Celebrities to Ukraine: A message of support.
In response to Russian aggression towards Ukraine, I urge you to watch a revealing documentary Vladimir Putin's Long Shadow - the fifth estate a joint investigation by the fifth estate and PBS' Frontline. This documentary sheds light on Putin's true nature, uncovering allegations of his involvement in criminal activities dating back to his early days as a top official in St. Petersburg. It also exposes his ties to organized crime and money-laundering operations.
Moreover, the documentary raises disturbing questions about the Russian security services' role in the apartment building bombings in Moscow and other cities in 1999, which claimed the lives of nearly 300 people. Like all dictators, Putin scapegoated terrorists and "external forces" to deflect blame.
Russia's aggression towards Ukraine predates 2014. For further insight, consider exploring Why Putin Didn’t Invade Ukraine During Trump's Presidency.
Furthermore, the documentary Sons of Russia: The people fighting Putin's war in Ukraine reveals the alarming reality of Russia training children for combat.
Did you know that Soviet Union/Russia was Hitler's ally up until 1941? During Hitler's reign, the Soviet Union, under Stalin's leadership, shockingly forged a non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany in 1939, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. This agreement not only divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence but also included secret protocols that facilitated the annexation of territories by both parties. As part of this pact, the Soviet Union provided substantial support to Nazi Germany, including military equipment, raw materials such as metal ore crucial for war production, and agricultural products like wheat, which played a vital role in sustaining Germany's war effort. This collaboration culminated in the joint invasion of Poland by both Hitler and the Soviet Union in September 1939, followed by a chilling display of unity as their troops held a common parade in Warsaw. Hitler's speech on September 1st, 1939, justifying the invasion with fabricated claims of Polish aggression, mirrors Putin's rhetoric following the annexation of Crimea, where Putin justified Russia's actions in Ukraine by asserting a duty to protect Russian-speaking populations. These parallels highlight the recurrence of manipulation and aggression in history and underscore the importance of remaining vigilant against such tactics: How Hitler Invaded Half Of Europe.
It's ironic how back then the British Prime Minister was pursuing peace negotiations with Germany, reminiscent of today's efforts to engage in talks with Putin, echoing the futile attempts at diplomacy with Hitler. History teaches us that aggressors like Putin only comprehend the language of defeat.
More than 20 million people were killed between 1938 and 1945 because of Germany and Soviet Union alliance. To compare, the population of Canada in 1945 was 12 million.
Most people are unaware that Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, despite being allies at the time, was precipitated by his discovery of Soviet preparations to invade Germany. Hitler perceived this as a betrayal, particularly as he was gearing up to invade England. Viewing the Soviet actions as a direct threat, he chose to strike the Soviet Union instead.
Adding a layer of historical irony, while the Soviet Union had not provided any assistance to England or France during their earlier struggles with Germany, it sought Allied help when Moscow itself faced the threat of German invasion. Notably, during the defense of Moscow in 1941-1942, approximately one out of every three tanks used by the Soviets was supplied by the Allies—specifically, the United States, Canada, and England.
Have you ever puzzled over why so many Germans supported Hitler, or why they acquiesced to the horrors of death camps and gas chambers? Hitler's strategy was sinister yet effective:
"Never to admit a fault or wrong; never to accept blame; concentrate on one enemy at a time; blame that enemy for everything that goes wrong; take advantage of every opportunity to raise a political whirlwind." (©) Adolf Hitler.
This playbook is eerily mirrored in Putin’s actions today.
The annals of history are repeating themselves with chilling precision. The parallels between Putin and Hitler are stark and terrifying. Both leaders exploited nationalism, used scapegoats to galvanize support, and engaged in relentless propaganda to maintain power. Today, Putin, much like Hitler, is not just a local threat but a global menace. Recently, he escalated his belligerence by threatening Sweden and Finland with nuclear attacks, a clear tactic to intimidate and assert dominance. The international community stands hesitant, wary of provoking what can best be described as a monkey with a grenade—a volatile and unpredictable adversary. This monkey, emboldened by inaction and appeasement, will inevitably grasp at more than just threats. The question remains: will the world act decisively this time, or will we witness the horrors of history repeat themselves under a new guise?
The initial onslaught on the Soviet Union by Hitler in 1941, marked by the bombing of Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, bears a stark resemblance to Putin's aggression in 2022, notably with the bombardment of the same city. Despite Putin's assurances of a swift conquest, the resilience of the Ukrainian people has significantly hindered Russian advances, with pivotal cities like Kyiv and Kharkov remaining under Ukrainian control.
Kyiv, steeped in over 1500 years of history, was a bustling cultural and political epicenter centuries before Moscow even existed as a rudimentary settlement. This relationship between Ukraine and Russia is akin to that of England and the United States — a cradle of ancient civilization versus a younger more agressive counterpart. The assertion that Ukraine's land belongs to Russia is as absurd as if Americans were to claim England as their native land. Such a comparison highlights the audacity and historical inaccuracy of attempts to rewrite the cultural and territorial legacies of independent nations.
Many of Russia's most touted achievements actually have Ukrainian fingerprints all over them. Take Sergei Korolev, the mastermind behind the Soviet space race, not only was he Ukrainian, but he also endured years in a gulag before propelling Russia into space. Luminaries like Nikolai Gogol, whose prose is a cornerstone of Russian literature, Kazimir Malevich, a revolutionary in abstract art, Igor Sikorsky, creator of the modern helicopter, Vladimir Vernadsky, a pivotal figure in geochemistry, and Georgy Voronoy, the mathematician behind Voronoi diagrams, are all titans in their fields, yet often their Ukrainian heritage is downplayed or erased in Russian narratives. This consistent appropriation and overshadowing of Ukrainian contributions expose a stark pattern of cultural and intellectual annexation by Russia.
