Many of you have seen the revolution in Ukraine against the former President Yanukovych in the media. Then the Russian military intervention followed. First the annexation of a sovereign Ukrainian territory (Crimea), then the war in the East.
The situation in the East is complex still. Although no major operations are conducted by DNR, LNR and Russia, each day there is shooting and young Ukrainian soldiers are hurt/wounded and give away their life, paying the ultimate price so others can live in peace. A draw/standstill is obvious. This was a war that was not started by Ukraine, and without Russian support with arms and funds, it would be long over. This was not enough, however, and Russia is sending their troops without insignia, disguised as rebels, to fight in the East. To this date, over 3,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in the East, and their mothers in Russia are mourning their loss in a crazy, unnecessary war for a dream of an past Russian Empire which has long gone…
How long this will last is unsure. In the 21st Century, Ukraine is a victim of insane actions by Putin as he tries to portray Ukraine as the Sick Man of Europe. His flights are scaring Europe with a new atomic war. We hope it does not get that far, and that the world will come together to prevent the catastrophe that would bring.
In Kiev, the capital of Ukraine – where our workshop is located – it is quiet, since it is over 600km to the frontline. So, we continue our work, and our loyal customers – many from the beginning of 2002-03 – are continuously sending us work. We will also continue our work in 2015, and our biggest wish for 2015 is peace for Ukraine and for the world, and we wish all the TMP members and our clients Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!