In an editorial published in the Sunday Times on October 26, former U.K. defense secretary Grant Shapps stated that if Western nations allow Russia defeat Ukraine, China would see it as a sign to invade Taiwan.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in Ukraine in February 2022, fears of an escalating Chinese intervention in Taiwan have increased sharply. The war served as a model for how Taipei and international community could respond if Beijing decides invade.
Shapps wrote that “we have the chance to send a message to the Chinese leaders that subjugating neighboring democracy with force will never be accepted.”
“We must send a message by acting closer to home, right here in Europe.”
Shapps writes that the best way to stop China from attacking Taiwan is to increase support for Ukraine. A conflict between Beijing Taipei could have a devastating effect on the global economy.
Shapps said, “Now is the time to not only provide long-range authorization for our Storm Shadow Missiles but to also do so without waiting for a Washington decision.”
The Ukrainian military received British Storm Shadows missiles with a range of up to 250 km (150 miles) but are not allowed to use them in Russia. Kyiv has asked its allies to lift restrictions regarding the use of Western weapons. This is part of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s five point victory plan.
Shapps said that the cost of allowing our weapons to be used, even if (Russian president Vladimir) Putin attacked from there, was minimal compared to the consequences of Putin’s victory — and the belief by others that they could time out the West’s interests.
Shapps called for the U.K., and other Western governments to increase their military aid to Ukraine. He argued that a strong defense in Ukraine along with “peaceful discussion” with China was the best strategy for Taiwan to be protected and to avoid escalating global conflict.
“Redoubling our assistance for Ukraine today is not only the right thing to do, but it would also make an attack on Taiwan less likely. This would protect us from a depression or recession,” he said.
Grant Shapps, former U.K. defense secretary, argues that “now is the time to not only provide long-range authorization for our Storm Shadow rockets but to also do so without waiting for a Washington decision.”
“I think he is clearly an opponent.” J.D., the Republican candidate for vice president, said that he is a competitor. Vance replied when asked if the Russian President Vladimir Putin was an enemy.
“These elections cannot recognized. This is the equivalent of recognizing Georgia’s submission to Russia. No one can take Georgia’s European Future away.”
HUR reported that Russian police officers stopped a Kamaz truck on the Kursk-Voronezh Highway on October 27. The truck had civilian license plates. The vehicle was reported to be loaded with North Korean soldiers.
“During our observations, we noted the instances of vote buying and dual voting before and during the elections, especially in the rural areas,” said Ioanbulai, the leader of the delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
In an interview with state media published on October 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Russian Defense Ministry was considering “various options,” as a possible response if Ukraine launches a long-range strike against Russia, with Western support.
Andriy Yeermak, the head of the Presidential Office, told Corriere della sera that Ukraine will finalize their formula by November.
Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, said on air that Ukrainian forces are still holding all the dominant heights in Zaporizhzhia oblast near Levadne and are trying to restore their positions.
Andriy Yeermak, Corriere della Sera, said that (President Volodymyr Zelensky) is very clear. He wants all soldiers and refugee abroad to be allowed to vote. “But for the moment, resources must be directed to the war.”
The regional prosecutor’s said that Russian soldiers in Selydove, a town in Donetsk Oblast, have opened fire on civilians at least twice, killing two women and injuring another, the office stated on October 27.
Andrii Sybiha will end his tour of the Middle East and Africa with a visit to Johannesburg and Pretoria. He is seeking to strengthen ties, and drum up support for Ukraine’s peace formula.
According to the central electoral commission, Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream Party captured 54.3% in the Oct. 26, parliamentary elections, with more than 99% of precincts being counted.
Former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia of the opposition Gakharia For Georgia Party said that the results announced “does not reflect the will” of the Georgian population and called for “reasonable protests” to “defend European future and the institution” of elections.
Bloomberg reported on October 25, citing unnamed sources, that Germany and France are skeptical about the EU diplomatic services’ proposal to circumvent Hungary’s veto over 6 billion euros ($6.6billion) in defense aid for Kyiv.
A drone struck the Michurinsky District of the region around 0:40 am local time and caused a fire, which was quickly put out, Governor Maxim Egorov stated on his Telegram channel.
The Air Force reported that Ukrainian air defenses destroyed 41 of the 80 Russian Shahed drones launched overnight. The statement stated that 32 drones were lost in Ukraine and one flew towards Belarus.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the casualties of the Russian missile attack on Dnipro’s central-east city Dnipro that hit residential buildings as well as the Mechnikov Hospital late on October 25 have risen to 5 dead and 21 injured.
This includes 1,440 casualties that Russian forces have suffered in the last day.
The chief of the national police in the country said that on October 24, Moscow had funneled $39 million into a scheme run by a pro Russian oligarch to influence election results by paying ordinary people to vote against closer relations with the West.
The Strategic Industries Ministry announced that on October 26, Herman Smetanin, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, met with India Ambassador to Ukraine Ravi Shankar to discuss strengthening defence industry cooperation between Kyiv & New Delhi.
Windsor Star, a Canadian media outlet, reported on October 26 that Ukrainian-Canadian film-makers pulled their pro Ukrainian film “Intercepted”, from the Windsor International Film Festival in protest. They learned that it was to be screened alongside the controversial documentary “Russians at War”.
Mahuchikh, who accepted her award, said: “It is a very special moment for me because of the difficult time that Ukraine is going through.” “But, you’re right, I am glad to be here…for all my people in Ukraine and I hope it brings some joy during this time.”
On October 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law allowing foreign volunteers to serve as officers in Ukraine’s International Legion.
During his evening speech on October 26, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that North Korean forces may appear on the front lines fighting alongside Russian forces in the coming weeks.
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