Commendable bravery indeed on the part of the artists and Patrons. I am concerned about what will happen to the LGBT artists who are important contributors to any artistic endeavour? Will new Tchaikovskys, Eisensteins, Diaghilevs, and Nureyevs be permitted to exist in the new peoples' republics? I fear for the fate of these people who are becoming targets under Russia's current state sanctioned persecution of the LGBT community.
3
"The persistent shelling was barely audible"
This may change soon, at a time when the United States will give weapons to Ukraine in order to drown the country in blood. If the U.S. decides to take this step, then everyone in this country there will be no opportunity to think about the art...
This may change soon, at a time when the United States will give weapons to Ukraine in order to drown the country in blood. If the U.S. decides to take this step, then everyone in this country there will be no opportunity to think about the art...
3
Apparently the Russian trolls are out in force again. I wonder how these trolls would do in the Russia if they were taking a view against Putin in the press?
3
Keith, please look at this online article and tell me if you believe it's written by a Russian troll: "No Doubt, US Taxpayers Will be Robbed to Arm Poroshenko". It's about the U.S. plan to give billions to Kiev so they can continue to conduct war against the eastern Ukrainian "separatists."
1
Reading through here, many (esp. in USA) seem totally unawares, how it came to this conflict - still believing that there was a "a popular uprising that deposed the government of the, then, President Yanukovic".
Obviously, they lack detailed information of the events in Kiev:
1st, there are peaceful demonstrations;
2nd, more radical, ultranationalist and open anti-Jewish, fascist paroles appear on the Maidan - plus the first weapons (and the CIA);
3rd, the situation gets more serious, Members of Mr. Yatseniuk's "Svoboda" ('freedom') Party occupy the 'Symphony Hall' which overlooks Maidan;
4th, a cache of weapons, including hunting rifles (with visors) is reported to be on the way from Lvov (see NYT report);
5th, President Yanukovic is given a Safety Guarantee by EU members, incl. Germany, and withdraws security cordon of special police ('Berkut') from government buildings, leaving only regular police around, for general order;
6th, gunfire bursts from that same 'Symphony' Hall, very pointed, creating a bloodbath of about 80 people of the protesters and the police, all the same (no police weapons used!)
7th, the rumor is spread that this shooting was ordered by President Yanukovic, which causes an enormous uproar and..
8th, masses, partly armed, storm government and President's buildings;
9th, Pres. Yanukovic flees for his life;
10th, Mr. Yatseniuk -whose friends were in that Hall- claims power as new "leader" of Ukraine.
And that man is still on top of government today!
Obviously, they lack detailed information of the events in Kiev:
1st, there are peaceful demonstrations;
2nd, more radical, ultranationalist and open anti-Jewish, fascist paroles appear on the Maidan - plus the first weapons (and the CIA);
3rd, the situation gets more serious, Members of Mr. Yatseniuk's "Svoboda" ('freedom') Party occupy the 'Symphony Hall' which overlooks Maidan;
4th, a cache of weapons, including hunting rifles (with visors) is reported to be on the way from Lvov (see NYT report);
5th, President Yanukovic is given a Safety Guarantee by EU members, incl. Germany, and withdraws security cordon of special police ('Berkut') from government buildings, leaving only regular police around, for general order;
6th, gunfire bursts from that same 'Symphony' Hall, very pointed, creating a bloodbath of about 80 people of the protesters and the police, all the same (no police weapons used!)
7th, the rumor is spread that this shooting was ordered by President Yanukovic, which causes an enormous uproar and..
8th, masses, partly armed, storm government and President's buildings;
9th, Pres. Yanukovic flees for his life;
10th, Mr. Yatseniuk -whose friends were in that Hall- claims power as new "leader" of Ukraine.
And that man is still on top of government today!
5
Like your point of view! Oliver Stone does beleave CIA marksmen did the shootning on Maidan! It seems the whole Ukrainacase from begin for about 20 years is an USA-plan to take command over Ukraina and go in clinch with Russia in the backyard ( with target to get control over Crimea )!
Tomorrow Friday 6.02 Merkel, Hollande and Putin will meet in Moskau and they want to interest him for his own proposal from early 2014! Perhaps it turns out in a good way? No european country will give Kiev any more weapons anyway ( 80% of ukrainian military equippment is destroed or captured from the Donbass ( hobby ) army anyway ). hans björkström
Tomorrow Friday 6.02 Merkel, Hollande and Putin will meet in Moskau and they want to interest him for his own proposal from early 2014! Perhaps it turns out in a good way? No european country will give Kiev any more weapons anyway ( 80% of ukrainian military equippment is destroed or captured from the Donbass ( hobby ) army anyway ). hans björkström
3
@Jo Boost
The right-wing groups didn't become a prominent part of the Maidan until Yanukovich initiated the use of deadly force. Likewise, the cache of weapons from Lviv didn't because an issue until the very last days of Yanukovich, well after he initiated the use of deadly force with the berkut. Yanukovich fled because the Berkut abandoned him after there were indications that, as part of the deal brokered by the EU, he would allow investigations into the shootings in the Maidan. He didn't flee for his life, he fled because his own allies abandoned him.
@hans bjorkstrom
That fact that you're relying on a chronic conspiracy-monger like Oliver Stone says just about what needs to be said about your argument.
The right-wing groups didn't become a prominent part of the Maidan until Yanukovich initiated the use of deadly force. Likewise, the cache of weapons from Lviv didn't because an issue until the very last days of Yanukovich, well after he initiated the use of deadly force with the berkut. Yanukovich fled because the Berkut abandoned him after there were indications that, as part of the deal brokered by the EU, he would allow investigations into the shootings in the Maidan. He didn't flee for his life, he fled because his own allies abandoned him.
@hans bjorkstrom
That fact that you're relying on a chronic conspiracy-monger like Oliver Stone says just about what needs to be said about your argument.
3
I can imagine what the feeling is like in Donetsk:
Like Leningrad in WWII.
Like Leningrad in WWII.
1
Putin outfoxed our State Dept and the Europeans.
Let's hope the Iranians are not doing same as we turn cold shoulders on our Middle East Allies : Israel, Jordan, the Kurds, Emirates who already pulled out of the "coalition", etc
Let's hope the Iranians are not doing same as we turn cold shoulders on our Middle East Allies : Israel, Jordan, the Kurds, Emirates who already pulled out of the "coalition", etc
Oh my! Such a lot of political venom poured onto a story of human grit and dedication to something better than fighting! The real point is: small wonder we admire so much our performing artists, who live lives of discipline beyond mundane imagination to give us so very much in good times and bad and sometimes very bad indeed. Bravo! Brava! God bless them all and keep them safe!
7
Russian hypocrisy: Crimea's people will to be part of Russia results in annexation. Ukraine's will to not be part of Russia results in Russia's undeclared war on Ukraine through local proxies. Way to go Russia - or are they going to deny that too?
2
It's amazing how the Donetsk National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater is being kept afloat amid heavy fighting. Ticket sales are low and the revenues can't cover the costs.
Ukraine has stopped paying pensions and other payments in the region after losing full control, and the Kremlin has little desire to fund east Ukraine from its own coffers.
Ukraine has stopped paying pensions and other payments in the region after losing full control, and the Kremlin has little desire to fund east Ukraine from its own coffers.
3
Something revealing about the comments on the situation in the Ukraine is that most of the non-U.S. commenters are well-informed about the realities of the situation, but many, or most, of the U.S. commenters believe the Russians are the aggressors and that the Kiev regime is legitimate. It's evident that many of the U.S. commenters are victims of a massive disinformation campaign by the mainstream media.
8
No, it's evident that many foreigners regurgitate a reflexive anti-U.S. sentiment that overrides a weighing of the facts and that some US commenters share in that.
5
That's because you only see the world through Putin's propaganda talking points. You constantly reveal yourselves through comments that are revealed as false propaganda by reputable news organizations around the world. Just try and get your comments if their are against Putin, published in Pravda.
2
So, Keith, you believe that media companies like ABC, MSNBC and CBS are trustworthy news sources? Right now, I'm laughing about ABC's Brian Williams who lied to his fans about being on a helicopter in Iraq that was shot down. His lies were exposed by crew members who said Williams was nowhere in sight until his copter arrived about an hour later.
1
In April last year there were negotiations to begin with all parts involved. However, Kiev did start a war against Donetsk and Donbass instead! Now almost a year later Kiev has lost 80% of their military equippment ( tanks, artillery aso. ).
