Aging British singer and political sage (!) Sting delivered his hot take on Putin’s war in Ukraine during a concert in Poland on Saturday night. He interrupted the concert to warn the audience that democracy is under attack worldwide. He also denounced the war in Ukraine as “an absurdity based upon a lie.”
Sting got an assist from a popular Polish actor, Maciej Stuhr, who came on stage and translated Sting’s message that democracy is “in grave danger of being lost unless we defend it.”
“The alternative to democracy is a prison, a prison of the mind. The alternative to democracy is violence, oppression, imprisonment and silence,” Sting said and then ran his hand across his neck in a throat-cutting gesture.
The 70-year-old delivered his message in a country that borders Ukraine, where Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24 that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Poland has become the place of refuge for more Ukrainians than any other country.
“The war in the Ukraine is an absurdity based upon a lie. If we swallow that lie, the lie will eat us,” Sting said. He appeared to be referring to justifications Russia has tried to give for its invasion, including a Russian claim that it seeks to “de-Nazify” Ukraine, a democracy led by a Jewish president.
Those in the audience at Warsaw’s National Stadium would have also understand a reference to their own country.
Sting drew strong applause in particular when he said that democracy is something messy and frustrating “but it is still worth fighting for.”
Yeah, thanks, Sting. Was it really necessary to interrupt his concert to lecture the Polish audience about standing up for democracy and freedom? Poland was the first to step up and offer assistance to its neighbor, Ukraine, when Putin invaded the country. Poland has taken in more than 5.1 million refugees from Ukraine as of the end of July. NATO countries (Poland is a member of NATO) for example, know the threat posed by Russia and have responded accordingly.
Today, four Italian Air Force F-2000A jets were deployed to the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork, Poland, to support NATO’s enhanced air policing in the Baltic region. This is the first time the Italian jets deployed there for a NATO mission and the eighth time they performed air policing duties in the region. Last week, the United States sent F-22 Raptors to Poland to support NATO’s air shield against Russia. Those are just a couple of the most recent examples of support coming to help Ukraine from around the world.
Free countries around the world understand that Russia must not be allowed to invade Ukraine and take its land.
On Saturday, President Zelensky urged civilians who are still in the Donbas region of Ukraine to leave. This is the easternmost region of Ukraine where the most intense fighting is happening. Zelensky said that hundreds of thousands of people are still in the area, refusing to leave. Zelensky wants them to leave for their own safety. Russia continues to focus on the Donbas and Zelensky wants to reduce the number of Ukrainians that may be killed by Russian forces.
“Therefore, if you have the opportunity, please talk to those who still remain in the combat zones in Donbas,” the statement reads. “Please convince them that it is necessary to leave, especially if they are families with children. If you have the opportunity to help displaced people, do it.”
Zelensky said the government is organizing for a mandatory evacuation from Donetsk, but people need to decide to leave. He said the Ukrainian government will provide full logistical and financial assistance.
“We are not Russia. That is why every life is important for us. And we will use all available opportunities to save as many lives as possible and to limit Russian terror as much as possible,” he said.
Zelensky called on the U.S. State Department and the rest of the world to recognize Russia as a terrorist state. He said that recognition will cut political and business ties that Russia has and will make it more difficult for Russia. On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution urging Secretary of State Blinken to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
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