❗️Radicalized elements within the Ukrainian armed forces have begun detaining elected officials, including a member of parliament Nestor Shufrych, who had earlier called for an immediate end to the war.

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Russia-shaming and the psychology of fear.

We're experiencing war on numerous levels: military, informational, and financial. In reality, this war has already been ongoing for quite a long time, only in different stages of intensity.

On the informational front, the key strategy is always one of striking fear into the enemy: tell them their cause is futile, and that they will be severely punished. Instill a sense of panic if possible. What regards Russians around the world, they have become the targets of such psychological warfare, and it's not awfully difficult to do when one has predominance in the information space (both via media channels and an opportunity to censor).

Russian Americans and Russians in other part of the world are being subject to an intentional shaming campaign, and are being heavily pressured to publicly denounce the war and the Russian government. In other words, they are told "either you are with us, or are against us — there is no such thing as neutrality in this question."

As a result, many have put up the Ukrainian flag on their avatars and wrote such posts as "I'm ashamed to be Russian." Whether they really feel that way, or they are like many businesses who put up BLM posters in order to avoid the mob's wrath (which often didn't work as expected), the strategy seems to be working so far. Many worry about their professional image, social image, and in some cases how migration authorities might perceive them.

It was particularly disappointing for me to read the statement of the "Russian" Nobility Association, an organization I had previously supported for many years. It seems they "took a knee" to this pressure as opposed to standing up for their name, or at the very least maintaining a neutral stance which would have been the wisest thing to do. As for how they suddenly decided to "reject the history" of the situation, I found that particularly amusing given the positions of its previous leadership. I guess as times change, so do the people.

Those of us who live in America and other Euroatlantic countries have some tough decisions to make. Do we allow our opinion of the situation to be affected by the mass hysteria in the media, which is attempting to drown out all debate and squelch any information that doesn't fit with its narrative? How concerned are we that someone's feelings will be hurt if we don't agree with their position (even if we don't push it in their face?).

I would hope that in analyzing this conflict, people act with the utmost integrity and filter out the noise and emotion that is a product of psychological warfare, which is intended to intimidate and inspire panic. If we live in a country with a first amendment, we have every right to be protected by it.

— By George Sokol

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⚡️ US considering a ban on imports of Russian crude oil (Bloomberg)

The US imported over half a million barrels per day of Russian crude and petroleum products last year, which is around 7% of total imports.

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Unhappy with NATO’s refusal to start a war with Russia, Ukraine resorts to petty insults.

Foreign Minister Kuleba called NATO "weak and indecisive," adding that it "cannot do anything."

He even issued a vague threat: "This is a weakness for which the alliance, unfortunately, will pay."

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Washington hawks have been planning a war against Russia in Ukraine for many years, and after the coup of 2014 they didn’t even hide it. Just listen.

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Watch Genri T. Sardaryan from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) explain the 'special operation' in Ukraine to a BBC anchor.

Why did Putin decide to take military action?

Following the 2014 "Euromaidan" revolution, the west recognized the regime which overthrew the democratically elected government of Ukraine. At the same time, western countries failed to help the people of the Donbass, a region which has been ravaged by a now 8-year-long war.

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❗️Putin: The current leadership in Kiev must understand that if they continue in the same spirit, they call into question the future of Ukrainian statehood — and if this happens, it will be entirely on their conscience.

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The Washington Capitals have increased security for Russian forward Alexander Ovechkin, the team’s general manager Brian MacLellan told NBC Sports.

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Looting has become rampant across the Ukraine.

On video, a man from Mariupol is filming people stealing anything they can get their hands on, sarcastically calling the looters “patriots”.

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Hundreds of local residents lined up for the distribution of Russian humanitarian aid today in Kherson.

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❗️ U.S. State Dept., Pentagon and other agencies are preparing to evacuate Ukraine’s President Zelensky to Poland, where his government-in-exile will lead a guerrilla war (Washington Post)

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