This is something on the subject of Germany’s historical responsibility complex for what it did in the WWII in the former Soviet Union. Which emerges as a factor apparently in their consideration about helping Ukraine now.

One example only, of my family.
On my mother’s side: 1/ - father killed (mom was 6)
- stepfather severely wounded,
- her mother evacuated under bombing across half of the USSR (from Western Belarus to Uzbekistan) with two little kids in tow (4 and 6). 2/

If Ru moves forward with those so-called "referendums" in the occupied lands, as it seems prepared to do, Kyiv and its allies should see right through it. They must make it known that there is not an iota of legitimacy to them, that they do not change a thing on the ground. 1/ That these lands belong to Ukraine and Ukraine only, there is no other way to see them. Moreover, Rus should be made aware that if they choose this scenario, there will be an escalation on the part of its opponents. A signal should be send, among other things, that there will 2/

I am seeing some people basically blaming Ukrainians for distracting world attention from what is happening in other parts of the volatile post-Soviet space. Look, it isn't out fault that we have been butchered in massive numbers for the last almost seven months. Not to mention1/ that we are attacked by the same power that contributed to the creation of those other "hot spots". It is not our fault either that some of the countries that now suffer from violence chose to ally with main aggressor in Eurasia and turn the blind yet to their war on Ukraine 2/

If explosions today at Saki airfield in Crimea is a result of Ukrainian long-distance strike, as it seems, it is a significant moment.Maybe not a game-changer or a turning point as such, - we saw in this war that ups follow downs and the sides reclaim initiative from each other1/ But it clearly shows several things. 1) Ukraine has the capability, technical for a strike, ability to surprise the enemy, catch it off-guard. How do you defend an installation which is hundreds kilometres behind the front line? And where do you focus your attention exactly? 2/

Volodímir Dubovik, director del Centro de Estudios Internacionales (CIS) de Odesa, considera que sería un error que Ucrania se saliera del acuerdo: “Debe quedar claro que si el acuerdo no funciona, no es por culpa de Ucrania. 1/5 Además, el país lo necesita, necesita encontrar formas de exportar”. “Lo que seguro que sucederá es que las empresas [navieras] serán más reacias a operar en la zona”, explica el director del CIS a EL PAÍS. “Aumentará la impresión de que es una zona insegura”. 2/5

In a lieu of today's strikes on the port of Odesa which took place less than 24 hours since the "grain deal" was signed in Istanbul it is important to calm down and think straight, even as we are incensed and full of understandable emotions. Hard but we should try. 1/ Is Russia a trustworty partner, for anyone, let alone for Ukraine, in the light of this? No. Should Ukraine strike out of the deal, cancel on it, renege on it in any way? No. It is crucial for everyone to see who is a responsible, reasonable one here. 2/