Ukraine

[Stairway 2 7]

It's always been said they will fire everything at in the next month before it beds down into a static artillery battle

https://mobile.twitter.com/Nrg8000/status/1530222239207272448

Russia is making advances about 2 miles a day in the east but Ukraine is advancing in the south.

It will be a artillery battle pretty soon. Russia has more but Ukraine has better equipment. It will be slow and grim.

[stoneyburn hibs]

Its more and more apparent that the rampant optimism about Ukraine 'defeating' Russia in a meaningful sense was totally overblown. Too much kool-aid. All sources clear that Russian forces making inroads into Ukrainian defences in the East of the country, with several key cities now completely surrounded. This is looking depressingly like a long war, with major implications on world food supplies and economic stability.

Please stop with this kool-aid pish, otherwise you're doing fine.

[Stairway 2 7]

Many are saying this will be the biggest military equipment advantage to Ukraine so far in the war. The US will send long range missile systems to Ukraine. There was doubts in sending them as Ukraine could strike Russia, but I'm sure assurances will be given. Crimea positions will now be in range.

Russia said it will see it as escalation if they do. Although they said that about heavy artillery and tanks too and everyone still sent

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
1h
The #Biden administration has approved the transfer of long-range multiple-launch rocket systems to #Ukraine,
@nytimes
reports.

This is likely to be announced next week

#Russia hopes that "common sense will prevail" and the #USA will not send #Kyiv long-range missiles, said #Russian ambassador to #Washington Antonov

[Bridge hibs]

Many are saying this will be the biggest military equipment advantage to Ukraine so far in the war. The US will send long range missile systems to Ukraine. There was doubts in sending them as Ukraine could strike Russia, but I'm sure assurances will be given. Crimea positions will now be in range.

Russia said it will see it as escalation if they do. Although they said that about heavy artillery and tanks too and everyone still sent

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
1h
The #Biden administration has approved the transfer of long-range multiple-launch rocket systems to #Ukraine,
@nytimes
reports.

This is likely to be announced next week

#Russia hopes that "common sense will prevail" and the #USA will not send #Kyiv long-range missiles, said #Russian ambassador to #Washington AntonovThats the fear though, one of those American supplied long range missiles landing on Russian soil could just be the escalation Putin wants so he can sabre rattle again, I think the request for common sense will fall on deaf ears sadly

[Ozyhibby]

Thats the fear though, one of those American supplied long range missiles landing on Russian soil could just be the escalation Putin wants so he can sabre rattle again, I think the request for common sense will fall on deaf ears sadly

Common sense went out the window when Putin invaded Ukraine. The west is now committed to making sure Ukraine wins. The consequences of the not winning are too great.


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[Gatecrasher]

Thats the fear though, one of those American supplied long range missiles landing on Russian soil could just be the escalation Putin wants so he can sabre rattle again, I think the request for common sense will fall on deaf ears sadly

This is a war, none of this is common sense, I would hope we's do the same in their position. I hope Ukraine batter them.

[Bridge hibs]

This is a war, none of this is common sense, I would hope we's do the same in their position. I hope Ukraine batter them.Of course, but the bear wants poked and poked more, I only hope he gets poked with a bullet through his skull as thats probably the only thing thats going to stop him

[hibsbollah]

Please stop with this kool-aid pish, otherwise you're doing fine.

IRN-Bru then? :greengrin
You get the point, I’m sure.

[hibsbollah]

We really need to do better at helping these people.

8m ago
17.04
A London host of a Ukrainian family has written to her local food bank “begging for help” because rising energy costs mean she can no longer afford to feed her new guests.

The Ukrainian family, now coming to a food bank in Euston, north London, every week, is among a growing number of recently arrived refugees from the war-torn country relying on handouts to survive, according to charities.

Helena Aksentijevic, manager of the Euston food bank, said she had been handed the letter by the Ukrainian family. It was from the host and said that they were struggling to cover the extra cost of feeding two women and two children, as well as additional energy costs.

[stoneyburn hibs]

IRN-Bru then? :greengrin
You get the point, I’m sure.

Get it.
Keep on posting mate, like your chat.

[Stairway 2 7]

Russia has visually lost almost 800 tanks. The US say its close to 1000 Ukraine say 1300, the US probably a good estimate. Either way its huge. The uk, Germany and France combined have 750 tanks.

Is the lack of Russian vehicles the reason why they haven’t been able to push further than the 10-15 km they managed last week. Its seems they can't surround Severodonetsk, so they are now attacking the city from the east. They would have preferred to surround and starve supplies first. A thread on the subject

https://mobile.twitter.com/PhillipsPOBrien/status/1530828710953336834

[Stairway 2 7]

Putin has brought great unity to Europe at least

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
#Lithuanians raised more than 5 million euros in three days to buy another #Bayraktor drone for #Ukraine.