Two weeks ago Kiev did lose Donetsk airport under enourmus loss of personnel and equippment. The soldiers was told they should get wounded out of the place, but it was a lie just to get them run into Donbass heavy machineguns = suicide!! Now Kievtroops 8.000 personnel are encircled
again!
The Kiev artillery ( grad batteries ) are firering from different positions with civilian areas in Donetsk and other cities ( yesterday 5 persons, one child was killed in Donetsk ). Kiev propaganda says rebells are shooting themselves! Stupid lying!
Oliver Stone says USA/CIA did create the Kievcoup with its finally almost 70 killed policemen and civilians with perfect shots in the skulls and with the same ammunition! Typically CIA marksmen experts say!
USA do play on the russian backyard and accepting Kievs killing of innocent civilians ( 240 dead in Januar ) and Kiev Nazitroopers operating on their own
killing, robbing and murdering russian Donbasscivilians!
After watching several youtube-movies about Donbass I do doubt that USA is respecting democratic rules ( with friends as Saudis.....killing people every day ).
Fact is:Russia urges on negotiations with ALL parts and USA and Kiev says
NO WAY, war it is and with terror!
USA wants a Vietnam or WW3?
Two weeks ago Kiev did lose Donetsk airport under enourmus loss of personnel and equippment. The soldiers was told they should get wounded out of the place, but it was a lie just to get them run into Donbass heavy machineguns = suicide!! Now Kievtroops 8.000 personnel are encircled
again!
The Kiev artillery ( grad batteries ) are firering from different positions with civilian areas in Donetsk and other cities ( yesterday 5 persons, one child was killed in Donetsk ). Kiev propaganda says rebells are shooting themselves! Stupid lying!
Oliver Stone says USA/CIA did create the Kievcoup with its finally almost 70 killed policemen and civilians with perfect shots in the skulls and with the same ammunition! Typically CIA marksmen experts say!
USA do play on the russian backyard and accepting Kievs killing of innocent civilians ( 240 dead in Januar ) and Kiev Nazitroopers operating on their own
killing, robbing and murdering russian Donbasscivilians!
After watching several youtube-movies about Donbass I do doubt that USA is respecting democratic rules ( with friends as Saudis.....killing people every day ).
Fact is:Russia urges on negotiations with ALL parts and USA and Kiev says
NO WAY, war it is and with terror!
USA wants a Vietnam or WW3?
10
To me, It is clear. Donetsk is becoming the new Sarajevo
2
Putin should take a good look at what his aggression in Eastern Ukraine has achieved. Destruction and death, not only of Ukrainian people but of ethnic Russians as well since Donetsk is a city with a mixed population.
It's time for him to acknowledge that we are in the 21st century, not back in the days of the Tsars or the old Soviet Union, when empires flourished. It's time for him to remove his special forces, disguised army and proxies, in other words to get out of Ukraine.
The citizens of SE Ukraine were never in jeopardy of mistreatment or marginalization from the Ukrainian government. This is a myth and propaganda disseminated by the Kremlin.
It's time for him to acknowledge that we are in the 21st century, not back in the days of the Tsars or the old Soviet Union, when empires flourished. It's time for him to remove his special forces, disguised army and proxies, in other words to get out of Ukraine.
The citizens of SE Ukraine were never in jeopardy of mistreatment or marginalization from the Ukrainian government. This is a myth and propaganda disseminated by the Kremlin.
19
Poroshenko should take a look at what his war against the people of Donbas has achieved. Destruction and death, not only of so hated "separatists" but also of "patriotic Ukrainians" (though admittedly it is mostly "death" for them as destruction is strictly limited to the rebel areas). It is time for him to acknowledge that that we live in the 21st century, not in the old times when it was possible to force one's ideas and beliefs upon others via the force of arms. The citizens of SE Ukraine never accepted and will never accept the violet coup that deprived them of their voice in a vibrant Ukrainian democracy which they cherished and which Poroshenko and his co-conspirators so violently destroyed.
12
A coup? I lived in eastern Ukraine. Trust me. This was no vibrant democracy, but a corrupt autocracy. People from all over Ukraine protested, including the far east, and Yanukovych fled to protect his assets once it was all over yourself. Stop watching RT.
10
@David
David should take a good look as is mischaracterziation of a war against a Russian-backed armed rebellion that Russia stokes for purposes of creating ongoing pressure on Ukraine. He should acknowledge that it's Russia that is trying to impose itself through force of arms through its clients in Donbass.
