What I don't understand though is that there is no rule of war that says neither of the protagonists are allowed to purchase arms from a 3rd party? So what is simply stopping Poland from selling those planes to Ukraine? If they can't buy arms from a NATO country as it might turn into WW3 then who can they buy arms from? Makes no sense why those planes and others aren't already in the country in use.
McDonald's are paying the staff I believe.
Not sure about the others.Russian currency is now worthless so paying them is literally peanuts.
If they kept open supplies would be limited and paying for supplies could be a huge issues for large companies.
I think in the long run it's cheaper to shut up shop than face the problems from the west.
The McDonald's are company owned not franchises like in the uuk so it's a PR win but I bet it's more a financial one.
As for coke they can just fuge off anyway.
Well, there's a massive Russian convoy and attack and buld up of troops coming from that direction, so it makes more sense for the Ukrainians to do something there than the Russians.
@Superficial, I suggest you google 'Halabja Chemical Attack/Massacre' then come back and let us know if you're still questioning if he was a tyrant.
In fact, here's a little tour of his better known works as a kind and compassionate leader.
1974 -- Dawa Killings
1980 -- Fayli Deportations and Killings
1983 -- Barzani Abductions
1988 -- Al-Anfal Campaign
1988 -- Halabja Massacre
1990s -- Marsh Arabs Devastated
1990 -- Invasion of Kuwait
1991 -- Kurdish and Shiite Rebellions
1999 -- Al-Sadr Assassination
What I don’t understand though is that there is no rule of war that says neither of the protagonists are allowed to purchase arms from a 3rd party?
There is also no rule that says you cant decide to attack those who supply weapons to your opponent. It has led to a few conflicts in the past.
Poland seem to want to have the USA involved in the process to try and discourage the Russians from launching strikes, limited or otherwise, against Poland.
The other problem is Poland still needs them currently. They are being phased out but not due for replacement yet so it looks like Poland are hoping to get some fast replacements (either F-16s or get the already scheduled F-35s delivered faster).
@Superficial, I suggest you google ‘Halabja Chemical Attack/Massacre’ then come back and let us know if you’re still questioning if he was a tyrant.
I wasn't questioning anything about Saddam. Or Putin, for that matter. I'm sure they are/were both total rotters. I'm questioning the moral right of our leaders to send troops to remove people they don't like.
We can only act on our own understanding of the world, which might be quite different from others peoples' understanding. Everything we do is framed by our experiences and culture, notwithstanding the (mis)information we receive. Mr average Russian probably isn't evil but may hold a very different opinion about NATO to you or I.
Let’s be honest, if your country bordered Ukraine, you wouldn’t feel very confident right now that other Western countries would come to your aid if RF starts salami slicing off bits of your territory.
Anyone watching PM Q's at the moment?
Yes, feels like Miliband wrote Starmer’s questions… accelerating the shift to renewable energy and storage is key to our response, including restarting onshore wind expansion. And the response to the refugee situation is an embarrassment for everyone in the UK. Glad MPs from all other parties are joining Labour right now, one by one, calling for it to be changed.
The lies are incredible
"We've done more than any other country to resettle refugees"
He actually stood at the despatch box and said that with a straight face
https://twitter.com/Coldwar_Steve/status/1501288148256505856?s=20&t=b3uSYZIn_hG23HN0UnvIMA
And the response to the refugee situation is an embarrassment for everyone in the UK.
Sat in the car ranting at the radio - he has just lied again saying how we've led the world in helping refugees.
He expects visas to rise to hundreds of thousands??
Not a bloody chance that will ever happen.
Started watching it 5mins later had to turn BJ off...
He expects visas to rise to hundreds of thousands??
Not a bloody chance that will ever happen.
Theres only 37,000 or so Ukrainian nationals living in the UK so unless they all have three kids/partners the current visa scheme couldn't bring in 100s of thousands.....
He expects visas to rise to hundreds of thousands??
Maybe he got confused between how much he charged the Russian oligarchs for passports vs visas for Ukranians.
It is utterly pointless. He just lies and lies.
He's now said that 'The UK has led the way in economic sanctions against Russia' while everyone openly laughed at him for making such a ridiculous claim.
Everyone is asking about the pitiful response to refugees and he's just repeating the same lies. The latest 'we are moving heaven and earth...'
Why on earth is he permitted to carry on spouting this utter bullshit in the face of clear evidence its all lies.
Lindsey Hoyle is an absolute waste of space
seosamh77
Full MemberI’m not a Trump fan, very far from it, but you think Putin would be threatening nukes if that mad bastard was still in office?
Well no, he waited til after his useful idiot/asset had done maximum damage to NATO and western alliances and credibility, then invaded after he'd been put in the bin.
It really does feel as if the world order has changed. Interesting article about Japan's significant support for Ukraine and a seismic shift in attitudes to defence spending etc similar to those recently seen in in Germany.
"First Germany, now Japan leaves pacifism behind".
Lindsey Hoyle is an absolute waste of space
Tory frontbench beg to differ.
I’m really struggling to see the problem with Nato being involved
There will be many who don’t agree with Putin’s decision but have a similar feeling to him with regards Russia’s greatness and do not want to see it relegated in the world order.