The initiative of Lithuanian journalist Andrus Tapinas was supported by tens of thousands of citizens, including President #Nauseda and former President #Grybauskaite

[Ozyhibby]

https://twitter.com/phillipspobrien/status/1530828710953336834?s=21&t=p6za5Ene8iqxy5_v0pPT6w

Thread on the reason that Russia’s late push forward has stalled again. They are running out of vehicles.


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[Stairway 2 7]

@visegrad24
·
1h
Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said today that Czechia will swiftly send additional weapons to Ukraine.

Heavy weaponry will be included.

Czech media reports T-72 tanks, BMP-1 IFVs, Dana howitzers & potentially Soviet combat helicopters are all possible transfers

[WhileTheChief..]

Russia has visually lost almost 800 tanks. The US say its close to 1000 Ukraine say 1300, the US probably a good estimate. Either way its huge. The uk, Germany and France combined have 750 tanks.

Is the lack of Russian vehicles the reason why they haven’t been able to push further than the 10-15 km they managed last week. Its seems they can't surround Severodonetsk, so they are now attacking the city from the east. They would have preferred to surround and starve supplies first. A thread on the subject

https://mobile.twitter.com/PhillipsPOBrien/status/1530828710953336834

Apparently, Russia has around 20,000 tanks. Problem is, that most have had their engines and electronics ripped out of them.

They're basically lumps of metal in storage,

[Stairway 2 7]

Pre war estimate was about 2500 working. There is dozens of videos of 1960s tanks on the battlefield so obviously having issues
25899

[Stairway 2 7]

Visegrád 24
@visegrad24
·

BREAKING:

Slovakia’s Defense Ministry says it has transferred 8 self-propelled howitzers Zuzana 2 to Ukraine.

The Slovak SPGs have a range of 41km.

Yesterday, Poland confirmed that it has donated 18 of its most modern AHS Krab SPGs

[Stairway 2 7]

Daily update. Not much happened yesterday. Russia needing to regroup. Throwing everything at the small pocket

https://mobile.twitter.com/PhillipsPOBrien/status/1531159856085966849

[WhileTheChief..]

Was reading that Russian men up to age 50 or 55 can now enlist.

Some are signing up, getting paid a decent amount, and getting sent straight to Ukraine without even knowing it. No training or anything.

[Hibernian Verse]

Was reading that Russian men up to age 50 or 55 can now enlist.

Some are signing up, getting paid a decent amount, and getting sent straight to Ukraine without even knowing it. No training or anything.

Surely they must know where they are headed? They are aware of the "Special Military Operation".

[WhileTheChief..]

Surely they must know where they are headed? They are aware of the "Special Military Operation".

Told they are going on training exercises in case war starts.

Russian can't do conscription unless there is a war so this is how they're trying to get round it.

The fact that they need to appeal to guys in their 40s or 50s tells its own story.

[Stairway 2 7]

Told they are going on training exercises in case war starts.

Russian can't do conscription unless there is a war so this is how they're trying to get round it.

The fact that they need to appeal to guys in their 40s or 50s tells its own story.

Yep loads of conscripts and ect were told they would only be on Russian soil, to find them self's in the heat of it in Ukraine. In fact a lot of the regulars were initially told they would just be doing exercises in Belarus ect

[WeeRussell]

Yep loads of conscripts and ect were told they would only be on Russian soil, to find them self's in the heat of it in Ukraine. In fact a lot of the regulars were initially told they would just be doing exercises in Belarus ect

That’s extremely desperate stuff, and can’t lead to very happy camps.

[Stairway 2 7]

Visegrád 24
BREAKING:

Denmark joins Finland, Poland and Bulgaria in refusing to pay for Russian gas in rubles.

The country is now preparing for Russia to stop supplying Denmark with gas.

[Stairway 2 7]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
1h
❗️In the #Lugansk region, #Russian troops fired on an evacuation transport - a #French journalist was killed

The fragments of the shell pierced the armor of the car, the journalist who was preparing the material about the evacuation was mortally wounded in the neck

visegrad24
The name of the French journalist killed by Russian soldiers in Lugansk today is Frederic Leclerc.

He worked for BFMTV

[Stairway 2 7]

Danny Gold
@DGisSERIOUS
The journalist killed today was with an evacuation team. Not soldiers. Rescuers taking out civilians

Can’t get over that he was in an armored vehicle, wearing body armor and helmet. So many of us, reporters, civs, soldiers, have been in soft vehicles close to those areas. Just an incredibly unlucky moment. RIP.