The recent attacks on Kyiv, a city known for its beauty and peace, are utterly indefensible. Even as the city faces bombings and widespread destruction, the residents of Kyiv — my friends, colleagues, students, and teachers — remain steadfast. Their resilience is a testament to the indomitable spirit of this ancient city.
Russia’s blatant infringement on Ukrainian sovereignty is a violation of several agreements, including the Budapest memorandum, under which Ukraine surrendered its nuclear weapons (4th largest nuclear arsenal in the world at that time!) and nuclear bombers in return for security assurances. Additionally, despite Russia's acknowledgment of Ukrainian sovereignty through agreements like the one marking the end of the Soviet Union and the Friendship Agreement, it has not deterred the illegal annexation of Crimea and incursions into eastern Ukraine.
Before the invasion, Russian diplomats at the United Nations were falsely claiming that Russia was merely conducting military exercises, misleading the international community. Such deception is emblematic of a broader pattern of dishonesty that pervades modern Russian diplomacy. Lies have become a common tactic in Russia's international relations strategy, often used to obscure intentions and misdirect foreign scrutiny.
In Budapest memorandum Russia agreed, signed, and guaranteed the following:
- Respect Belarusian, Kazakh and Ukrainian independence and sovereignty in the existing borders.
- Refrain from the threat or the use of force against Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
Russian propaganda dismissively labels the Ukrainian president as a "drug addict." This so-called "drug addict," Volodymyr Zelensky, not only holds a law degree but also was overwhelmingly elected in a democratic landslide in 2019, securing over 70% of the vote. Zelensky has demonstrated remarkable courage and leadership by staying with his people in Kyiv during the invasion: Zelensky in Kyiv. Resolutely staying in Kyiv amidst bombardment, he famously declared, "I need ammunition, not a ride," signaling his unwavering commitment to defend his nation. In stark contrast, when faced with internal dissent from Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group, Putin retreated to a distant bunker far from Moscow. This crisis compelled him to sign a truce with Prigozhin, only for Prigozhin to later die under mysterious circumstances in an "accident." This sequence of events sharply delineates the stark differences in leadership: Zelensky's fearless stand with his people versus Putin's retreat and subsequent deceit.
Contrary to Russian propaganda claims that civilians are not targeted, extensive evidence reveals the harsh reality of significant civilian casualties, including children. Moreover, Russian troops have stigmatized Ukrainian defenders as "terrorists" and "fascists," a tactic reminiscent of Hitler's dehumanization strategies during World War II. The treatment of prisoners of war by Russian forces similarly mirrors the cruel directives once issued by Hitler. Yet, despite suffering heavy losses, you might wonder why Ukraine staunchly refuses to surrender or concede territory in exchange for peace. This unwavering determination is rooted in a deep sense of national identity and the grim lessons of history. For Ukraine, every piece of land conceded is not just a loss of soil but a surrender of sovereignty, culture, and future security. The memory of past compromises that led to further aggression fuels their resolve to resist, regardless of the immediate cost. To Ukrainians, yielding territory would not bring peace but merely invite further encroachments. Their fight is not just for land, but for the very essence of their nation's independence and the right to determine their own destiny.
Ukraine's staunch refusal to enter into any peace agreements with Russia is also deeply rooted in a justified wariness, amplified by the horrific atrocities like the Bucha massacre, where the brutal slaughter of civilians laid bare the ruthless nature of Russian forces. This massacre is not just an isolated incident but a stark illustration of the savagery that could recur under any superficial truce with a deceitful aggressor known for flouting international norms and agreements. Such brutal acts reinforce Ukraine’s resolve against trusting any overtures from Russia, viewing them as nothing more than treacherous maneuvers designed to consolidate control and perpetrate further violence.
This is what Russian troops did to a small peaceful city near the capital of Ukraine that had no military or weapons: Drone Video and this is drone footage shows scale of devastation in Mariupol.
Compare what Russia is doing in Ukraine in to what Russia did to its own people in Chechnya. Do you find any differences?
Please make no mistake! Ukraine won't surrender:
- 13 Ukrainian Troops Tell Off Russian War Ship in Final Act.
- Ukrainian Citizens Fight Off Russians In the Streets.
In case you want to help and make your personal statement against evil, you can make even a small donation in any currency (1,000 UAN ~ 35 USD):
- The Initiative of the President of Ukraine: United 24.
- National Bank of Ukraine special account for donations.
- Save Life non-profit organization.
- Other ways to help Ukrainian people.
Finally, don't be afraid of Putin! Russia's economy is surprisingly tiny.
Make no mistake, Mr. Putin is just a wealthy criminal who expertly wields his KGB training to intimidate and manipulate. His ultimate ambition is clear: to seize as much territory as possible in a bid to resurrect the "glory" of the Russian Empire, mirroring Hitler's quest to restore the German Empire. Just as the world united to halt the spread of fascism in 1945, we must now confront and halt the spread of Putinism and Rashism. The year 2022 must mark the definitive end of this dangerous resurgence, ensuring that such imperialistic ambitions are thwarted before they can inflict irreversible damage.
Alex Babanski, Ph.D.
