Yes, understood - in which case I wish the west would give Ukraine the weaponry to actively push back the Russians. I appreciate that may not happen across the whole front line, but if Ukraine were in the ascendancy in many areas we might well see Russia propose peace discussions, as their gains...
Yes, anything would have to be done 'with immediate effect', no pre-announcements from NATO that 'we are working on the possibility of...blah di blah...'. Organise in secret, then do it.
I wonder if NATO would ever drop that entry requirement of peaceful borders,🤔. Maybe "Ukraine can join...and if Russia doesn't stop the aggression within 6 months then NATO will attack".
Hmm ... it's clear I'm not destined for a diplomacy career.
Excellent piece from Kallas - she is very good and correct to call out the European countries that don't see a bigger risk if Ukraine loses.
Feeling like a European army and agreement is needed, a subset of NATO if you like, but one that can act unilaterally without US approval if needed. I...
I struggle to see any positive future for/with Russia for a very loooooooonnngg time!
I could see it imploding but with other dictatorial figures coming to the fore.
The indoctrination in education from an early age is so entrenched... no idea if/how that could be undone. It's in their genes.
There is. It's painful sometimes but...'know your enemy ' and all that.
On a parallel thought I'm sometimes a bit wary when I watch Konstantin, and Hodges come to that (ex Russian businessman, ex British General). Their insights are truly valuable and worth hearing, but both seem to always be...
Well, I guess I am... maybe. I expected a higher percentage to want to keep bashing on against the evil nazi Ukrainian regime as portrayed daily on state TV until Russia had cleansed the whole country. Maybe the poll didn't ask for that option.
Possibly the effect of sanctions, local diesel...
Exactly that. They mix some balanced views with the occasional Putin fan boy - I don't want to hear them but Aljazeera would probably say that some of their audience do.
My adult stepson watches Aljazeera a lot and feels they give a more 'balanced' view in the sense of including interviewees (and topics) that the western media are not.
However, some of the interviewees can of course be more extreme and project their own agenda. So, as with most media, I'd say...
Would indeed have been nice if they'd taken each other out in a duel.
Yes, I've read about the odd Russian v Russian shoot out (if true) but it's rare, and fatal so far. Would need enormous coordination along their front line...so unlikely I guess.
Probably their commanders just allow them two...
Yes, agreed and well put 👍.
Like you I also can't see the wives and mothers saying 'enough', at least those of minorities, convicts, migrants, the poor won't be heard anyway.
I wonder if the Russians at the front line will tire of being used in the meat grinder...and finally turn their guns on...
Satellite confirmation of the successful hit on Belbek airfield. As usual the Russians report that they knocked out all of the Ukrainian missiles. Those Russians are just so unlucky with falling debris...
More detail on the hit on Belbek airfield in Crimea two days back (plus some partisan graffiti)
https://kyivindependent.com/partisans-artillery-depot-hit-at-belbek-airfield-in-occupied-crimea/
Lots of detail there.
I'd forgotten how close Kharkhiv is to the Russian border.
It's not looking good that Ukraine didn't create a solid defensive line there - probably due to a lack of resources and troops.
Let's hope the forecast slow down/ stop in the Russian advance becomes a reality 🤞🏻.
It's crazy.
Zelenskiy has said they need two Patriot Air defence systems to prevent Russia attacking/taking Kharkhiv.
They have been promised by a few countries (IIRC)...so where are they. Do countries think that Russia will wait until they're in place 🤷🏼♂️
Yes, I understand that 🤞🏻. It does often feel that, although Ukraine has daily successes (oil refineries, airfield hits etc), the front line on the ground stays where it is or eats a bit more of Ukrainian territory.
Putin is clearly in this 'for ever ', so we have to hope the West is as well...