The Ukraine war, from Azovstal to 'Z' | ABS-CBN
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The Ukraine war, from Azovstal to 'Z'
The Ukraine war, from Azovstal to 'Z'
Agence France-Presse
Published Feb 14, 2023 11:05 AM PHT
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KYIV — From Bucha, the town synonymous with massacre allegations, to the "Z" symbol for Russia's attack on its neighbor, here are some of the words that have defined the last 12 months of war in Ukraine.
KYIV — From Bucha, the town synonymous with massacre allegations, to the "Z" symbol for Russia's attack on its neighbor, here are some of the words that have defined the last 12 months of war in Ukraine.
AZOVSTAL
One of the largest metal mills in Europe, the Azovstal steel plant in the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol went down in history as a symbol of Ukrainian resistance to Russia's invasion.
One of the largest metal mills in Europe, the Azovstal steel plant in the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol went down in history as a symbol of Ukrainian resistance to Russia's invasion.
The fighters inside Azovstal withstood attacks by the Russian army for weeks, when the rest of the city had fallen after a devastating siege.
The fighters inside Azovstal withstood attacks by the Russian army for weeks, when the rest of the city had fallen after a devastating siege.
The troops, including fighters from the Azov regiment that Moscow describes as a neo-Nazi organization, took shelter in a warren of tunnels beneath the plant.
The troops, including fighters from the Azov regiment that Moscow describes as a neo-Nazi organization, took shelter in a warren of tunnels beneath the plant.
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They finally surrendered in May 2022 as they ran out of food, ammunition and medicine, but remained heroes in the eyes of Ukrainians.
They finally surrendered in May 2022 as they ran out of food, ammunition and medicine, but remained heroes in the eyes of Ukrainians.
Some were later released in prisoner exchanges with Russian forces. Others are still held by Moscow.
Some were later released in prisoner exchanges with Russian forces. Others are still held by Moscow.
BUCHA
Bucha, a quiet commuter town northwest of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, has become a byword for alleged Russian war crimes.
Bucha, a quiet commuter town northwest of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, has become a byword for alleged Russian war crimes.
Russian troops are accused of massacring civilians in Bucha, which they occupied for more than a month in early 2022.
Russian troops are accused of massacring civilians in Bucha, which they occupied for more than a month in early 2022.
AFP journalists were the first reporters to discover the horrors of Bucha after the Russians retreated in late March.
AFP journalists were the first reporters to discover the horrors of Bucha after the Russians retreated in late March.
They discovered Ukrainians dressed in civilian clothes, shot dead and some with their hands tied behind their backs.
They discovered Ukrainians dressed in civilian clothes, shot dead and some with their hands tied behind their backs.
Ukraine and the West say the Russian army committed war crimes in Bucha and elsewhere, pointing to an abundance of footage and witness accounts.
Ukraine and the West say the Russian army committed war crimes in Bucha and elsewhere, pointing to an abundance of footage and witness accounts.
Moscow denies the accusation, claiming the atrocities in Bucha were staged.
Moscow denies the accusation, claiming the atrocities in Bucha were staged.
HIMARS
The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a US truck-mounted unit that can launch multiple precision-guided rockets at the same time, reaching targets up to 80 kilometers away.
The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a US truck-mounted unit that can launch multiple precision-guided rockets at the same time, reaching targets up to 80 kilometers away.
The systems, which Washington delivered to Ukraine in June 2022, are widely seen as one of the most effective tools in the counter-offensive Ukraine mounted against Russian forces last summer and autumn.
The systems, which Washington delivered to Ukraine in June 2022, are widely seen as one of the most effective tools in the counter-offensive Ukraine mounted against Russian forces last summer and autumn.
HIMARS seriously damaged Russian supply lines and weapons depots, helping to force Moscow's fighters to pull back from the northeastern Kharkiv region and abandon the southern city of Kherson.
HIMARS seriously damaged Russian supply lines and weapons depots, helping to force Moscow's fighters to pull back from the northeastern Kharkiv region and abandon the southern city of Kherson.
