Ukraine's 'Unity Day' Display Of Patriotism Had Disappointing Small Crowds

Daily Mail: Defiant Ukrainians sing and wave flags on their 'Unity Day' even as threat of Russian invasion hangs over them, writes IAN BIRRELL

* Ukraine celebrated the hastily-declared Unity Day yesterday with passionate words from the president

* Patriotic events took place across land and more than 50 MPs singing the national anthem outside parliament

* Marks day Western intelligence had warned might be chosen by the Kremlin to launch an invasion of country

Ukraine celebrated the hastily-declared Unity Day yesterday with passionate words from the president, patriotic events across the land and more than 50 MPs singing the national anthem outside parliament in defiance of the Russian troops massed at their border.

President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded the combative display of patriotism late on Monday to mark the day that Western intelligence had warned might be chosen by the Kremlin to launch an invasion of his country.

Yet the response was muted from his beleaguered fellow citizens – who woke up fearing the worst, waved a few flags and carried on with their lives, trapped wearily in the midst of a destructive geo-political struggle that has gripped them for years.

Read more ....

Update #1: Lots of flags but little enthusiasm for Ukraine’s ‘Unity Day’ (Al Jazeera)

Update #2: Ukraine's Unity Day more of a collective shrug in a weary nation (Washington Post)

WNU Editor: I know in Kharkiv they were expecting thousands to show up .... but it was only a few dozen. Kyiv had more people, but most who showed up at the stadium work for the government and were told to attend.

My cousin showed up for the stadium event in Kyiv. She supported President Zelensky when he ran for Presidency, and still prefers him over his opponents. But she just told me right now that this event was a disappointment. The crowd was depressingly small, and there is a growing dread that they have already lost.

Even the Washington Post in its latest post is noticing how weary everyone is.

I am surprised that I am hearing this. This is not the Ukraine that I know. The people of Ukraine need to get their act together. If not, Putin will see this as weakness and an opportunity, and he will definitely take advantage of it.

from War News Updates https://ift.tt/BF1ioeb
via IFTTT

Comments

US-built first Saudi MMSC frigate HMS Saud launched at Fincantieri’s shipyard

According to information published by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on December 18, 2025, the first Multi-Mission Surface Combatant frigate constructed in the United States for the Royal Saudi Navy has been officially launched at Fincantieri Marinette Marine’s shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin. The ship, designated HMS Saud with pennant number 820 and also known as Jalalat Al-Malik Saud in honor of King Saud, is the lead vessel in a four-ship program ordered under Project Tuwaiq through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework, a deal that defense officials have repeatedly described as a cornerstone of bilateral naval cooperation. Read more. The HMS Saud (820) has an overall length of approximately 118 meters, in some sources detailed as 118.6 meters, with a beam of 17.6 meters, a draft of about 4.3 meters, and a full-load displacement estimated at roughly 3,600 tonnes. (Picture source: Saudi MoD) Read full Defense news. from World Defence News https://ift....

U.S. Army Conducts Gunnery Exercise With Latest Air Defense System Sgt Stout.

U.S. Army officials confirmed that a live gunnery exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, is underway, featuring the latest-generation Sgt Stout short-range air defense system. The drills mark a significant step toward full operational integration as units across the force adapt to evolving threats from drones, rotary-wing aircraft, and low-flying munitions. It matters because Sgt. Stout enhances the Army’s ability to defend forward-deployed troops and critical infrastructure from modern aerial threats. Read full Defense News at this link ... A U.S. Army SGT Stout SHORAD air defense vehicle maneuvers into firing position during live-fire training with the 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas, on October 3, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/NYmsS1n via IFTTT

Four Eastern European Countries Expel Russian Diplomats

Russia's flag flutters in front of the embassy building in Tallinn, Estonia. Copyright RAIGO PAJULA / AFP, FILE RFE: Bulgaria Expels 10 Russian Diplomats, Baltics Follow Suit With Another 10 Expulsions Bulgaria is expelling 10 Russian diplomats saying they were carrying out activities deemed incompatible with their diplomatic status, a move followed up quickly by the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on March 18 that it had given the 10 diplomats 72 hours to leave. The statement did not give a more detailed reason for the expulsions, but since Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the Russian ambassador in Sofia has repeatedly made contradictory statements about Bulgaria's position on the conflict. The ministry also did not say who was included on the list of people being expelled. Read more .... WNU Editor: With tensions being as high as they are right now, expect ...

MTQ News

Search This Blog