Stand with Ukraine

My blog has gone beyond just providing IT guides and advice. Today, we stand as a voice against the lies and injustices that have engulfed our world due to the merciless actions of the bloody Russian regime.

Freedom of speech in Russia exists mostly in theory, not in practice. The reality is that finding reliable information in Russian-language open sources is quite difficult. Most media in Russia provide information that often passes through the filter of state propaganda and reflects the interests of the political leadership.

Nevertheless, everyone has access to important information from verified sources.

The State Emergency Service continues to deal with the aftermath of Russia’s massive missile attack on Ukraine on January 2, 2024. Photo from State Emergency Service of Ukraine

As the founder and chief editor, I not only condemn but also express deep contempt for the Russian military invasion of Ukraine. This act is a blatant war crime that has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, including children. Responsibility lies not only with the Russian government and President Vladimir Putin personally but also with the citizens of Russia, whose political indifference and inaction ultimately led to another war.

Examples from the past, when Russians could more freely express their opinions, highlight the contrast with the current situation. For example, in 2006, human rights activist Lev Ponomarev was arrested and detained for three days after organizing a picket in Moscow, but such actions were then considered relatively mild.

In subsequent years, the situation has changed drastically. Legislation has tightened the requirements for conducting protests, significantly increased fines, and introduced criminal liability for repeated violations of the law on rallies. Since 2014, nine of the thirteen significant amendments to the law have been introduced, aimed at limiting the right to peaceful assemblies. These legislative changes have led to the fact that peaceful street protests in the eyes of the authorities have come to be seen as a crime, and an act of heroism for those Russians who still believe it is their right to exercise it.

Cases such as mass arrests of participants in peaceful protests, often accompanied by brutal treatment by the police, have become commonplace. The lack of response from the authorities to cases of excessive use of force by the police, such as in January 2021, only reinforces the atmosphere of impunity.

These examples emphasize how in the past, when the conditions for protests were less strict, Russian society had greater opportunities to express their disagreement with the actions of the authorities without fear of serious consequences. This highlights the importance of political activism and the ability to change public and political situations through peaceful demonstrations and protests.

These links provide more detailed information on the development and change in the legal regulation of protest activities in Russia:

• Wikipedia: Freedom of assembly in Russia
• Amnesty International: Russia: End of the road for those seeking to exercise their right to protest
• Human Rights Watch: Russia Criminalizes Independent War Reporting, Anti-War Protests

Since 1991, modern Russia has participated in several military conflicts. Some of the key wars include:

• First Chechen War (1994–1996)
• Second Chechen War (1999–2009)
• Russo-Georgian War (2008)
• Annexation of Crimea and intervention in Ukraine (since 2014)
• Military intervention in Syria (since 2015)
• Invasion of Ukraine (since 2022)

More detailed information about these and other military conflicts can be found here.

Two Ukrainian soldiers walk along the frontline city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region. It is one of the hotspots nowadays after Russia launched a major offensive in mid-October 2023. Photo by Kostiantyn Liberov & Vlada Liberova / Getty Images

We stand at a historic moment, and I urge you, our readers, to join the ranks of those who oppose this violence. Your actions in support of Ukraine are of immense importance. Whether it’s financial assistance, supporting refugees, providing asylum, or resources, every step you take contributes to thefight for peace and humanity in these tragic times. I believe that our solidarity and determination can overcome cruelty and lawlessness.

A man with a bicycle goes through the city during a break between Russian shellings in the frontline Avdiivka, the Donetsk region. October 17, 2023. Photo by Ozge Elif Kizil / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images

To assist the people of Ukraine, you can use the following official and verified resources:

1. UNITED24: This is the official platform for collecting charitable donations to support Ukraine, launched by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Here you can direct funds to defense, humanitarian demining, medical assistance, reconstruction of Ukraine, as well as education and science.

2. EU Solidarity with Ukraine: This European Union initiative provides information on how to help Ukrainians who have fled the war or stayed in Ukraine. The website lists various organizations, including major international agencies and charitable organizations, providing assistance on the ground.

3. UNICEF assistance to Ukraine: This international organization urgently needs funds to assist children and their families in Ukraine. UNICEF provides assistance in safe water supply, healthcare, education, and protection.

These resources will help you direct aid where it is most needed, and ensure that your contribution is used effectively and transparently.

Artem, a serviceman of the infantry battalion of the 61st Mechanised Brigade, pets a dog in a trench at a position near the frontline in the Kharkiv region. Photo by Sofia Gatilova / Reuters

View more photos of the war in Ukraine.

Fight and you shall overcome!
God helps you!
With you are truth, glory
And holy freedom!

Taras Shevchenko, “Caucasus”, 1859

In Ukrainian:

Борітеся — поборете!
Вам Бог помагає!
За вас правда, за вас слава
І воля святая!

Тарас Шевченко, “Кавказ”, 1859