On the very first International Day of Plant Health, marked on Thursday, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called for more investment in innovation to boost food security, especially for the billions worldwide living close to the bread line.
Healthy plants have the power to help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and boost economic development. But even though plants make up 80 per cent of the food we eat, and provide 98 per cent of the oxygen we breathe, threats to their survival in many cases, are piling up.
According to recent data, up to 40 per cent of food crops are lost due to plant pests and diseases every year, and this affects both food security and agriculture, the main source of income for vulnerable rural communities.
Climate change and human activities are also altering ecosystems and damaging biodiversity while creating new niches for pests to thrive in.
Furthermore, FAO says that protecting plants from pests and diseases is far more cost effective than dealing with plant health emergencies. That is because once established, plant pests and diseases are often difficult to eradicate, and need to be controlled through sustainable pest and pesticides management.
Human health depends on plants
“On this very first International Day of Plant Health, we reflect on plant health innovations for food security,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, adding that investments are needed in research to find more resilient and sustainable additions to the human diet.
“We need to continue raising the global profile of plant health to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable”, he continued.
The protection of plants is essential for people and for the planet, and that is why the UN Food and Agriculture Organization has mapped several priorities for plant health, coinciding with the inaugural Day.
Focusing on sustainable pest management and pesticides through promotion of green and digital plant protection; and creating enabling surroundings for plant health by enhancing the health of soils, seeds, and pollinators, are among the main priorities.
FAO is calling on governments to prioritize plant health and its sustainable management in formulating policies and legislation, and on academia and research institutions to deliver science-based solutions.
Why an International Day?
Having been established as a key legacy of the International Year of Plant Health 2020, the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) was designated to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.
Championed by Zambia, it was unanimously adopted in a General-Assembly resolution co-signed by Bolivia, Finland, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Tanzania.
Following the first IDPH this year, FAO will organize celebrations for the Day every 12 May at global, regional, national levels, and even potentially, down on a farm, near you.
The second Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the EU elected Raphaël Glucksmann as its Chair at its constitutive session on Thursday.
“Our democracies are under continuous attack and we have to defend them against ever more forceful and sophisticated foreign interference. The mission of this special committee is to evaluate the implementation of the recommendations of its predecessor, continue to analyse the threats and ensure that the 2024 European elections are shielded from these types of attacks.”
Protecting democracy
The “Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation II”, or INGE 2 , builds and follows up on the work done by its homonymous predecessor, which ended its work on 23 March. It will also screen existing and planned EU legislation in a range of areas for loopholes that could be exploited by third countries for malicious purposes.
The 33-member committee will summarise its findings in a report to be adopted by the end of its one-year mandate.
Vice-chairs
The committee also elected its vice-chairs, who, together with the chair, make up the bureau of the committee.
At the constitutive meeting, political groups named their coordinators, who act as speakers for their groups:
Next steps
The first regular meeting of the newly constituted committee will be held on 17 May on Russian disinformation and propaganda in relation to its war against Ukraine, jointly with the Subcommittee on Security and Defence. The following week the committee travels to the Riga Stratcom Dialogue on 24-25 May to meet, among others, with officials of NATO StratCom Centre of Excellence.
2030 policy programme ‘Path to the Digital Decade’: the Council adopts its position
To ensure that the EU meets its objectives for a digital transformation in line with EU values, member states today agreed on a negotiating mandate for the 2030 policy programme ‘Path to the Digital Decade’.
This text aims to strengthen the EU’s digital leadership by promoting inclusive and sustainable digital policies that serve citizens and businesses. To this end, it sets out the concrete digital targets, including for industry which the Union as a whole must achieve by the end of the decade and a novel form of governance with the member states, through a mechanism of cooperation between the Commission and the member states to ensure that the Union jointly achieves its ambition.
Governance
The Council text changed the frequency of interactions to move to a biennial cycle of cooperation between member states and the Commission while maintaining the annual frequency of the ‘State of the Digital Decade’ report. In this regard, a stronger link with the legal basis of the decision has been established.
Alignment with other digital files
The Council text is fully in line with the Commission Communication of March 2021 on the 2030 Digital Compass and underlines the importance of fundamental rights.
