Oh boy, it looks like Russia has gone and done it again – sentencing yet another opponent of the Ukraine war to 25 years in prison. Vladimir Kara-Murza, a politician and Washington Post contributor, called the trial “unfounded, illegal and politically motivated.” Surely there’s a better way to quell opposition than locking them up for a quarter of a century?
Meanwhile, China’s defense minister is cozying up to Russia’s Putin, praising their “substantial achievements” in military cooperation. Some worry that China might start providing lethal aid to support Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. But hey, at least they’re committed to the friendship, right?
On the other side of the pond, both the UK and US are crying foul over the harsh sentence issued to Kara-Murza. They’re calling for his immediate release, with the British Foreign Secretary saying that “Russia’s lack of commitment to protecting fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, is alarming.” No kidding, Sherlock.
Russia’s penchant for locking up its opposition only highlights its isolationist tendencies. Putin seems intent on destroying any remnants of democracy in his country. It’s no wonder that people are taking to the streets in protest. One can only hope that the brave voices speaking truth to power will one day be heard.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to suffer, with civilian casualties likely to increase due to land mine explosions during the spring agricultural season. It’s estimated that it will take at least a decade to clear the country of mines. Slovakian jets might provide some support, but it’s clear that Ukraine needs more help if it’s going to expel Russian troops from its territory.
And let’s not forget about Poland and Hungary, restricting Ukrainian grain and causing all sorts of trade policy headaches for the EU. Can’t we all just get along and coordinate our decisions? Apparently not.
It’s all starting to feel a bit like the Iraq War days, with “old Europe” and “new Europe” at odds over how to deal with Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Some leaders are steadfastly supporting Ukraine, while others are making diplomatic overtures to Putin. It’s a mess, but hey, at least we can still laugh at it.
Serious News: washingtonpost
