Today's News: Ukraine Strong

For Ukraine coverage, here's some great resources: 

The Kyiv Independent twitter 

Josh Marshall's twitter list 2022 Ukraine Crisis 

Canadian reporter Justin Ling's twitter 

Balloon Juice's War In Ukraine page

New York Times Russia-Ukraine War page 

Washington Post War in Ukraine page 

Globe and Mail Ukraine page

Day 5 of a full-scale Russian invasion. Putin still cannot capture #Kyiv. The capital of #Ukraine is standing and successfully fighting back. pic.twitter.com/HII9Cp4XQK

— Ostap Yarysh (@OstapYarysh) February 28, 2022

As evening fell the sounds of battle had receded to Kharkiv’s airport and elsewhere on the city’s outskirts. Once again, a big Russian assault had failed https://t.co/pTRgYjbfnw

— The Economist (@TheEconomist) February 28, 2022

War can be a race, a slow, grinding race. If the west can help Ukraine faster than Putin can wear them down, there is a chance. Godspeed to the "allies"

— DW Murray (@dwminsc) February 27, 2022

Ukraine needs to make it one more week without surrendering, until arms & airpower & fighters from many nations can arrive. #UkraineStrong

— Cathie from Canada 🇨🇦 😷🏳️‍🌈 (@CathieCanada) February 28, 2022

For the first time, the entire European Union is ready for a fight:

EU #fighterjets in #Ukraine & will be ready to #fly in 1 hour. #StandWithUkriane

— Aaron Bouma #Militaryspecialist #ActuallyAutistic (@CANADA566) February 27, 2022

As I write this, it is Monday morning in Russia -- the ruble is crashing and the Russian stock market opening has been postponed again:

Putin may be getting set for his most violent and bloody push into Ukraine yet, at the exact moment when his currency is hitting historic lows. Meanwhile, Ukraine and the West have never been more unified.

Zelensky is likely right when he says the next 24 hours will be crucial. https://t.co/ZJ4xIrNjGH

— Justin Ling (@Justin_Ling) February 28, 2022

The nations of the Europe and North America are speaking with one voice:

All free peoples are on the same side now. It’s not a conflict of ideologies. It’s democracy vs. dictatorship

— Paul Massaro (@apmassaro3) February 28, 2022

Thanks to Biden:

Condoleeza Rice just STUNNED Fox News by saying that President Biden has managed to unite NATO in ways she didn't think were possible after the Cold War.

Take THAT Fox News!

— Jon Cooper (@joncoopertweets) February 27, 2022

And to Canada:

Canada is at the forefront of the economic sanctions against Russia and Putin.
Please read:https://t.co/A8ehlbTp6w

— Bill Rice🍎 (@2muchfun4me) February 28, 2022

It was a little bit terrifying to hear that Putin had put Russia on nuclear alert. But the world didn't seem to panic over this:

I will let you know. For now, this is meant for a domestic audience in Russia as much as for anyone else. https://t.co/gwaIo9u3gR

— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) February 27, 2022

And the world's admiration for Ukraine just keeps growing:

Ukrainians are the honey-badgers of Europe.

— John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳️‍🌈 (@aravosis) February 27, 2022

Will Bunch: "[Ukraine] is making the same existential choice their grandparents made during World War II. Freedom is worth fighting for. And dying for ... The time for choosing has arrived. Which side are you on? " https://t.co/cH2Krib1Km via @phillyinquirer

— Cathie from Canada 🇨🇦 😷🏳️‍🌈 (@CathieCanada) February 27, 2022

Trump's Putin-worship is looking increasingly pathetic and treasonous:

The events of the past week makes it clear why Donald Trump worked tirelessly to undermine NATO. When supported by the United States, the organization is the greatest bulwark against Putin’s tyranny just as it was against Soviet tyranny.

— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) February 27, 2022

Not to mention, really really stupid:

Donald Trump wants you to know the real problem is Canada. https://t.co/sDSr06NFqh

— Gerald Butts (@gmbutts) February 27, 2022

Canada has a message for Trump and all the MAGAs who follow him:

pic.twitter.com/SOzgZrMhw5

— Effin' Birds (@EffinBirds) February 28, 2022

Today's News: Fighting the good fight

Nobody knows if Ukraine will prevail over Russia - its hard to see what "winning" would look like in this context, maybe Russia will not just turn tail and go home, but instead maybe just that Ukraine keeps on fighting. 

But for today, at least, it seems like Ukraine is still hanging in there. As people see how courageous and steadfast the Ukrainians are, more and more countries are demanding their governments take action, sending arms to Ukraine and implementing significant sanctions against Russia.

I worried pre war the bravado we heard from Ukrainians would melt once the shooting started. The invasion — the scale & ferocity of it — seemed a terrible psychological blow. Morale could have collapsed in the first couple of days. Instead they give every sign of having rallied.

— Andrew Coyne 🇺🇦 (@acoyne) February 26, 2022

In a matter of hours or days, we have gone, psychologically, from September 1939 (invasion of Poland) to June 1940 (fall of France) to August-September 1940 (Battle of Britain).

— Andrew Coyne 🇺🇦 (@acoyne) February 26, 2022

We were told Zelensky was Ukraine’s Jon Stewart. It turns out he is Ukraine’s Winston Churchill.

— Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) February 26, 2022

For decades, democracies have too often placed concerns like profit and national security above those principles. In Ukraine, people are showing what it means to risk literally everything for self-determination, sovereignty, and a refusal to be subjugated

— Ben Rhodes (@brhodes) February 27, 2022

Americans should always stand on the side of freedom and democracy against terror, tyranny and lawless aggression. Freedom comes at great cost. We will see how high that cost is in the days and weeks ahead for a very brave people. We must support them in their fight.

— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) February 26, 2022

Whatever happens in Ukraine now, I think the image of Putin as master chess player died on the road to Kyiv.