Next steps
Today’s mandate was approved by the Council’s Permanent Representative’s Committee (Coreper), so the Council presidency can start negotiations with the European Parliament as soon as the European Parliament has agreed its position.
Background
The Commission communication ‘2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade’ of 9 March 2021 set out a vision of the EU successfully achieving a digital transition by 2030. The EU’s ambition is to be digitally sovereign in an open and interconnected world, and to pursue digital policies that allow people and businesses to have a human centred, inclusive, sustainable and prosperous digital future.
In its conclusions of 25 March 2021, the European Council stressed the importance of the digital transformation for the Union’s recovery, prosperity, security and competitiveness and for the well-being of our societies. It identified the digital compass communication as a step towards mapping Europe’s digital development for the next decade. It called on the Commission to use all available instruments in the field of industrial, trade and competition policy. In light of these ambitions and challenges, the Commission proposed on 15 September 2021 a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Digital Policy Programme ‘Path to the Digital Decade’.
Mexico City (Mexico), 12 May 2022 – Transnational organized crime – whether it be drug trafficking, human trafficking, money-laundering, migrant smuggling, etc. – can devastate societies. It can compromise the ability of states to effectively govern their populations and provide services. It may widen gaps between genders, ethnic groups, economic classes, and more, and overwhelming affects the most vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, allowing organized criminal groups to exploit the gaps left by governments’ reallocation of resources.
Moreover, they threaten the ability to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, under which Member States committed to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Tackling such a complex problem requires the coordinated efforts of many actors, including the private sector, academia, and civil society. While the public sector leads crime prevention and criminal justice efforts, private sector enterprises can leverage their resources and networks to build sustainable and responsible businesses, raise awareness among employees, partners and clients in their companies, and contribute tools, critical data and instruments to help governments tackle organized crime. On the other hand, civil society and academia provide unique on-the-ground perspectives, highlighting the needs of organized crime victims and delivering much needed services – sometimes in place of governments. Moreover, these actors develop rigorous research that inform interventions from governments, other stakeholders and international organizations such as UNODC.
To help states tackle transnational organized crime, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) uses a review process whereby states identify country-specific priorities to combat transnational organized crime. However, civil society participation in the review process has at times been limited, although Resolution 9/1 of the Conference of the Parties to UN Convention against Transnational Crime (UNTOC) provides for the participation of non-governmental stakeholders in the review process.
On 27 April, UNODC and the Government of Mexico launched the first-ever Pilot Initiative , aiming to bring together representatives from government, civil society, academia and the private sector to ensure that their perspectives and expertise are included in the review process.
“This Pilot Initiative has a special role because it will help us to enhance our engagement with civil society in fostering inclusive societies in the promotion of SDG16.” – emphasized Eduardo Jaramillo Navarrete, Director General for the United Nations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico. “The UNTOC and its Review Mechanism will provide the basis for this exchange of ideas about the processes involved in the daily fight against crime and violence.”
At Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stakeholders identified key priorities on preventing transnational organized crime, including the creation of a database for open and reliable data to inform Government policies on crime prevention; the establishment of a mechanism for coordination with the Government to create strategies and action plans and ensuring that the review process is transparent and open to non-governmental stakeholders; and making civil society trainings available to the police.
Stacy de la Torre, Head of Programmes at UNODC Mexico office, emphasized UNODC’s role in supporting States in the fight against transnational organized crime through the implementation of the Convention and its Review Mechanism. “The engagement between Member States and civil society in this review process is a reflection that no single government can tackle transnational organized crime on its own”.
As the next step, the Government will convene a follow-up meeting in late 2022 to review the progress made in the implementation of UNTOC, as well as how the Government is incorporating the priorities submitted by the stakeholders.
As Norma Sanchez, an independent expert on transnational organized crime, noted, “the Pilot Initiative has been a very fruitful and inspiring experience that motivates me to continue contributing, with an anti-corruption and transparency approach, to prevention policies against organized crime, especially for the most vulnerable people, children and adolescents.”
UNODC will continue to support the Government of Mexico in the activities related to the Pilot Initiative and hopes that other countries will be inspired to take similar actions in line with their national realities.
