Profile In Focus | Wikileaks - Part 27 (February 2022)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 2 (2000s)
Profile In Focus | Wikileaks - Part 27 (February 2022)
“Map of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, showing territorial advances between Russian/Ukrainian forces on 24 February, 2022” by Immanuelle, Cdjp1, Bacon Noodles, & Physeters under CC BY-SA 4.0.
In February 2022, the world was gripped by a growing crisis between Russia and Ukraine. Tensions were escalating, and fears of a full-scale invasion by Russia were mounting. The situation had far-reaching implications for global politics and security.
As the month began, reports emerged that former US President Donald Trump had considered blanket pardons for the individuals involved in the January 6th riot at the Capitol before leaving office. This revelation sparked controversy and further highlighted the deep divisions within American society.
In the midst of the Ukraine crisis, some US politicians questioned the country's support for Ukraine's admission into NATO. Senator Hawley's comments intensified the debate and exposed the divisive nature of the issue. Meanwhile, Carnegie Europe examined the implications of the crisis on NATO and the European Union, emphasizing the complexity of the situation.
Russia's alleged plot for a false flag attack raised concerns among US officials. The US accused Russia of planning to carry out a deceptive operation, heightening tensions and exacerbating the sense of uncertainty.
China joined Russia in opposing NATO expansion, reflecting the growing alignment between the two countries on certain geopolitical issues. This development underscored the shifting dynamics of global alliances and the challenges facing NATO.
The month also witnessed internal turmoil within the US, with reports of a year after Trump's purge, the rise of "alt-tech" platforms offering a refuge for far-right groups. The influence of these platforms and their impact on political discourse became a subject of concern.
Protests against COVID-19 restrictions in Canada reached a boiling point, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency in Ottawa. The protests disrupted daily life and highlighted the deep divisions over public health measures.
In a surprising turn of events, 15 boxes of White House records were discovered at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. The recovery of these records raised questions about transparency and accountability within the Trump administration.
The influence and scapegoating of billionaire philanthropist George Soros by the political right were explored in various media outlets. The focus on Soros highlighted the role of conspiracy theories in shaping public discourse and political narratives.
In a rare rebuke, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the Republican National Committee's handling of the January 6th insurrection, referring to it as a "violent insurrection." This statement underscored the fractures within the Republican Party and the ongoing fallout from the events at the Capitol.
Investigations into the January 6th attack continued, with a congressional panel examining the unifying power of the event for extremist groups. The panel aimed to shed light on the factors that contributed to the violence and the implications for national security.
Amid the ongoing debate about violence during the 2020 protests, The Washington Post debunked claims that Antifa had infiltrated the Black Lives Matter movement. However, the article also explored the complex relationship between the two groups and the potential for increased violence.
As tensions escalated between Ukraine and Russia, the UK readied 1,000 troops for potential humanitarian support in response to the growing crisis. The move demonstrated the international community's concern over the situation and the need for preparedness.
Cyberattacks targeting Ukrainian military and financial institutions raised concerns about Russia's use of digital tactics in the conflict. These attacks highlighted the evolving nature of warfare and the increasing reliance on technology in modern conflicts.
As February came to a close, Russia's invasion of Ukraine became a reality. Putin's military operation and the subsequent developments sent shockwaves throughout the international community. The invasion sparked protests in Russia and led to fears of a humanitarian and environmental disaster in Ukraine, particularly at the Chernobyl nuclear facility.
In summary, February 2022 was a month marked by escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, culminating in a full-scale invasion by Russia. The crisis had significant implications for global politics, alliances, and the ongoing debate over misinformation, extremism, and the role of technology in shaping public discourse. The events highlighted the complexity and fragility of international relations in the face of political turmoil and military aggression.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on June 5, 2023
Previous: Profile In Focus | Wikileaks - Part 26 (February 2022)
Next: Profile In Focus | Wikileaks - Part 28 (March 2022 - April 2022)
Return to start: Profile In Focus | Wikileaks
Putin Is A War Criminal
Russia Is A Terrorist State:
Part 1 (1990s)
Part 2 (2000s)
Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Part 4 (2016 - 2019)
Part 5 (2020 - 2021)
Part 6 (2022+)
Sources for Profile In Focus | Wikileaks - Part 27 (February 2022):
Doubting Russian exit, NATO looks to bolster its defenses – AP News February 16, 2022
