[Politics] Russia invades Ukraine (24/02/2022)

[The Clamp]

I’m no fan of trump in any shape or form but I suspect Putin would have thought twice about invading Ukraine if Trump was still president. Sometimes it takes a ego manic to stop a dangerous loon.

Considering Trump described Putin’s move into Ukraine as “Genius”, I don’t think Putin would be too concerned about Trump’s reaction.

 

[Neville's Breakfast]

What makes me angry is that Britain faces this scenario out of the EU, weak and isolated and vulnerable to a Russian cyber- attack.

We could be that crucial link between the USA and Europe. Now we are nowhere, trying to find a role.

Thks is exactly the situation Putin wanted and worked for. Fracture Western Europe, then roll the tanks in. Too many people took peace for granted.

Membership of the EU prevents cyber attacks ? I get that you voted a different way but that doesn’t mean that every issue that comes up is linked. Our membership of NATO means we are a driving force in the most important Western military alliance in history. We are anything but isolated.

 

[Eric the meek]

Apparently there is a general “WTF”? Response from his top ranking military. Hasn’t stopped them following his orders. So far….

Where did you see/hear that? Can you share it on here? If confirmed, then it is something NATO/ the west can focus on.

 

[The Clamp]

Membership of the EU prevents cyber attacks ? I get that you voted a different way but that doesn’t mean that every issue that comes up is linked. Our membership of NATO means we are a driving force in the most important Western military alliance in history. We are anything but isolated.

I think you are correct that we are not isolated. But departing from the EU was definitely something Putin was keen on. How that plays out is anyone’s guess right now.
But it’s no coincidence that they have ploughed millions into a post-Brexit Britain.

 

[Wrong-Direction]

-Ⓞ-Ⓡ-Ⓐ;10185202]Do you really think Putin gives a flying f*ck about the winter Olympics? I've been pondering why he has chosen this specific moment to launch his attack, as it's obviously been planned for some time, but I can't see that the winter Olympic games would have factored into his thought process. He is however, perhaps a slightly deranged man, although not stupid.

Nice of him to do it the day Boris sets us free from covid

Sent from my SM-A326B using Tapatalk

 

[The Clamp]

Where did you see/hear that? Can you share it on here? If confirmed, then it is something NATO/ the west can focus on.

It was mentioned on Today on R4 this morning. I can’t find a link I’m afraid. I hope it’s the case.

 

[Southern Scouse]

I’ve just seen one of my hero’s, Imran Khan sitting next to Putin in Moscow.
What a crying shame, and let’s hope Nato starts doing something soon as he won’t stop at Ukraine.

 

[Ⓩ-Ⓐ-Ⓜ-Ⓞ-Ⓡ-Ⓐ]

Well, if Jinping said to Putin "wait until the Olympics have finished", as has been suggested, then I do think Putin would take that on board.

Hmnn, has this been substantiated anywhere. Seems kind of unbelievable that something like that could have occurred.

 

[Eric the meek]

It was mentioned on Today on R4 this morning. I can’t find a link I’m afraid. I hope it’s the case.

OK. Let's hope it's true, and not just wishful thinking from someone on R4.

So top military may be (privately) questioning Putin's decision making. Well, given that the rest of the world is doing that (apart from Trump and Farage), it could well be true.

If it is, then at the very least it means that the west are good at listening to top Russian military, perhaps even on the battlefield.

This would be good news, whether or not it leads to any insubordination.

 

[beorhthelm]

Based on him apparently dismissing the views from this advisors I wonder if there’s a forming internal threat again him, although assume this would give the perception of weakness internationally if applied.

that'll be the hope. if Ukraine holds back Russian advance, Zelenskyy stays in power meaningfully, the whole thing starts to look like the bad idea it is and Russia starts to look weak. Putin starts to look weak. and then internal opposition moves against him. he's gone all in here, the game theory is weighted against him though.

 

[wellquickwoody]

That would be a red rag to a psychopathic dictator and emblazon him with self righteousness, playing into his narrative.

I am under no illusions that if he sent a nuclear missile anywhere it would not be America first, it would be us, an Island with a long standing "special" relationship with America, an island that will have cut off their funds, an island where they feel free to come and murder without repercussions, an island that has stood up to tyranny before in Europe, an island that has left the EU, an island not connected to the rest of Europe, a powerful island is the sensible first strike.

That would send a message to the rest of Europe, the world, that stop, let me do what I want or the rest will follow.....

No point hitting just one NATO member as the rest will fire back, possibly all at once. It would have to be a multi-targeted strike.