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The project of Stakeholder Engagement for the UNTOC, its Review Mechanism and Related Activities (SE4U) is made possible by the generous financial support of the Government of the United States.
Europe, a continent steeped in history and culture, is renowned for its rich artistic tapestry. From the Renaissance masterpieces of Italy to the avant-garde artworks of France, Europe’s cultural heritage is a sight to behold. Embark on a journey through the continent’s artistic treasures and uncover a world of beauty, creativity, and inspiration. Get ready to be captivated by the diverse and awe-inspiring masterpieces that await you!
Exploring Europe’s Vast Artistic Tapestry: A Cultural Journey Awaits!
As you set foot in Europe, you are instantly transported into a realm of artistic wonders. Each country boasts its own unique artistic style, reflecting centuries of history and cultural influences. From the imposing architecture of ancient Greece to the intricate tapestries of medieval France, Europe’s artistic tapestry is as diverse as it is captivating.
In Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, you can immerse yourself in the works of legendary artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. The magnificent frescoes adorning the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and the iconic sculpture of David in Florence are just a glimpse of the artistic treasures that await you.
Europe’s artistic tapestry is an unparalleled visual feast that spans across centuries and genres. From classical paintings to modern installations, the continent offers a myriad of artistic experiences that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, Europe’s cultural masterpieces are sure to leave a lasting impression.
So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey through Europe’s artistic wonders. Follow in the footsteps of the great masters, explore hidden galleries, and marvel at the breathtaking architecture that dots the continent. Unveil the rich artistic tapestry that Europe has to offer and let yourself be enchanted by the boundless creativity that has shaped the continent’s cultural heritage. Prepare to be inspired like never before!
Amidst rising tensions, a months-long political stalemate and increasing speculation about yet another conflict in Europe, the international community must stand firm behind a peaceful, unified Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country’s UN envoy told the Security Council on Wednesday.
High Representative Christian Schmidt said that more than 26 years after the signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace – known as the Dayton Accords – citizens are once again talking about the possibility of another conflict, posing the risk of inflammatory incidents.
“The conflict in Ukraine, not so far away, is a sobering reminder that even in the 21st century, another war on European soil is not an impossibility,” he stressed.
Outlining the main challenges, Mr. Schmidt said that authorities in the ethnic Serb-dominated Republika Srpska – one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s two entities, alongside the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina – have increasingly embraced rhetoric and actions that could undermine the constitutional framework.
They include attempts to render national laws inapplicable, which would likely mean the Republika’s withdrawal from the country’s unified forces.
Emphasizing that such constitutional changes cannot be made unilaterally, they would threaten the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he stressed the international community has a responsibility to defend the Dayton Accord and the rights of the country’s three constituent peoples.
European integration
The High Representative praised international support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unity, including through targeted sanctions by many Governments.
“We will not sit still while other seek to dismantle 26 years of peace, stability and progress,” he said.
Turning to the country’s potential membership in the European Union (EU) – a path that would help resolve grievances and foster peace and stability – he urged the bloc to keep its doors open to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rest of the Western Balkan nations.
Meanwhile, fulfilling Agenda 5+2 and the European Council’s recommendations before membership can be considered, would help resolve grievances and foster lasting peace and stability, thereby improving the lives of every citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It would also help stem the ever-increasing flow of young people out of the country and provide hope for a brighter future, he said.
‘Secessionist threats’
Šefik Džaferović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, joined the Council meeting on behalf of his country.
Describing the High Representative’s report on the situation as an objective account, he agreed that for over 10 months, his country has been in a deep political crisis caused by the secessionist threats, blockade of institutions and other actions by Republika Srpska.
Noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina lacks a fully developed mechanism to prevent such secessionist activities, he called for the international community’s full support.
Considering the current geopolitical situation – “we feel the strong consequences of the aggression on Ukraine” – he echoed calls on the EU to respond positively to the nation’s request for candidate status.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe – Security Council meets on Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Challenges to High Representative
At the meeting’s outset, several delegates expressed their reservations on hearing Mr. Schmidt brief in his capacity as High Representative.
Anna M. Evstigneeva, the Russian delegate, said Mr. Schmidt is a German citizen whose appointment was never authorized by the Council.
Echoing similar misgivings, China’s representative, Dai Bing said that while the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina features a profound deadlock, all members of society – including Republika Srpska – have pledged to uphold the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Describing the High Representative system as a relic from another time, he declared: “Picking sides by external forces will not help resolve differences between ethnic groups.”
He also warned against the imposition of unilateral sanctions, emphasizing the serious humanitarian impacts that the conflict in Ukraine is having on food security as well as lingering challenges caused by the COVID pandemic.
MEPs back CO2 emission standards for cars and vans
Environment Committee MEPs are in favour of a pathway towards zero-emission road mobility in 2035 for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) adopted on Wednesday, with 46 votes in favour, 40 against and two abstentions, its position on proposed rules to revise the CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans in line with the EU’s increased climate ambition.
In the report, MEPs expressed their support for the Commission proposal to reach zero-emission road mobility by 2035.
Proposed measures include:
– removing the incentive mechanism for zero- and low-emission vehicles (‘ZLEV’), as it no longer serves its original purpose;
– a report by the Commission on the progress towards zero-emission road mobility by the end of 2025 and on a yearly basis thereafter, covering the impact on consumers and employment, the level of renewable energy use as well as information on the market for second-hand vehicles;
– gradually reducing the cap for eco-innovation, in line with the proposed stricter targets (the existing 7g CO2/km limit should remain until 2024, followed by 5g from 2025, 4g from 2027 and 2g until the end of 2034);
– a report by the Commission, by the end of 2023, detailing the need for targeted funding to ensure a just transition in the automotive sector, to mitigate negative employment and other economic impacts;
– a common EU methodology by the Commission, by 2023, for assessing the full life cycle of CO2 emissions of cars and vans placed on the EU market, as well as for the fuels and energy consumed by these vehicles.
Quote
Rapporteur Jan Huitema (Renew, NL) said: “This regulation encourages the production of zero- and low-emission vehicles. With CO2 standards, we create clarity for the car industry and stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers. In addition, purchasing and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers. This is especially important now that the prices of diesel and petrol continue to rise. This regulation makes sustainable driving accessible to everyone!”
Next steps
The report is scheduled to be adopted during the June plenary sitting and will constitute Parliament’s negotiating position with EU governments on the final shape of the legislation.
Background
On 14 July 2021, as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, the Commission presented a legislative proposal for a revision of the CO2 emission performance standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The proposal aims to contribute to the EU 2030 and 2050 climate objectives, to deliver benefits to citizens by deploying zero-emission vehicles more broadly (better air quality, energy savings and lower cost for owning a vehicle), as well as to stimulate innovation in zero-emission technologies.
From a legal standpoint, it’s essential to think about how your business will operate in the global marketplace. Depending on where you plan to sell your goods and services, you should consider how and where you plan to operate legally. This article covers the basics of what you need to consider when looking at integration expansion and how to approach this from a legal standpoint to ensure full compliance regardless of where you operate.
What Real Estate Will You Need In Your New Location?
If you plan to operate your business overseas, you need to consider if you need a physical location and what finding the right place entails. Arranging business premises, be it retail, warehouses, or offices, can vary significantly if you are doing so from another country and cannot be there in person to oversee the process.
You’ll also want to look into real estate laws in your new location carefully. Read the small print carefully to thoroughly understand all the differences compared to your home country. Many countries have their way of doing things and laws applicable to leasing or purchasing commercial properties.
Will You Require A Name Change or New Branding?
There are a few different ways to change your business’s name when operating overseas. The most common way of doing this is by filing a name change with the appropriate government authority. This may be the same authority that issues your business’s license or a separate office that regulates trademarks. This can help you avoid any cultural faux pas or even ensure that your branding is globally recognized to incorporate new values or a new direction.
Are You Aware Of All Employment Laws In The New Countries You Are Expanding In?
