Putin’s mini-me in Belarus

Russia has few friends left in the world, but controlled by its own hard-line dictator for 28 years, Belarus is a client state which not only supports the invasion but is actively fighting on Russia’s side.

Tech giants put the squeeze on Russia

The high sounding moral principles often espoused by major technology firms seldom reflect their actual activities or intentions, but even the ‘big 5’ are now putting the squeeze on an increasingly isolated Russia.

The world signs up for Ukraine’s cyber army

Over a quarter of a million people around the world have joined Ukraine’s ‘cyber-army’ to respond to the Russian cyber attacks and propaganda that accompanied its invasion of Ukraine. It’s time for Australia to aid the fight, rather than hinder it.

Lies, damned lies, and Russian propaganda

Terrified of the truth and his own people, as all dictators, are Vladimir Putin is locked in a vicious struggle not only to subjugate Ukraine, but also to keep the Russian people in line through limiting information about the war to official lies and propaganda.

Putin’s MAD option

Russia’s massive nuclear arsenal, and Putin’s professed willingness to use them, has stayed the West’s hand in helping Ukraine, but an increasingly crazed Putin might use them against Kiev, knowing the West might not respond.

Europe turns blue and gold for Ukraine

After two decades of ignoring or appeasing Vladimir Putin’s bluster and aggression, European leaders have finally faced the reality of the angry and voracious bear on their borders.

Help pours in for the heroes of Ukraine

The head of Ukraine’s diplomatic mission in Australia, Volodymyr Shalkivskyi, says military and humanitarian aid sent by friendly countries is helping Ukraine fight its Russian invaders.

Calls grow for NATO no-fly zone

As Ukrainian civilians come under direct attack from Russia’s invading army and refugees pour into other central European countries, the clamour for a military response from NATO is getting louder.

Understanding Australia’s Ukraine policy

Australia has expressed its support for Ukraine in the current crisis, although we have only just begun to supply military aid. Expressing support for democratic values falls short of fighting for them, and the current war may just be a foretaste of a closer conflict to come.

Will Putin’s iron grip begin to slip?

Brutal despots such as Vladimir Putin aim to rule for life, no matter how many people they have to kill to stay in power. They can only be removed on the streets or by the elites, so will sanctions encourage the people or the oligarchs to oust him from power?

Words are worth something

The West continues to stand by and watch Russia’s desecration of Ukraine without offering direct military action, but at least the rhetoric of its leaders reflects the gravity of the situation and recognises the true nature of the threat posed by Russia.

Ukraine’s agony rekindles Europe’s resolve

After decades of minimal defence spending and nervously tip-toeing around Russian strategic sensitivities, nations across Europe are mobilising their forces and flocking to join NATO now the true nature of Russian intentions can no longer be denied.