This has actually made me stop and think. Maybe he will just stop at Ukraine, as one step further sees the destruction (in theory) of Russia, and probably most of the civilised world. He may not care about anyone else, but his ego might stop him from becoming the man that destroyed Russia.

 

[Soton Seagull]

Sad times and where to go from here? You can't negotiate with a lunatic on a crusade. Hitleresque Blitzkreig approach.

The only way I can see it ending relatively quickly is a move against Putin from within; either a realisisation from other high ups that he is taking them to a very dangerous place and needs to be stopped; or the West needs to effectively (key word) target his sources of income. He has a number of 'friends' who launder his money for him, so target them. Do a Russia on Russia - unite Western security forces and target their internet and critical infrasructure. Strangle wealthy Russians' abilty to make/move/spend their fortunes. Only then may some of the regime 'have a word'.

Bad time to be Ukrainian, for sure. Probably an equally terrible time to be an ordinary Russian citizen.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

I'm rather delighted you are not in charge.

That would be an act of war by the part of NATO against Russia and escalate very quickly into mushroom clouds over Moscow, London and Washington.

Right now, I'd imagine that NATO will want to move forces up to the border and we'll see a significant increase in GDP spent on defence. Lockheed Martin will be delighted.

The cold war is back. Let's hop it thaws with Putin's waning power. Let's hope Putin doesn't feel cornered and do something stupid. He already appears to be nervy and unhinged. I'm guessing there's more to this than meets the eye domestically speaking back in Russia.

He even has food tasters.

 

[peterward]

Weve got the rolling 24/7 news from a Ukrainian channel right now, and the Russian military is aproaching Kyiv (in Kyiv district), large amount of military/civilian infrastructure being destroyed now by Russian tanks as we speak.

Zelenskiy calling for full mobilisation, everyone who can hold a gun, even suggests he will let out all prisoners if they fight.

It was always expected that the Russian invasion would be swift, its all about the insurgency now.

 

[wellquickwoody]

Do you really think Putin gives a flying f*ck about the winter Olympics? I've been pondering why he has chosen this specific moment to launch his attack, as it's obviously been planned for some time, but I can't see that the winter Olympic games would have factored into his thought process. He is however, perhaps a slightly deranged man, although not stupid.

Winter Olympics mean nothing to him, keeping China onside is probably high up on his list of priorities.

 

[Pavilionaire]

Membership of the EU prevents cyber attacks ? I get that you voted a different way but that doesn’t mean that every issue that comes up is linked. Our membership of NATO means we are a driving force in the most important Western military alliance in history. We are anything but isolated.

When we Brexited we left a whole host of European organisations that shared information on crime, finance, infrastructure, science. indeed, our initial response is to freeze assets of Russian banks, oligarchs. Yes, NATO is important militarily, but you wouldn't have to bomb or invade the UK to bring us to a standstill.

Stuff is getting held up at the border as it is. We will be last on the EU's priority list if we need supplies.

 

[The Clamp]

Despite what may unfold. Right now Ukraine is experiencing a conventional, ballistic invasion from an expected aggressor. An invasion that was predicted and thus far has followed a pattern that has entirely followed those predictions. While absolutely horrific for Ukraine, it is not unprecedented.
We have dealt with it before. And we have overcome it before.
In 2022 we have vastly superior technology than we did in 1939. We have instant communications with our allies and so far, international condemnation of Russia’s actions.
Exactly what Putin will do next is unknown. But we have anticipated his every move thus far.
I have no doubt we will hammer the Russians into the dark ages. I just fear the bloodshed and cost to human life that we will incur in defeating this maniac.

 

[PILTDOWN MAN]

I’ve just seen one of my hero’s, Imran Khan sitting next to Putin in Moscow.
What a crying shame, and let’s hope Nato starts doing something soon as he won’t stop at Ukraine.

Quite bizarre seeing him there. Hardly going to be talking about reverse swing.

 

[Neville's Breakfast]

When we Brexited we left a whole host of European organisations that shared information on crime, finance, infrastructure, science. indeed, our initial response is to freeze assets of Russian banks, oligarchs. Yes, NATO is important militarily, but you wouldn't have to bomb or invade the UK to bring us to a standstill.

Stuff is getting held up at the border as it is. We will be last on the EU's priority list if we need supplies.

Ok I am going to go back to discussing the actual issue.

 

[Pavilionaire]

Ok I am going to go back to discussing the actual issue.

So you think being out of Europe and isolated makes no difference when faced with the actions from a now proven Russian megalomaniac?

European leadership so far has come from France and Germany. The UK under Boris and Truss are a laughing stock.