Ensuring you know all employment laws in the new countries you are expanding in is crucial. Depending on where you plan to grow your business, the employment laws may differ in the new country. If you don’t follow all the employment laws in the new countries, you risk running afoul of local laws and violating local employment rules. For example, if you operate a business in the US, you must provide health insurance for your employees. This is a law in every state and one that you must follow if you expand to other countries. You must also follow all the laws and regulations concerning taxes and other financial issues. For example, you must follow local financial rules and laws concerning paying taxes in the new countries you are expanding to. Additionally, you must follow all the rules regarding hiring employees. For example, you must follow all the rules if you hire someone as an independent contractor vs. an employee.
Do You Have The Correct Business Registration?
Depending on the country you’re planning to operate your business in, you must apply for business registration. This can include applying for a business name, filing taxes, and obtaining a business license or an LEI if applicable. Depending on the country you’re expanding to and the type of business you plan on operating, you may need a business registration. Some countries require a business registration to run a business, while others don’t. If you don’t have the correct business registration, you could face significant violations and penalties. This includes fines and having your business shut down by authorities. Ensure you register your business in the new country you are expanding to. Depending on your growing country, you may need a different registration. You can do this through your phone, business contact, or the internet. Make sure you register the correct information to avoid any issues.
The colors of the St. George ribbon have become a well-recognized symbol of military prowess and glory in Russia. The history of the symbol began with the establishment of the Order of St. George, the colors of the ribbon of which then switched to a considerable number of awards of the imperial, Soviet and modern periods of the Russian state, also becoming a symbol of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Order of Saint George
The famous Russian military order of St. George – a combat award exclusively honorary for Russian officers – was officially established on November 26, 1769. According to the statute, it was issued “only for the military rank” regardless of social status to those “who not only fulfilled their duty in everything by oath, honor and duty, but in addition marked themselves for the benefit and glory of Russian weapons with a special distinction, consisting in the following:
Who, despising the obvious danger and showing a valiant example of fearlessness, presence of mind and selflessness, performed an excellent military feat, crowned with complete success and brought obvious benefits. This feat can be accomplished either by order of the higher authorities, or by one’s own suggestion.
The Order of St. George was the highest and extremely honorable military award, denoting the valor of Russian soldiers.
The order was divided into 4 degrees. The order of the 1st degree was extremely rare – in the entire history of the order, only 25 people were awarded the 1st degree. Only 4 people became full or all degrees cavaliers:
– Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov (1st degree for “the defeat and expulsion of the enemy from Russia” in 1812).
– Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly (1st degree for the defeat of the French corps of F. Vandam near Kulm on August 18, 1813).
– Ivan Fedorovich Paskevich (1st degree for the capture of Erzurum in 1829).
– Ivan Ivanovich Dibich (1st degree for valor during the war in 1829).
Prominent military leaders P. A. Rumyantsev, A. G. Orlov-Chesmensky, P. I. Panin, V. M. Dolgorukov-Krymsky, G. A. Potemkin-Tavrichesky, A. V. Suvorov-Rymniksky, N. V. Repnin, V. Ya. Chichagov, P. I. Bagration, M. I. Platov, A. A. Brusilov and others.
Insignia of the Military Order and St. George’s Cross
Initially, only officers could become holders of the Order of St. George. But in 1807, in order to “encourage courage and courage” of soldiers and non-commissioned officers, a military order insignia was established – a silver cross on a St. George ribbon.
During the Patriotic War of 1812, among the awarded were peasants who were not in military service, but who participated in partisan actions. For example, Gerasim Matveyevich Kurin is a serf in the village of Pavlova, Bogorodsky district, Moscow province. After the occupation of the county town of Bogorodsk on September 23, 1812, by French troops, 35-year-old G. M. Kurin organized from the peasants with the help of the head of the Vladimir People’s Militia B. A. Golitsin, a partisan detachment of 5,300 foot and 500 horse soldiers.
Initially, unlike its “older” counterpart, the insignia did not have degrees. But in 1856, according to the new statute, 4 degrees of the insignia of the military order were established – like the officer version. Awards of the 1st and 2nd degrees were golden crosses on the St. George ribbon, 3rd and 4th – silver on the St. George ribbon. In addition, the first and third degrees were supplemented with a bow from the St. George ribbon.
The insignia was issued only for a specific feat “on the battlefield, in the defense of fortresses and on the waters”, which brought him closer to his older brother – the officer order of St. George.