[Bridge hibs]

Surely they must know where they are headed? They are aware of the "Special Military Operation".Thing is you just dont know what to believe, I get papped with various news feeds via email, I honestly try not to read them unless there is a chink of positivity

The Star (yeah I know) headline is that Uk intelligence reckon Putin is potted heid and his cohorts are using a body double for the time being as to protect Russia

Bbc report that Lavrov ? Is denying Putin has any illness and he is very much functioning at a good level, it also went on to say Putin is in sole charge of Russias nuclear arsenal and its his call if he wants to use them

There are so many reports that all contradict each other so its so difficult to determine lies or truths or whatever, its just a ****ing depressing mess that has no signs of being resolved

[Ozyhibby]

Thing is you just dont know what to believe, I get papped with various news feeds via email, I honestly try not to read them unless there is a chink of positivity

The Star (yeah I know) headline is that Uk intelligence reckon Putin is potted heid and his cohorts are using a body double for the time being as to protect Russia

Bbc report that Lavrov ? Is denying Putin has any illness and he is very much functioning at a good level, it also went on to say Putin is in sole charge of Russias nuclear arsenal and its his call if he wants to use them

There are so many reports that all contradict each other so its so difficult to determine lies or truths or whatever, its just a ****ing depressing mess that has no signs of being resolved

I’m sure he’s not dead although we can but hope. On the Lavrov thing though, wasn’t there an old saying in the Soviet Union that shouldn’t believe anything until it has been officially denied?


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[Bridge hibs]

I’m sure he’s not dead although we can but hope. On the Lavrov thing though, wasn’t there an old saying in the Soviet Union that shouldn’t believe anything until it has been officially denied?


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkOh I know mate, problem is, even if there was any positive news I probably wouldnt believe it, even if it was Putin was deid

[Stairway 2 7]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
The EU is preparing to agree on a ban on #Russian oil. "It's clear to me that we need such an embargo," said #German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He is "firmly confident" that the #EU countries will achieve a joint result

Orban named the condition of support for the embargo on Russian oil

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that he would support sixth package of sanctions if the issue of oil supplies to Hungary would be resolved. His concerns relate to oil pipeline running through Ukraine

He called the proposal to make an exception from embargo for pipeline oil from the Russian Federation "not bad." "We need guarantees that in case of an accident on a pipeline running through Ukraine, we will have the right to receive Russian oil from other sources.", said Orban

[Stairway 2 7]

@visegrad24
BREAKING:

Russia has announced that it will stop supplying Netherlands with gas starting tomorrow after the Dutch state-controlled gas company GasTerra decided to follow the government’s advice and refused to pay for gas in rubles.

Netherlands joins the club with 🇩🇰🇫🇮🇵🇱🇧🇬

[Stairway 2 7]

Ursula von der Leyen
@vonderleyen
·
I welcome the #EUCO agreement tonight on oil sanctions against Russia.

This will effectively cut around 90% of oil imports from Russia to the EU by the end of the year

[Stairway 2 7]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
1h
⚡️#EU countries agree to ban export of #Russian oil

This immediately covers more than 2/3 of oil imports from #Russia.

This was stated by the President of the #European Council Charles Michel

This sanctions package also includes:

▪️ disconnection of the largest #Russian bank - Sberbank - from #SWIFT;

▪️blocking the broadcast of three Russian state broadcasters in the #EU;

▪️expanding the list of Russian sanctioned persons responsible for war crimes in #Ukraine

[Ozyhibby]

https://bylinetimes.com/2022/05/30/alexander-lebedev-boris-johnson-angela-rayner-canada-sanctions-russia-putin-ukraine/

UK still too slow with sanctions.[emoji35]


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[Stairway 2 7]

Stevie Carr could have saved the wee ones from genocide and a loss of their identity, abhorrent.

https://mobile.twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1531509208885170176

@visegrad24
Putin has signed a decree creating a simplified procedure for Ukrainian orphans to receive Russian citizenship.

Around 2000 orphans from occupied areas have been taken to Russia by force

[Stairway 2 7]

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/who-will-be-the-victor-ukraine-or-russia-gjf7gzj3f?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1653939239

Who will be the victor, Ukraine or Russia?

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/who-will-be-the-victor-ukraine-or-russia-gjf7gzj3f?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1653939239

Who will be the victor, Ukraine or Russia?

Can’t read the article but hopefully it’s not one where it advocates Ukraine giving up territory?


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[JeMeSouviens]

Can’t read the article but hopefully it’s not one where it advocates Ukraine giving up territory?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's by Phillips O'Brien, basically a summary of his recent twitter output.

I'm pretty optimistic now about the outcome, albeit looks like more dreadful months of war ahead. The Russians have had an absolute nightmare and whatever EU backsliding is going on, the Americans are right behind Ukraine and now see them as a military bet worth making. I think that's the most crucial change that's happened so far.

