Omnibus Russia Ukraine crisis

Dixie Cup

Senate Member
Sep 16, 2006
5,693
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Edmonton
My grandmother came over on the Queen Mary - I have her passport. But of course, everything is in Ukrainian so I can't read it.

My grandfather came over and worked his way across Canada to N. Alberta where he was able to obtain a homestead and farmed here. He spent some time, initially, in Winnipeg before coming to Alberta. He met and married my grandmother here after knowing her for a very short period of time.

The rest is history. Speaking of history, thanks Bill for that information. My grandfather used to tell me about the Cossacks; he was also conscripted to the Polish Army that he ended up going AWOL on which is why he ended up in Canada. Apparently, so the story goes, a Captain in the Polish Army was abusing a woman and my grandfather stood up to him. I think he may have "clocked" him too because he ran away, likely to avoid a court marshal. Don't know how much truth there is to that but that's what my grandfather told me. He was also very close to his mom and really missed her; used to talk about her all the time. I really miss both of my grandparents as I was really close to them.
 

Ron in Regina

"Voice of the West" Party
Apr 9, 2008
22,847
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Regina, Saskatchewan
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The Ukrainian government on Sunday expressed “deep disappointment” at Canada’s decision to send back repaired Russian-owned gas turbines that had been stranded in Montreal because of sanctions against Moscow, warning the move would embolden Russia to keep using energy as a weapon.

The grounded turbines will be sent to Germany, whose government will then turn them over to Russia.

In a statement posted on Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Kyiv described Canada’s decision to issue an export permit allowing the return of the repaired turbine equipment as the “adjustment of the sanctions regime to the whims of Russia”
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“This dangerous precedent violates international solidarity, goes against the principle of the rule of law and will have only one consequence: it will strengthen Moscow’s sense of impunity,” the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy said.

The Ukrainian government said Russia’s demand for the return of the turbine equipment in order to resume higher volume of natural gas deliveries to Europe amounted to blackmail and unconventional warfare tactics. Returning the gear “will allow Russia to continue to use energy as a tool of hybrid warfare against Europe,” Kyiv said.

On Saturday, Canada’s Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announce the repaired turbine equipment would be sent to Germany under a special export permit. The indirect process will allow Canada to say it hasn’t reneged on sanctions it introduced after the invasion of Ukraine. Those restrictions forbid exports of certain goods and technologies to Russia, including the turbine. The rest of the Liberal double-speak at the above link.
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Dixie Cup

Senate Member
Sep 16, 2006
5,693
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Edmonton
View attachment 14718
The Ukrainian government on Sunday expressed “deep disappointment” at Canada’s decision to send back repaired Russian-owned gas turbines that had been stranded in Montreal because of sanctions against Moscow, warning the move would embolden Russia to keep using energy as a weapon.

The grounded turbines will be sent to Germany, whose government will then turn them over to Russia.

In a statement posted on Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Kyiv described Canada’s decision to issue an export permit allowing the return of the repaired turbine equipment as the “adjustment of the sanctions regime to the whims of Russia”
View attachment 14720
“This dangerous precedent violates international solidarity, goes against the principle of the rule of law and will have only one consequence: it will strengthen Moscow’s sense of impunity,” the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy said.

The Ukrainian government said Russia’s demand for the return of the turbine equipment in order to resume higher volume of natural gas deliveries to Europe amounted to blackmail and unconventional warfare tactics. Returning the gear “will allow Russia to continue to use energy as a tool of hybrid warfare against Europe,” Kyiv said.

On Saturday, Canada’s Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announce the repaired turbine equipment would be sent to Germany under a special export permit. The indirect process will allow Canada to say it hasn’t reneged on sanctions it introduced after the invasion of Ukraine. Those restrictions forbid exports of certain goods and technologies to Russia, including the turbine. The rest of the Liberal double-speak at the above link.
View attachment 14719
What a hypocrite!
 
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Ron in Regina

"Voice of the West" Party
Apr 9, 2008
22,847
7,791
113
Regina, Saskatchewan
Zelenskyy said that Canada's decision is about more than wrongly deciding to hand over the turbines, but that it was an "absolutely unacceptable exception to the sanctions regime against Russia."

"If a terrorist state can squeeze out such an exception to sanctions, what exceptions will it want tomorrow or the day after tomorrow? This question is very dangerous," Zelenskyy said in a video and accompanying statement on Tuesday, that also stated the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs “had to summon Canada's representative to our country.”
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"The decision on the exception to sanctions will be perceived in Moscow exclusively as a manifestation of weakness. This is their logic. And now, there can be no doubt that Russia will try not just to limit as much as possible, but to completely shut down the supply of gas to Europe at the most acute moment," he continued.