The characterization of the popular uprising that overthrew Yanukovich as a "coup" is a tired old canard. Regarding democracy, the elections that put Poroshenko and the Rada in power provide them with more democratic legitimacy than anything the leaders of the Donbass have.
David should take a good look as is mischaracterziation of a war against a Russian-backed armed rebellion that Russia stokes for purposes of creating ongoing pressure on Ukraine. He should acknowledge that it's Russia that is trying to impose itself through force of arms through its clients in Donbass.
The characterization of the popular uprising that overthrew Yanukovich as a "coup" is a tired old canard. Regarding democracy, the elections that put Poroshenko and the Rada in power provide them with more democratic legitimacy than anything the leaders of the Donbass have.
3
While here in the U.S. we push everyone into science and math while denigrating the arts, people in Donetsk are discovering when the pedal hits the metal what really makes life worth living
8
Unlike in the US, Russians and Ukrainians etc. hardly need to be pushed into math and science. It could be that Russians et co have a healthier respect for education and the discipline of education in science and the arts than the US does.
8
A Ukrainian defense chief recently said there are no Russian troops fighting inside Ukraine, while another Ukrainian official acknowledged that the Ukraine Army was deliberately shelling civilians in the east to "cleanse" the area of Russian speakers. Now, John Kerry & others in the US administration are talking about the stoking the flames of war by giving heavy weapons to the coup government in Kiev. Unpardonable belligerence, in my opinion. Why isn't Kerry instead demanding that Kiev uphold the ceasefire & negotiate over the federalization of Ukraine, a reasonable suggestion pushed by Putin & others?
14
Every city in Ukraine is Russian-speaking, except maybe Lviv. Don't fool yourself. Poroshenko and nearly every Ukrainian political leader speaks Russian at home. More than 80 percent of Ukrainians oppose federalization, which will give Russia a say in Ukrainian politics for eternity, blocking reforms and Europeanization. I live here, I know. Ukraine's political system cannot be forced upon them at the barrel of a gun. Even a plurality of Donbas opposed federalization back in April.
4
@cordy5
What the Ukraine defense chief opined was that Russian regular army units weren't in Ukraine; that doesn't mean there aren't Russian "volunteers" or Russian special forces (which wouldn't necessarily be considered regular army), Russian troops serving with a wink and a nod from Russia or that there aren't Russian "advisers." Your statement about deliberate cleansing isn't credible--which official allegedly said this?
What the Ukraine defense chief opined was that Russian regular army units weren't in Ukraine; that doesn't mean there aren't Russian "volunteers" or Russian special forces (which wouldn't necessarily be considered regular army), Russian troops serving with a wink and a nod from Russia or that there aren't Russian "advisers." Your statement about deliberate cleansing isn't credible--which official allegedly said this?
3
I'm sorry Chris but your information is wrong. I'm from Ukraine and I know for a fact that many cities in Ukraine are Ukrainian-speaking unless your list of Ukrainian cities include only Lviv and Doneck.
1
The eastern Ukrainians are brave people. I hope they win the war. The reason they're being attacked by the U.S.-backed fascist dictatorship in Kiev is because they voted for Viktor Yanukovych instead of Poroshenko. President Poroshenko is equivalent to General Agusto Pinochet, the U.S.-backed fascist dictator who overthrew a democratically elected government and put himself in charge of Chile. Poroshenko is an oligarch who grew rich as an insider who obtained ownership of several state-owned enterprises in the era of neoliberal "reforms."
19
This comment's use of the words "coup" and "fascist" are wildly misplaced. Donbass is in a war because of a Russian-backed armed rebellion after a popular uprising that started when Yanukovich initiated the use of deadl force against the Maidan. Given that both the current Rada and Poroshenko were elected, the Pinochet reference is laughable.
3
@Bill B
How would you call it if we imagine that when there was a try to impeach Clinton, Republicans had a majority of the votes but not enough. Before that they stormed offices of Democrats with weapons and Molotov cocktails, killed some personal, locked the President of Senate in a cellar and declared that impeachment is valid.
How would you call that ?
How would you call it if we imagine that when there was a try to impeach Clinton, Republicans had a majority of the votes but not enough. Before that they stormed offices of Democrats with weapons and Molotov cocktails, killed some personal, locked the President of Senate in a cellar and declared that impeachment is valid.
How would you call that ?
