Brothers and sisters,
Here’s the Summary for April 11, 2014
The bad news:
1. First Deputy Prime Minister [Vitaliy] Yarema announced that the extremists in southeastern Ukraine want to provoke a more forceful scenario.
That Russia needs such a meat mincer is a fact no one doubts. At the same time, we do not see much success in the negotiations of our law enforcement.
In my opinion, the uncertainty from our authorities is the worst part of this situation. Our leadership has threatened [the extremists] with a scenario of force, but in the end went on to explain why it should not be allowed to happen.
I don’t advocate bloodshed. But choose one position already, and stand for it until the end. The variability and uncertainty is similar to young whims, but not the government. The fight against terrorists requires an iron will, and not a mystery.
By the way, on the basis of Information Resistance group’s latest data, we are expecting an intensification of extremist acts in the southeast of Ukraine this weekend, April 12 and 13.
2. The Defense Ministry of Ukraine has confirmed today what we reported a couple of days ago: the Russians are doing everything they can to incapacitate the [military] equipment that is being returned from Crimea [to mainland Ukraine], and render it unusable.
At least they returned about 40 [of our] tanks in working condition. It looks as if they weren’t able to damage tank rollers with knives, so they just used them on the tires of motor vehicles. Talented guys, what can I say.
Also, the return of the seized Ukrainian Navy ships begins. This is a big positive.
3. I was touched to tears today by the “Kremlin’s lapdog,” Lavrov. He argues that Russia does not have any plans to annex the southeastern oblasts [regions] of Ukraine, as in – it runs contrary to Russia’s interests. And he finished off with the phrase, “We want Ukraine to be inviolable in its present borders.”
I’m curious, when the Kremlin clowns write such statements – do they not laugh themselves?
You’ve got to give it to them – first, they snatched the whole autonomous republic from Ukraine, and now they are broadcasting their desire to see Ukraine “whole.” Indeed, the hypocrisy and cynicism of the Kremlin are truly unlimited.
4. Ukrainian Presidential candidate Oleh Tsaryov has ensured separatists in Donetsk that he will do everything possible to disrupt the Presidential elections of May 25.
I don’t know what type of Presidential candidate Tsaryov is. But it would be hard to find a more suitable person for a cozy spot near the prison bucket.
The good news:
1. Ukraine needs two years to stabilize its economy, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk predicts.
Like many of you, I do not necessarily believe Mr. Yatsenyuk. But I want to believe these statements. Especially knowing that the implementation of such predictions mostly depends on you and I – each in their positions.
2. Representatives of the Jewish community in Odesa and UNSO activists have removed anti-Semitic graffiti from the streets of Odesa.
I am impartial to UNSO as well. But I cannot help but recognize the symbolism and the political importance of this step.
Do you remember how during Maidan we were all shocked by the fact that the far-right nationalists were led by the Jewish commander to storm Ukrainian House in Kyiv? It was then clear that Ukraine is a very unique country. And that no scum can play the nationalist card in this country. Even if this scum sits in a house under the ruby stars.
Other countries – especially Russia, which is rotten to its core with xenophobia – can learn a lot from Ukraine.
3. Volunteer groups begin a massive collection of funds for the army on their own, to assist specific military units. For example, they are collecting funds for the purchase of uniforms for airborne troops in Mykolayiv.
This is a wonderful initiative, taking into account that our army is a perpetual Cinderella – barefoot and undressed.
But there’s a fly in the ointment. As long as these prototype uniforms of “future airborne troops” are not approved by military officials and adopted “for service,” these procurements won’t mean much.
First of all, they will have to buy new batches of uniforms in a couple of months. The old uniforms get worn out, and when the newcomers start their service, they need the uniforms, as well. Will the Defense Ministry deal with this problem (since they will have to purchase more of these miracle uniforms later)? I doubt that.
Secondly, it will be an interesting sight: airborne troops in Mykolayiv will wear one type of uniform, the ones in Zhytomyr – other uniforms, and the troops in Dnipropetrovsk will wear a third type of uniform. Let’s agree that it will not be an army but a theatrical show. As the old Soviet Army adage says, “In the army it might be lacking beauty, but it sure is monotonous.”
By and large, helping the army is a wonderful deed, but we should not forget about the most important task at hand. First, follow the adequacy of the state army funding (since the budget also is our taxpayers’ money). It is possible within normal civil society. Second: eradicate corruption in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This task is a difficult one to achieve, but highly likely. Where there is a will, there is a way.
Only then will we have an army, which we won’t be ashamed to look at ourselves and show off to others. The Russians, for example.
