By Adam Ingalls

Why should Ukraine concern our readers?

According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German research institute, as of November 9, 2023, donor countries have pledged over €100 billion in aid to Ukraine since the start of the war in February 2022. The United States is the largest donor, accounting for over half of the total aid pledged.

According to the exchange rate on November 9, 2023 at 16:08 PST, one British pound (GBP) is equal to 1.22993 US dollars (USD).

The following is a breakdown of the aid pledged by the top 10 donor countries:

  1. United States: €57.6 billion
  2. United Kingdom: €6.9 billion
  3. Germany: €6.7 billion
  4. Poland: €4.5 billion
  5. Canada: €3.1 billion
  6. France: €2.9 billion
  7. Japan: €2.8 billion
  8. Netherlands: €2.3 billion
  9. Sweden: €2.1 billion
  10. Norway: €2.0 billion

Unknown how the funds are being used by the Ukraine government.

Update on Zelensky’s Absolute Control of Ukrainian Media, Outlawing of Opposition Parties and the Orthodox Church, Martial Law, and Cancellation of Presidential Elections

As of November 9, 2023:

  • Media: Zelensky has consolidated all national TV channels into a single information platform called “United News.” He has also banned several opposition media outlets and jailed several journalists.
  • Political Parties: Zelensky has outlawed 11 opposition political parties.
  • Orthodox Church: Zelensky has banned the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), which is the largest Orthodox church in Ukraine.
  • Martial Law: Zelensky has declared martial law, which gives him broad powers to restrict civil liberties and suspend elections.
  • Presidential Elections: Zelensky has cancelled the scheduled presidential elections for 2023.

Zelensky’s actions have been criticized by many as being authoritarian and undemocratic. However, he has defended his actions as necessary to protect Ukraine from Russia and to ensure victory in the war.

Some experts believe that Zelensky’s consolidation of power is a temporary measure that will be lifted once the war is over. Others worry that he is establishing a dictatorship and that Ukraine’s democracy is at risk.

It is important to note that these are just allegations and have not been proven in a court of law. Zelensky has denied any wrongdoing.

It is also important to note that the situation in Ukraine is fluid and rapidly changing. It is possible that Zelensky’s actions will change in the future.

This editorial was written after viewing the following tweet from former Democratic US Rep Tulsi Gabbard.