— Schooley (@Rschooley) February 26, 2022

Russia thanks its GOP comrades. pic.twitter.com/wxvYgE0txp

— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) February 26, 2022

Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 26, 2022

Russia is going to be feeling the pain of the world's condemnation:

The Russian economy is about to tank harder than a Trump casino.

— Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) February 27, 2022

Former Russian Central Bank deputy chairman Sergei Aleksashenko: “There is going to be a catastrophe on the Russian currency market on Monday”

— Market Rebellion (@MarketRebels) February 27, 2022

Even Germany is climbing on board now:

Chancellor Olaf Scholz: "The Russian invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point. It threatens our entire post-war order. In this situation, it is our duty to do our utmost to support Ukraine in defending itself against Vladimir Putin's invading army.GER stands closely by Ukraine."

— Hans von der Burchard (@vonderburchard) February 26, 2022

Germany's extraordinary shift, plus weapons deliveries by other countries like the Netherlands, will be a huge moral boost to Ukraine's army.

It's of course too early to say but it could be a turning point in this war — Russia already caught a bloody nose as 🇺🇦 defends fiercely.

— Hans von der Burchard (@vonderburchard) February 26, 2022

Trudeau and Freeland have been key players in persuading Europe to increase sanctions:

The official says Freeland's call with her American counterpart was particularly key.

Both Freeland and Trudeau spoke to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal today. Trudeau spoke directly to EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen shortly before her announcement last hour.

— Justin Ling (@Justin_Ling) February 26, 2022

as well as those of their families and enablers. We will take their yachts, their luxury apartments, their money, their ability to send their kids to college abroad, the US official said.
also cracking down on entities that sell citizenship to wealthy russians to bypass sanctions

— Laura Rozen (@lrozen) February 26, 2022

and he said this is sad.
But he said they (the US, UK, Europe, etc) faced a choice. And they decided they had to make Putin’s war on Ukraine a strategic failure for Russia.

— Laura Rozen (@lrozen) February 26, 2022

One of the most effective actions to protect Ukraine would be instituting a no-fly zone to prevent Russian jets from bombing cities. But as Dale Smith notes, this ain't gonna happen -- no other country will risk shooting down a Russian jet and starting world war three between all of Europe and a nuclear-armed Russia.

"Canada & NATO will not be enforcing a no-fly zone over Ukraine .. this would involve shooting down Russian aircraft - essentially declaring war. Nobody wants that...no matter how many times reporters ask about it, the answer is the same: no."https://t.co/j1cmXP8CWx

— Cathie from Canada 🇨🇦 😷🏳️‍🌈 (@CathieCanada) February 26, 2022

So the Ukrainians must keep on fighting for themselves, and they are doing it:

I learn to use #Kalashnikov and prepare to bear arms. It sounds surreal as just a few days ago it would never come to my mind. Our #women will protect our soil the same way as our #men. Go #Ukraine! 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/UbF4JRGlcy

— Kira Rudik (@kiraincongress) February 25, 2022

The driver rolls up on the Russians, Russians say they are out of gas. The driver offers to tow them back to Russia.

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 26, 2022

“We allowed them to call their parents” Compassion and understanding in a time war ❤️#IStandWithUkraine #PutinisTrash https://t.co/cuZUxLbHtL

— SassyMétisChick (@SassyMetisChick) February 27, 2022

Pravda Brewery, based in Lviv, Ukraine, has suspended its beer brewing operations and is now making Molotov cocktails for residents to use against invading Russian forces.

The labels on the bottles say “Putin is a dickhead.” pic.twitter.com/ZqrHEpaOK4

— Travis Akers (@travisakers) February 27, 2022

Main update after the night: Kyiv holds on, not captured and unbent #StandWithUkraine #StopRussia pic.twitter.com/9DfQFyYr6T

— UkraineWorld (@ukraine_world) February 27, 2022

Good morning world, this is Kyiv reporting in.

This city is still standing. This city is still resisting. This city is still strong.

We are still here.

We will remain here.#Kyiv.

— Oz Katerji (@OzKaterji) February 27, 2022

Today's News: Lighting up the world for Ukraine

World Unites in solidarity with Ukraine as the landmark lights up in blue and yellow 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/TIKIexzDSp

— JEY 🇺🇸 (@mmoaNkoaa) February 25, 2022

pic.twitter.com/bicWGLge3b

— Sedona 🕯 (@SedonajaneRocks) February 26, 2022

Standing tall. Standing for peace. pic.twitter.com/MArrG1OE5B

— City of New York (@nycgov) February 26, 2022

The world is supporting Ukraine, a development that apparently Putin did not expect. Even, apparently now, China.

Russia isn’t a huge exporting company. Mostly oil.

China is a YUGE exporter, largest in the world. They’re watching every one of their top 50 customers lining up, in unanimity, against Putin.

China will not go down with Putin. They will not incur ANY economic damage in support.

— Jeff Blackwell🇺🇸 (@JCBwellUS) February 25, 2022

Trudeau and Johnson are getting Europe and the world on board with tougher sanctions:

Diplomats tell us following sanctions are tricky:
- ITA, AUS, DE concerned abt broad banking-sector sanctions
- ITA resistant to sanctions that include railways
- ITA wants carve-out for luxury goods
- BEL wants carve-out for diamonds
+ broad reluctance to sanction energy sector

— Matina Stevis-Gridneff (@MatinaStevis) February 24, 2022

Hacking collective Anonymous declares 'cyber war' against Vladimir Putin's government https://t.co/eNuoUa4TKl

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) February 25, 2022

And if there's one person who should know the pitfalls of a nation starting a war of choice, its David Frum:

If Putin's plan to end his war is

1) Ukrainian army overthrows elected government

2) New military regime signs quisling peace

3) NATO and the West accept the new regime

4) Ukrainian public submit ....

That's not a very good plan, and he's going to need another one.

— David Frum (@davidfrum) February 25, 2022

Even Republicans are starting to parrot "Its really all Biden's fault somehow" as they desperately try to make everyone forget their knee-jerk pro-Putin reactions yesterday.