St. George Ribbon
A well-recognized distinctive element of both officer and non-commissioned officer / soldier versions of the order was an orange-black ribbon, which, due to being an element of St. George’s awards, was called St. George’s.
Subsequently, in addition to the signs of the order, the St. George ribbon became an element of many other Russian military awards. For example, medals “For courage on the waters of Ochakovsky” (1788), medals “For courage on the waters of Finland” (1789), medals “For the defense of Sevastopol in 1854-1855”, medals “For participation in the war with Japan 1904-1905” and St. George medals issued during the First World War.
St. George’s / Guards Ribbon
In view of the fact that the St. George awards were awarded to soldiers and military units who showed excellent training and heroism, the St. George symbols – in particular, the St. George ribbon – gradually acquired the meaning of guards symbols. Since 1855, lanyards of St. George’s colors have appeared on premium weapons. They were awarded “For Bravery” – such an inscription adorned the hilt of this weapon.
The St. George’s ribbon became an element of the insignia assigned to units that proved themselves: St. George’s silver pipes, banners, standards, etc. – so the St. George’s ribbon acquired the meaning of the Guards.
People’s military symbol
The St. George awards and the St. George ribbon have become a national symbol of the courage and valor of a Russian soldier. So the insignia of the military order were awarded:
until 1812 – 14,800 soldiers and non-commissioned officers,
for 1812 year – 6 783,
for all Napoleonic wars until 1814 – 41,722,
for the Crimean War – 24,150,
for the Russian-Turkish War 1877–1878 – 46 000,
for Russian-Japanese War – 87,000.
During the First World War, the awarding of the St. George Cross (both soldier and officer) became massive. So, for example, in 1915, the Russian regiment in the Baura region near Warsaw twice attacked and put the Germans to flight without firing a single shot – 500 sets of awards were issued to the regiment for the feat shown. Knights of St. George during the war years 1914-1917 also became two chiefs of staff of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War (future marshals and Heroes of the Soviet Union): Zhukov and Vasilevsky.
Continuity of traditions
After 1918, the order was forgotten as a symbol of the imperial period. But the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, in which, as in the years of the First World War, Germany was the main enemy of the USSR, demanded a search for a symbol that would unite the population of the country to fight the threat and the enemy. It is not surprising that the St. George symbolism was restored in rights.
As already mentioned, this symbol has become popular and well recognizable during its existence. This symbol was actively issued during the First World War – that is, it was understandable to the veterans of this war who defended Russia from the Germans, and regardless of their social status. Therefore, during the Great Patriotic War, the wearing of St. George’s crosses by veterans of the First World War in the USSR was allowed. In 1942, the Guards badge was introduced in the Navy.
From the Order of the People’s Commissar of the Navy of the USSR No. 142 of June 19, 1942 “On the establishment of the Guards Naval flag, a special badge and a special ribbon for the cap”:
1. Guards ribbon.
The guards ribbon is an orange silk rep moire ribbon with three longitudinal black stripes applied to it.
ribbon width – 32.5 mm, length – 1420 mm. The width of the black stripes is 6 mm, the width of the orange gaps between them is 6.25 mm, the width of the piping is 1 mm.
The guards ribbon is laid along the band of the cap and fixed at the back seam, with the ends of the tape remaining free. On the guards ribbon, in the place at the front of the cap, the name of the ship, unit, formation is superimposed in gold embossing, and at the free ends – anchors.
In parallel, they began to develop a new order. In 1943 the Order of Glory was approved. Like the New Order of St. George, they were awarded for their courage and courage.
The Order of Glory was divided into three degrees. The order of the 1st degree was made of gold, the 2nd – of gold and silver, and the 3rd – of silver. A distinctive feature of the order – this is clearly visible – is the St. George ribbon.
Nowadays, some are trying to speculate on the topic of the name of the tape, stating that the tape was not called “St. George” at all, but “Guards” and only Guards. This is nothing more than an attempt at subversion. As already mentioned, over time, the St. George ribbon, like all St. George’s symbols, acquired the meaning of a symbol of the guard (units and soldiers who showed military prowess). So both options are synonymous and valid.
