You may find this hard to believe but all those countries in your first and second groups are in Europe which is actually quite a small part of the world and either bordering or next country along on the road to Berlin once the Nazi advance was stalled. Had I been the ruler of a country which had lost over 20 million men women and children, I think I too would have wanted to ensure that invaders could never again come close to Russian soiI. Yugoslavia was never invaded by Russia I could add substantially to your third list but they have done no more than the West in choosing an ally - from the enemies of the countries the Americans chose to sponsor and sell arms to - in order to do exactly the same. The Russians had their sphere of influence. So unless you are going to tell me that America and Britain are also not entitled to do s I don't see what's wrong with that. It's called the balance of power. Remind me about Norway. Because if I recall the map of Europe they'd have to march through Finland and Sweden first to try it on. Or are you confusing yourself with one of the recent Eurovision song contests?
It might be wise to remember that the USSR lost 20 million people in World War 2 - 12 million of those beings civilians. The invasion of the USSR. was a joint operation involving Nazi Germany, Rumania and Hungary, with some detachments from Spain, Italy and Croatia. Actually half of the Axis Army at Stalingrad was not German - but was drawn from East European countries which were allied to Germany. Hardly surprising then that the Russians did not move into those countries with kid gloves.
Murmansk, where Russia have a massive naval base, is less than 100 miles from the Norwegian border, without touching Sweden or Finland..... Norway–Russia border - Wikipedia https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway–Russia_border
I see your point and some part I do agree. However, Stalin killed millions of his own people and that is the point I am making. Russia has and keeps invading countries. Take Estonia and what they are doing for their defense?
Norway has a border with Russia, you know that yes? They invaded a Norwegian island during the war but I believe it was due to the Germans being there, however they didn't leave until 1946. Since then there have been numerous problems around the waters and border. So much so that the Norwegians have bolstered the area with armor due to the threat. I have found an article. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...ed-unit-close-to-russian-border-idUSKBN1CI1R4 Question is are you going to accept the Norwegian concerns or are you going to say they are intimidating the Russians?
Norway is also the only member of NATO in that area (Sweden and Finland are not members), and there are always contigents of UK forces there training for Artic Warfare, especially Commados, and has been for many years.
There was a cracking documentary on BBC last year (Army:Behind the New Frontier) about a large-scale exercise carried out by the British forces on the border between Estonia and Russia - can't find it online at the moment, but the Estonian soldiers were terrified that Russia will be piling over the border at a moments notice, and all promised to give their lives rather than see their country under Moscow rule again.
I saw the documentary I think it was a 3 parter with British forces around the World. Agree that episode was particularly interesting as the Estonian troops were convinced Russia would invade if they could. Many of the countries around Russia's borders have either bolstered their defences or asked NATO for help. Some will see it as common sense especially after Ukraine/Crimea/Georgia. Some will sympathize with Russia and say they are being threatened by the west.
Tell that to... Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria,Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Germany (remember they built a wall and imprisoned 100's thousands). Not to mention all the smaller states that have now got independence. They tried it on with both Norway and Austria. Even today Finland and many Scandinavian countries have had Russian incidents. Not to forget Afghanistan in the 80's, influence in North Korea, Syria. The Warsaw pact had plans drawn up to attack the whole of Europe yet you say.... Shall we talk up to date Ukraine, Georgia, Crimea? but apart from that what have the russians ever done
Never seen it but sounds interesting. I did watch The House of Saud though which was also an eye opener.
i hope all hooligans have been given their passports cause there is bound to be trouble might be easier if people who want to watch a game of football were stopped from travelling
Well, there is all the corruption and murder of Putin's opponents. The assassinations of Putin's critics. Cyber attacks and supplying Syria with Chemical weapons. Other than that I could go on and on but according to some, he is a good guy.
Patrick Stewart at the 'Peoples Vote' rally: Actor Sir Patrick Stewart, who played Charles Xavier in the X-Men films based on the comic books, said the famous character would have voted Remain. He told the rally: "Unity, common cause, wellbeing of society and debate were paramount to the belief of this fictional character. "Our country's future is at stake and we will not stand idly by. "That is why I support a people's vote on the final deal." **** off ****, we had one!! What a twat!!!! This is now beyond a farce. In fact, I once played the role of shepherd in my infant school nativity and I am sure he would have voted to leave!! I am holding a fictional rally next week outside Burger King in Hammersmith.