Since then, Russia has positioned it depots further back from the front lines, leading Kyiv to urge its Western allies to provide even longer-range weapons.
Since then, Russia has positioned it depots further back from the front lines, leading Kyiv to urge its Western allies to provide even longer-range weapons.
After months of hesitation, the United States announced on Feb. 3 that it would send rocket-propelled precision bombs called GLSDBs, which could nearly double Ukraine's strike range.
After months of hesitation, the United States announced on Feb. 3 that it would send rocket-propelled precision bombs called GLSDBs, which could nearly double Ukraine's strike range.
MOBIKI
Ukrainians use this term for the hundreds of thousands of Russian reservists called up by President Vladimir Putin since September to boost Moscow's troop numbers, following a series of battleground defeats.
Ukrainians use this term for the hundreds of thousands of Russian reservists called up by President Vladimir Putin since September to boost Moscow's troop numbers, following a series of battleground defeats.
Accounts gathered by AFP or posted on social media say these soldiers are often poorly trained and equipped, and rely on family to send them sometimes the most basic of equipment.
Accounts gathered by AFP or posted on social media say these soldiers are often poorly trained and equipped, and rely on family to send them sometimes the most basic of equipment.
Kyiv says the Kremlin is using these reservists as cannon fodder, deploying waves of "mobiki" to exhaust Ukrainian forces by numerical superiority, whatever the human losses that entails.
Kyiv says the Kremlin is using these reservists as cannon fodder, deploying waves of "mobiki" to exhaust Ukrainian forces by numerical superiority, whatever the human losses that entails.
Orcs
The Ukrainian authorities regularly compare Russia to "Mordor", the realm of the power-hungry tyrant Sauron in J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Orcs
The Ukrainian authorities regularly compare Russia to "Mordor", the realm of the power-hungry tyrant Sauron in J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Russian fighters have become "Orcs" -- Sauron's cruel and ugly humanoid soldiers.
Russian fighters have become "Orcs" -- Sauron's cruel and ugly humanoid soldiers.
This pejorative epithet first appeared online before making its way into the lexicon of Ukrainian officials.
This pejorative epithet first appeared online before making its way into the lexicon of Ukrainian officials.
Another common term is "Rascist", a conflation of "Russian" and "fascist".
Another common term is "Rascist", a conflation of "Russian" and "fascist".
SVO
"Special military operation" or its Russian acronym SVO is the euphemism used by the Kremlin to refer to its war on Ukraine.
SVO
"Special military operation" or its Russian acronym SVO is the euphemism used by the Kremlin to refer to its war on Ukraine.
Russia has passed a law banning the use of the words "war" and "invasion" in reference to its neighbor.
Russia has passed a law banning the use of the words "war" and "invasion" in reference to its neighbor.
In Russia, "war" is a term reserved for the offensive Moscow says the West is waging against it.
In Russia, "war" is a term reserved for the offensive Moscow says the West is waging against it.
Ukronazi
Putin justified his invasion by an alleged need to "de-Nazify" Ukraine, which he accused of trying to eliminate its Russian-speaking minority.
Putin justified his invasion by an alleged need to "de-Nazify" Ukraine, which he accused of trying to eliminate its Russian-speaking minority.
Russian propagandists refer to Ukrainians as "Ukronazis".
Russian propagandists refer to Ukrainians as "Ukronazis".
'GO F*** YOURSELF'
The Russian navy captured Snake Island in the Black Sea shortly after the invasion was launched on Feb. 24, 2022 and ordered the small Ukrainian contingent on the small, strategically located outcrop to surrender.
'GO F*** YOURSELF'
The Russian navy captured Snake Island in the Black Sea shortly after the invasion was launched on Feb. 24, 2022 and ordered the small Ukrainian contingent on the small, strategically located outcrop to surrender.
The Ukrainian soldiers became a symbol of their country's resistance when they told the crew of the attacking Russian warship, the Moskva, to "go fuck yourself".
The Ukrainian soldiers became a symbol of their country's resistance when they told the crew of the attacking Russian warship, the Moskva, to "go fuck yourself".
