“Truth is the first casualty of war.”

The adage did not ring hollow through two world wars and the many skirmishes that succeeded it.

In the fight to liberate Ukraine, the resistance continues to grapple with the blitz of the Russian information war that frames Ukraine differently, such as the supposed “counter-terrorism” rationale that the conquest is about a glorious attempt to stamp out “Nazism” in the country.

Case in point: Kramatorsk.

The French and German embassies in Manila condemn the “barbaric Russian act” with a film that documents supposed “evidences” against Russia when the Kramatorsk railway station was hit by a rocket in April last year, killing at least 57 and injuring scores.

A year into liberation, anti-Russian sentiments continue around the world.

German journalist Carson Stormer recalled watching the Russian invasion Ukraine live on television a year ago:

“It was one of the events where I instantly knew that this would change the world. It was basically putting risks at values to which I dedicated my work and which I stand, which are democratic freedoms and democracy itself. When I watched the first Russian bombs hitting Ukraine, I was paralyzed. And I think the shock waves of that have never left me since then.”

Stormer was doing documentaries and writing about the Philippines.

When the assignment to cover Ukraine came in earnest, he thought at once that one way to help Ukraine win the war is to stand up for the truth.

“As a journalist, I think everyone should be there and that this situation will be kept in the news. I think this is probably the most significant event in my lifetime. I can’t imagine anything else the last time someone invaded a sovereign country.”

“We have the duty to make sure that this is not happening again, and that we do everything that Ukraine gets the help it needs.”

French Ambassador to the Philippines and Micronesia Michele Boccoz said: “The sacrifices of the Ukrainian people and their sense of responsibility are extremely striking. Our message—we are stronger together. We are together.”

German Ambassador to the Philippines and Micronesia Anke Reiffenstuel said the Russian war is not just about an unprovoked and barbaric aggression against Ukraine, but aggression against all democracies worldwide:

“Russia has put global food security massively at risk and increases the risk of famine and acute food insecurity faced by an increasing number of countries across the world, especially those who source their grain from Ukraine, such as the Philippines.”

On 8 February, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged continuous allegiance with Ukraine when they sat with Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelensky.