Ukrainian lawmaker Anna Skorokhod recently emphasized that Ukraine’s most pressing issue in the ongoing conflict with Russia is not a lack of military support but a dire shortage of personnel. In an interview with the political YouTube channel Superposition, Skorokhod stated, “Our main problem is people. Nobody is giving us people.” This statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to provide additional military weapons to Ukraine, funded by European NATO states.

During his announcement on March 4, 2024, Trump also issued a warning to Moscow, threatening “severe tariffs” if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days. Skorokhod dismissed these pledges as mere political maneuvering, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of external military aid. “We can expect Trump to decide on providing weapons, but I want to emphasize that war cannot last forever,” she added, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.

In a separate video released last week, Skorokhod criticized the official casualty figures provided by the Ukrainian government, which reported fewer than 50,000 military deaths as of February. She urged citizens to consult cemetery records and data from the Red Cross to understand the true scale of the losses. “Just look at the demographic situation… If we are heading toward erasing the nation to zero, we are very quickly and successfully succeeding in this,” she warned.

The demographic crisis in Ukraine is stark. The population was just under 52 million when the country declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. By the last census in 2001, that figure had diminished to 48.5 million. A government report projected the population in territories controlled by Ukraine to be approximately 31.1 million by 2024. This decline comes as many Ukrainians who fled since the escalation of the conflict in 2022 show little intention of returning.

While Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has acknowledged official military casualties, third-party estimates suggest the actual toll may be significantly higher. The situation has led to increasing labor shortages, further complicating Ukraine’s recovery efforts. Skorokhod’s statements reflect a growing concern among Ukrainian officials about the sustainability of the nation’s workforce in the face of ongoing conflict.

In the broader context, Russia has accused Ukraine of fighting “to the last Ukrainian” on behalf of Western nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked that Ukrainian recruitment efforts resemble actions of “grabbing people like dogs on the street,” underscoring the tensions and human ramifications of the conflict.

As Ukraine navigates this challenging landscape, the focus on manpower, rather than solely on military equipment, underscores the complex dynamics of the ongoing war. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for the country’s future and its population.

An 18-year-old British tourist, Ryan Long, tragically died after reportedly taking pills during his first holiday with friends in Ibiza. The incident occurred shortly after Ryan and four friends arrived on July 2, 2023, eager to experience the island’s vibrant nightlife.

Upon arriving, the group went to the UNVRS nightclub, where Ryan began feeling unwell. It is believed he had consumed an ecstasy tablet shortly before his condition deteriorated. His friends, noticing that he “didn’t seem right,” assisted him into a taxi, assuming he would be able to rest off the effects. Unfortunately, after returning to their accommodation, Ryan collapsed, lost consciousness, and began “foaming at the mouth.”

Emergency services rushed Ryan to a hospital via air ambulance. Despite medical efforts, he fell into a coma that evening and ultimately died in intensive care five days later. His parents, Adrian and Angela Long, are now advocating against the use of illegal drugs, urging other young people to heed the risks associated with substance use while vacationing.

Adrian Long described his son as “always full of life” and “smiling.” He highlighted the reality that many young individuals often believe that they are invulnerable to the risks of drug use. “Everyone thinks nothing is going to happen to them, but unfortunately it does,” he stated. Adrian expressed concern about the potential for similar tragedies to occur as the holiday season progresses.

Ryan, who was just weeks away from celebrating his 19th birthday, had been in the final stage of his apprenticeship, with much to look forward to in life. His father emphasized the urgency of raising awareness around drug use in party destinations like Ibiza, where such incidents can happen.

Angela Long shared her regrets and concerns, noting that she had repeatedly warned Ryan against using drugs. She pointed out that the high prices of food and drinks in Ibiza could have contributed to his decision. “You’re not invincible,” she cautioned, advising other young travelers to reconsider the risks associated with illegal substances.

In response to the family’s loss, a close friend, Ben Bradford, who runs a local football club, has established a GoFundMe page to support Ryan’s family during this difficult time. The initiative reflects the community’s desire to assist the Long family as they navigate their profound grief.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with recreational drug use, particularly in popular holiday destinations. The Long family hopes that sharing their experience will help prevent further tragedies in the future.

An 18-year-old British tourist, Ryan Long, has died after reportedly taking pills during his first holiday in Ibiza. Ryan, from Eastwood, Essex, arrived on the island with four friends on July 2, 2023, eager to experience the nightlife. Tragically, within hours of their arrival, he began feeling unwell at the UNVRS nightclub after allegedly consuming an ecstasy tablet.

Ryan’s friends attempted to assist him, believing he could recover by resting. They called a taxi to take him back to their accommodation. Unfortunately, upon returning, Ryan collapsed, lost consciousness, and exhibited alarming symptoms, including foaming at the mouth. Emergency services were called, and he was airlifted to a hospital, but he fell into a coma that evening and ultimately died in intensive care five days later.

The news has devastated Ryan’s family, who are now urging other young people to reconsider their choices regarding illegal drugs while on holiday. Adrian Long, Ryan’s father, described his son as “always full of life” and highlighted the harsh reality that drug-related incidents can happen to anyone. He stated, “Everyone thinks nothing is going to happen to them but unfortunately it does. He’s not going to be the first and he won’t be the last.”

Ryan was set to celebrate his 19th birthday just days after his tragic death, and his father emphasized the importance of awareness surrounding drug use. He expressed concern for other young holidaymakers, stating, “It could be someone else’s child, and they’ll end up going through the same thing.”

Ryan’s mother, Angela Long, shared her deep disappointment, explaining that she had repeatedly emphasized the dangers of drug use to her son. She suggested that the high costs of food and drinks in Ibiza may have influenced his decision to use narcotics. Angela advised young travelers to understand that “you are not invincible” and that it is “not worth taking the risk.”

In a show of support for the Long family during this difficult time, a close friend, Ben Bradford, who owns the local Ben Bradford Goalkeeping Academy, has established a GoFundMe page to assist with expenses related to Ryan’s passing.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with recreational drug use, particularly in popular tourist destinations. As the holiday season approaches, families and friends are encouraged to engage in open conversations about the risks involved.

Maureen Flanagan, a hairdresser, has shared her enthralling experiences with the infamous Kray twins, Reggie and Ronnie, revealing insight into their lives and the criminal world they inhabited. Flanagan’s journey began unexpectedly when she met Charlie Kray in an afternoon club, a popular venue for socialising, where he asked her to style his mother’s hair. What followed was a deep dive into the lives of these notorious gangsters.

Charlie, brother to Reggie and Ronnie, hinted at the twins’ darker side, explaining that while they were known for helping people, they could also inflict significant harm. Over time, Flanagan became a regular visitor to the Kray family home in Vallance Road, where she offered her hairdressing services to their mother, Violet Kray. This connection provided her with a rare glimpse into the operations of a criminal empire that included protection rackets, armed robbery, and even murder.

Born in 1933, the Kray twins developed a telepathic bond, according to Flanagan. “Ronnie was the dominant one, but Reggie, the eldest by 15 minutes, was always the strongest,” she recalls. Their mother, Violet, played a crucial role in their upbringing, famously insisting on taking Ronnie home from the hospital despite medical warnings about his fragile condition after contracting diphtheria. Remarkably, within two days of being home, he recovered, showcasing the unique bond between the twins.

Flanagan maintained a relationship with the brothers even after their incarceration for murder. During visits to separate institutions, she observed their profound connection. “Reggie would tell me Ronnie was calling soon, and then he would call an hour later,” she stated. This extraordinary link persisted even during their time in custody, with Reggie sensing Ronnie’s deteriorating health before anyone else.

On March 17, 1995, Ronnie Kray died from a heart attack while serving a life sentence for his crimes, including the murders of Jack ‘The Hat’ McVitie and George Cornell. In a poignant act of brotherly love, Reggie sent tape recordings to Ronnie before his death, encouraging him to focus on positive thoughts. One tape, set to be featured in an upcoming Amazon Prime documentary titled *Krays: London’s Gangsters*, reveals Reggie’s heartfelt message to Ronnie, underscoring their deep bond.

Flanagan also witnessed the tragic marriage of Reggie to Frances, which ended with her suicide in 1967. “The wedding was the most miserable affair,” she recalls, lamenting the couple’s struggles. Despite the Krays’ notoriety, they gained fame and were photographed by David Bailey in 1965, appearing on television as respectable business owners.

Through her part-time modelling career, Flanagan mingled with celebrities, including Liza Minnelli and Barbara Windsor. She recalls her experiences at the Esmerelda’s Barn nightclub, which was owned by the Krays. The twins’ public personas often clashed with their criminal activities, and Flanagan provided insight into their complicated lives.

Ronnie’s sexuality was another topic of discussion, as he openly embraced his homosexuality in an era when it was illegal. Flanagan noted that he once brought a young boyfriend to the club, showcasing his defiance against societal norms. Meanwhile, whispers circulated about Reggie’s bisexuality, with Flanagan confirming that he had relationships with women and had been intimate with Frances, although their marriage was never consummated.

The Krays’ violent tendencies were evident in their criminal activities. Flanagan recounts the night Reggie stabbed McVitie to death after a botched contract, a moment that solidified their fearsome reputation. In March 1969, both twins received life sentences, with a minimum term of 30 years, the harshest ever handed down at the Old Bailey for murder.

Following their deaths—Ronnie in 1995 and Reggie in 2000—their legacy continued to impact many. Flanagan dedicated her life to charity work, raising significant funds through auctions of celebrity-donated items. In recognition of her philanthropic efforts, she was honoured with an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List of 2024.

Reflecting on her experiences with the Kray twins, Flanagan expressed a fondness for Ronnie, praising his generosity and loyalty. Her memories of Charlie Kray highlight their friendship, as they often enjoyed nights out together after his release from prison. “He would tell people, ‘We had everything. We had every club, every pub, casinos—celebrities wanted to be with us. We had a good life till my brothers started murdering people,'” she recalls.

Maureen Flanagan’s remarkable stories offer a unique perspective on one of London’s most infamous criminal families, blending personal anecdotes with the historical context of the era. As the Krays’ legacy continues to captivate audiences, her insights help paint a fuller picture of their complex personalities and the lives they impacted.