“It takes a special kind of a son of a bitch to see innocent people fleeing their homes and think, ‘How can I make this about me?’ but nobody does that better than Donald Trump." - @JimmyKimmel #WeStandWithUkrainehttps://t.co/VJUJ8zRy1e

— Democratic Coalition (@TheDemCoalition) February 25, 2022

And here's a timely reminder:

America owes Ukraine. Trump tried to blackmail their President into creating a fake investigation into Biden to disrupt the 2020 election.

Zelenskyy refused. Knowing he wouldn't get weapons he needed to defend his home.

He refused.

We. Owe. Ukraine.

— Patrick S. Tomlinson (@stealthygeek) February 26, 2022

Sean Penn is in Ukraine right now shooting a documentary about the war because of course he is:

Sean Penn is 100% a Democrat!

This, my friends, show us his pure dedication to his art!

I wish him well!

You know this will come out before the election, right! pic.twitter.com/M2IgEH5uir

— 🏴‍☠️ Bob Lawrence --Obama is #1 (@TrumpluvsObama) February 25, 2022

To his credit, Louis CK refused to cancel his show tonight in Kyiv -- though it also led to this tweet:

MANAGER: So what next?
LOUIS CK: Maybe send me overseas where I can earn quietly but stay out of the news?
MANAGER: Leave it with me.

— Gourmet Spud (@gourmetspud) February 25, 2022

Russian athletes are being put on the spot and, with some risk to their families in Russia, are speaking up:

Russian tennis player Andrey Rublev wrote “No war please” on the camera after his win in Dubai

(via @TSN_Sports)pic.twitter.com/yT1ta9L5ye

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 25, 2022

Ovi on instagram. That’ll leave a mark. 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/vYRDR6GMY5

— Gerald Butts (@gmbutts) February 25, 2022

I hope its not just wishful thinking, but the war doesn't seem to be going Putin's way:

As of Feb 26 morning, Russia’s suffered 3500+ fatalities, ≈200 POWs. They planned a blitzkrieg, but failed. This past night paves a way for talks and it’s Ukraine who’s going to set conditions here - Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to president Zelensky

— Myroslava Petsa (@myroslavapetsa) February 26, 2022

Russia's plan clearly is to reach Kyiv as quickly as possible and force Zelensky to surrender, including Ukrainian forces across the country. If Russia can't take Kyiv quickly or if Zelensky refuses and resistance continues across Ukraine, Russia's costs and problems multiply. https://t.co/V2qz5YAIcw

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) February 26, 2022

Some good news for Ukraine, and an embarrassing admission for the Russian army that it even needs to ask for help from its poor neighbor, Kazakhstan. https://t.co/n9LUkI8Gmj

— Chris Woolf (@CCWoolf) February 26, 2022

“I believe the war must be immediately halted” - Communist Party State Duma deputy Mikhail Matveev becomes first Russian federal level lawmaker to oppose the Ukraine invasion. https://t.co/jLspZdwJEV

— Felix Light (@felix_light) February 26, 2022

Facebook just banned Russian state media from running ads or monetizing on Meta platforms anywhere in the world

— Stephanie Ruhle (@SRuhle) February 26, 2022

Can’t imagine why the Irish people would despise bullies who invade land which is not theirs. https://t.co/RwlFOG37ZZ

— Quinn Cummings (@quinncy) February 25, 2022

2. Good to see this.

UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) in extraordinary meeting pulls Champions League final from Russia.https://t.co/axl4W58jQy pic.twitter.com/HfsdAL1G3u

— Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) February 25, 2022

4. Good to see this.

International Olympic Committee urges all sports federations to move their events out of Russia AND Belarushttps://t.co/CcrXCk99oB pic.twitter.com/3LN6rgStRi

— Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) February 25, 2022

6. Good to see this.

International Ski Federation (FIS) cancels all remaining World Cup events with Russiahttps://t.co/doFHV1YXdL pic.twitter.com/5uoPXMmidn

— Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) February 25, 2022

8. Good to see this.

World Curling Federation removes European Curling Championships 2022 from Russiahttps://t.co/LByj0uYp3l pic.twitter.com/MQa7D3tPDq

— Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) February 25, 2022

The courage of the Ukrainians is legendary now:

I just burst into tears. https://t.co/05GOKe4sLz

— A Page...in your life💉💉💉♥️⛵️🇨🇦♥️🇺🇦 (@sailorgirl2017) February 26, 2022

Ukrainian grannies fighting for their grandchildren. https://t.co/kzn3ErmZT6

— Zina Spezakis, CFA ✊🏼🌹🌎 (@ZSpezakis) February 26, 2022

When you are up against unbelievable odds, stories of heroes may be the only thing giving you the strength to keep fighting.

The sunflower seed lady, the Ghost of Kyiv, and Snake Island are stories that the Russians can never defeat.

This is what Putin is most afraid of, hope.

— Ted Corcoran (RedTRaccoon) (@RedTRaccoon) February 25, 2022

7/20 The phrase “Russian warship, go F*$# yourself” will join other great responses from military history like “Nuts!”. Last week, none of us had heard of Snake Island. Today, none of us will ever forgot what these servants of their nation did there. pic.twitter.com/AgHCTRceCr

— Major General Mick Ryan (@WarintheFuture) February 26, 2022

Ukraine will honor the border guards who heroically died on Snake Island. https://t.co/tUlabrUMUq

— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) February 26, 2022

Pro Tip: when you invade another country and a lady walks up to you and says 'Take these seeds and put them in your pockets so at least sunflowers will grow when you die here' it’s time to go home, fast.

