Worth noting, as reported in The Times today, that in the 2019 Ukrainian elections, far right parties attracted less than 2% of the vote.
Theres a lot of talk about Russian money being donated to political parties. For what purpose is this? I understand that these people were classed as British citizens or something, but why and how did they become such and for what purpose?
It is disturbing. I was wrong when I insisted that Putin wasn't mad. I think he's definitely become more and more unhinged, possibly through ill health. That's not to excuse it. He's always been a bad, ruthless bastard. He now also seems quite mad. The only thing I would say on the nuclear war issue is that all nuclear capabilities are always on high alert. I'm hopeful that his words are just that, words. Very unsettling though for sure.
One would hope that the normal Russians would stop anything like that. Putin is being pushed into a corner and that’s when people become desperate. I can’t see him using nukes while he has his army there. I think it’s him getting desperate. Those sanctions will strangle his economy and when the normal people suffer, they will ask why. Even his propaganda machine is failing. Hopefully the US will reach out to sensible people to get rid of him.
His nuclear 'threat' was actually aimed at Nato, not Ukraine. But hopefully there are checks in place as there are here and in the US. A rogue President or Prime Minister can't just wander into a little room and press a big red button. I hope it's the same in Russia, but I don't know for sure. The looks on the faces of his Generals when Putin made that speech were telling I thought.
It is increasingly looking as though Putin believes his own doubts about his ability to continue as leader and this war is a means to seal a prolonged stay at the top of his country. He changed the constitution of his country to stay as leader (and ratified those changes through a populist referendum), but maybe he is aware that he might not make it through in 2024. Perhaps his monkey on his shoulder is telling him it’s all or nothing and he’s backed himself into a corner. It’s said he fears for his lifestyle and his family once gone from presidency. He has a lot to lose. An aggressive Russian bear is very dangerous. A badly injured aggressive Russian bear might do absolutely anything unless stopped.
The EU has effectively opened its borders to Ukrainian refugees. Meanwhile, our government is passing a bill that could make them criminals. please log in to view this image
https://www-dailymail-co-uk.cdn.amp...s-plea-switch-Starlink-satellite-network.html Interesting on the role SpaceX are playing and how important the role of global companies are. I suppose some of these companies can have a similar impact to that of nation states. If Netflix do cut off Russia, as mooted, that really would annoy the every day Russian. All well and good for these companies to have this power while they are on the right side (imho) but that they have such power at all is... interesting.
The BBC reported that all Ukranian nationals who wanted to leave were being loaded onto trains first and then non nationals. All those in that report are foreign national students, I'd hate to think that certain people are still using the race card in such awful circumstances.
I guess that’s where we will have to disagree. Personally I don’t think any one group trying to get out should take priority over another….but that’s just me
Thats not fair Stroller. We have supported the Ukraines more than anyone. It was the EU ( Germany and Italy) that didnt want them kicked out of SWIFT. From all the reports I have read, we can be proud of our support.
It's women with children that are being sent across the border to Poland first because of the vast numbers involved and the harsh weather. I didn't say that I agree with it or not mate, I'm just telling you that's why they are doing it ! It's in the Polish border guards hands not mine
Data is the key to everything in the 21st Century, those who hold it all rule supreme. Imagine what could happen if Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, Facebook, Twitter etc all stopped their Russian users accounts....
Ok, who are the Russians more likely to target? Native Ukrainians or foreign students? Yes, everyone is at risk, but some are at more risk than others and I suppose you've got to assess who is more likely to survive a Russian occupation force. But then again, Putin could decide to hold these foreign students as hostages in order to have some sanctions lifted. Who makes those decisions? Whichever solution you choose, someone is going to be mightily pissed off
Obviously some women and children are worth more then others. Honestly not saying you agree mate, just spreading what I see…….
Honestly mate….I don’t think a bomb or missle will differentiate between the white Ukrainian or black African. Both are in imminent danger, both at risk, both should be treated equally……just my opinion of course and others are free to differ
I don't disagree with you, just playing devils advocate. But someone over there is making these decisions and you'd like to think that their reasoning isn't on ethnicity, but on need. Whatever it is, I just hope that those that want to get out, get out before the Russians destroy the place.