4
@NATOcracy
The Clinton impeachment is a bad analogy. The fact that the votes weren't in the Rada for impeachment makes Yanukovich's overthrow extra-legal (revolutions are such by definition) but not a coup.
The UNHRC report indicates that Yanukovich initiated the violence to which the Maidan responded. The NYTimes report on the last days fo Yanukovich indicated that his support among the security services and in the Rada before any opposition forces seized the buidling.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/04/world/europe/ukraine-leader-was-defeat...
The Clinton impeachment is a bad analogy. The fact that the votes weren't in the Rada for impeachment makes Yanukovich's overthrow extra-legal (revolutions are such by definition) but not a coup.
The UNHRC report indicates that Yanukovich initiated the violence to which the Maidan responded. The NYTimes report on the last days fo Yanukovich indicated that his support among the security services and in the Rada before any opposition forces seized the buidling.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/04/world/europe/ukraine-leader-was-defeat...
1
For me it's all so reminiscent of Yugoslavia and NATO
When NATO started bombing Yugoslavia, allegedly as a humanitarian intervention, when a bomb civilians, women, children, old people ... There initiator acted NATO (ie USA) and without the sanction of the UN and the world community did not particularly resented, not impose economic sanctions against the US.
But not so long ago, the US war in Iraq, allegedly due to the fact that Islamic terrorists carried out a terrorist attack on September 11, though after that there were so many refutations of this, and the need to destroy Saddam Hussein ... and again nothing the US again all white and fluffy.
When NATO started bombing Yugoslavia, allegedly as a humanitarian intervention, when a bomb civilians, women, children, old people ... There initiator acted NATO (ie USA) and without the sanction of the UN and the world community did not particularly resented, not impose economic sanctions against the US.
But not so long ago, the US war in Iraq, allegedly due to the fact that Islamic terrorists carried out a terrorist attack on September 11, though after that there were so many refutations of this, and the need to destroy Saddam Hussein ... and again nothing the US again all white and fluffy.
14
Research the timeline for the Yugoslav Wars. First came the civil war, ethnic cleansing, sieges of Sarajevo, the random bombardment of Dubrovnik. Then came the weak UN forces that couldn't stop the Srebrenica genocide. All this was over the a four year period. Then NATO air attacks started in June 1995 and the Dayton agreement was signed in December 1995. This decisive action saved many lives. Similar thing happened in Kosovo thankfully. Intervention in Yugoslavia should be a case study in why it is sometimes important.
1
But who was instigating, supporting, arming that civil war?
Was it not US and NATO?
Was it not US and NATO?
1
Russia is crucifying the Ukraine because of its own internal problems. In turn it crucifies itself. The real issues here is Russia's failure to modernize and create a decent world and respect for its own people. Until the Russian people take responsibility for themselves and their past, they will continuously reach out to control others and inflict their own pain upon them. To blame the West for this is self-serving and ridiculous. Its time now to call Putin's bluff. Our values and our security depend upon it.
12
Russia is conducting a classic war by proxy in east Ukraine. There is no persecution of Russian speakers in east Ukraine and the fraudulent narrative of persecution is merely a pretext for Russian military aggression.
There was no issue of separatism in the Donetsk region until the arrival of Russian special forces.
Putin has a lot to answer for the tragic loss of life and destruction in east Ukraine.
None of this disaster would have happened if Russia respected Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
There was no issue of separatism in the Donetsk region until the arrival of Russian special forces.
Putin has a lot to answer for the tragic loss of life and destruction in east Ukraine.
None of this disaster would have happened if Russia respected Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
25
"There is no persecution of Russian speakers in east Ukraine"
How do you call, so, the language bill that in 2014 revoked bilingualism and made Ukrainian the only official language? What if you could no longer send your kids to a school where your native language is spoken?
How do you call, so, the language bill that in 2014 revoked bilingualism and made Ukrainian the only official language? What if you could no longer send your kids to a school where your native language is spoken?
6
"Paolo Tramannoni": your arguments are laughably out of date. Really, get up to speed with your Kremlin talking points. The language bill that you reference was NEVER passed by Ukraine's Parliament.
And, by the way, I believe in the rights of ALL minorities in Ukraine to speak in the language of their choice, and in their right to educate their children in the schools of their choice. That includes Ukrainians not only with Russian roots but also those of Hungarian, Greek, Jewish, and Polish heritage, for starters.