— NoelCaslerComedy (@caslernoel) February 25, 2022

In Ottawa, there was #BalconyMan. In Ukraine, there is #SunflowerLady 🇺🇦 💛 https://t.co/5hCDOQ2Lx7

— Dr Victoria Austen (@Vicky_Austen) February 25, 2022

Reports of this lone pilot having shot down 6 Russian Aircraft and possibly being the first 21st century Ace are circulating. They're being nicknamed the Ghost of Kyiv and I am in fucking awe. https://t.co/lakzodkEiU

— Hawkerhellfire (@hawkerhellfire) February 24, 2022

Awesome. https://t.co/z9JRenMkwS

— Isaac Britton (pen name) (@IsaacBrittonSr) February 26, 2022

For what it's worth, Masada is the founding myth of the Israel Defense Force. https://t.co/TcaDxhKjnw

— Fred of Fred Hall (@LesserFrederick) February 26, 2022

A baby has been born in the subway in Ukraine: pic.twitter.com/0PYOFOgRVs

— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) February 25, 2022

War criminals go straight to hell.

HT @MeidasTouch #DefeatPutin #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦

pic.twitter.com/IVZ71ypJUU

— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) February 26, 2022

Shchedryk by the great Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/Q3NUNty8VA

— Patrick Dexter (@patrickdextervc) February 25, 2022

.@ZelenskyyUa's tv address to the Russian (!) people might be the most moving speech that I've ever seen in my entire life. The whole world needs to see, understand and share this crucial Ukrainian message.#StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Україна #Russia #Россия pic.twitter.com/WoMOgqXTWX

— Patrick Moelleken 🇺🇦 (@PMoelleken) February 24, 2022

Canada proudly proclaims one of the largest Ukrainian diaspora in the world - the paintings of Manitoba artist William Kurelek tell their story here:

These paintings hang in Rideau Hall. They depict the oppression of Tsarist Russia, the promise of migration, its realisation on the Canadian prairies, and then, a distant mushroom cloud warns that oppression could return. We must restore that promise #StandWithUkraine https://t.co/qYsfPFEnua

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) February 26, 2022

The Ukrainian Pioneer (No. 6)
William Kurelek
1971, 1976 pic.twitter.com/VV71vYUJkI

— Canadian Paintings (@CanadaPaintings) February 24, 2022

Ukrainian Families were some of the 1st families to settle in Treaty 6 territory, before Alberta was a Province. There are many instances of friendship between Indigenous & Ukrainian peoples that highlight the Spirit & Intent of Treaty 6. Our thoughts are with their kin back home

— Chief Billy Morin (@RealBillyMorin) February 24, 2022

Wearing my “khustka” or “Kohkum scarf” in solidarity with Ukraine. Indigenous helped Ukrainian settlers here & we’ve always had friendships & respect because we both know hardship. Ukrainian women gave these floral scarfs to native women & they’re now embedded into our culture💕 pic.twitter.com/llSJmlMTvx

— Brandi Morin (@Songstress28) February 25, 2022

Today's News: Ukraine fights back

Though most of my attention is on the Ukraine now, there is still actual Canadian news for yesterday and today-- Trudeau has revoked the Emergencies Act, for one thing -- and the insurrectionists who fucked around are finding out more of what Canadian justice has in store for them.

BREAKING: @ONtransport tells @CP24 & @CTVNews they've suspended 12 Ontario large (transport) truck licenses, and issued 27 seizure orders against out-of-province truck operators related to the Ottawa protest blockades. This effectively puts them out of business.

— Brandon Buechler (@B21Writes) February 24, 2022

Jan 28-Feb 14: Ottawa paralyzed. Police do nothing.

Feb 14: Federal emergency declaration.

Feb 18-20: Police move in. Blockades cleared.

Feb 23: Emergency declaration lifted.

In sum: Emergency declaration restores order, is lifted soon after.

Outrage!

— Andrew Coyne 🇺🇦 (@acoyne) February 23, 2022

They can travel, work etc. All they have to do is get vaccinated. This is not a serious imposition in reality, even if they imagine it to be so.
That they do so imagine is sad. They deserve our empathy and understanding. They do not, however, get to set policy. https://t.co/U7fcMQxQVj

— Andrew Coyne 🇺🇦 (@acoyne) February 23, 2022

That permanent power grab argument had a short shelf life. https://t.co/cuGa80G2B3

— Gerald Butts (@gmbutts) February 23, 2022

I don't think the people of Ottawa will ever forget this attempted insurrection - I would love to see a book about it, and maybe this artist's work could illustrate it:

Heroes of the resistance. Ordinary people pushed to do extraordinary things during the occupation. #cdnpoli #politicalcartoon #ottawaprotest #resistance #balconyguy #potbangingguy #lawsuitlady #thepress #staysafe #getvaccinated #wearamask #pandemic #cartoon #illustration pic.twitter.com/gbsympIRdg

— Chris Chuckry 🇺🇦 🇨🇦 (@chrischuckry) February 23, 2022

As requested, more heroes of the resistance. The neighbourhood “grannies,” who gave a thumbs down and a “you shall not pass” to a dump truck-lead convoy on their street. Also, blue jacket guy, a bundle of pulsating furiosity who unloaded on some horn honking truckers. 1/ pic.twitter.com/KHv9V1zW4I

— Chris Chuckry 🇺🇦 🇨🇦 (@chrischuckry) February 24, 2022

And never forget the Battle of Billings Bridge:

"our tiny protest with a few people turned into a block party of thousands ...it is this sort of direct action, rather than policing emboldened by an authoritarian Emergency Act, that will undermine sympathy for the convoy’s politics"https://t.co/Ga4fDodCUX

— Alison Creekside (@CreeksideAlison) February 22, 2022

Never forget. pic.twitter.com/MTelgL2nA1

— T💀ri the Dumb Lefty Canadian Radical (@RodneyTori) February 22, 2022

Turning to the war in the Ukraine, I thought this post today was inspirational and beautiful:

Pretty Nose — Hero of the Battle of Little Bighorn, June 25, 1876. First female War Chief of the Arapaho Nation — I send her ferociously beautiful fighting spirit to the people of Ukraine. 🇺🇦🪶 pic.twitter.com/1rQboK2E1T

— Lakota Man (@LakotaMan1) February 25, 2022

And this is just so tragic:

Father saying goodbye to his daughter as he puts her on a bus to safety and he stays behind to fight for Ukraine #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/MBRc2fH59j

— Wu-Tang Is For The Children (@WUTangKids) February 24, 2022

One of the most famous Soviet World War II ballads begins: "On the 22nd of June at 4am, they bombed Kyiv / They told us war had begun."

