ארכיון Ukraine - מעקב

Russia Condemns Israel and Pushes for UN Session

eztempus_admin — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 22:49:21 +0000

Dim Amor

Russia is sharpening its position against Israel and working with full force to establish a special UN session on ceasefire, according to reports in Russian media. The move comes against the backdrop of sharp escalation in the Israeli-Iranian confrontation, as Moscow harshly condemns Israeli military operations and seeks to position itself as a regional mediator.

The dramatic events in the region were discussed today in a telephone conversation between the foreign ministers of Russia and Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, following the conversation held by the leaders of both countries yesterday. Lavrov emphasized in the conversation that Moscow condemns the Israeli military action and expressed condolences to his Iranian counterpart regarding the high number of casualties from Israeli strikes. The Russian foreign minister added that Russia is prepared to assist in calming the conflict.

Meanwhile, additional details are emerging about the complex diplomacy taking place behind the scenes. U.S. President Donald Trump referred yesterday to his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that most of the conversation dealt with Iran, which Putin "knows excellently". Trump added that both agreed that the war between Iran and Israel should end as soon as possible.

Last evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also held a conversation with Putin, who offered to mediate "to prevent escalation". In a statement published by the Kremlin, Putin noted in his conversation with Netanyahu the "need for a peaceful solution and return to a negotiation process". The move indicates a Russian attempt to position itself as a central mediator in the conflict.

In a separate conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin described the Israeli attack against Iran's nuclear facilities as "dangerous escalation." The Kremlin statement emphasized that Moscow condemns the attack that "violates the UN Charter and international law." Putin expressed his "condolences" to Pezeshkian regarding the loss of life in Iran and called for resolving the nuclear crisis through diplomatic means.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov officially declared that Russia condemns the sharp escalation in the confrontation between Israel and Iran and expresses concern about the growing tension between the countries. According to him, President Vladimir Putin is being continuously updated on developments. Peskov added that the Russian Foreign Ministry, under presidential guidance, is expected to soon publish a detailed statement regarding the situation in the Middle East, which will also be transmitted to the United Nations.

However, Russian moves raise questions about the real motives behind Russian condemnation. Since 2014, Russia has been conducting extensive military operations in Ukraine, occupied the Crimean Peninsula, and committed acts described as war crimes. President Putin is even wanted by the International Court in The Hague for crimes in Ukraine. According to estimates, approximately one million people have been killed and hundreds of thousands wounded in the war in Ukraine since its beginning.

Additionally, Russia benefits from Middle Eastern escalation in economic terms as well. The rise in oil prices recorded following Israeli strikes serves Moscow's interests, as it operates under heavy international sanctions. Rising prices give the besieged Russian economy breathing room and provide it with vital maneuvering space in the global arena.

The complex picture indicates a pragmatic Russian policy based on geopolitical and economic interests. Moscow tries to maintain relations with Iran as a strategic ally while attempting to position itself as a leading regional mediator. At the same time, it benefits from the economic consequences of regional instability.

The Russian paradox is expressed in the fact that a country conducting a comprehensive invasion of its neighbor condemns military actions by another country. This testifies to Moscow's double standards policy, which tries to exploit the Middle Eastern crisis to strengthen its international standing while ignoring its own actions in Europe.

The Russian attempt to establish a UN session on ceasefire constitutes part of its efforts to position itself as a mediating power, parallel to attempts to divert attention from its actions in Ukraine. The diplomatic maneuver indicates Russia's desire to return to the center of the international stage, even when it is itself isolated by the international community.

Recent diplomatic moves point to a complex reality where economic and geopolitical interests guide Russian policy more than moral or legal principles. Russia tries to exploit the current crisis to strengthen its position as a regional power while utilizing economic opportunities arising from instability.

In this context, the central question is whether Russia is truly interested in genuine de-escalation in the Middle East, or whether it sees the crisis as an opportunity to advance its interests. The answer will become clear in the coming weeks, when it will be tested whether Russian diplomatic moves will lead to concrete actions or remain at the rhetorical level only.

