Russia is sneakily trying to take control of a vital fortification line that has protected Ukraine since 2014. Those who poured their blood and sweat into building it explain Putin’s scheme.
It needs to be repeated to the world constantly because it seems some people either still don’t get it or want to convince themselves otherwise: Vladimir Putin does not believe Ukraine should exist as a sovereign country. The entire country. Every action taken by Putin and his regime is with the ultimate goal of extinguishing a sovereign country.
I fully agree with you, and the world should treat this idea with categorical rejection and respond with decisive action. But so far, I haven’t seen decisive action from most countries — have you?
I think many western countries do, but the challenge is there are always many competing interests for attention (and money). And even if Europe is largely aligned (with the exception of a few Putin puppets like Orban), the United States is critical in being able to apply maximum pressure on Russia. And for whatever reason, Trump has been unwilling to do so.
China is also in a position to apply maximum pressure on Russia, but they have made it clear that it is in their strategic interest to ensure the war continues and Russia is not defeated. China has no inherent love for Russia, but they are aligned in their opposition to the Democratic west and a shared belief in their right to impose imperialistic conquest.
Great article on a topic (physical fortification line) that I knew nothing about. I'm generally sceptical about the value of defensive walls (think Maginot Line), but realize that history offers positive examples (e.g. Great China Wall) as well. Let's hope that Trump (today) doesn't attempt to give away those things that don't belong to him in the first place.
Absolutely, history shows both successes and failures of fortifications. It’s a reminder that context and leadership make all the difference, don’t you think?
It’s powerful that you’ve been right there with those who risk so much to save others. The resilience and humanity of Ukrainian volunteers is something the world can learn from — thank you for telling it🙏
The practical effect of Neville Chamberlain's betrayal of Czechoslovakia in 1938 was to turn over to the Nazis the Czech's fortifications and most defensible terrain making the rest of Czechoslovakia virtually indefensible to the later invasion. Ukraine will not make this mistake.
🤔 Indeed UKRAINE will not willingly give up these fortifications - the legitimate concern is Trump negotiating them away to Putin & how Ukraine will be able to deal with it 🤷
History has shown the danger of giving in and Ukraine knows it cannot repeat that mistake. But in your opinion, what lessons from the past can help Ukraine and its allies avoid repeating the path of Czechoslovakia in 1938?
Knowledge is power in this instance. Knowledge of history is part of it but Ukraine has proven its bona fides as a military power (with some issues, of course) and surely knows better than to give up its defensive power and positioning to a Hitler clone.
Ukrainians in America. This was a subject that came up somewhile ago. Ukrainian permits coming to an end what will these refugees do? A decision was made by Trump that Ukrainians can stay. Has this changed now?
As far as I see it, Trump didn’t officially extend the permits. Many Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. could soon lose their legal status, which is really worrying 😔
💙💛 It is so important to remember that this "war" is not just drones & bombs sent in remotely from afar - have been hearing a bit about the dangers of a breakthrough in this region which would endanger a large swathe of Ukrainian land & urban areas with potential for further penetration by Russian ground troops. Heroes are not just soldiers on the front line - everyone plays their part in different ways 🫂💪
I am sick over all of this. I’ll send all the positive thoughts I can summon to Washington on Monday when your President is supposed to meet again with that vile shitbird. I’m nearby, so they won’t be diluted.
It needs to be repeated to the world constantly because it seems some people either still don’t get it or want to convince themselves otherwise: Vladimir Putin does not believe Ukraine should exist as a sovereign country. The entire country. Every action taken by Putin and his regime is with the ultimate goal of extinguishing a sovereign country.
I fully agree with you, and the world should treat this idea with categorical rejection and respond with decisive action. But so far, I haven’t seen decisive action from most countries — have you?
I think many western countries do, but the challenge is there are always many competing interests for attention (and money). And even if Europe is largely aligned (with the exception of a few Putin puppets like Orban), the United States is critical in being able to apply maximum pressure on Russia. And for whatever reason, Trump has been unwilling to do so.
China is also in a position to apply maximum pressure on Russia, but they have made it clear that it is in their strategic interest to ensure the war continues and Russia is not defeated. China has no inherent love for Russia, but they are aligned in their opposition to the Democratic west and a shared belief in their right to impose imperialistic conquest.
Thanks for this article. I had never heard of this vital defence line for Ukraine. You mustn't give it up !
Great article on a topic (physical fortification line) that I knew nothing about. I'm generally sceptical about the value of defensive walls (think Maginot Line), but realize that history offers positive examples (e.g. Great China Wall) as well. Let's hope that Trump (today) doesn't attempt to give away those things that don't belong to him in the first place.
Absolutely, history shows both successes and failures of fortifications. It’s a reminder that context and leadership make all the difference, don’t you think?
I've spent a lot of time with mostly Ukrainian volunteers who operate in the area between the 'fortress belt' and the front line, evacuating and feeding people from frontline settlements and supporting the army: https://annabowles.substack.com/p/repetitive-western-outrage-expanding; https://annabowles.substack.com/p/the-union-of-kramatorsk-volunteers; https://annabowles.substack.com/p/the-evacuation-chain; https://annabowles.substack.com/p/a-stroll-around-kramatorsk
It’s powerful that you’ve been right there with those who risk so much to save others. The resilience and humanity of Ukrainian volunteers is something the world can learn from — thank you for telling it🙏
Thank you! I really appreciate having the chance to do so, and people who listen.
The practical effect of Neville Chamberlain's betrayal of Czechoslovakia in 1938 was to turn over to the Nazis the Czech's fortifications and most defensible terrain making the rest of Czechoslovakia virtually indefensible to the later invasion. Ukraine will not make this mistake.
🤔 Indeed UKRAINE will not willingly give up these fortifications - the legitimate concern is Trump negotiating them away to Putin & how Ukraine will be able to deal with it 🤷
History has shown the danger of giving in and Ukraine knows it cannot repeat that mistake. But in your opinion, what lessons from the past can help Ukraine and its allies avoid repeating the path of Czechoslovakia in 1938?
Knowledge is power in this instance. Knowledge of history is part of it but Ukraine has proven its bona fides as a military power (with some issues, of course) and surely knows better than to give up its defensive power and positioning to a Hitler clone.
Totally agree with you!
Ukrainians in America. This was a subject that came up somewhile ago. Ukrainian permits coming to an end what will these refugees do? A decision was made by Trump that Ukrainians can stay. Has this changed now?
As far as I see it, Trump didn’t officially extend the permits. Many Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. could soon lose their legal status, which is really worrying 😔
If true let that be lesson to us when being told what Trump promises with these negotiations.
A Trump promise has no truth to it!
💙💛 It is so important to remember that this "war" is not just drones & bombs sent in remotely from afar - have been hearing a bit about the dangers of a breakthrough in this region which would endanger a large swathe of Ukrainian land & urban areas with potential for further penetration by Russian ground troops. Heroes are not just soldiers on the front line - everyone plays their part in different ways 🫂💪
The best thing I’ve read on this so far - thanks everyone
Your reporting inspires me.
I am sick over all of this. I’ll send all the positive thoughts I can summon to Washington on Monday when your President is supposed to meet again with that vile shitbird. I’m nearby, so they won’t be diluted.
Adorable doggo.