[Stairway 2 7]

With the Russian army making some gains in the east in recent weeks, albeit incremental ones, commentators are asking whether — or even claiming — President Putin’s forces have changed the course of the war and are now on track to “win”.

Victory in this war is always going to be hard to establish because, whatever happens, it will have to end in a negotiated peace of some sort. It has become apparent in the past three months that Russia cannot hope to conquer all of Ukraine. And, as Ukraine cannot conquer Russia, a settlement between the two sides is the only option. This needs to be emphasised because it points to one reality: Ukraine has already won in one key respect. It will survive as an independent state, with the vast majority of its territory, a strong and reinforced national identity and, it should be hoped, eventual membership of the European Union. If this had been a result offered on February 24, it would have been seen as a convincing triumph for Ukraine.

We are therefore left to discuss whether Russia can achieve some goals from a war that Putin has already lost. And those goals are generally regarded as the Russian annexation of about 20 per cent of Ukraine’s territory, the large hook-shaped swath of land they now occupy from just below Kharkiv, down to Mariupol and over to Kherson. This is a more difficult victory to judge, because such an annexation will only result after a long, bloody war that will last many more months and possibly years.

Unless the Ukrainian government decides in the short term to throw away this part of the country to get a peace deal, the war will go on. The big question will be not what Russia holds today, but what it can hold in the future — and they may discover that holding is not as easy as taking. What the Russians are doing now is devoting a massive amount of their available military resources to take a very small area. They may take it (or they may not) but at the end of the day they have already suffered huge losses.

The Ukrainians, meanwhile, have undoubtedly suffered as well, but are in the process of being reinforced by better, often Nato-standard equipment than they had on February 24. In a few weeks they will be considerably more effective, particularly in ranged weaponry, than they were when the war started, while the Russian army, which is already starting to scape the bottom of the barrel by deploying 50-year-old tanks and armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine, will be weaker. Maybe the Russians can hold all that territory against Ukrainian attacks — but, more than likely, they will have real struggles trying to control a large, unwieldy piece of territory with what is now a shrinking military force.

So Ukraine in a sense has already won the first war. The question is whether it can win the second

[Stairway 2 7]

Anthony Klan
@Anthony_Klan
🚨China has been running military drills on its far eastern border, raising expert concerns it could be considering a push into Russia with Moscow focused on its invasion of Ukraine

[WhileTheChief..]

Anthony Klan
@Anthony_Klan
🚨China has been running military drills on its far eastern border, raising expert concerns it could be considering a push into Russia with Moscow focused on its invasion of Ukraine

Was always going to happen.

Russia is kidding itself on if it thinks China is an ally or friend. China does what is best for China, nothing else.

Remember Russia saying they would simply trade more with China when the sanctions were announced? Their trade with China has plummeted since before the war.

I don't know enough about it, or what the implications might be, but on the face of it, I think it could be a good thing if it forces Russia to act.

It could be just what is needed for a coup to take place.

[hibsbollah]

Anthony Klan
@Anthony_Klan
🚨China has been running military drills on its far eastern border, raising expert concerns it could be considering a push into Russia with Moscow focused on its invasion of Ukraine

Personally I think that’s highly unlikely. China doesn’t invade other countries. Well not since Korea in the 1950s and the boundaries were (and are still) disputed. They are much more focussed on building roads and power stations for the 3rd world and suppressing internal dissent.

[Stairway 2 7]

It will be posturing but it does show Russia that China only cares about China.

A horrible regime also

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/extra/85qihtvw6e/the-faces-from-chinas-uyghur-detention-camps

The faces from China’s Uyghur detention camps

[grunt]

Personally I think that’s highly unlikely. China doesn’t invade other countries.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/taiwan-ap-tammy-duckworth-china-tsai-ingwen-b2090795.html


China (https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/china) claims Taiwan as its own territory to be annexed by force, and sent 30 military aircraft into airspace close to the island Monday. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it responded by scrambling jets, putting air defense missile systems on alert and issuing radio warnings.

[Ozyhibby]

Personally I think that’s highly unlikely. China doesn’t invade other countries. Well not since Korea in the 1950s and the boundaries were (and are still) disputed. They are much more focussed on building roads and power stations for the 3rd world and suppressing internal dissent.

China is very much changing and Xi appears to becoming more of a dictator. China also has massive internal problems just now and there economy could be going into a recession. They have a massive debt problem that is likely to come to a head soon. I’m not saying they will but I do think it’s about to become very unpredictable.


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[LeithMike]

China is very much changing and Xi appears to becoming more of a dictator. China also has massive internal problems just now and there economy could be going into a recession. They have a massive debt problem that is likely to come to a head soon. I’m not saying they will but I do think it’s about to become very unpredictable.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkAnd yet the West has become completely dependent on it for manufacturing. Hopefully, lessons are being learned and the West reduces its reliance on these autocratic regimes.