Time will tell whether Russia will succeed in realizing its aspirations to establish itself as a central mediator in the Middle East, or whether its double standards policy will expose the widening gap between its declarations and its actions. In the complex geopolitical reality of this time, there is no room for diplomatic improvisation, and Russian moves will be judged according to their concrete results and not according to their public statements.

P.S. Nevertheless, it is clearly evident how Russia does not hesitate to abandon its allies when necessary. This year we witnessed this distinctly in the Syrian arena – for Russia has interests, but it doesn't really have friends.

Photo: AP

הפוסט Russia Condemns Israel and Pushes for UN Session הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

Germany to Supply Ukraine with Missiles Capable of Reaching Moscow, Putin Under Pressure

eztempus_admin — Tue, 27 May 2025 01:32:59 +0000

Dim Amor

The war in Ukraine stands on the brink of dramatic transformation with the approach of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's crucial visit to Berlin on Wednesday. The visit, during which Zelensky will meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is expected to lead to a dramatic German announcement that will alter the balance of power in the war.

After months of deliberation and diplomatic tension, the assessment is crystallizing in the West that Germany is preparing to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles of the "Taurus" model—a step that President Zelensky has long advocated but which former Chancellor Olaf Scholz refused to implement. The long-awaited decision comes following the clear escalation in Russian attacks and Moscow's refusal to agree to a ceasefire.

In a surprising statement at a media panel held ahead of the visit, Chancellor Merz clarified that Ukraine's main Western allies have removed restrictions on the range of Western weapons supplied to Kyiv. "There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine—not by Britain, France, or by us. There are also no restrictions from the United States. This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example by attacking military positions within Russia. Until recently it could not do this, and apart from very few exceptions, it did not do so", Merz explained.

This decision does not come out of the blue. Already on April 13, even before his appointment was approved by the Bundestag, Merz announced the possibility of transferring the missiles to Kyiv in coordination with European partners. The issue was extensively discussed during the visit of leaders from Germany, Britain, France, and Poland to Kyiv on May 9, and since then the new European strategy has been taking shape.

The shift in German position gains additional weight when examining the fundamental difference between current policy and that of the previous administration. Britain and France have already supplied Ukrainians with long-range cruise missiles of the "Storm Shadow" model, which have been used lethally against Russian targets, while Germany under Scholz insisted on not supplying German missiles to Ukraine.

If Berlin indeed supplies the "Taurus" missiles to the Ukrainian army, along with lifting the ban on attacking targets with them within Russian territory, this would be a significant development in the course of the war. The missile has a range of 500 kilometers, far beyond the British cruise missiles and US-made ATACMS, and it would give Ukraine the capability to strike strategic targets even in Moscow and other central Russian cities.

This European move reflects a clear trend of increasing military support for Ukraine, but it comes at a complex time of great uncertainty regarding continued US military support. Since Donald Trump's return to the White House, the American president has not approved new military aid packages for Ukraine and has not specified whether he intends to release the $3.85 billion already allocated by Congress to Kyiv.

The current situation shows that Ukrainians are being supplied with the last weapons packages promised by the Biden administration, but no new shipments are expected for the time being. It is unclear whether the White House will allow Ukraine to continue purchasing American weapons, and meanwhile this uncertainty itself encourages Russian President Vladimir Putin and instills confidence in him to continue attacks against Ukraine and intensify them.

Surprisingly, on June 26, 2025, President Trump presented an extremely sharp position against Putin through the Truth Social social network. In a message rare in its severity, Trump wrote: "I always had very good relations with Vladimir Putin from Russia, but something happened to him. He just went completely crazy! He is killing many people unnecessarily—and it's not just about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being fired at cities in Ukraine for no reason at all".

Trump continued and added: "I always said he wants all of Ukraine, not just part of it, and maybe this is proving true—but if he acts this way, it will lead to Russia's downfall!". This statement marks a significant change in the American president's tone toward the Russian leader and may affect the geopolitical dynamics of the conflict.

