01 March 2022 - UK takes action against Russia
Russian vessels to be banned from British ports, says Grant Shapps
Rob Davies and Severin Carrell (The Guardian, 28/02/2022)
Russian vessels will be banned from British ports, the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said on Monday, in an effort to ensure the Kremlin is not funding its war effort in Ukraine with sales of oil and gas in the UK.
The pledge came as multiple Russian oil tankers were either docked at UK ports or on either way to drop off consignments, in south Wales, Scotland and Orkney.
A Russian oil tanker was moored at Milford Haven in south Wales on Monday, even as Shapps announced plans to bar any future arrivals.
Bristol theatre cancels Russian state ballet performances
(BBC News, 28/02/2022)
The Bristol Hippodrome has cancelled a run of performances by a Russian ballet company saying it "stands firmly behind the people of Ukraine".
The Russian State Ballet Company of Siberia was due to perform next month.
The Ambassador Theatre Group, which runs the Hippodrome, said it hoped for a swift return to peace and stability.
Pro-Ukraine protesters EGG Russian embassy in London
(The Sun, 28/02/2022)
The Russian embassy in London was egged at a pro-Ukrainian protest outside the building.
Hundreds gathered calling for Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw from Ukraine in demonstrations outside the embassy in Kensington, west London, as well asDowning Street on Saturday afternoon.
Waving flags, banners and placards, protesters sang the Ukrainian anthem and chanted “Putin stop war”, “Putin go home” and “free Ukraine”.
‘It’s my duty to go’: the volunteers leaving the UK to help Ukraine
Matthew Weaver (The Guardian, 28/02/2022)
Some of the many British-based volunteers heading to fight in Ukraine say they are willing to die to protect the country from invading Russian forces.
“I’ve spent most of my life enjoying myself, so if I die tomorrow I’ve had a good life,” said one man, 57, who would only give the name Konch. He is planning to drive to Ukraine this week in a convoy of vehicles from the UK.
Konch, a security contractor who grew up in the Midlands, added: “A lot of the other guys I’m going with are ex-forces, but there some that have never fired a water pistol in their lives. Anyone with half an ounce of integrity can’t help feel moved by what’s happening. If Ukrainians are willing to stand up and fight, then so can we.”