Ukraine Dispatch 25 | Day 167 of the War in Ukraine ~ Leadership For the West ~ The International Churchill Society

Ukraine Dispatches

Volume 1

This Ukraine Dispatch ran last year, 9 August 2022.

Yesterday, Presidednt Zelensky ended his whistlestop tour of European Capitals with a visit to Chequers, the British prime minister’s offical residence (for prime ministers only during office).

Much has been secured. We cannot supply fighter jets, we do not have F16s. But we are second to none in training pilots and that is just one part of an extensive package of support for Ukraine, including cruise missiles, drones and tanks.

A line caught my eye this evening as I paid for fuel.

UK backs Ukraine to join NATO

I bought the newspaper, and the front page carries five points that, in a way, quietly reflects the resolve of the British People in these islands. I quote them as follows:

“Britain will back Nato membership for Ukraine after the war with Russia has ended, Rishi Sunak has told Volodymyr Zelensky, i [Independent newspaper] undestands.

Joing alliance would mean further conflict would be treated as attacks against all members.

Prime Minister gave assurances during the Ukranian President’s surprise vist to the UK.

Most Nato member states have refused to give public backing to the idea, although majority are believed to support the change.

Putin likely to fiercely resist Ukraine in Nato.”

— i (i formerly known as the Independent) dated 16 May 2023, the full article being on page 6 by Hugo Gye POLITCAL EDITOR

The sooner that Ukraine is admitted to full membership of both the European Union and the North Atlantic treay Organisation, the better will it be for all countries who are determined to resist autocracy, dictatorship and populism. Note well, populism is simply the mist that disguises that which it guards and foments with vigour ~ Fascism.

The Original Ukraine Dispatch

9 August 2022

I have long drawn similarities between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Sir Winston Churchill. Two wartime leaders each of their countries when they not only stood alone but were, and are in the case of Ukraine, under fierce bombardment and invasion.

As a member of the International Churchill Society, I was moved to read this account.

Visitors will also be aware that whilst I am not at one with the Right Honourable Mr. Boris Johnson, Privy Counsellor and currently this country’s outgoing prime minister, nevertheless, Mr. Johnson is a Classicist and an authority on the life of Winston Churchill. I recognize, too, his leadership and support for the Sovereign Nation and People of Ukraine.

It is for this reason that I append this article. It speaks for itself. It affirms what millions around the world know to be true, many with a sense of relief, others with a sense of dread. Well, those who dread have, alas, brought upon their own heads and those of their benighted peoples, that dread sense of foreboding.

As in 1940, in 2022 the Great Democracies are again under threat. Not only from without but from within.

I do not have time for people who argue that their way is better, that people prefer to be ruled and to be kept within strict guidelines. In them, I see something else entirely. It is as old as humankind itself.

I want what you’ve got.

I like what you’ve got.

I see no reason why you should have it.

I’m simply going to take it for myself.

Moreover, I will seek, kill and destroy

to get it.

Whether it is oil, gas, grain, micro, and silicon chips … this is what motivates a certain kind of individual. They are mystified by the inbuilt rule of law within the liberal democracies. The article within this Link is vital to read and understand, to take on board.

Leadership For the West, Hero of Our Time by Andrew Roberts, International Churchill Society

16 May 2023
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© 2023 Kenneth Thomas Webb

First Written on Day 167, 9 August 2022