To prove that the ribbon on the Order of Glory is St. George, I will give the opinions of the creator of the Order N. I. Moskalev:
Especially for a long time I was looking for the color of the ribbon of the new order. And suddenly – St. George’s Ribbon! The distinction of the highest valor of a Russian soldier!
Therefore, all disputes about the existence of the St. George ribbon as a symbol of the Great Patriotic War can be stopped.
The St. George ribbon is also found on other awards of the Great Patriotic War and the post-war period.
The St. George ribbon is present on the medal “For the Capture of Berlin”.
On the medal “For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945”.
The medal was established on Victory Day – May 9, 1945 – by the Decree of the Presidium of the USSR Armed Forces. The medal was awarded to the entire army, including combatants who, due to injury, left the service or were transferred to other work – a total of almost 15 million people.
That is, the St. George ribbon is precisely the symbol of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
In the postwar years, the symbol was not forgotten.
For example, the guards ribbon on the Guards naval ensign of the destroyer Thundering.
And many other examples.
Now in the Russian award system there is the Order of St. George with a well-recognized ribbon.
The colors of the St. George ribbon have been and remain in Russia a symbol of military prowess and glory.
Picture: The photo shows all 4 degrees of the order with the St. George ribbon (above).
Left: 1st and 2nd degrees (crosses of the first two degrees were larger than the crosses of the 3rd and 4th – therefore they were sometimes called “big George”).
They are in the backs of military vehicles that invade Ukraine and have proven to be a mystery to many observers. Here is the military historian’s explanation
These inscriptions surprised even military experts, who had been speculating for several days and could not agree on an explanation. They were disoriented by the fact that neither “Z” nor “V” are letters of the Russian Cyrillic alphabet. Some even risked that the zeta would refer to Ukrainian President Volodomir Zelensky, whose head appears to be Vladimir Putin’s ultimate target.
The truth is that the Russian and Ukrainian armies have many models of tanks, weapons and military vehicles. In fact, one of the main tank factories of the Soviet Union, which continued to supply the Russian and Ukrainian armed forces, is located in the second Russian city of Kharkov.
Therefore, it is no less necessary to clearly define the membership of this or that army on the ground.
In recent hours, French military historian Cédric Mas has shed light on the mystery of letters about Russian tanks and vehicles.
Some Russian cars have a “V”, but there are fewer because they come from a region farther from Ukraine
As he explained, “Z” is used by invading troops from the Western District (ZVO), one of the five subdivisions of the Russian Armed Forces, headquartered in St. Petersburg. Of course, this is the garrison that is closest to Ukraine, and that is why it provides the most troops for the current invasion. Although his name in Cyrillic is the Western Military District, the transliteration of his initials into the Latin alphabet is ZVO.
Meanwhile, the “V” identifies troops coming from the Eastern District (VVO), much further away from the current conflict zone.
Many times these letters are drawn in triangles that identify the southern sub-region, or circles or squares that identify the center of the country within the ZVO or VVO, Mac added.
Russian cars are painted in dark green or three tones
“Ukrainian brands are different and less visible. In any case, these signs, painted in white (in a red square for Belarusians), may fade over time even in inclement weather,” he continued to explain in a thread on his Twitter account.
He also noted that another way to identify armies is camouflage. Russian tanks and transports use two types of paint: solid dark green and tricolor (green, sable and brown). While Ukrainians use 3 or 4 shades of green, but with a distinctive detail: pixilated paint spots.
Symbol of those who support Putin’s invasion
The “Z”, worn by most Russian tanks, quickly became the symbol of those supporting the Russian outpost, rejected in most parts of the world. Russian gymnast Ivan Kulyak caused controversy at the recent Artistic Gymnastics World Championships by putting a “z” on the clothes he wore to compete.
Although this letter does not exist in Cyrillic, it is easily recognizable and recognizable to Russians. “Often in propaganda, the simplest things get hooked the fastest,” explained Emily Ferris, junior Russia and Eurasia researcher at RUSI, who assured the BBC that the “Z” is a powerful and easily recognizable symbol. “It’s pretty scary and rude. From an aesthetic point of view, this is a very powerful symbol.”