This time the missiles are coming from Russia. https://t.co/B8rsM7DeNN

— max seddon (@maxseddon) February 25, 2022

There are some reports tonight that the Ukraine army, though outnumbered and outgunned, continues to fight for their country with courage and determination, and even may be winning some battles:

Though Ukraine's initial defense wasn't great today, it will improve. Whether called an "insurgency" or a "guerilla war," UKR will wear down an enemy that already has low morale & an even lower support from their population back in mother RU (see protests). 13/

— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) February 25, 2022

Meanwhile... (Maliar also claimed that Ukraine has destroyed 7 Russian warplanes, 6 attack helicopters, more than 30 tanks, and 130 armored vehicles.) https://t.co/3IwJhv1YEB

— Kevin Rothrock (@KevinRothrock) February 25, 2022

It is obviously no longer possible for the world to interact with Putin like a normal political leader. China won't bail him out either. He stuck out his neck and thought he could crush Ukraine like he was Ivan the Terrible and leave the West divided. That's not happening.

— Aaron Astor (@AstorAaron) February 25, 2022

And once again, Republicans are on the wrong side of history:

Lord Haw-Haw rides again. https://t.co/q8AaheDVUh

— David Simon (@AoDespair) February 24, 2022

Half of them want Biden to do "more" but can't say what "more" means because they have no idea. The other half is rooting for the Russians. https://t.co/6OxgpumCZD

— Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) February 25, 2022

Cowards.https://t.co/KKyqvhcPmD

— Julia Davis (@JuliaDavisNews) February 25, 2022

And one more bit of interesting info:

Very glad to know this now. https://t.co/DNFORZUkuj

— SoniaFesteryga 💉💉💉😷 (@SoniaFesteryga) February 25, 2022

Today's News: War in Ukraine

78 years of peace in Europe was ended today by Russia and Belarus attacking the Ukraine.

#Ukraine is attacked from the north, east, south, air, and ground. This is an all-out war, with Kyiv now under threat by Russian tanks moving in from Belarus. There are reports of amphibious landings in Mariupol and Odesa. pic.twitter.com/G19PsvIvPi

— Mattia Nelles (@mattia_n) February 24, 2022

Map of Russian missile strikes against Ukrainian targets. All military airports are apparently destroyed pic.twitter.com/Q0wY7diVst

— Dmitri Alperovitch (@DAlperovitch) February 24, 2022

Its worth noting that Ukraine and Belarus are both huge countries.

Real-size profiles of #Belarus and #Ukraine projected on the map of Western Europe. This is a potential scale of conflict-affected areas should #Russia expand its aggression against Ukraine (and involve Belarus into the war). pic.twitter.com/3Nl7jbUu7m

— SERGE KHARYTONAU ❌❌ (@kharytonau) January 31, 2022

Someone said it would take 50 divisions to invade a country the size of Ukraine, and Putin only has 15.

So Russia won't be pulling a blizkreig invasion over the whole country, probably more like pummelling airports and ports and infrastructure, and hoping Ukraine will just collapse militarily and economically, and sue for peace, letting the Russians march in without opposition, ending up with half the country occupied by Russia and the other half another version of Vichy France. 

Its difficult to see now what the rest of the world will do to stop this, and whether Europe and the world can get pulled into fighting too:

Eastern European members of NATO are invoking Article 4, which means urgent consultations on military plans for the alliance.

— Paul Sonne (@PaulSonne) February 24, 2022

In America, the Republicans should be ashamed of themselves for how they are following Trump's lead and supporting Putin, and many are calling them out:

The corruption of the American right should have been clear with its tolerance of an attempted coup at home. Now our supposed leader flatters a foreign aggressor as he starts an unprovoked and calamitous war. Shame on every Republican who continues to honor or excuse Trump.

— Gregg Nunziata (@greggnunziata) February 24, 2022

In Canada, considering all the pro-Putin Fox News blathering going on, I have been wondering which way our own CPC would go with this - particularly given how steadfast Trudeau has been in supporting Ukraine and how the CPC is always knee-jerk negative to everything Trudeau does. 

But tonight our old frenemy Harper issued a statement that was, I think, a clear message to the CPC to stop with the politics and get with the program:

No further compromises, no resets, no diplomatic niceties, says former Canadian Prime minister Stephen Harper, likening Putin to Hitler in 1938. Bullies must be dealt with by force. https://t.co/5e893W9LZ1

— Allan Woods (@WoodsAllan) February 24, 2022

And finally -- Trump is just such a clueless twit:

Trump thought US troops were fighting Russians in Ukraine. Try to wrap your mind around that for a second. https://t.co/OXg6qZ1yeJ

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 24, 2022

One thing we can count on is that Putin will put everything he can into turning the House and the Senate in 2022, and re-electing Trump to the presidency in 2024. 

It was a dreadful night to search for anything amusing to finish off this post, but this provoked a rueful chuckle:

Really impressed with everyone who got an emergency PhD in epidemiology in 2020 and who now has somehow earned a master’s in Russian Studies

— Olga Khazan (@olgakhazan) February 22, 2022

And in other news: America is furious at the Republican apologists

There used to be a quaint custom, particularly in the United States, that politics stopped at the border's edge - in other words, foreign policy was considered a national issue, and political games shouldn't be played when US interests abroad were at stake. 

The Trump Republicans have decided to ignore this convention now. Trump blathered on about how wonderful Putin was, and his Republican sycophants happily followed him.

Thousands of Americans are absolutely furious -- more than I have ever seen before.  On twitter, the tweets calling Republicans traitors are getting thousands of likes plus hundreds of retweets and comments.

If you’re defending Putin you’re attacking America.

