Do you think some kind of compromise can be found ? From Putins point of view that looks really unlikely as I can’t see the West giving any of those items they you’ve listed….and if he just says “oh well, no harm in trying” and gives up (thus leaving Russian citizens in eastern Ukraine to their fate…then he loses massive face which doesn’t seem his style. What’s your view G ?
If we had firm, clear leadership I would imagine that we would find some way for Putin to save face, guarantees for ethnic Russians in Ukraine, perhaps some constitutional changes to ensure they have national representation, which Putin can parade around at home. But we don’t have that kind of leadership, and haven’t had it for a long time. Ultimately the western nation most at risk, and least likely to want a fight, is Germany. They’ll freeze without Russian gas. I suspect Russia will end up with a chunk of Eastern Ukraine and then a ceasefire will enable it to be annexed into Mother Russia…..and if that’s what the majority of the local population want, it’s fine by me. Complete guesswork on my part. I have no idea how well equipped, trained, motivated etc Russian soldiers are. I don’t know why they would want to fight in the middle of winter. Likewise, though they are in better shape militarily than a few years ago, I know zero about Ukrainian capabilities. Isn’t their president a comedian who stood for a joke?
And why would the West want to get involved in Winter, even worse equipped than the Russians - and they have history on their side for Winter conflicts....it was "General Winter" that did for the Nazis at Stalingrad
Do you not think though that Ukraine would never allow any more of its territory to be annexed after Crimea ? sorry to so full of questions but I’m finding all this fascinating and has a real potential to spiral Europe and the World into global conflict. Genuinely interested in your opinions
…and Napoleon at Moscow. I don’t think there is any chance of any western forces being directly involved, the Ukrainians get diplomatic and economic support. No interest in body bags at Brize Norton or in any other country. And I suspect Russian body bags will not be a good look for Putin either. From what I have read the Ukrainians do not think they would beat the Russian army, but they have a lot of irregulars trained in sabotage etc and would be prepared to inflict a lot of damage fighting on home soil. Surely Putin would restrict himself to areas where the locals are friendly?
Staines, I’m just guessing! I don’t think the Ukrainians would ultimately have much say- if the Russians really want to fight they will win, unless their soldiers aren’t up for it. But at a cost which might be too much for Putin. I just can’t imagine any western nation getting involved in terms of fighting. They might for the Baltic states or Poland though.
Yes mate, honestly understand it’s just your opinions. It’s all very interesting and like a game of chess waiting for who is gonna make the first move…..
Germany are appeasing Putin (they should know better). Just because there is no outward appearance of decent leadership in the West, it's naive in the extreme to imagine that all the things you mention aren't being discussed behind the scenes. Unfortunately, the idiot Biden will probably blurt out the West's strategy any day now.
I’m sure intelligence and military leadership is cooperating and discussing in depth between key nations, and have plenty of well thought out strategies. It’s political leadership I’m lacking confidence in, as are you it seems. Not just Biden either.
All I know, from knowing a couple of patriotic Ukraines, is they will fight until their last breathe.
From what I’ve seen of the general Ukrainian psyche….I think they make Ellers look like a raging communist.
That's probably true...lol. I had a Ukrainian student..I invited her for dinner once, she bought me a pipe and a bottle of Vodka as a present....whilst I showed her my "estate"...she spotted my children's rabbits...."we eat them ...yes?".
Our cuddly PM doesn’t seem so upbeat about it all now….talks of “lightning war to take out Kiev” “new Chechnya” and “My judgement is that they will fight” Bracknell, Ellers and all the youngest……wrap up well while us old ‘uns keep the homefires burning
