Protesters splashed what was reported as red paint on Russian Ambassador to Poland Sergey Andreev in tandem with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Soviet Military Cemetery in Warsaw on Monday.
Soviet troops eventually joined the alliance against Nazi Germany during World War II — and the victory over Nazi troops was, on paper, the impetus for the Monday gathering featuring the Russian ambassador — but now, Russian forces have turned to devastating the country of Ukraine, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, many civilians have been forced into Russia, and millions have been displaced. Large crowds of demonstrators turned out to the scene where Andreev eventually showed up on Monday, and local police reportedly intervened to separate protesters backing the Russians and those supporting the Ukrainians’ cause. Russia’s embassy in Poland abandoned prior plans for a march in commemoration of the victory over the Nazis, who Russian leaders now resemble, as many have observed.
⚡️ Russian troops shell Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast.
According to Sloviansk Mayor Vadym Lyakh, Russian forces targeted the central part of the city on May 9. No casualties have been reported yet.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) May 9, 2022
Fellow Russian diplomats with Andreev at the cemetery containing the remains of Soviet soldiers were also targeted by demonstrators. Predictably, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova lashed out over the incident. “The demolition of monuments to the heroes of World War II, the desecration of graves, and now the disruption of the flower-laying ceremony on a holy day for every decent person prove the already obvious — the West has set a course for the reincarnation of fascism,” she said — which, while clearly ridiculous, isn’t easily dismissed in light of the fact that it’s these delusions behind Russia’s violence against Ukraine. This nonsense also hasn’t been enough to shake de facto support for the Russian cause among certain American conservatives, such as Fox host Tucker Carlson.
⚡️ Russia increases number of missile carriers in Black Sea.
As of May 9, Russia has 7 carriers of Kalibr missiles in the Black Sea that can fire up to 50 missiles, Defense Ministry said. On May 4, Ukraine’s military reported 3 Russian missile carriers in the Black Sea.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) May 9, 2022
Recently, Carlson went on a truly bizarre tirade on his show — although there are a lot of available examples along these lines. He claimed that Democrats are “taking us to war with Russia” in retaliation for Russian efforts to oppose the presidential candidacy of Hillary Clinton — which is obviously delusional. The U.S. is not heading into war with Russia. There’s been no indication from the Biden administration that American troops will be engaging in combat operations against Russian forces — but (and here’s an important thing): Carlson’s remarks reflect Putin’s rhetoric, expanding the murderous authoritarian’s reach. During a new speech, Putin claimed Western interests had been “preparing for the invasion of our land, including Crimea” ahead of the current war in Ukraine, which is nonsense — but all of these false claims provide delusional foundations for the continuing aggression of Russian forces.
⚡️ Defense Ministry: Russia can use its artillery units in Crimea to attack Kherson Oblast.
Russia brought additional artillery units to the north of the occupied Crimea and can use them to attack Kherson Oblast, Defense Ministry spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said on May 9.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) May 9, 2022
While Carlson and others who parrot Putin’s arguments about supposed aggression towards Russia by American officials keep spiraling, much of the rest of the world remains united in its support for the Ukrainian people’s cause. U.S. First Lady Jill Biden made a surprise visit to Ukraine over the weekend, meeting with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska. Other U.S. officials to have visited Ukraine include House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
⚡️ Luhansk Oblast governor: Ukraine to rescue 11 people from the rubble in Shypylivka after liberating the village.
11 people remain under the rubble of a two-story building in the Shypylivka village since it was shelled by Russians on May 8.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) May 9, 2022