— Scott Dworkin (@funder) February 23, 2022

SAD FACT: The Republican Party supports Vladimir Putin more than the Russian people do.

— Tea Pain (@TeaPainUSA) February 23, 2022

The fact that you would tweet this today shows how little you care about this nation, its laws, or its people.

Especially since your guy was Putin's proctologist for four years.

— John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) February 23, 2022

The MAGA Lunatics who called Colin Kaepernick unAmerican and a traitor are now praising murderous Dictator Putin for invading Ukraine just a little over a year after they supported the insurrection and attempted coup. That’s not patriotism, that’s fascism, terrorism and lunacy.

— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) February 23, 2022

I spoke to family in Ukraine this morning. They are scared, but they are safe—for now. They are just some of the millions in the path of war.

I would invite Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and others to speak with Ukrainians. Maybe then they’d stop praising Russia.

— Aaron Parnas (@AaronParnas) February 23, 2022

Where are all the “GOP IN DISARRAY OVER UKRAINE” headlines? Where are the stories about how this will hurt republicans in the midterms? #IStandWithUkraine

— Mueller, She Wrote (@MuellerSheWrote) February 23, 2022

You don't have to be a foreign policy expert to know that trump calling Putin's moves "genius" and "savvy" is a really bad look for a former American President.

Even for trump.

— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) February 22, 2022

The GOP is weak on Russia, weak on inflation, weak on crime, and weak on Covid. Pass it on.

— Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) February 23, 2022

Yes, I lived through the 2016 campaign and all four years of Trump placing Putin ahead of our intel community, praising Putin, defending Russian positions. And yet here we are at a moment of great crisis, a threat to the order Americans & allies fought and died for.

— David Rothkopf (@djrothkopf) February 23, 2022

One of America's two major political parties is, at its core, not just corrupt, not just racist, not just misogynist, not just opposed to truth or science or history. They are, their leaders are, actively enemies of the U.S., our system and what we stand for.

— David Rothkopf (@djrothkopf) February 23, 2022

This is the kind of moment when for almost all our history we really did set differences aside, when we came together. What's more, our president & his team are so clearly on the right side at this moment--pro-peace, pro-democracy, pro-international law, pro-our allies & friends.

— David Rothkopf (@djrothkopf) February 23, 2022

How have we gone so wrong? How is there even a shred of support for this? How has such a large and vital part of our system become so corrupted? Why are the voices of decent people in the GOP not united in a chorus of denunciation and renunciation of the Trumpist-Putinists?

— David Rothkopf (@djrothkopf) February 23, 2022

Also, imagine when/if Republicans get power in 2024 - the massive global realignment. The US President actively helping Russia, Hungary, Poland, and other countries with far-right governments to promote violence, authoritarianism, and white Christian nationalism. Disaster.

— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) February 23, 2022

Here's one referencing that weird July 4 2018 Moscow trip taken by those Republican congressmen and senators. I have never understood why that stunt didn't get much more public coverage and criticism then or since.

I wonder how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will affect the GOP’s 4th of July plans? @GOP

— NoelCaslerComedy (@caslernoel) February 22, 2022

People are comparing the Republican reaction to the Ukraine with their support of the Canadian insurrection:

Open Thread:

Why is Russia-Ukraine “none of our business” but the Canada protests are worth sending millions in donations?

— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) February 23, 2022

If you're attacking Trudeau and praising Putin right now, I don't know what you are, but you sure ain't pro-life.

— John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) February 23, 2022

Today's News: It passed

Done! The Emergencies Act passed the Commons and now the Senators get to posture and preen for a bit before they pass it too.

The fact that we got through this with only ~200 arrests and a few bruises is incredible. It was far from perfect, but this is an operation that could be studied as the benchmark of how crowd control situations don't need to be as violent and confrontational as they often are.

— Justin Ling (@Justin_Ling) February 21, 2022

Also. The Emergency Measures Act was crafted and enacted by Brian Mulroney and his long dead PC conservative party. This gives it even greater credence in its purpose, validity and use here. It’s tailored precisely for these circumstances. #cdnpoli #EmergencyAct #Ottawa https://t.co/JFrIwwxwbt

— Paul Stewart II (@PaulStewartII) February 21, 2022

We are thinking its over, but the problem is the insurrectionists aren't actually finished yet, they'll be glad to move back into Ottawa or the border crossings as soon as they can.

Was pointed out to me this evening that a main goal of the convoy — w/ the honking, music, trucks clogging streets, the hooliganism — was to punish vaccinated people & the people who promote vaccines & health measures. It's obvious now that you mention it…

— Paul Dechene (@PaulDechene) February 21, 2022

They are going to be a policing problem for Canada for months -- until, I expect, a permanent bill gets passed that allows the feds to confiscate vehicles used illegally in protests and that also does something about the money angle too -- and THAT, my friends, is going to be where many in Canada will find it difficult to draw a line because of the fear - or even likliehood - that a future government could abuse powers like this to shut down legitimate protests.

We're already seeing this kind of stuff happening in the States - laws preventing people from taking water to people waiting in line to vote, for example. We're already seeing hypocrisy here - those who have no problem with dividing people into "good" protestors and "bad" protestors.

Please stop telling me that @JustinTrudeau should have met with the protestors but then also supporting @PremierScottMoe who wouldn’t even meet with Tristen Durocher. If this is your view then you should look up the term hypocrisy. Then tell me who he should meet #cdnpoli #skpoli

— Megan Willis (@meganwillis) February 19, 2022

So there may be some darker and more difficult days to come. 

But Canada will come through, I believe.

And today was a good day.

PMJT just walking across Wellington Street as if it’s just another day.

The Emergency Act vote was a success.#IStandWithTrudeau pic.twitter.com/K6tNQSrtVa

— Canadian Politics (@canadianpoli) February 22, 2022

Today's News: Cleaning up

Ottawa, meet Jack. He’s out there on messy but liberated Kent St. cleaning up the occupiers’ garbage.

