Ex-Miss Ukraine fighting back Russian invasion alongside other civilians

Feb 28 2022

A former Miss Ukraine is one of the hundreds of civilians and locals taking up weapons against the invading Russian forces in Kyiv. As satellite images released today show Vladimir’s army encircling the capital city, Anastasiia Lenna, 31, was pictured wielding a massive rifle with a pink scope. The caption? ‘Everyone who crosses the Ukrainian border with the intent to invade will be killed!’

The now viral photo came amid reports of long queues by citizens waiting to be issued weapons in the capital as they expect another Russian assault. Ms Lenna, whose normal job is a public relations manager in Turkey, posted the image alongside two hashtags, #StandWithUkraine and #HandsOffUkraine. This is not the first time she was pictured with a fun as previous posts show here training in wooded areas with the rifles.

The model is not the only one standing up against the Russians, as snapshots show a man with a prosthetic leg as well as a young couple who rushed their wedding ahead to tie the knot and join the civil defence. Ordinary citizens all across the country have been receiving basic combat training in everything from gun handling, tossing grenades and even making Molotov cocktails. Some Ukrainians living abroad flew back home to join the ‘Territorial Defence Units.’

Newly trained forces have been seen standing guard behind stacks of tires at checkpoints in the capital, patrolling its empty streets and wearing yellow arm bands to identify them as volunteer soldiers. Satellite imagery showed a large deployment of Russian ground troops moving in the direction of the Ukrainian capital. Despite yet to be independently verified, a huge build up has been noted.

The mayor confirmed that nine civilians in Kyiv have been killed so far, including one child. As others take shelter in the subway system turned bomb shelters, others are trying to keep the border of the city safe whilst also finding Russian saboteurs.

#MaltaDaily

Ukraine calls for instant EU membership as invasion continues

Feb 28 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union to grant his country immediate membership on Monday as Russia continues its invasion of the pro-Western country.

The 44-year-old president appealed ‘to the European Union for the immediate accession of Ukraine via a new special procedure.’

‘Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing. I’m sure it’s fair. I’m sure it’s possible.’ Revealing the horrific news that 16 children died during the first four days of the invasion, he went on to hail Ukrainian heroes for defending the country.

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Monday that at least 102 civilians, including seven children, had been killed but warned that the real numbers were probably much higher.

The Ukrainian leader, who came into power in 2019 after a career in comedy, released his latest video statement as Russian and Ukrainian negotiators prepared to sit down for their first talks since the invasion was ordered.

Zelensky also urged Russian soldiers to lay down their weapons and not to believe the propaganda of their commanders. Around 4,500 Russian soldiers have already died, revealed Zelensky.

This comes as countries place several sanctions on Russia and Belarus for aiding the Kremlin’s assault. The EU also announced that it will be providing weapons to help the Ukrainians defend their country as others ban several Russian airlines, banks, etc.

#MaltaDaily

Malta will be welcoming seriously ill Ukrainians for cure

Feb 28 2022

Prime Minister Robert Abela has just revealed that Malta will be offering oncology services to Ukrainian nationals who are fleeing from Russia’s invasion.

Making the announcement during a party press conference on Monday in Bormla, Abela said that the government would handle any issues related to the COVID-19 red listing to enable easy transition from Ukraine to the island.

The services will be offered at the St Anthony Mamo oncology centre, next to Mater Dei Hospital. It will be available to Ukrainian nationals who have already started chemo or radiation therapy.

Well over 360,000 people have fled the Ukrainian conflict into Poland and other neighbourhood countries following the Russian invasion.

The Prime Minister also brought up the Opposition leader’s position which according to him labels all Russian people in Malta as criminals. This comes amid calls to ban the selling of Maltese passports to Russian nationals made by several entities, as well as the refusal to play against Russian football teams.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Wikipedia

€500 yearly grant for parents keeping kids in post-secondary school

Feb 28 2022

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Monday that the government would be giving parents of children who continue to study full time beyond the obligatory age €500 a year for three years.

The Prime Minister said that all parents who manage to do this would thus be given €1,500 in three years if the children study beyond the age of 16. Should the Labour Party be elected to government, Abela said that this measure would help sustain families together with other pledges.

The other pledges include the increase of children’s allowance by €90 a year, which amounts to €450 by the end of the legislature. ‘Parents of two children will be receiving €900 by the end of the legislature’ said Abela.

Free childcare services would also be made available to parents, whether or not they are employed. Apart from this, the one tablet per child scheme will be extended to secondary schools, with seventh-year students receiving a laptop.

Secondary school students will also be receiving a set of books each year to encourage reading through a pledge which will cost €145 million over five years.

Abela then went on to highlight IVF, saying that services would be widened to include more couples, even those who want more than one child. ‘It hurts us to see young couples seeking medical service beyond our shores’ he said.

#MaltaDaily