The exchange went viral, appearing on internet memes, placards at pro-Ukraine rallies abroad and on a Ukrainian stamp showing a soldier making an obscene gesture in the warship's direction.
The exchange went viral, appearing on internet memes, placards at pro-Ukraine rallies abroad and on a Ukrainian stamp showing a soldier making an obscene gesture in the warship's direction.
The Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, sank in mid-April following what the Kremlin said was an explosion on board. Ukraine said its forces hit it with missiles.
The Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, sank in mid-April following what the Kremlin said was an explosion on board. Ukraine said its forces hit it with missiles.
Russian forces left Snake Island in June.
Russian forces left Snake Island in June.
'Z'
The letter "Z" daubed on many of the Russian tanks deployed in Ukraine has become a symbol of the war, for both supporters and detractors.
The letter "Z" daubed on many of the Russian tanks deployed in Ukraine has become a symbol of the war, for both supporters and detractors.
For the pro-war contingent, who use it on public buildings, cars and clothes, "Z" is a rallying sign.
For the pro-war contingent, who use it on public buildings, cars and clothes, "Z" is a rallying sign.
Opponents of the conflict see it as an emblem of Putin's regime, along with the Nazi swastika, which has seen it mutate into "Zwastika".
Opponents of the conflict see it as an emblem of Putin's regime, along with the Nazi swastika, which has seen it mutate into "Zwastika".
© Agence France-Presse
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‘Unfulfilled deals’ may be behind Duterte’s tirades vs Marcos: political analyst
‘Unfulfilled deals’ may be behind Duterte’s tirades vs Marcos: political analyst
Joyce Balancio,
ABS-CBN News
Published Jan 29, 2024 09:14 PM PHT
|
Updated Jan 29, 2024 11:09 PM PHT
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MANILA (UPDATED) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might not be keeping his “end of the bargain” with the Duterte family, that is why he is receiving attacks from some members of the family, a political analyst said Monday.
Prof. Dennis Coronacion from the University of Santo Tomas Department of Political Science said the Marcoses might have sealed some deals with the Dutertes when they were convincing then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to be his running mate during the 2022 national elections.
MANILA (UPDATED) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might not be keeping his “end of the bargain” with the Duterte family, that is why he is receiving attacks from some members of the family, a political analyst said Monday.
Prof. Dennis Coronacion from the University of Santo Tomas Department of Political Science said the Marcoses might have sealed some deals with the Dutertes when they were convincing then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to be his running mate during the 2022 national elections.
“Ang mga political alliances po natin, or even political parties and coalitions, they are made up of elites. And when these elites form political parties or alliance, there is definitely political arrangements or negotiations that go along with it,” Coronacion told ABS-CBN News.
“Itong rally sa Davao nitong Sunday isa ito sa paraan ng Duterte family to remind the President of, you know, what took place during the negotiations during the last presidential election," he said.
“Ang mga political alliances po natin, or even political parties and coalitions, they are made up of elites. And when these elites form political parties or alliance, there is definitely political arrangements or negotiations that go along with it,” Coronacion told ABS-CBN News.
“Itong rally sa Davao nitong Sunday isa ito sa paraan ng Duterte family to remind the President of, you know, what took place during the negotiations during the last presidential election," he said.
He said the Davao City rally may have been meant to send a "strong message" that failing to honor previous agreements or further marginalizing Vice President Sara Duterte could lead to bigger problems.
He said the Davao City rally may have been meant to send a "strong message" that failing to honor previous agreements or further marginalizing Vice President Sara Duterte could lead to bigger problems.
CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS
Coronacion explained that is possible that the Duterte family did not take it lightly when Congress removed the confidential funds of the two offices of Vice President Sara Duterte for the 2024.
Speculations that a team from the International Criminal Court had already entered the country to investigate former President Duterte’s drug war, may also have agitated the Dutertes and their supporters.
Marcos Jr.’s shooting back at the older Duterte might also be a sign that the UniTeam is “crumbling”.
“Mukhang lumalabas na napikon na rin ang Pangulo sa mga paratang sa kanya. lalo na doon sa pagkasama sa kanyang pangalan sa watchlist ng mga suspects tungkol sa illegal drugs,” he said.
