24 February 2023 , 00:03
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A year ago the world changed when Vladimir Putin launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine.
Up to that point its people had been looking forward to a prosperous and peaceful future.
And the West still believed Russia could be an ally in the brotherhood of nations.
That vain hope was dashed when the tanks went in and the missiles took to the air.
Putin’s war has cost of the lives of thousands. The Russians have committed war crimes including rape and murder.
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Schools and hospitals have been destroyed, families torn apart, towns razed.
What has not changed in the last year has been the spirit of the Ukrainian people.
Putin’s war has cost of the lives of thousands (Getty Images)Their bravery remains undiminished, their defiance as unbreakable as it was on the day Putin ordered his troops into battle.
The war has cost the West dear in terms of higher prices and economic disruption. But that is nothing compared to the toll it has taken on Ukraine and its people.
Their resolve will be tested further in the months ahead. They have not faltered and their allies must not falter in their support.
Fruit and nuts
The Environment Secretary says we should eat turnips in place of scarce fruit and veg (Getty Images)If there was a prize for political stupidity Therese Coffey would be clear winner.
The Environment Secretary says we should eat turnips in place of scarce fruit and veg.
Then she tells households struggling with higher food bills to work longer hours.
It is clearly beyond her limited abilities to understand why so many are facing hardship and why shops are having to ration produce.
Instead of lecturing she should be pressing for workers to get the rises they deserve and seeking to resolve the UK’s supply problems.
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Or would that be too much hard work for the hapless Cabinet minister?
Motty’s legacy
John Motson did not just comment on football, he brought the game to life.
Every kick, every goal and every celebration was better when described by Motty.