And look at that smile. pic.twitter.com/Jp82rxfrR1

— Kiavash Najafi (@KiavashNajafi) February 20, 2022

A few recent statistics:

As I said before: if you're talking about how divided the country is on these protests, it just mostly shows which side of the divide you're on https://t.co/XhTwEghhBi

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) February 20, 2022

Net Support For The Truckers Protest:

By Province:
MB/SK: +2%
AB: -16%
BC: -18%
ON: -31%
QC: -46%
ATL: -50%

By Party:
CPC: +4%
Others: -8%
LPC: -46%
NDP: -75%

Innovative Research / February 14, 2022 / n=500 / Online

— Polling Canada (@CanadianPolling) February 17, 2022

Some comments:

Look, a lot of people may not have much in way of power in this country, but we all have a vote. A lot of people here wanted to remove the PM without an election, and they want to silence the media. I don't think they know what kind of a country we would be if they had their way.

— Carole MacNeil (@carolemacneil) February 19, 2022

The Ottawa Occupiers complain about not being listened to

🙄

Dude, I’m a rural alberta NDP voter. I don’t even exist in the fed poli landscape & you don’t see me mounting a posse with the local yoga club to form an e car convoy to Ottawa demanding more trees & funded pharmacare

— Shawna Gawreluck (@ShawnaGofABPoli) February 18, 2022

Trudeau showed remarkable poise, resolve and other-worldly patience throughout this imbecilic insurrection.
The police operation to dislodge a toxic occupation of the capital was ad gentle as it could be under the circumstances.

— Jack Todd (@jacktodd46) February 20, 2022

I thought this hit the mark:

They should definitely run the next election telling Canadians if their cities are occupied by blaring horns for 3-4 weeks, with mobs assaulting people on the streets, Conservatives won't do anything about it. https://t.co/vLIPh3lGzu

— Asif Hossain (@asifintoronto) February 20, 2022

And some funny stuff, too:

I stand with Law Suit Girl, Pot Banging Guy and Balcony Man. The heroes we need, not the heroes we deserve...

— Eric Woolfe (@ericwoolfe) February 18, 2022

pic.twitter.com/bqBD8FYFE0

— Alberta cowbell Karl (@kandriuk) February 20, 2022

Any final parting words from #Ottawa to the convoy?

I think that sums it up nicely! #GoHomeFluTruxclan #RamRanchResistance pic.twitter.com/vhRq8MC3w8

— Kimberly (@kimbo1942) February 20, 2022

#COVID19 #OttawaOccupation pic.twitter.com/oboObogN0d

— Dr Rasmussen (@StandingHannah) February 21, 2022

And because there's some other awful stuff about to happen in Europe, this is useful info too:

This is well done. https://t.co/8orDAViUNb

— Max Bergmann (@maxbergmann) February 18, 2022

Today's News: Ending with a whimper

Police services cleared hundreds of aggressive, committed zealots out of a large, dense, de facto fortified, urban area, without firing a shot, and without loss of life. The emergencies act was used to crush finances, rather than send in tanks

— David Fisman (@DFisman) February 19, 2022

The least surprising news of the day:

A source in the emergency response team told me that Ottawa Police planned, then cancelled, at least one operation after discovering details may have been leaked to the occupiers. They suspected an officer who was on leave without pay for refusing to get vaccinated.

— Justin Ling (@Justin_Ling) February 20, 2022

Just as Jan 6 was a Come-To-Jesus moment for some of the American media, so the Ottawa Occupation may become that for the Canadian media. The "both sides" stance is breaking down - a little bit, anyway.

This came from Andrew Coyne today, who is usually a stenographer for the Conservative party. He’s not wrong. I Conservatives have collapsed as a legitimate party. They are done. Put a fork in them. pic.twitter.com/3PjYQm704Z

— PoliticalCupid (@PoliticalCupid) February 19, 2022

First it was Andrew Coyne, then it was Warren Kinsella, now it’s Robert Fife. Not to worry though, RexMurphy & Jordan Peterson went down the rabbit hole together

— S Clark (@ShllClark5) February 20, 2022

CBC's Chris Walker got hammered for this one:

As someone who has been working hard to radicalize people on the far left -- folks, we are not the ones doing fascism. https://t.co/YPmk8W87Yz

— Nora Loreto (@NoLore) February 20, 2022

This Ivison clanger landed with a thump heard across twitter:

Left: please get vaccinated.
Right: we want to overthrow the government and imprison the Prime Minister.

Ivision: both sides! https://t.co/pRL3y83M6x

— Max Fawcett (@maxfawcett) February 20, 2022

And Brian Lilley is, of course, blaming the Liberal government - but also, the insurrectionists! So ...

Latest column: Police did their jobs in Ottawa while the government and protesters engaged is false propaganda.
This will take a long time to heal.
Read & RT #cdnpoli https://t.co/xKstiLs20b

— Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) February 19, 2022

And no wonder, because here's a sensible discussion about those "divisive" accusations against Trudeau from the CPC that too many people in the media keep parroting:

1/ "Divisiveness" is, as Emmett Macfarlane rightly points out, not of itself an argument against any policy. Leaving aside the fact that mandates command huge public support, If division were a disqualifying argument, we'd have no free trade agreements, no same-sex marriage, etc

— Alex Usher (@AlexUsherHESA) February 19, 2022

Anything worth doing can be considered divisive. Bringing in Medicare in SK resulted in a doctor's strike. It was a divisive issue. Divisive is a code word I have heard in the church for not wanting to ordain women or not allowing clergy to perform same sex marriages.

— Rev Barb (@forsyth_barb) February 19, 2022

The thousands of Canadians who took part in this insurrection, and who are still cheering and honking and trying to blockade borders for no reason I can fathom, are going to have a rude awakening:

After experiencing the exhilaration of unlawful collective action, many of them will be waking to realize how alone they are: alone with criminal records; alone with seized assets and frozen accounts; alone and abandoned by those whose directives they followed.