Coronacion explained that is possible that the Duterte family did not take it lightly when Congress removed the confidential funds of the two offices of Vice President Sara Duterte for the 2024.
Speculations that a team from the International Criminal Court had already entered the country to investigate former President Duterte’s drug war, may also have agitated the Dutertes and their supporters.
Marcos Jr.’s shooting back at the older Duterte might also be a sign that the UniTeam is “crumbling”.
“Mukhang lumalabas na napikon na rin ang Pangulo sa mga paratang sa kanya. lalo na doon sa pagkasama sa kanyang pangalan sa watchlist ng mga suspects tungkol sa illegal drugs,” he said.
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“At this point parang hindi maganda ang patutunguhan kung ibabasa natin doon sa reaskyon ng pangulo. Hindi ito magandang sign para sa pagsasamahan nila,” he added.
“At this point parang hindi maganda ang patutunguhan kung ibabasa natin doon sa reaskyon ng pangulo. Hindi ito magandang sign para sa pagsasamahan nila,” he added.
'PEOPLE TO BEAR BRUNT OF FEUD'
Further he said, if the situation worsens, Vice President Duterte’s function as the concurrent education secretary will be affected.
“Iyong mapapamalakad halimbawa ni Vice President Sara Duterte sa DepEd, somehow baka maapektuhan iyon. For example, patuloy na gigipitin ang budget ng DepEd o di kaya ang opisina ng Vice President so kapag ganito na masama na ang takbo ng kanilang relasyon,” he explained.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also expressed concern the passage of laws that will provide additional benefits and salary to teachers might also be compromised given the rift between the leaders of the House of Representatives and VP Duterte who is also the concurrent Education Secretary.
“Walang pakinabang dito ang mamamayang Pilipino. Iyong usapin ng sahod ngayon nakasalang lalo na usapin ng GAA 2024 at ng usapin ng salary standardization law so technically pwede makaapekto iyan,” ACT National Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said.
A youth group also lamented how the political bickering affects governance, and the giving of service to the Filipino people.
'PEOPLE TO BEAR BRUNT OF FEUD'
Further he said, if the situation worsens, Vice President Duterte’s function as the concurrent education secretary will be affected.
“Iyong mapapamalakad halimbawa ni Vice President Sara Duterte sa DepEd, somehow baka maapektuhan iyon. For example, patuloy na gigipitin ang budget ng DepEd o di kaya ang opisina ng Vice President so kapag ganito na masama na ang takbo ng kanilang relasyon,” he explained.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also expressed concern the passage of laws that will provide additional benefits and salary to teachers might also be compromised given the rift between the leaders of the House of Representatives and VP Duterte who is also the concurrent Education Secretary.
“Walang pakinabang dito ang mamamayang Pilipino. Iyong usapin ng sahod ngayon nakasalang lalo na usapin ng GAA 2024 at ng usapin ng salary standardization law so technically pwede makaapekto iyan,” ACT National Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said.
A youth group also lamented how the political bickering affects governance, and the giving of service to the Filipino people.
“Nagagalit po kami dahil habang nanatiling mataas ng presyo ng bilhin, habang maliliit ang sahod ng mga manggagawa at may kinakaharap tayong krisis sa transportasyon bardagulan ang inaatupag ni Duterte at ng Marcos at basically ginagawa nila ito dahil sa pagaagawan sa kapangyarihan,” Kate Almenzo, Anakbayan’s National Spokesperson said.
“Ang talo dito sa bardagulan ng mga Marcos at Duterte ay ang mga mamamayan,” she added.
“Nagagalit po kami dahil habang nanatiling mataas ng presyo ng bilhin, habang maliliit ang sahod ng mga manggagawa at may kinakaharap tayong krisis sa transportasyon bardagulan ang inaatupag ni Duterte at ng Marcos at basically ginagawa nila ito dahil sa pagaagawan sa kapangyarihan,” Kate Almenzo, Anakbayan’s National Spokesperson said.
“Ang talo dito sa bardagulan ng mga Marcos at Duterte ay ang mga mamamayan,” she added.
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