However, Trump also directed criticism toward the Ukrainian president: "President Zelensky is not helping his country when he speaks the way he speaks. Everything that comes out of his mouth creates problems. I don't like it, and it must stop". Despite the criticism, Trump clarified his position on the war itself: "This is a war that would never have started if I had been president. This is Zelensky's, Putin's, and Biden's war—not Trump's. I'm just trying to extinguish the big and ugly flames that were ignited due to serious incompetence and hatred".

These statements come as Russia continues to escalate its attacks against Ukraine, including strikes on civilian and innocent targets. The harsh reality on the ground is generating growing international pressure to respond forcefully against Russian policy, while simultaneously placing the European Union before the challenge of filling the void created by uncertainty regarding continued American support.

Zelensky's visit to Berlin thus comes at a critical moment, when Germany may lead a coordinated European move that could change the course of the war. The supply of long-range "Taurus" missiles, together with lifting restrictions on their use against targets in Russia, could create a new reality in the conflict and allow Ukraine to adopt a more offensive approach.

The new security reality in which Russia finds itself testifies to a dramatic transformation in the strategic balance of power. Ukrainian drone attacks, penetrating deep into Russian territory and reaching the heart of Moscow, create an unprecedented situation of uncertainty for the Kremlin leadership.

If already at this stage, when Ukraine operates mainly through drones, Russia exposes such noticeable vulnerability, what will happen when more sophisticated missiles reach the capital city? This question troubles not only the Russian population but also the close circles of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Reports from various sources indicate that Putin is considering leaving Moscow and moving to his fortified compound in the Valdai region—a step that would attest to recognition of the severity of the security situation.

The Russian capital is no longer a safe stronghold for the country's leadership.

Russia, which initiated the war as the attacking nation, now finds itself in a defensive position not only in the Ukrainian arena but also within its own borders. This situation could lead to the end of this destructive war.

Photo: AP

הפוסט Germany to Supply Ukraine with Missiles Capable of Reaching Moscow, Putin Under Pressure הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

Konotop, Ukraine: Abandoned Animals and Betrayal by Authorities

eztempus_admin — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 17:17:49 +0000

• Dim Amor

While Russian shelling continues to sow destruction across Ukraine, another shocking story unfolds within the walls of the besieged city. Not only are residents fleeing to save their lives — their pets are left abandoned on the streets, left to fend for themselves. However, there's no need to worry, as there are those who take responsibility for their fate — just don't ask the mayor of Konotop about it.

A puppy that arrived at the organization

Behind the Wall of Silence

While global media focuses on reports of Russian attacks and human casualties, a quiet humanitarian crisis has unfolded in Konotop. More than 1,000 abandoned animals now roam the city streets. Of this shocking number, 200 have managed to find protection with the local 'Friends of Animals' organization.

"It usually starts the same way", relates one of the organization's volunteers, her voice trembling with emotion. "We arrive in the morning and find another dog tied to the door or a cat in a box. Sometimes there's a small note of apology, sometimes not. But always in the animals' eyes, there's the same look — of betrayal, of incomprehension".

Statistics tell a grim story: 107 dogs and 52 cats have found refuge with the organization. But these numbers aren't static — each day, more animals join the list of war's silent refugees. "We've stopped counting", says the volunteer sadly, "we just try to save everyone we can". To donate – click here

Stray dogs in the city with temperatures below zero

Survival in the Shadow of War

Reality in Konotop has transformed the once unthinkable into a sad daily occurrence. Residents, themselves struggling for economic survival under the fire of war, face an impossible choice. "We have nothing to eat ourselves," admits one resident who wished to remain anonymous, shame in his voice, "we thought maybe on the street, the dog would have a better chance of finding food."

This twisted logic, reflecting the depth of human desperation, becomes even more apparent when looking at the authorities' reaction — or rather, its absence.

Bureaucracy During War

Artem Semenikhin

"There must be a tender", declares Mayor Artem Semenikhin in response to repeated requests for help. This phrase, which might seem reasonable in normal times, becomes completely absurd when rockets are falling from the sky and lives hang in the balance. But Semenikhin doesn't stop at refusing help — he decides to add fuel to the fire.

