Ihor Cap: Commentary on the Russia-Ukraine War, Ukraine Request for Weapons and the Battle of Kasham (aka Conoco Fields)

Ihor Cap: Commentary on the Russia-Ukraine War

When Ukraine asked for tanks and weapons back in September 2022, the Russians only started to build their fortifications. Ukraine got its tanks six months later, but by January 25, 2023, the well-armed and well-supplied Russians had hundreds of miles of well-built fortifications and minefields, not to mention even more mobilized troops. It is little wonder why the Ukrainians are slower in their counterattack. The relatively quick Ukrainian successes in the Kharkiv and Kherson regions did not face well-entrenched Russian troops. Casualties were still high on both sides.

 

Now that Ukraine is asking for air support, air defence systems, and more tanks in addition to longer-range artillery weapons, the West is still befuddled and slow to respond, at the cost of more Ukrainian lives. After all, it’s not their lives at stake here.  

The weapons to mitigate Ukrainian suffering are assuaged by a long list of lamentable regrets. These may include: we can’t give you these weapons; we don’t have enough artillery; we cannot produce them fast enough; let’s not escalate matters; or you can’t use these weapons in certain situations while the morally deficient Russians continue to bomb civilian populations, food storage facilities,  infrastructure, and revel in their genocidal acts.  You wonder if the NATO countries were even ready to fight Russia after 80 years of preparation.

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and GAN Global Join Forces to Promote Apprenticeships Worldwide

The Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN) is pleased to announce its partnership with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA). Committed to providing a forum for exchange of  ideas, information, and resources, CAF-FCA brings together businesses, labour organizations, education providers, and government representatives to support apprenticeship training and skilled trades in Canada. As a country partner of GAN Global, CAF will have access to a worldwide network to share best practices and engage in dialogue with other organizations committed to promoting work-based learning (WBL).

GAN Global is an international network bringing together businesses, organizations, and governments to promote and support the expansion of quality apprenticeships worldwide as a means of equipping individuals with the skills needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing economy. In partnership with GAN Global, CAF-FCA seeks to better understand the application of other WBL and apprenticeship models in various countries. Exploring international examples and practices will encourage and inspire the Canadian apprenticeship community to push beyond current systems, processes, and politics to find new and better approaches to apprenticeship training.

“We are proud to partner with GAN and look forward to this unique collaboration to promotework-based learning. This important step will allow CAF-FCA to share and learn from international apprenticeship best practices to address skills gaps and ensure a robust pipeline of skilled trades talent for Canada.” France Daviault, CEO – Canadian Apprenticeship Forum

Eurobarometer: Trust in the EU on the rise, amid strong support for the EU's response to Russia invasion of Ukraine and energy policies

Press release 6 September 2022 Brussels

The summer 2022 Standard Eurobarometer survey shows increased trust of citizens in the EU, and continued strong support for the EU's response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. An overwhelming majority of EU citizens support investments in renewable energy and action to reduce the EU's dependency on Russian energy sources. The approval rate of the euro has reached its highest level ever.

However, Europeans are increasingly concerned about the economic situation in the EU and in their own country.

 

 General perception of the EU