Jan Egeland said in a statement. 

"We should not underestimate the human suffering that would result from a renewed conflict, which would increase the number of civilian casualties, cause massive displacement and increase humanitarian needs," he said. 

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WNU Editor: The Norwegian NGO's report is here .... Renewed conflict in Ukraine would trigger massive displacement (Norwegian Refugee Council).

Ukrainian President Zelensky Announces A Plan To Boost The Army By 100,000

Ukrinform: Number of Ukrainian military servicemen to increase by 100,000 

President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed off a decree on Ukraine's transition toward a professional Army, increasing the number of servicemen by 100,000 over the next three years. 

The document was signed as the head of state addressed the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s Parliament, at the opening of the seventh session, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. 

"The Decree of the President of Ukraine on strengthening the nation’s defense capabilities and the attractiveness of military service has been developed. The decree provides for an increase in the financial security for all military personnel to the level of no less than three minimum wages. It’s about Ukraine's transition to the basics of a professional Army. A system of officers’ career development has been established, while the number of military servicemen with the Armed Forces will be raised by 100,000,” the president said in his address.  

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WNU Editor: Ukraine's government is broke. So who is going to pay for this? 

Ukrainian President Zelensky Announces A Plan To Boost The Army By 100,000 

Ukraine to get bigger army but it doesn't mean war imminent- president -- Reuters  

Ukraine president planning to add 100,000 troops to army -- The Hill 

Ukraine announces expansion of army -- DW  

Zelensky Signs Decree Adding 100,000 To Army As Virtual Ukraine Invasion Is Virtually Imminent -- Zero Hedge  

Ukraine orders massive military expansion -- RT

Will The Russian Speaking Ukrainian City Of Kharkiv Fight Against A Russian Invasion?

An old Soviet T-34 tank covered in snow sits on display outside the MF Sumtsov history museum in downtown Kharkiv on January 27, 2022. © Mehdi Chebil  

Rolling Stone: ‘Putin Lost Us’: A City of Russian-Speaking Ukrainians Is Vowing To Fight Moscow’s Aggression  

The students and artists of Kharkiv are embracing their history and sticking it to the Russian president 

KHARKIV, Ukraine — The House of Actors theater was packed on Saturday night in Kharkiv, a Ukrainian city just 33 miles from the Russian border. The crowd spent the evening laughing at stand-up comedy from the Saxalin-UA troupe, who performed in Russian here in the heart of the country’s supposedly pro-Russia east. Most of the bits were the usual jokes about men and women and relationships, but politics arrived for the final act: On the smoke-covered stage, performers stretched out the Ukrainian flag and silently mouthed the words of an obscene popular chant about Vladimir Putin, comparing him to male genitalia. The audience exploded in applause and whistles. SaXalin-UA is popular among locals here, and performs nearly every night to packed houses, delivering the audience a much-needed break from continually feeling stressed out about “Russia coming.”  

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Update #1: Ukraine: Kharkiv resilient as it faces the threat of a Russian invasion (France 24)  

Update #2: In Eastern Ukraine's Largest City, Pro-Russia Sympathies Wither as War Looms (WSJ)  

Update #3: Pro-Moscow separatists once marched in this Ukraine border city. Now it's standing against Russia (Washington Post)  

WNU Editor: Since the 2014 revolution there has been a massive security presence in Kharkiv. Their focus has been to keep the peace, and to make sure that a rebellion does not happen like in the Donbas. This presence is not only in Kharkiv, but in most eastern Ukrainian regions with dominant Russian speaking populations. The central government .... understandably .... does not trust these civilians.

I have family in Kharkiv, and they like most Russian-Ukrainians resent the central government's discriminatory language and educational laws. And while I doubt that they will fight to stop a Russian invasion, I also doubt that they will support it. Most people in Ukraine want to live their lives, and they are tired of conflict and hard times.

In the last Ukraine Presidential election this region voted in the first round for Yuriy Boyko, a politician with close ties to Putin and who (not surprising) favors closer ties to Russia.

Ukraine President Zelensky Disagrees With Ukraine, U.S., And U.K. Intelligence Assessments That Russia Is Going To Invade. Is He Wrong?

Zelensky doubled down on his insistence that a Russian invasion is not "imminent," as the US has repeatedly warned.

"I'm the President of Ukraine, I'm based here, and I think I know the details deeper than any other president," Zelensky told reporters.https://t.co/XWs5NcspNH

— Bryan MacDonald (@27khv) January 29, 2022

Washington Post: U.S. and allies debate the intelligence on how quickly Putin will order an invasion of Ukraine — or whether he will at all 

As Russia masses tens of thousands of troops on its border with Ukraine, along with tanks, artillery and missiles capable of striking the capital, officials in Washington, Kyiv and across Europe are debating the likelihood and timing of an invasion. 

In one camp, officials in Washington, London and within Ukraine’s national security establishment are convinced that a Russian strike is imminent. But Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is not persuaded that the intelligence Western nations have shown him backs up their dire assessments. 

Somewhere in the middle, U.S. allies including France, Germany and Norway think Russia could strike but remain unsure of the timing and whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will accept some kind of diplomatic compromise that he can sell as a NATO retreat.  

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WNU Editor: Any predictions on when Washington turns against Ukraine President Zelensky?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy Holds News Conference With The Foreign Press In Kyiv

 

WNU Editor: The audio is off in the first minute. But this was one wild news conference. It happened yesterday but I only got to see it this morning. It is very clear that he does not support President Biden's narrative on an imminent Russian invasion of his country.