"Canada stands with Ukraine against the unprovoked, brutal invasion by Russia and we will continue to work in coordination with allies and partners to impose severe costs on the Russian regime," Wilkinson said.

The Ukrainian president then pivoted back to the pipeline controversy, saying that: "Against such a background, it's just a shame to see people lacking the courage to honestly deal with one turbine."
 

Ron in Regina

"Voice of the West" Party
Apr 9, 2008
22,847
7,791
113
Regina, Saskatchewan

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is defending Canada's decision to grant a Canadian company an exemption to federal sanctions, allowing them to return turbines from a Russian pipeline that supplies natural gas to Germany.

The prime minister said that while it was "a very difficult decision," Russia is trying to "weaponize energy as a way of creating division amongst the allies," and that Canada's move was made to help Germany in the short-term as it and other European countries work to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and gas.
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Zelenskyy has said Canada's decision is about more than wrongly deciding to hand over the turbines, but an "absolutely unacceptable exception to the sanctions regime against Russia" that sets a concerning precedent.

Alongside the decision to returning the key pieces of pipeline infrastructure, the federal government announced the imposition of a new round of sanctions targeting Russia's oil and gas sector, and Trudeau pledged Wednesday that "ever stronger" sanctions will come.
 
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Dixie Cup

Senate Member
Sep 16, 2006
5,693
3,570
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Edmonton

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is defending Canada's decision to grant a Canadian company an exemption to federal sanctions, allowing them to return turbines from a Russian pipeline that supplies natural gas to Germany.

The prime minister said that while it was "a very difficult decision," Russia is trying to "weaponize energy as a way of creating division amongst the allies," and that Canada's move was made to help Germany in the short-term as it and other European countries work to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and gas.
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Zelenskyy has said Canada's decision is about more than wrongly deciding to hand over the turbines, but an "absolutely unacceptable exception to the sanctions regime against Russia" that sets a concerning precedent.

Alongside the decision to returning the key pieces of pipeline infrastructure, the federal government announced the imposition of a new round of sanctions targeting Russia's oil and gas sector, and Trudeau pledged Wednesday that "ever stronger" sanctions will come.
Trudeau lacks basic understanding of, well pretty much everything, especially foreign affairs. The only thing he is good at is traveling at our expense to wherever he wants to go, worldwide. See, he can but YOU CAN'T - at least in the future you won't be able to travel as extensively as perhaps you do now. It's all to do with ESG you know. We are going to be under an authoritarian thumb if we don't get rid of this monster!!
 

Ron in Regina

"Voice of the West" Party
Apr 9, 2008
22,847
7,791
113
Regina, Saskatchewan
Over the course of the conflict, Mr. Zelensky has not hesitated to name and shame Western countries for failing to support Ukraine, but this harsh language was still surprising given our historic bonds; Canada was the first Western nation to recognize Ukraine’s independence in 1991.

(Hmmm….What political party was in power in Canada in 1991?)

Yet Ottawa’s flawed decision is consistent with its bungled approach to the Ukraine war, as overseen by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly. It was late to approve the provision of lethal weapons to Kyiv earlier this year; it was one of the first to withdraw our diplomats from Kyiv and one of the last to send them back to their desks. And then there was the inexplicable appearance of a senior Global Affairs official at a Russian embassy party in June.

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(Hmmm…. What political party is in power in Canada in 2022? Oh yeah, it’s the NDP)

As a middle power, Canada cannot rely on military or commercial prowess to project its reputation on the global stage; only its adherence to principles and its track record as a steward of democratic values can do so. Mr. Trudeau and Ms. Joly thus need to ask themselves: What does it say about us, when we choose to do damage to an aspiring democracy such as Ukraine?
 

Serryah

Executive Branch Member
Dec 3, 2008
8,914
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New Brunswick
Over the course of the conflict, Mr. Zelensky has not hesitated to name and shame Western countries for failing to support Ukraine, but this harsh language was still surprising given our historic bonds; Canada was the first Western nation to recognize Ukraine’s independence in 1991.

(Hmmm….What political party was in power in Canada in 1991?)

Yet Ottawa’s flawed decision is consistent with its bungled approach to the Ukraine war, as overseen by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly. It was late to approve the provision of lethal weapons to Kyiv earlier this year; it was one of the first to withdraw our diplomats from Kyiv and one of the last to send them back to their desks. And then there was the inexplicable appearance of a senior Global Affairs official at a Russian embassy party in June.