Russia's government needs to wake up and realise that military might isn't the route to greatness. Russia has massive reserves of natural resources, it simply needs democracy and a willingness to trade with the rest of the world. It would get on very nicely. War creates isolation.
Bunch of people up there ^^ reckoned trade was an enabler for war. Overall I beg to differ looking at the last 60 years in Europe. Sure there will be exceptions but I reckon dependencies brought about by globalisation have led to an overall increase in stability.
He expects visas to rise to hundreds of thousands??
I heard Hundreds and thousands, which sounds the same but means different
@ scuttler
Im with you on that. Closer economic ties aren't a guarantee of peace but there is visible evidence it can help maintain it.
He expects visas to rise to hundreds of thousands??
Weasel Words
Closer economic ties aren’t a guarantee of peace but there is visible evidence it can help maintain it.
Absolutely! The gas supply to Europe from Russia being the case in point. Turning that off would be the financial equivalent of Mutually Assured Destruction. It would have absolutely instant and completely devastating consequences for both parties.
That and not being able to get a Big Mac, obviously. How long will the population of any country put up with not having to remove the gherkin before they eat a burger?
Shits getting real now!
https://twitter.com/MirrorTom/status/1501332443453956098?s=20&t=R_gyMTYaXCbYoAYxtMBAOQ
I'm looking forward to the day that better links between Russia and the rest of the world can be built up again... including making them put up with Sting sat in the lotus position playing a lute at parties, and opening up a bun trying to find where the actual burger is that was shown in the photos. Let's face it though, that's all only going to get going again after Putin is gone... and as he's made it so that he can stay in his post 'till 2036... in reality that means his dethronement now only comes with his death, like a roman emperor.
Some interesting stuff over on Twitter concerning RF losses, including one of their latest stealth corvettes sunk by artillery. They’re also estimating that they RF have lost 30% of their vehicles.
They’re also estimating that they RF have lost 30% of their vehicles.
As much as I'd like it to be the case, Ukrainian propaganda has been excellent in working up their success, I'd take the numbers with a pinch point of salt, even if they have taken out way more than many expected
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/jaguar-kumar-doctor-ukraine-russia-panther-b986986.html
Talking about hearts of lions...how about a couple of other big cats?
Completely hatstand
Oh, I won’t cross post a load of stuff from social media… but follow John Sweeney Roar on whatever platform you use. Doing a very good job of capturing the “every day” activity of normal people. Be warned, you will cry at the positive underground moments when set against the reality of what is happening outside.
They’re also estimating that they RF have lost 30% of their vehicles.
As much as I’d like it to be the case, Ukrainian propaganda has been excellent in working up their success, I’d take the numbers with a pinch point of salt, even if they have taken out way more than many expected
This site documents the confirmed losses by both sides.
Attack On Europe: Documenting Equipment Losses During The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine
The real numbers will be higher. Ukrainian losses won't be as well documented as Russian because Ukraine is pumping out pictures on social media to win support but Russian troops won't have cell phones with them. From the numbers, it's obvious that Ukraine have suffered some major losses too. Still, Russia took a beating in the early days and cannot sustain that level of losses very long.
Interesting thing is that Russia had a terrible day with aircraft losses two days ago, but nothing since. Maybe the Stingers have scared the Russian pilots to stay out of the fight. Not having helicopters will be a major blow to the troops on the ground.
The other thing to look at is things like engineering vehicles, fuel tankers, etc. Tanks are the prestige items in ground battles, but they are useless without all the support vehicles. Every fuel tanker lost means multiple tanks or other vehicles waiting for fuel.
In early days, Russian forces charged in and suffered huge losses from ambushes. The last couple of days that seems to have tapered off. Quite likely the Russians have changed their tactics. It's also possible that they are tired, hungry, and short on fuel and ammo and taking a break to replenish.
Thanks @thols2, I forgot to save that when I posted it, trying to go back through my posts to find it was a nightmare!
Dear God!
https://twitter.com/paulmasonnews/status/1501583470589583360?s=20&t=FZaAdgixhlq6S87TX3cgtQ
I wonder if Russian artillery are being told what their targets actually are?
Could depend on if they have FOO's watching the fall of shot, or are simply being given a grid to pound.
I imagine it's the latter with a made-up target description.
I wonder if Russian artillery are being told what their targets actually are?
It's a large metropolitan city full of men, women & children - they know they're not shelling fields of sun flowers.
I wonder if Russian artillery are being told what their targets actually are?
Probably told they need to target baby Nazis. They may not know, but someone above them does
It’s a large metropolitan city full of men, women & children – they know they’re not shelling fields of sun flowers.
No, they probably think they're shelling bunkers, command posts and barracks.
Are there any numbers on how many POW's there are?
Is it? Or is it that the civilians have been evacuated and that anyone staying behind is a Nazi and supports the evil regime and that we're targeting the buildings they've turned into military strongholds to further abuse and mistreat the people of Ukraine who want us to help them?
Not hard to swing a line of bullshit to troops who may have limited to no other means of information.
Edit; late to the party, others made the same point.
It’s a large metropolitan city full of men, women & children – they know they’re not shelling fields of sun flowers.
Maybe the Ukrainians could get some scud missiles to lob into Russia.
Totally evil thing to do, Putin is finished as a world statesman.
