COVID regulations suspended for Ukrainian citizens seeking refuge in Malta

Mar 1 2022

Addressing a press conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Health minister Chris Fearne announced that Ukrainian citizens seeking safe haven in Malta will not need to abide to COVID regulations except for mandatory quarantine.

During the conference, Chris Fearne revealed how, despite the country being placed within the dark red zone, the war warrants that Ukrainian refugees do not have to abide by all of Malta’s COVID restrictions when it comes to travelling.

People travelling from dark red countries require proof of residence or work permits in Malta. This will no longer be applicable for Ukrainian citizens. The fleeing Ukrainians will still have to abide to a mandatory quarantine upon arrival but will be allowed travel to the island so that they may find shelter from the conflict in their home country.

The Health Minister described the situation in Ukraine as utterly terrible and welcomed any fleeing Ukrainians as Malta sends medicinal help to the country to support the resistance against the invasion.

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Roberta Metsola gives powerful speech at EP about Ukrainian invasion

Mar 1 2022

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola addressed the meeting of world leaders in regards to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Metsola explained how Europe cannot remain reliant on Kremlin gas.

‘We need to re-double our efforts to diversify our energy systems towards a Europe that is no longer at the behest of autocrats. This will put our energy security on stronger footing’ she said. This measure must be accompanied by the rejection of Kremlin cash and pretending there are no strings attached. Metsola said that Putin’s oligarchs and those who bankroll him should no longer be able to use their purchasing power to hide ‘behind a veneer of respectability’.

This applies to cities, communities and even sports clubs. ‘And we can no longer sell passports to Putin’s friends allowing them to circumvent our security. No more’ she said. This does pose somewhat of a problem for the Maltese government which has not yet accepted to impose a suspension or ban on the sale of citizenship to Russian nationals. Metsola went on to state that the EU must fight the Kremlin’s disinformation campaign.

She went on to call on social media and tech conglomerates to take responsibility and understand there is no being neutral ‘between the fire and the fire brigade.’ She said Europe will stand up and will not look away from those fighting in the streets.’ Metsola thanked Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelenskyy for ‘showing the world what it means to stand up. Thank you for reminding us about the dangers of complacency.’ She highlighted the everyday acts of extraordinary heroism by Ukrainians as inspiring.

‘This must be our Whatever It Takes moment’ she said. ‘We recognise Ukraine’s European perspective. As our Resolution clearly states we welcome, Mr President, Ukraine’s application for candidate status and, we will work towards that goal. We will and we must face the future together.’

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Photo Source: Roberta Metsola FB

‘Prove that you will not let us go’ says Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

Mar 1 2022

Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelenskyy has just delivered a heartfelt speech to the European Parliament, calling on the European Parliament to allow Ukraine to form part of the union as an integral decision.

Zelenskyy briefly explained all the ongoings in the country right now, explaining the full five days of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine.

‘Our citizens are paying the ultimate price for democracy’ he said. ‘This is our new reality and the fact that Europe is talking about Russia’s atrocities in Ukraine is heartwarming.’

He however explained that the only reason he is speaking to the EP is because there was a brief break in missile attacks in the area. He revealed that 16 children were killed by Putin’s forces and that Kharkiv, the city with most universities, has been bombed to devastation.

Current satellite images show a massive build-up of Russian armoured vehicles and artillery 29 kilometres north of Kyiv, which has a population of three million bracing for assault.

‘Without you, Ukraine is going to be alone. We have proven our strength. We have proven that, at a minimum, we are exactly the same as you are. So do prove you are with us, do prove that you will not let us go’ said Zelenskyy.

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Disney and Sony stop movie releases in Russia due to invasion

Mar 1 2022

Hollywood Studios Disney, Warner Bros., and Sony Pictures have said that they will be stopping theatrical releases of upcoming films in Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. The Walt Disney Company said on Monday it is pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, starting with its upcoming Pixar Animation release, ‘Turning Red.’

WarnerMedia too will not be releasing Robert Pattinson’s The Batman in response to the humanitarian crisis. Disney went on to state that future business decisions will be made based on the evolving situation. ‘In the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working with our NGO partners to provide aid and other humanitarian assistance’ it said.

Sony also went on to pause the planned theatrical releases in Russia, including the upcoming release of Morbius. Over the weekend, the Ukrainian Film Academy created an online petition which called for an international boycott of Russian cinema and film industry following the invasion. Russia is still a significant market for Hollywood, accounting for around $601 million box office in 2021, which is approximately 2.8% of worldwide ticket sales. This comes as several countries sanction Russia as well as its President Putin.

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