The real problem is that a small minority of pro-Russian extremists in Eastern Ukraine, aided and abetted by Putin's neo-imperialist and militaristic policies, can't stomach being categorized AS minorities in an evolving, European-oriented, pluralistic Ukraine.
And, by the way, I believe in the rights of ALL minorities in Ukraine to speak in the language of their choice, and in their right to educate their children in the schools of their choice. That includes Ukrainians not only with Russian roots but also those of Hungarian, Greek, Jewish, and Polish heritage, for starters.
The real problem is that a small minority of pro-Russian extremists in Eastern Ukraine, aided and abetted by Putin's neo-imperialist and militaristic policies, can't stomach being categorized AS minorities in an evolving, European-oriented, pluralistic Ukraine.
4
Paolo, or rather Pasha. An Italian, if he really wants to know something about Ukraine will do his homework before expressing his opinions in public. You obviously did not do it hence you are not an Italian, but a paid Kremlin troll. If you are an Italian, how would you like this little statement of mine - "I protest monolingualism of Italy and demand education for my children in Sicilian, Venetian, and Neapolitan languages." Got the point?
2
Brave people! They risk their lives. At any second the bomb from Ukrainian army artillery can hit the theater as it hit already so many schools, hospitals and apartments in Donetsk and other cities in Eastern Ukraine.
15
Bit like the Russian rockets at innocent civilians in MH17 and the poor Ukrainians in Mariupol hit by Putin's Proxies. Alas, those Russian tourists with their duty free tanks and state of the art weapons of death will have their holiday ruined if there is no dissent to sow and innocents to kill.....
4
That may have been a Russian rocket, fired from a fighter plane.
And the secessionists in Krym and DonBass haven't got any of those!
And the secessionists in Krym and DonBass haven't got any of those!
The NYT previously reported of the Ukrainian army using cluster bombs against the civilian population of East Ukrainian cities shows the extremes to which Kiev rulers will go to suppress dissent in Eastern Ukraine. This civil war began last Feb. after the US and EU supported coup. For over 23 years of Ukrainian independence from the USSR, there was no violence. On Sept. 6 the UN reported at least 2,600 deaths in Eastern Ukraine attributing the slaughter to “Ukrainian military’s advances to reclaim territory from rebel control”- an euphemism for surrounding cities then indiscriminate artillery shelling to kill Ukrainian citizens. When the Uranian army was routed by separatists, Poroshenko cried “Russian invasion that threatened all Europe”, asked to join NATO but was denied by the US and the bellicose commander of NATO. Kiev' army consists of 50% right wing militias and private armies paid by oligarchs. Certainly Russia supports the resistance to perceived border threats and the US reacts similarly to perceived threats in the Western hemisphere. The 50 year US trade embargo of Cuba remains despite UN condemnation & the CIA paid $6.8–$8 million to right-wing groups in Chile to oust elected President Allende.The last U.S. ambassador to the USSR, Jack Matlock, argues that Putin is acting in response to eastward expansion of NATO. How would the US react if Mexico became an armed Russian ally? Why expect Russia to act differently to border threats.
22
The overthrow of Yanukovich wasn't a coup and it was triggered by the US or the EU. The Ukrainian army's defeats can indeed be attributed in part to Russian support. As a NYTimes article related, the rebels have a number of weapons systems they could only have gotten from outside.
http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/02/tracking-the-weapons-used-to-f...
Without excusing the Ukrainian government, HRW pointed out that the rebels are also indiscriminate in their fire.
"During a recent on-the-ground investigation, Human Rights Watch also found that both Ukrainian government forces and the Russia-backed rebel forces have unnecessarily endangered civilians by locating military objectives and using explosive weapons with wide-area effect in populated areas, including near school buildings, in violation of international humanitarian law."
http://www.hrw.org/news/2015/02/03/ukraine-rising-civilian-death-toll
"Kiev' army consists of 50% right wing militias and private armies paid by oligarchs. "
A number you no doubt pulled out of thin air.
http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/02/tracking-the-weapons-used-to-f...
Without excusing the Ukrainian government, HRW pointed out that the rebels are also indiscriminate in their fire.
