But if we don’t how do we get the message through to the general public in Russia that something is wrong? The media is so controlled that parents in Russia don’t believe their own children living in Ukraine when they tell them what is happening. The BBC has a report on this where a daughter stuck in her basement in Ukraine , under attach for several days, called her parents in Russia told them about it and the two friends of theirs who had died when their apartment had been hit, who the parents knew, only to be told that they were lying. Their parents believe that no civilian targets have been hit and that the Ukrainians are asking Russia to free them. They also think that it is the Ukrainian “fascists“ who are bombing the cities! With that level of misinformation it is vital that the average Russian gets the message that something is very wrong.
Said like a true westerner They’ll hate us for it mate, they won’t look and think ooh the west disapproves. They’ll think here they go again trying to mould the world in their vision. They might not agree with the invasion but they also don’t agree with NATO creeping up to their borders or the having military installations and bio labs etc on their doorstep. They see it as western aggression. That’s why Putin feels emboldened to do what he has. The whole world needs to have a rethink on how we operate and behave, not just Russia. The most likely scenario is the only way out of this mess is a diplomatic solution in which concessions are made from all sides. Ukraine will have to remain neutral for a start I would imagine. It could take a while to sort out which is a shame for the innocent folk being bombed to ****. But I struggle to focus only on their situation when there are countless others worldwide not receiving the same heartfelt focus but suffering the same fate daily…
I don't believe the Russian people are any different to us. I'm not suggesting they will love us for it. I'm suggesting that all people, no matter where they are from, will eventually act in self interest regardless of whether they agree with Putin or not - just as we would. It is hardly a viewpoint originating in the west though. Russian activists for reform have been urging the international community to isolate Russia both economically and culturally for years. They did it during the Chechen war, during the Crimea invasion and during years of oppression of opposition and minority groups. They argue it is the only effective way to stop Putin. It is easy to get caught up in a blind mistrust of all things western, but don't become so blind that you end up ignoring those in the east living through it.
I agree that places like Iran and Saudi Arabia should be facing similar sanctions and the seizure of properties in the U.K.
There's a much easier solution unfortunately Britain can stop selling them weapons... Oh wait they'll just buy them elsewhere and places like London and Sunderland will have less money
A few Russians activists does not represent the views of the general population. That view is not just borne of a mistrust of western values or some lingering distrust after the Cold War. It’s our actions which cause it. We have no reason to be surrounding them strategically. We feed that mistrust with our non justified actions. It’s not just Russia and China who feel like that either. Try the Middle East on for size! While invading a country may well be the worst scenario and the one with the worst impact, we need a different set of values from leaders from all around the world in how we operate in terms of foreign policy (including Putin and Xi etc etc). Otherwise we will keep doing the same dances which have the same consequences. I don’t hold my breath though, power has always corrupted humans.
Quite possibly. Also the US and the UK. Many European countries. **** that’s right, they’re all as bad as each other…
You're living with blood on your hands my foolish friend! The only difference is that you're not aware and I am.
These things are only a threat if you are looking to invade. If you are looking to defend against invasion they are not a threat to anybody.
Look nufc is the next PSG that's your problem with this and we both know it You haven't paid a penny towards amnesty in your entire life and you've never written a post or letter anywhere about Britain supplying arms to Saudi until this takeover. You can't even fool yourself Stop being dishonest.
Well Vald, it is so nice of you to take this time out of your busy day. You must have so much to do murdering innocent people in Ukraine
I have been a member of amnesty for years I have joined marches against the arms trade I have discussed these matters with MP’s and generally taken an active role in all of these things.
Why because I criticise him and the others causing these problems? You sound like an apologist for the western leaders.
What he's trying to say is - Go and look where the finances to buy 41% of your club came from you utter melt. Then once your educated, come back and explain how you will be protesting against the dirty Arab money being spent on your club.
Because you are defending him by your deflection and claiming equivalence between the unprovoked invasion of a sovereign democracy and the desire to protect yourself from invasion. There is no equivalence.