View attachment 14785
(Hmmm…. What political party is in power in Canada in 2022? Oh yeah, it’s the NDP)

As a middle power, Canada cannot rely on military or commercial prowess to project its reputation on the global stage; only its adherence to principles and its track record as a steward of democratic values can do so. Mr. Trudeau and Ms. Joly thus need to ask themselves: What does it say about us, when we choose to do damage to an aspiring democracy such as Ukraine?

I think the problem here is Canada was screwed regardless of what happened.

Despite Russia being involved, this is more for GERMANY, and ABOUT Germany.

If Canada didn't send the turbines, the squeeze of energy would be worse in Germany.

But in sending them, people think it gives Putin a 'win'.


I think no matter what, Germany and Canada were bent over and done in this situation.

I don't LIKE this, I think it does give Putin a win, sort of.

But in the end, if we HADN'T returned the turbine, wouldn't that give him a win, too?
 

Twin_Moose

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Apr 17, 2017
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spaminator

Hall of Fame Member
Oct 26, 2009
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Eight crew members killed in Ukraine cargo plane crash in northern Greece
Author of the article:Reuters
Reuters
Publishing date:Jul 17, 2022 • 16 hours ago • 2 minute read • Join the conversation

ATHENS — A Ukrainian cargo plane carrying munitions from Serbia to Bangladesh crashed in northern Greece late on Saturday, killing all eight crew members on board, Greek and Serbian authorities said on Sunday.


Witnesses said the aircraft had come down in a ball of flames near the city of Kavala before exploding on impact in corn fields around midnight local time. Earlier the pilot had reported engine trouble and had requested an emergency landing.

Drone images from the scene showed smoldering debris from the Antonov An-12 aircraft strewn across fields.

Ukrainian-based airline Meridian, which operated the aircraft, confirmed that all eight crew members had died in the crash. Ukraine’s foreign ministry said they were all Ukrainian citizens.

Greek authorities have recovered the body of one crew member so far, a civil protection service spokesman said. Six bodies have been located during an initial drone inspection of the area, a local mayor said.


Serbian Defence Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said the plane had been carrying 11.5 tonnes of products, including mortar and training shells, made by its defence industry. The buyer of the cargo was the defence ministry of Bangladesh, he added.

Confirming that account, Denys Bogdanovych, Meridian’s general director, said the crash had no relation to the war currently raging in Ukraine.

‘FULL OF SMOKE’
Greek state TV ERT said the aircraft’s signal was lost soon after the pilot requested an emergency landing. Amateur video footage uploaded on ertnews.gr showed the aircraft in flames descending fast before hitting the ground in what appeared to be an explosion.

“I wonder how it didn’t fall on our houses,” one witness, Aimilia Tsaptanova, told reporters. “It was full of smoke, it had a noise I can’t describe and went over the mountain. It passed the mountain and turned and crashed into the fields.”


Greek authorities said the special disaster response unit and military staff, including mine clearance units, had been dispatched to the scene. They banned people from moving around the area and advised residents to keep doors and windows shut.

A fire brigade official said on Sunday that firefighters “felt their lips burning” and white dust was floating in the air. The substance has been examined and not found to be radioactive or biological material hazardous to public health, the mayor of the wider region, Philippos Anastasiades, told reporters.

Some businesses and households in the area suffered power cuts after the crash, possibly because the plane may have cut through cables or got burned by the explosion, local media said. More explosions occurred during the night after the crash.
 

spaminator

Hall of Fame Member
Oct 26, 2009
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Ukraine's Zelenskyy fires top security chief and prosecutor
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Hanna Arhirova And Cara Anna
Publishing date:Jul 17, 2022 • 10 hours ago • 4 minute read • Join the conversation

VINNYTSIA, Ukraine — As Russian troops pressed their offensive in Ukraine’s east, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired his state security chief and prosecutor general on Sunday, citing hundreds of criminal proceedings into treason and collaboration by people within their departments and other law enforcement agencies.


“In particular, more than 60 employees of the prosecutor’s office and the SBU (state security service) have remained in the occupied territory and work against our state,” Zelenskyy said.

“Such an array of crimes against the foundations of the state’s national security, and the links recorded between Ukrainian security forces and Russian special services raise very serious questions about their respective leaders,” he said in his nightly video address to the nation.

Zelenskyy dismissed Ivan Bakanov, a childhood friend and former business partner whom he had appointed to head the SBU. Bakanov had come under growing criticism over security breaches since the war began; Politico last month cited several unidentified Ukrainian and Western sources saying Zelenskyy was looking to replace him.