How Russia uses sarcasm as weapon in Ukraine crisis – AP News February 16, 2022
Risk of a Ukraine war spreading in Europe rests on unknowns – AP News February 16, 2022
Ukraine says Russian troop buildup is insufficient for full-scale invasion – CNN February 16, 2022
Ukraine-Russia crisis: What to know as NATO eyes Russia move – AP News February 17, 2022
US official: Russia adds 7K more troops near Ukraine border – AP News February 17, 2022
With fast-track passports, Russia extends clout in Ukraine – AP News February 17, 2022
Biden: ‘Every indication’ Russia prepared to attack Ukraine – AP News February 17, 2022
How American cash for Canada protests could sway US politics – AP News February 17, 2022
Ukraine: Satellite images show Russian military activity – BBC February 17, 2022
Nato eyes deployment of French forces to Romania – Euobserver February 17, 2022
Ukraine-Russia crisis: What to know as tensions hit new high – AP News February 17, 2022
EXPLAINER: Russia-backed rebels a thorn in Ukraine’s side – AP News February 17, 2022
US, Britain accuse Russia of cyberattacks targeting Ukraine – AP News February 17, 2022
EXPLAINER: Why would world leaders balk at giving Putin DNA? – AP News February 17, 2022
Ukraine tensions: Russia looking for excuse to invade, US says – BBC February 18, 2022
Biden is ‘convinced’ Putin has decided to invade Ukraine – AP News February 18, 2022
US, Britain accuse Russia of cyberattacks targeting Ukraine – AP News February 18, 2022
Videos hint at Russian information war targeting Ukraine – AP News February 18, 2022
Andrew Yang’s Web3 Lobbying Group Wants to End Poverty With Vote-Buying – Vice February 18, 2022
UK sees threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine – Reuters February 19, 2022
Ukraine: How big is the Russian military build-up? – BBC February 19, 2022
Is Russia going to invade Ukraine and what does Putin want? – BBC February 19, 2022
US defense chief: Russia ‘uncoiling and poised to strike’ – AP News February 19, 2022
Shelling in east Ukraine, Russia nuclear drill raise tension – AP News February 20, 2022
‘Nonsensical’: Doctor reacts to Eric Trump’s Covid vaccine claims – CNN February 20, 2022
Canada protests: Police push back demonstrators in Ottawa – BBC February 20, 2022
Fareed Zakaria says the US has made a strategic error with Russia – CNN February 20, 2022
AOC calls out Carlson’s ‘libelous harassment’ – CNN February 21, 2022
Putin’s History Of Launching Wars | The Mehdi Hasan Show – MSNBC February 21, 2022
Ukraine: Putin announces Donetsk and Luhansk recognition – BBC February 21, 2022
Russia Violates Ukraine’s Sovereignty | The Mehdi Hasan Show – MSNBC February 21, 2022
GOP’s Hypocritical Protest Response | Zerlina – MSNBC February 21, 2022
How Tucker Carlson Became One Of Russia’s Biggest Cheerleaders – MSNBC February 21, 2022
Canada parliament backs Trudeau on emergency powers – BBC February 21, 2022
Ukraine: What is Nato and why doesn’t Russia trust it? – BBC February 21, 2022
Putin’s recognition of Ukraine’s rebels ups ante in crisis – AP News February 21, 2022
Ukraine crisis: Russia orders troops into rebel-held regions – BBC February 22, 2022
Putin determined to plunge Ukraine into war – Starmer – BBC February 22, 2022
LIVE: U.S. President Joe Biden provides an update on Russia and Ukraine – Reuters February 22, 2022
Trump praises Putin as ‘savvy’ amid new escalations on Russia-Ukraine border – NPR February 22, 2022
We Didn’t Find Better Ways To Arm Ukraine, Says Writer – MSNBC February 22, 2022
Ukraine faces threat of more cyberattacks from Kremlin – CBS News February 22, 2022
Trump & His Allies Praise Putin As Russian Troops Threaten Ukraine – MSNBC February 22, 2022
Trump On Putin Invasion Plan: ‘This Is Genius’ – MSNBC February 22, 2022
Ukraine Is A Real Country | The Mehdi Hasan Show – MSNBC February 22, 2022
The Breakdown Of Trust In Institutions Began In 2000, Argues Author – MSNBC February 23, 2022
AP-NORC poll: Most in US oppose major role in Russia strife – AP News February 23, 2022
Ukraine crisis: Kyiv urges citizens to leave Russia as fears mount – BBC February 23, 2022
Rebels ask Russia for military help in eastern Ukraine – BBC February 23, 2022
US trucker convoys prompt National Guard deployment in Washington – BBC February 23, 2022
Ukraine’s economy is another victim of Russia’s ‘hybrid war’ – AP News February 23, 2022
Russia’s Putin announces military operation in Ukraine – AP News February 23, 2022
Russia Expected To Split Ukraine In Initial Military Campaign – MSNBC February 23, 2022
Bitcoin donations to the Ukrainian military are soaring as Russia invades - CNBC February 24, 2022
Live updates: U.S. official: Large-scale invasion now likely – AP News February 24, 2022
‘It’s too late’: Russian move roils UN meeting on Ukraine – AP News February 24, 2022
Ukrainian journalist: Putin’s gone ‘full Hitler’ – CNN February 24, 2022
It’s time to admit it: Mitt Romney was right about Russia – CNN February 24, 2022
Hundreds arrested as shocked Russians protest Ukraine attack – February 24, 2022
Russian Defense Ministry says its ground forces in Ukraine – AP News February 24, 2022
Ukraine conflict: Zelensky warns of new iron curtain as Russia invades – BBC February 24, 2022
In pictures: Destruction and fear as war hits Ukraine – BBC February 24, 2022
This is the reason some people are drawn to “strongmen” leaders – CNN February 24, 2022
Russia invades Ukraine on many fronts in ‘brutal act of war’ – AP News February 24, 2022
‘Yes, He Would’: Fiona HIll on Putin and Nukes – Politico February 28, 2022