"These are the methods of criminals, and they are criminals", he proclaims, referring to the organization's volunteers who work tirelessly, 24 hours a day, without compensation. This statement, demonstrating the enormous gap between reality on the ground and local authority perception, raises sharp questions about leadership quality in the besieged city.

Semenikhin sends messages to the 'Maakav' editorial office, indicating political pressure and manipulation, and systematically calls the volunteers 'criminals'. What exactly is the problem with their actions? Is saving animals considered a crime? How dare the mayor of Konotop blacken and damage the reputation of city residents without evidence or factual basis?

Semenikhin is fortunate to be in Konotop, Ukraine, rather than Israel, as in Israel he would have to answer for violating the law. While Ukraine aspires to join the European Union, the hooliganish behavior of mayors like Semenikhin diminishes its chances of acceptance.

It's important to emphasize that the resident is the sovereign who elected the government, and the government is obligated to serve the people. This principle is enshrined in the Ukrainian constitution.

Law and Disorder

According to Ukrainian laws, abandoning animals and animal cruelty are criminal offenses. However, in Konotop, like many other things, this law remains a dead letter. The local police, who should enforce the law, have never initiated an investigation into abandonment cases — even when they occurred right before their eyes.

Instead, the police themselves contact the organization when they encounter an abandoned animal. "They call us as if we're a city service," relates the volunteer, "but when we ask for a budget, they tell us there isn't one".

A cat at the organization is looking for a home (he and about 60 of his friends)

Behind the Scenes of Rescue

Caring for abandoned animals is a complex and expensive task. Sterilization, surgeries, veterinary treatment, flea drops, food — all of this costs enormous amounts of money, especially during wartime. The organization, existing solely on donations, struggles to continue its work.

"Previously, the mayor's office helped a little. But now there's no budget. It's as if the war canceled their moral responsibility too", recalls the volunteer wistfully.

Double Trauma

Fear of rockets doesn't spare the animals either. "The dogs tremble every time an alarm sounds. Cats hide in the tiniest places they can find. They've experienced double trauma — first abandonment, and now bombardment", describes the volunteer.

Recently, when a Russian rocket hit near our facility, "we had to calm the animals for several hours," she relates. "Some still haven't recovered".

Call for International Aid

Videos about their dire situation, which the organization posted on social media, have reached Tel Aviv and gone viral. "This gives us hope. We hope that if more people learn what's happening here, maybe someone can help", says the volunteer to the 'Maakav' editorial staff.

But for now, the situation only worsens. Adoption rates are particularly low — dogs are hardly being taken, and even cats, who are usually adopted relatively easily, struggle to find new homes. To donate – click here

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Despite all difficulties, the volunteers continue their mission. They work around the clock, handling every case that comes to them, and try to collect donations from all possible sources.

"We can't give up. Each animal we save is an entire world. And as long as there's even one animal that needs us, we'll continue fighting", the volunteer says resolutely.

The situation in Konotop raises complex questions about social responsibility during wartime, about local government's role in humanitarian crises, and about the fine line between survival and morality.

But above all, this is a story about human courage, about persistence in impossible conditions, and about the power of a small group of people to change a situation — even when all odds are against them.

While rockets continue to fall to earth and bureaucracy continues to create obstacles, the volunteers of "Friends of Animals" remain faithful to their noble mission. They are well aware that they are the last line of defense for hundreds of defenseless animals, and they carry this responsibility with heads held high — even if in splendid solitude.

The story of Konotop reminds us that war has many faces and victims of different kinds. Perhaps one day, when silence returns to the region, someone will remember to ask what became of those brave volunteers and the animals they saved.

For now, they continue their quiet struggle — not for glory or recognition, but simply because it's right. And perhaps this is what makes them the real heroes of this story.

The organization's dogs that were abandoned to the streets by humans

The Inspector General and Ukrainian police declined to comment at this time.