He also dismissed Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova, and replaced her with her deputy Oleksiy Symonenko. Venediktova has helped lead war crime investigations.

Meanwhile, Russian missiles hit industrial facilities earlier Sunday at Mykolaiv, a key shipbuilding center in southern Ukraine. Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych said the missiles struck an industrial and infrastructure facility. Mykolaiv has faced regular Russian missile strikes in recent weeks as the Russians have sought to soften Ukrainian defences.

The Russian military has declared a goal to cut off Ukraine’s entire Black Sea coast all the way to the Romanian border. If successful, such an effort would deal a crushing blow to the Ukrainian economy and trade, and allow Moscow to secure a land bridge to Moldova’s separatist region of Transnistria, which hosts a Russian military base.


Early in the campaign, Ukrainian forces fended off Russian attempts to capture Mykolaiv, which sits near the Black Sea coast between Russia-occupied Crimea and the main Ukrainian port of Odesa. Since then, Russian troops have halted their attempts to advance in the city but have continued to pummel both Mykolaiv and Odesa with regular missile strikes.

Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Lt. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Sunday that Russian missiles destroyed a depot for anti-ship Harpoon missiles delivered to Ukraine by NATO allies, a claim that couldn’t be independently confirmed.

The Russians, fearing a Ukrainian counteroffensive, also sought to reinforce their positions in the Kherson region near Crimea and in part of the northern Zaporizhzhia region that they seized in the opening stage of the war.


“Given the pressures on Russian manpower, the reinforcement of the south whilst the fight for the Donbas continues indicates the seriousness with which Russian commanders view the threat,” the British Defence Ministry said Sunday.

For now, the Russian military has focused on trying to take control of Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland of the Donbas, where the most capable and well-equipped Ukrainian forces are located.

Ukraine says its forces still retain control of two small villages in the Luhansk region, one of two provinces that make up the Donbas, and are fending off Russian attempts to advance deeper into the second one, the Donetsk region.

The Ukrainian military’s General Staff said Sunday that Ukrainian troops thwarted Russian attempts to advance toward Sloviansk, the key Ukrainian stronghold in Donetsk, and attacks elsewhere in the region.


Yet Russian officials are urging their troops to produce even more territorial gains. During a visit to the front lines Saturday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu issued an order “to further intensify the actions of units in all operational areas.”

The Russian military said it has struck Ukrainian troops and artillery positions in Donbas in the latest series of strikes, including a U.S.-supplied HIMARS multiple rocket launcher. The Russian claims couldn’t be independently verified.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin, responded to Ukrainian officials’ statements that Kyiv may strike the bridge linking Crimea and Russia, warning that would trigger devastating consequences for the Ukrainian leadership.


“They will momentarily face Doomsday,” Medvedev said Sunday. “It would be very hard for them to hide.”

Medvedev, once touted by the West as more liberal compared to Putin, said Russia will press its offensive until fulfilling its stated goal of “denazifying” and “demilitarizing” Ukraine. He predicted the fighting will “undoubtedly lead to the collapse of the existing regime” in Kyiv.

Zelenskyy condemned Medvedev’s Doomsday comment as “intimidation” and said it was Russia that would eventually face a “‘Day of Judgment.”

“And not in a figurative sense, not as loud talk, but literally,” he said Sunday.

While focusing on the Donbas, the Russians have hit areas all across the country with missile strikes.

In central Ukraine, relatives and friends attended a funeral Sunday for Liza Dmytrieva, a 4-year-old girl killed Thursday in a Russian missile strike. The girl with Down syndrome was en route to see a speech therapist with her mother when the missiles struck the city of Vinnytsia. At least 24 people were killed, including Liza and two boys, ages 7 and 8. More than 200 others were wounded, including Liza’s mother, who remains in an intensive care unit.


“I didn’t know Liza, but no person can go through this with calm,” priest Vitalii Holoskevych said, bursting into tears as Liza’s body lay in a coffin with flowers and teddy bears in the 18th-century Transfiguration Cathedral in Vinnytsia.

‘’We know that evil cannot win,’ he added.

In the Kharkiv region, at least three civilians were killed and three more were injured Saturday in a pre-dawn Russian strike on the city of Chuhuiv, just 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the Russian border, police said.

One resident of the apartment building that was hit said she was lucky to have survived.

“I was going to run and hide in the bathroom. I didn’t make it and that’s what saved me,” said Valentina Bushuyeva. Pointing to her destroyed apartment, she said: “There’s the bathroom — explosion. Kitchen — half a room. And I survived because I stayed put.”

— Anna reported from Pokrovsk, Ukraine.
 
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