"During a recent on-the-ground investigation, Human Rights Watch also found that both Ukrainian government forces and the Russia-backed rebel forces have unnecessarily endangered civilians by locating military objectives and using explosive weapons with wide-area effect in populated areas, including near school buildings, in violation of international humanitarian law."
http://www.hrw.org/news/2015/02/03/ukraine-rising-civilian-death-toll
"Kiev' army consists of 50% right wing militias and private armies paid by oligarchs. "
A number you no doubt pulled out of thin air.
9
The NYT published a video that depicted a rebel squad holed-up in a former mansion of the local government prosecutor who left due to war. A young women was singled-out as the star rebel as a sniper and fierce combatant for this rebel squad by her commander. She was interviewed and disclosed she used "jumping grenades" that explode at waist height against the enemy. Although there is high certainty that Ukrainian government forces had shelled residential areas killing civilians the rebels had done likewise. One episode that remains forgotten was the MH17 murder of 298 air passengers - adults and children, by rebel forces using Russian BUK missiles on July 17, 2014. It remains the single highest civilian death toll incident in this civil war.
2
The impact on the fuselage did not show up on the downside of the plane, but more from front and side.
That was not a ground-to-air missile but from a fighter plane - and the secessionists haven't got any!
That was not a ground-to-air missile but from a fighter plane - and the secessionists haven't got any!
1
"The Show Must Go On!" The curtain-raiser of "Cover Girl" it's not, nor is it "Tonight and Every Night," two wartime U.S. musicals. This region brought it on itself with an insurrection armed, staffed, and financed by Putin. It's more like showtime in Berlin in February 1945.
7
No, it is more like showtime in Leningrad in January 1942.
9
None of this would be happening if the Muscovites hadn't falsely claimed that their people and their language were being persecuted. Funny how they lived there for decades with no problem. But suddenly their mafia is no longer in charge of the entire country, so they become "veektims."
Russian speakers in Ukraine have far more freedom than those in Russia. Look how PuPu helps his people. Good thing the thugs hadn't invented the "ancient land" of Novorossiya and decided to shell schools and hospitals while Ms. Podpokayeva was training.
Russian speakers in Ukraine have far more freedom than those in Russia. Look how PuPu helps his people. Good thing the thugs hadn't invented the "ancient land" of Novorossiya and decided to shell schools and hospitals while Ms. Podpokayeva was training.
18
The Russian claims also don't make any sense because there are more Russian speakers in greater Kiev than in Donetsk.
10
Somehow I expect them to blame BUSH next will be coming from moscow. But the current administration is culpable for giving what I'm sure they thought was tacit approval when our president utter those now famous words to the then Russian premier.."I'll be able to do more after the election.." I mean I would read this as go ahead do what you like. I'll pretend to be outraged but then not do anything in actuality.
1
That 's because the Soviet Union purposely moved Russian into the Ukraine, after they annexed it in WWII, to "Russianize" it to the fullest extent possible. The Russians have always thought that they should have control of the orthodox christian holy sites. Constantinople and Kiev...The Ukrainian language almost died in the 70's and 80's. If it weren't for the stalwart ethnic Ukrainians this might have happened. Both variations of the Belo-Slavic languages. The similar things has been done here in the US with the specious forceful integration of the spanish language in thsi country. Dial 1 for ukranian; dial 2 for russian.
2
The United States should not encourage Kiev to continue this war. What is needed is an unconditional ceasefire by and pull-back of Kiev forces, then negotiations for a federation.
29
So is this also your prescription for what Russia needs to do in Chechnya, Ingushetia, Tatarstan, and the many other non-ethnic Russian parts of the Russian Empire?
15
Just in case you don`t know, Russia is federation.
11
In case you don't know, Russia does not even allow the governors of its republics to be directly elected and is as much a federation as the republics of the USSR were a federation.
12
Perhaps if the US can tell its new client regime in Kiev that the new boundaries of Ukraine stop at the Donbass and Mariupol, this was the cost of the coup, the near-breakup of Ukraine, the shelling can stop.
21
“In the theater, there is a rule that, even in war, performances should continue,” said Andrey Kornienko, the opera’s advertising director. “It is our duty is to do our job, to support the people emotionally, to bring them art.”
Very commendable. Everybody needs respite and an escape from their daily lives, particularly those lives that are blighted by suffering and conflict.
Very commendable. Everybody needs respite and an escape from their daily lives, particularly those lives that are blighted by suffering and conflict.
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Well said. Music among the bombs, a flower growing from shattered buildings, a poem celebrating the human spirit -- beauty trumps horror.
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