US and UK: Hypocrites in Calling Out Russia On Invasion.

The US and the UK, are correct to hold Russia accountable, for the invasion of Ukraine. Western nations are also correct in imposing the harshest of sanctions on the regime in Moscow. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has seen wanton destruction of civilian areas as well as military targets.

The humanitarian crisis is huge with thousands of people evacuating Ukraine. People have been heading for nations like Poland, Moldova, and other Eastern European countries. When these bedraggled refugees arrive some find help while others wander around like lost sheep. It's not just Ukrainians that are heading out. There are many non-Ukrainians too. Many of these are people are from other parts of the world living and/or studying in the country.

President Vlodimir Zelensky has led a defiant and robust defence of his country. The Russians while capturing ground in Ukraine have found the fighting harder than they reckoned. Zelensky has led from the front in a Churchillian manner. Mr Zelensky, live by video link, was given a standing ovation, by the European Union Parliament. In total contrast, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, was talking to an empty meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.

Delegates from all nations walked out and once outside, unfurled, a Ukrainian flag. The only nations left listening were delegates from Venezuela, Syria, and China

Putin warned the West not to get involved military and hinted at using nuclear weapons. Subsequently, Putin was shown with his Generals saying he had ordered Russia's nukes to be put on standby. The West will not fight Russia in Ukraine as this nation is not in NATO.

However, NATO countries and the EU, are sending weapons to the Ukrainian armed forces. People have been signing up to join the Ukrainian military, whether they have military experience, or not. Mr Zelensky has called on people from all over the world, to come to join the fight, against the Russians. Certainly, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss gave those wishing to leave the UK and answer Mr Zelensky's call her blessing.

However, one sobering thought has to be realized. Of course, it is right and proper, to condemn Russian aggression. The US and UK should be careful about being accused of hypocrisy, however. In 2003, both nations invaded Iraq on the premise of Iraq, having weapons, of mass destruction. This subsequently turned out to be a lie. Many at the time and even now, declared the invasion of Iraq, illegal.

Iraq was already on its knees when we went in, due to crippling sanctions, imposed after the 1990-91 war. Thousands of people in Iraq were killed or injured and there followed a complete breakdown of law and order. The British and Americans went in all gung-ho, not considering, how they would govern Iraq when the fighting was over. There followed a resistance by Iraqi insurgents which cost the lives of many Allied soldiers. Iraq today is a free nation once more, however, the aftermath of the invasion will reverberate for years to come.

A recent news story on 'Al-Jazeera' reported on Iraqis watching the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Iraqis in the report, who had lived through the American invasion, said they could relate to what the Ukrainians were going through.

One has to salute the bravery of the Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces. The Russians will certainly conquer more territory and will use terrible firepower. We can only hope that peace and security will, in the end, prevail.