Robert Abela and Bernard Grech react to Ukrainian crisis

Feb 24 2022

As the Russian-Ukrainian crisis unfolds, Malta’s Prime Minister and the Opposition leader took to social media to react to the horrific news of the unfolding conflict.

Prime Minister Robert Abela, who will be attending a meeting in Brussels today and missing events relating to his election campaign, said that;

‘The tension in Ukraine and the possibility of a military attack has been persisting for quite a while. However, the scenes we are witnessing right now are deeply saddening.’

‘We never wished to witness the invasion attempt of parts of Eastern Ukraine and those being reported occurring towards the West in Kyiv. The road we have always taken, one of diplomacy to reach solutions and safeguard peace through dialogue, is the one we will keep preferring. We have always insisted that dialogue and the reaching of solutions are always better than any conflict.’

‘As European leaders we will be meeting in Brussels later on today. We will keep giving help and showing solidarity with Ukraine. We also condemn any aggression or threats towards the integrity and sovereignty of this state.’

Bernard Grech spoke up as well, captioning a photo of a protest in solidarity with Ukraine. ‘I condemn the Russian aggression in Ukraine as it goes against the international treaties and the territorial integrity of Ukraine which Malta insists be respected.’

‘I believe that Malta must support with full effect the European efforts for a coordinated response through economic sanctions. I believe that the Maltese populations, along with the European ones, must be kept informed about these sanctions and their effectiveness.’

‘We are worried that the escalation of tensions in the region through Russian aggression in Ukrainian territory will have impacts beyond the region. We therefore also require a coordinated effort on a European level so that together we ensure that these effects have the least amount of impact on the livelihoods of Europeans and Maltese.’

‘This is an utterly horrific moment, a delicate moment and a threat to the stability in Europe and around the world.’

#MaltaDaily

‘We will hold the Kremlin accountable’ – Roberta Metsola

Feb 24 2022

European Parliament president Roberta Metsola commented on the escalating violence by Russia on Ukraine, saying that ‘we will hold the Kremlin accountable.’

In a tweet on Thursday morning, Metsola stated that the EP strongly condemn Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine. In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attacked and fear for their lives.’

This comes just moments after Ukraine came under Russian fire and land invasion along its northern and southern borders. With Ukrainian forces returning fire, explosions were heard across the country after weeks of intense diplomacy and sanctions failed to deter Vladimir Putin.

Russia had amassed between 150,000 and 200,000 troops along the borders of Ukraine. EU leaders are to hold a snap summit late Thursday, with Metsola also participating in chairing a conference of presidents.

The EP will be outlining to leaders the new sanctions, which will add to an initial round of sanctions imposed on Wednesday.

It has also been confirmed that Prime Minister Robert Abela will be attending an urgent European Council meeting which was convened by President Charles Michel. This means Abela will have to skip a day of his election campaign to attend this Brussels meeting.

#MaltaDaily

Russia launches full-scale military attacks on Ukraine

Feb 24 2022

The Parliament of Ukraine has approved a national state of emergency after Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale military invasion and demanded Kyiv’s to lay down it’s army’s weapons.

.In what is probably the largest European conflict since the second world war, Putin has stated that “the goal is to defend people who have been victims of abuse and genocide from the Kyiv regime and we will strive to demilitarise and de-Nazify Ukraine.” Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Parliament has enacted martial law, which means that citizens are allowed to carry firearms and act in self-defence.

US President Joe Biden has condemned what he has called an “unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces” whilst EU council members, including Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, are set to attend an urgent Council meeting regarding the Russian aggression.

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said that ‘peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.’

In order to justify the attack, Vladimir Putin claimed that a ‘hostile anti-Russia is being created on our historic lands.’ He went on to state that Russia does not indent to occupy Ukraine, but he did issue a chilling warning for other nations.

‘To anyone who would consider interfering from the outside: if you do, you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history. All relevant decisions have been taken. I hope you hear me.’

Russian media reported that the declaration of war may have been pre-recorded. The Russian president was wearing the same tie and seated at the same desk when he announced his recognition of the Russian-controlled territories on Monday.

As Putin’s words were being broadcast and the first explosions were being reported, the UN Security Council was holding an emergency session, chaired by Russia itself. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres made a direct appeal; ‘President Putin – stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance. Too many people have died.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.

#MaltaDaily

Manchester United deny Atletico Madrid a win with late equalizer

Feb 23 2022

English side Manchester United managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Spanish side Atletico Madrid in Spain. This game was the two teams’ first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie. The tie will conclude in three weeks time when the Red Devils host Atletico Madrid in Manchester in the historic Old Trafford.

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The first half was all Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish champions not only dominating the defensive side of the game but also creating more clear cut chances. They scored the first goal of the game in the 7th minute from a well made João Félix header. Manchester United were on top when it comes to possession stats having almost 70% of the ball. The half ended with both teams searching for a needed goal.

The second half unlike the first was more equal when it came chances created. Atletico Madrid looked like they were focusing more on protecting their lead rather than doubling but with the help of their pacy attackers like João Félix and Angel Correa they still managed to create some chances because of their pressing and counter attacks. Manchester United grew into the game as time went on, and seemed more confident that a goal with every minute passing. That coveted goal came in the 80th minute when 19-year old substitution Anthony Elanga managed to squeeze in a goal in a one on one situation against underperforming keeper Jan Oblak.

#MaltaDaily