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[Ozyhibby]

And yet the West has become completely dependent on it for manufacturing. Hopefully, lessons are being learned and the West reduces its reliance on these autocratic regimes.

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It’s a balancing act. Isolating it now may make them think we should just go for it anyway. Having the power to sanction Russia as heavily as we have had caught them by surprise big time and has probably taken the Chinese a bit by surprise as well.
I don’t think they would like to test their own resilience in the face of similar sanctions. Not for as small a prize as Taiwan.
Only an irrational actor like Putin would do that. Not sure Xi is there yet and his hold on power in China is not as strong as Putin’s in Russia.


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[JeMeSouviens]

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/taiwan-ap-tammy-duckworth-china-tsai-ingwen-b2090795.html

Taiwan is different in that both sides have up until now agreed that Taiwan is part of China, but disagreed on who the legitimate Chinese government should be. There is a growing Taiwanese independence movement which threatens to even further complicate things though.

[hibsbollah]

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/taiwan-ap-tammy-duckworth-china-tsai-ingwen-b2090795.html

China has considered Taiwan as part of its territory for 100 years or so( as does most of the UN, actually) and yet has never invaded it! Which from their point of view shows remarkable restraint, in comparison to what any of the imperial powers would do. China is a terrible dictatorship without doubt, but they generally keep their system within their own borders, certainly in modern history. Internal suppression and external ECONOMIC expanision is what matters to the Chinese.

[Smartie]

Interesting times, eh?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_you_live_in_interesting_times

[hibsbollah]

Interesting times, eh?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_you_live_in_interesting_times

'Interesting' to read there that it actually isnt an ancient Chinese curse, but just something a British diplomat said in a published work in 1949.

Britain, misunderstanding and misquoting the Chinese since 1949 :greengrin

[Stairway 2 7]

I seemed China was definitely gearing up to invade Taiwan. I think Ukraine will have put kibosh to that. China is more dependent on trade that even Russia. The west being so united in and severe in sanctions against Russia will have horrified Beijing.

[Renfrew_Hibby]

Personally I think that’s highly unlikely. China doesn’t invade other countries. Well not since Korea in the 1950s and the boundaries were (and are still) disputed. They are much more focussed on building roads and power stations for the 3rd world and suppressing internal dissent.

Highly unlikely but not completely out of the question. The Russian far east was, in the main Chinese territory once upon a time.
Outer Manchurua is still China in the minds of the Chinese.
In a hypothetical scenario an invasion point could well be the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk in the Amur region. The city faces China directly on the opposite bank of the mighty Amur River and could be overwhelmed in hours. China would then have complete control over both the trans siberian railway and highway without barely setting foot in russia.

[hibsbollah]

I seemed China was definitely gearing up to invade Taiwan. I think Ukraine will have put kibosh to that. China is more dependent on trade that even Russia. The west being so united in and severe in sanctions against Russia will have horrified Beijing.

Blocking trade with Russia is one thing. No imports and exports between the West and China? The whole capitalist system would collapse. I dont think the western powers will do that for the sake of defending Taiwan. There isnt the same strategic interest as there is with Ukraine, and China is far more economically powerful than Russia.

[hibsbollah]

Highly unlikely but not completely out of the question. The Russian far east was, in the main Chinese territory once upon a time.
Outer Manchurua is still China in the minds of the Chinese.
In a hypothetical scenario an invasion point could well be the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk in the Amour region. The city faces China directly on the opposite bank of the mighty Amour River and could be overwhelmed in hours. China would then have complete control over both the trans siberian railway and highway without barely setting foot in russia.

Good knowledge:greengrin I didnt think we'd be discussing a place called Blagoveshchenck on .net. 'Interesting times' indeed.

[Renfrew_Hibby]

Good knowledge:greengrin I didnt think we'd be discussing a place called Blagoveshchenck on .net. 'Interesting times' indeed.

I know. It the Amur river or 'Black Dragon' in China not Amour as I said originally!

[WhileTheChief..]

Blocking trade with Russia is one thing. No imports and exports between the West and China? The whole capitalist system would collapse. I dont think the western powers will do that for the sake of defending Taiwan. There isnt the same strategic interest as there is with Ukraine, and China is far more economically powerful than Russia.

Maybe so, but they have just as much to lose, if not more.

Sanctions would cripple China way more than Russia. They import around 80% of their energy and a massive % of their food is also imported.

If they can't export their goods, their economy collapses.

The debt in China is gigantic. Their whole economy is built on debt which we know is unsustainable. Employers are told to employ, no matter the cost, to keep employment levels high, they just borrow to pay for it.