— Josh Greenberg (@josh_greenberg) February 19, 2022

And isn't this the truth:

pic.twitter.com/QsEz6FveZj

— Caliber Carpentry (@CaliberJeff) February 20, 2022

Funny of the day:

Holy Spirit and Blackface Hitler are trending in Canada because lots of folks are having a normal Saturday night online.

— Nora Loreto (@NoLore) February 20, 2022

Mr. Lich informs the court that the Holy Spirit is going to assist him and his wife to travel home from Ottawa.

— James Bowie (@JamesDBowie) February 19, 2022

This so funny. People watch too many US shows! https://t.co/R8scyAEhCe

— Angus Reid (@AngusReid) February 20, 2022

I thought this was priceless:

What Liberals see when they look across the aisle in the House of Commons.#neverforgetneverforgive @cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/SJTX9xjSLl

— Tsiehta ⚛️💉💉💉😷 (@Tsiehta) February 19, 2022

Today's News: Finding Out

Canada was glued to the news channels today, watching as Ottawa police took their city back. Somewhere somebody is already drafting up 3,000-word think pieces about What It All Means and Where We Go From Here and all that. But for tonight, enjoy these:

UPDATE: Bouncy castle seen fleeing Ottawa

— Walking Eagle News (@TheEagleist) February 19, 2022

I would also like to salute the trolls who have been helping make this less unbearable and occasionally pretty funny. pic.twitter.com/PDrpo6VNO4

— Bruce Anderson (@bruceanderson) February 18, 2022

This particular thread was delightful to scroll through:

Police shift change or added deployment in front of Chateau Laurier. #ottawa 9:26 pm pic.twitter.com/MmywdAMOyz

— 𝚂𝚎á𝚗 𝙾’𝚂𝚑𝚎𝚊 Global News (@ConsumerSOS) February 19, 2022

There goes the u-haul truck. The renter is going to have some explaining to do. #Ottawa pic.twitter.com/FuvniA76Xe

— 𝚂𝚎á𝚗 𝙾’𝚂𝚑𝚎𝚊 Global News (@ConsumerSOS) February 19, 2022

Definitely a shift change. And more riot-ready police. There would appear to be more police than ever in front of the Chateau Laurier. pic.twitter.com/xW8sqMPAu5

— 𝚂𝚎á𝚗 𝙾’𝚂𝚑𝚎𝚊 Global News (@ConsumerSOS) February 19, 2022

The towing business is brisk in downtown Ottawa tonight. #Ottawa pic.twitter.com/5nTlQdIZTp

— 𝚂𝚎á𝚗 𝙾’𝚂𝚑𝚎𝚊 Global News (@ConsumerSOS) February 19, 2022

That’s it: the last of the protest vehicles parked at Rideau and Sussex is gone. Towing operation ends at 11:17 ET. Still ahead Saturday—remaining vehicles near Parliament and others clustered elsewhere in Ottawa. pic.twitter.com/9Q5fP8DSRY

— 𝚂𝚎á𝚗 𝙾’𝚂𝚑𝚎𝚊 Global News (@ConsumerSOS) February 19, 2022

pic.twitter.com/f1Aj4NbB7N

— Pauline Landry (@vaxxednotwaxxed) February 18, 2022

Some other takes:

The remaining #FreedomConvoy still at the protest are just SHOCKED by what happened

They never believed in a million years the police would arrest and move their fellow protestors out

They really believed the police were on their side#cdnpoli

— G.T. Lem (@gtlem) February 19, 2022

I hope police forces around the world are watching the exquisite execution of police forces in Ottawa to defuse an incredibly volatile situation. So proud of these professionals

— Gary Mason (@garymasonglobe) February 19, 2022

Life is full of tough decisions but “do I or do I not side with the team who uses children as shields?” is like the easiest one

— Pat Dubois (@patdubois) February 19, 2022

You know, it was really the honking that did them in. Canadian public opinion was meh until the honking revealed them as yahoos & bullies who thought they could push everyone else around.

— Cathie from Canada 🇨🇦 😷🏳️‍🌈 (@CathieCanada) February 18, 2022

If you told me in 2021 that a year later I’d be watching videos of cops writing parking tickets online and cheering, I’d have called you nuts But here we are.

— Carl Boucher (@CarlBoucherKnee) February 18, 2022

Just a note for those who need clarification: you don't have and never had the right to do anything you want, any time you want and anywhere you want. Grow the fuck up. #TruckerConvoy

— Ed the Sock (@EdtheSock) February 19, 2022

Fox News was apparently going into hysterics about some insurrectionist knocked over by police on horses and it was, of course, another total lie.

This would be the "find out" part.

More of this, please. https://t.co/qRSWqxizWQ

— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) February 19, 2022

All the antivaxxers on Facebook are already saying “it’s been confirmed the disabled woman who was trampled has died”. She wasn’t trampled and got up 35 seconds later in the video. These people are insane.

— david delores frank (@brainnest) February 19, 2022

Omfg... now it's an indigenous elder 🙄🙄🙄 soon it will be a pair of visually impaired children.... https://t.co/jg8tgkARMO https://t.co/V4M7BpUB1h

— Tertiary Person-#ChooseForward 🇨🇦 (@kaythird) February 19, 2022

Here we go. The woman who fell was missed by the horse, and has a sore shoulder.

Police are owed an apology for being falsely accused of killing someone.

Good grief. https://t.co/KDIpeJShvd

— Adam Stirling 🐎🐎🐎 (@Adam_Stirling) February 19, 2022

Here's a concerning story:

My latest for @pressprogress:

A nation-wide network of far-right Evangelical pastors are participating in the occupation of Ottawa & blockades at the Canada-US border.

Pastors built US networks through opposing church capacity limits.https://t.co/tpp2bbWn7w #cdnpoli #ottnews

— Emily Leedham (@Emily_Leedham_) February 18, 2022

And finally, this also:

Sorting through hundreds of emails, and every once and awhile there's one about protecting caribou habitat and it's like oh, yeah, there are other issues in the country too.

— Jeff Jedras (@jeffjedras) February 18, 2022