הפוסט Konotop, Ukraine: Abandoned Animals and Betrayal by Authorities הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

Zelenskyy Cries Out: Putin is a Peace Killer, The World Must Wake Up

eztempus_admin — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 20:53:55 +0000

Desperate Call for International Support to Save Ukraine and Stop Russian Aggression. The World Faces a Fateful Decision: Will It Wake Up in Time or Allow Putin to Expand the War?

Kyiv, October 16, 2024 – Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, delivered a scathing speech to the Ukrainian Parliament today, presenting his country's "Victory Plan" and sharply criticizing Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy accused Putin of thwarting all peace efforts and called on the international community to act urgently.

"Russia is not seeking genuine peace. Putin only wants war", Zelenskyy declared emphatically. "We must change the circumstances so that the war ends, regardless of Putin's desires".

The Ukrainian President emphasized that his country proposed a "peace formula" two years ago and held successful peace summits. However, he said, "Russia still evades honest diplomacy and issues ultimatums".

Zelenskyy presented Ukraine's "Victory Plan", which he said is designed to "bridge to the second peace summit, with the aim of ending the war". He expressed hope that if the plan receives international support, the war could be ended by the end of next year.

The Ukrainian President warned that "if we and our partners don't strengthen ourselves now, Putin will significantly strengthen himself next year to postpone diplomacy forever". He stressed that "Russia must lose. This is not a freezing of the situation, it's not trading sovereignty. We must implement the victory plan and force Russia to participate in the peace summit".

Political sources in Ukraine emphasize that the world forgets that people are dying in Ukraine every minute, and that a brutal war is raging in central Europe that has already claimed the lives of about a million people on both sides. They express deep concern about reports of Russia's purchase of a million missiles from North Korea, and accuse the United States and Europe of abandoning Ukraine and failing to supply weapons as promised.

Security officials in Ukraine warn that if Putin wins in Ukraine, the next countries in line could be Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia. They call on the international community to increase support for Ukraine and exert more pressure on Russia.

Military experts estimate that the situation at the front remains tense, with fierce battles taking place in several areas. They emphasize the importance of Western military aid for Ukraine's defense and warn of the possibility of further escalation by Russia.

Human rights organizations continue to document alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces and call on the international community to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Zelenskyy's speech and the presentation of the "Victory Plan" mark a new stage in Ukraine's struggle for its independence and territorial integrity. The world now waits to see how the international community will respond to Zelenskyy's urgent call for action, and whether it will indeed be possible to bring an end to the bloody war in the near future.

Photo: verstka.media

הפוסט Zelenskyy Cries Out: Putin is a Peace Killer, The World Must Wake Up הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

Shocking Documentation: Severe Abuse of Ukrainian Prisoners of War

eztempus_admin — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:05:02 +0000

Dim Amor

The disturbing footage shows a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and international law, raising serious questions about Russia's conduct in the ongoing conflict.

Where is the UN? Where are human rights organizations? Why is the world asleep?

The video shows Russian soldiers forcing Ukrainian prisoners, at gunpoint, to sing the Russian national anthem. Beyond psychological humiliation, they call the prisoners derogatory names and subject them to physical violence. The distressing images depict cruel and inhumane treatment of defenseless individuals, clearly violating basic human rights.

International law experts define the documented acts as severe war crimes. They call on the international community to take immediate action against those responsible and bring them to justice. However, criticism is heard regarding the lack of a meaningful response from the UN and human rights organizations.

The footage raises deep concern for the fate of additional prisoners of war held by Russian forces. Ukrainian officials are calling for increased international pressure on Moscow and the imposition of further sanctions. Meanwhile, the international community is urged to act urgently to ensure the protection of civilians and captured soldiers in combat zones.

Video (documentation):

Shocking Documentation: Severe Abuse of Ukrainian Prisoners of War https://t.co/i4Tq5ExR0l #Ukraine #Russian pic.twitter.com/09AKUaHif5

— DIM AMOR דים אמור (@DIMAMOR6) June 28, 2024

הפוסט Shocking Documentation: Severe Abuse of Ukrainian Prisoners of War הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.