Manufacturing is already shifting back to the USA and away from China.

They are not the power they would like us to believe. Taiwan has had 80 years to build up their defences and they have a giant moat all around them. The Chinese navy wouldn't stand a chance against the US.

Xi has taken them to a different level of dictatorship. There is no one else there to question him.

China as we know it will come to an end within 20 years or so.

[hibsbollah]

I know. It the Amur river or 'Black Dragon' in China not Amour as I said originally!

This is getting very much like the 'lebensraum' vs 'liebensraum' mistake again:dizzy::love ya!:

[Hibernian Verse]

The Independent is now running with the Putin health story. 2-3 years to live according to a Russian spy.

[Ozyhibby]

Blocking trade with Russia is one thing. No imports and exports between the West and China? The whole capitalist system would collapse. I dont think the western powers will do that for the sake of defending Taiwan. There isnt the same strategic interest as there is with Ukraine, and China is far more economically powerful than Russia.

Every country on earth has a strategic interest in Taiwan as they produce about 70% of the world semi conductors and about 100% of the high end ones that nobody else can make. That comes to an end then we are all in trouble.


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[hibsbollah]

Maybe so, but they have just as much to lose, if not more.

Sanctions would cripple China way more than Russia. They import around 80% of their energy and a massive % of their food is also imported.

If they can't export their goods, their economy collapses.

The debt in China is gigantic. Their whole economy is built on debt which we know is unsustainable. Employers are told to employ, no matter the cost, to keep employment levels high, they just borrow to pay for it.

Manufacturing is already shifting back to the USA and away from China.

They are not the power they would like us to believe. Taiwan has had 80 years to build up their defences and they have a giant moat all around them. The Chinese navy wouldn't stand a chance against the US.

Xi has taken them to a different level of dictatorship. There is no one else there to question him.

China as we know it will come to an end within 20 years or so.

I dont want to be rude but apart from your predictions which obviously cant be tested without a time machine, you've got most of this back to front. The US alone is in debt to China by over A TRILLION dollars.

The US is the country with a debt problem.

US debt to China: how big is it and why is it important? | South China Morning Post (scmp.com) (https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3112343/us-debt-china-how-big-it-and-why-it-important)

[Stairway 2 7]

Blocking trade with Russia is one thing. No imports and exports between the West and China? The whole capitalist system would collapse. I dont think the western powers will do that for the sake of defending Taiwan. There isnt the same strategic interest as there is with Ukraine, and China is far more economically powerful than Russia.

It wouldn't be a full block it would be on the west terms, the same with Russia now and a bit like brexit and what we face. Its certainly something China doesn't want. Taiwans military is very impressive and modern. China will have looked at Russia loosing half its army and think can I sell this to my nation

[Stairway 2 7]

I dont want to be rude but apart from your predictions which obviously cant be tested without a time machine, you've got most of this back to front. The US alone is in debt to China by over A TRILLION dollars.

The US is the country with a debt problem.

US debt to China: how big is it and why is it important? | South China Morning Post (scmp.com) (https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3112343/us-debt-china-how-big-it-and-why-it-important)

China also has a huge debt problem, also a nation that is going to shrink massively

http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/CHINA-DEBT-HOUSEHOLD/010030H712Q/index.html

[WhileTheChief..]

China gets the majority of its oil from the Middle East.

One look at an atlas shows us that they won't be able to ship anything through the Arabian sea safely if they are at war with the West.

They are not a military threat at all.

Any desire they had to take Taiwan was lost when Russia invaded Ukraine. They never thought for a minute that the West would unite like it has done.

[hibsbollah]

Every country on earth has a strategic interest in Taiwan as they produce about 70% of the world semi conductors and about 100% of the high end ones that nobody else can make. That comes to an end then we are all in trouble.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Its actually 50%:greengrin And Chinese companies are catching up quickly. In terms of 'high end' chips, South Korea specifically Samsung are a big player too. I used to work for such a company.

...but Im guessing folk want to read about Ukraine and this threads gone off topic. China is not a big player in the Ukraine situation apart from being a latent beneficiary.

[hibsbollah]

China also has a huge debt problem, also a nation that is going to shrink massively

http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/CHINA-DEBT-HOUSEHOLD/010030H712Q/index.html

Thats personal debt, very different from national debt. And again, high levels of personal debt has fuelled the entire world economic system in EVERY country across the world.

[WhileTheChief..]

I dont want to be rude but apart from your predictions which obviously cant be tested without a time machine, you've got most of this back to front. The US alone is in debt to China by over A TRILLION dollars.

The US is the country with a debt problem.

US debt to China: how big is it and why is it important? | South China Morning Post (scmp.com) (https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3112343/us-debt-china-how-big-it-and-why-it-important)

It's cool, you're not being rude, you're just reading different things to me...

https://carnegieendowment.org/chinafinancialmarkets/87007

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/31/china-faces-a-nearly-1-trillion-funding-gap-it-will-need-more-debt-to-fill-it.html

https://warontherocks.com/2021/12/could-chinas-massive-public-debt-torpedo-the-global-economy/

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2022/05/26/how-xi-jinping-is-damaging-chinas-economy

[Stairway 2 7]

Its actually 50%:greengrin And Chinese companies are catching up quickly. In terms of 'high end' chips, South Korea specifically Samsung are a big player too. I used to work for such a company.

...but Im guessing folk want to read about Ukraine and this threads gone off topic. China is not a big player in the Ukraine situation apart from being a latent beneficiary.

I actually thought they would be a bigger beneficiary, but they have massively stopped trading with Russia. Yes there will be back channels. But Russia will have been disappointed how China have shunned them. Add in Hungary and Turkey selling them out for a dollar and it shows everyone is really in it for themselves

[hibsbollah]

It wouldn't be a full block it would be on the west terms, the same with Russia now and a bit like brexit and what we face. Its certainly something China doesn't want. Taiwans military is very impressive and modern. China will have looked at Russia loosing half its army and think can I sell this to my nation

Explain what 'on the west's terms' mean. If you mean sanctions that are picking and choosing what hurts you and what doesnt, thats fantasy. You just have to take the hit; Germany has had to take a huge economic hit from stopping Russian gas and oil for example, but they took that decision for strategic reasons anyway.

[Stairway 2 7]

Thats personal debt, very different from national debt. And again, high levels of personal debt has fuelled the entire world economic system in EVERY country across the world.

Corporate and national debt are pretty much intertwined in China. They are also facing national shortfalls and are planning lots of stimulus. Add in they are pretty much at the start of the covid pandemic whilst everyone else is through it and there is a few bad years coming up.

This is all separate to the fact I can't see China happily losing tens of thousands of soldiers. You can't just take land nowadays in the west without massive loss it seems, drones and anti tanks have put paid to that

[Smartie]

Have many of the "invasions" of the last 50 years or so ended at all well for the invaders?

It seems to me like it's been varying levels of disaster for close to all of them and Ukraine has just been the latest chapter.

I'd imagine the Chinese would think long and hard about invading a nuclear power, even if they are distracted elsewhere and on their arse a bit.

Same with Taiwan. If it was going to be easy, in their interests and without any serious repercussion then surely it would have happened before now?

[Stairway 2 7]

Explain what 'on the west's terms' mean. If you mean sanctions that are picking and choosing what hurts you and what doesnt, thats fantasy. You just have to take the hit; Germany has had to take a huge economic hit from stopping Russian gas and oil for example, but they took that decision for strategic reasons anyway.

The west has stopped things trading almost everything but Russia are still happy to trade oil and gas as its money. That will still be trading until the end of the year in the west until new routes are sorted. We have picked and chosen. If Germany was going to take the hit, it would have in February not December, uk too

[hibsbollah]

Corporate and national debt are pretty much intertwined in China. They are also facing national shortfalls and are planning lots of stimulus. Add in they are pretty much at the start of the covid pandemic whilst everyone else is through it and there is a few bad years coming up.

This is all separate to the fact I can't see China happily losing tens of thousands of soldiers. You can't just take land nowadays in the west without massive loss it seems, drones and anti tanks have put paid to that

I agree with the last bit 100%, I don't think an invasion of Taiwan is imminent at all. That's kind of my point. The CCP have had to get used to living next door to Taiwan for nearly 100 years.

[Stairway 2 7]

Have many of the "invasions" of the last 50 years or so ended at all well for the invaders?

It seems to me like it's been varying levels of disaster for close to all of them and Ukraine has just been the latest chapter.

I'd imagine the Chinese would think long and hard about invading a nuclear power, even if they are distracted elsewhere and on their arse a bit.

Nothing has been as bad as Russias losses in Ukraine in that time, WW1 level losses. Was Iraq an invasion from the US, it certainly didn't end well, Afghanistan too

A 20,000 pound nlaw can easily take out a million pound tank, same goes for a drone. Things have certainly changed

[Stairway 2 7]

I agree with the last bit 100%, I don't think an invasion of Taiwan is imminent at all. That's kind of my point. The CCP have had to get used to living next door to Taiwan for nearly 100 years.

Your right in that China invades in other ways. It has a big slice of just about every country in debt and infrastructure. Very clever and we lap it up and don't talk about the treatment of Muslims

[Stairway 2 7]

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lets-all-chip-in-and-buy-weapons-for-ukraine-3vrw8hhq0

@elisabethbraw
More than 120,000 Czechs have crowdfunded €50 million (!) for howitzers and other weapons for 🇺🇦.

Lithuanians have donated €5 million for a drone for 🇺🇦.

Let's all chip in and buy weapons for Ukraine's brave soldiers.

https://thetimes.co.uk/article/lets-all-chip-in-and-buy-weapons-for-ukraine-3vrw8hhq0 (me today's
@thetimes
)

[Stairway 2 7]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·

Germany will create the largest army in #Europe among NATO countries - Scholz

#NATO expects #Germany's navy to lead the #Baltic Sea. Germany plans to invest 100 billion euros in the #Bundeswehr, and the defense minister will prepare a reliable military procurement plan

[Smartie]

Your right in that China invades in other ways. It has a big slice of just about every country in debt and infrastructure. Very clever and we lap it up and don't talk about the treatment of Muslims

That seems to be the way to do it in the 21st century.

The artillery, the troops and the lines on the map all seem to be a bit 20th century.

You could argue that the Russians were playing the 21st century game very well (sowing discord in Europe and the USA whilst having Europe where they wanted them by way of dependence on oil, having a military that was feared and a known nuclear might) until they decided to go medieval in Ukraine.

[Lendo]

That seems to be the way to do it in the 21st century.

The artillery, the troops and the lines on the map all seem to be a bit 20th century.

You could argue that the Russians were playing the 21st century game very well (sowing discord in Europe and the USA whilst having Europe where they wanted them by way of dependence on oil, having a military that was feared and a known nuclear might) until they decided to go medieval in Ukraine.

Russia have been playing a pretty savvy game for years now, and arguably winning by sowing discontent in Western nations through social media manipulation.

However the one things that’s bothered me is is the timing of the invasion. Surely invading whilst Trump was in office or once he’s re-elected in 2024 would have made more sense. No way Trump would have been arming Ukraine like Biden has.

[Smartie]

Russia have been playing a pretty savvy game for years now, and arguably winning by sowing discontent in Western nations through social media manipulation.

However the one things that’s bothered me is is the timing of the invasion. Surely invading whilst Trump was in office or once he’s re-elected in 2024 would have made more sense. No way Trump would have been arming Ukraine like Biden has.

That's where the illness angle makes most sense. A vainglorious man requiring a legacy, making his behaviour unpredictable and uncharacteristically rash.

Otherwise I totally agree - the timing seems bonkers.

[Stairway 2 7]

That seems to be the way to do it in the 21st century.

The artillery, the troops and the lines on the map all seem to be a bit 20th century.

You could argue that the Russians were playing the 21st century game very well (sowing discord in Europe and the USA whilst having Europe where they wanted them by way of dependence on oil, having a military that was feared and a known nuclear might) until they decided to go medieval in Ukraine.
I'd say the invasion was the biggest military or political mistake of the last 50 years, by far.

Russia was doing fine, exporting oil and sowing discontent.

Someone who may no longer be with us made Putin think Ukraine could be taken in a few days. If he took it, fine puppet government in and the West would still trade.

Now the best it can hope for is a land bridge between lands it already held and a slightly bigger slice of Ukraine.

The downside is its lost around half of its military hardware, huge % of its regular army, Ukraine as a nation is safe and Zelensky a hero, Ukraine is far far stronger militarily, Ukraine will probably join EU, Ukraine will have defensive pacts, nato will be on its border in Finland and Sweden, economy has been hammered, all the good work getting people in influence in other nations is undone, Europe and the US won't buy it oil from this year, it won't be able to replenish its depleted army

They have lost their war, but how badly is to be seen

[Stairway 2 7]

This is only oil, gas will continue just now

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
11m
Embargo on oil from Russia: what is known

🔹 EU embargo will cover 90% of Russian oil imports
🔹 The #EU's goal is a complete rejection of oil from #Russia. #Hungary, #Slovakia and the #Czech Republic are also expected to refuse oil imports in the medium term

A 3 month period is given for terminating the existing contracts. The complete withdrawal of these 90% will happen by the end of the year.
🔹 In case of an accident at "Druzhba" pipeline, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic were allowed to get oil from other sources

‼️A ban on oil supplies by sea could deprive #Russia of about $10 billion in oil revenues; in addition, #Poland's and #Germany's refusal of pipeline supplies would take another $12 billion - Bloomberg

[grunt]

I'd say the invasion was the biggest military or political mistake of the last 50 years, by far.
I don't know how you would measure such things, but Brexit has to be running a close second, I'd have thought?

[Stairway 2 7]

I don't know how you would measure such things, but Brexit has to be running a close second, I'd have thought?

Not close imo although that was a self inflicted **** up also

[Ozyhibby]

Not close imo although that was a self inflicted **** up also

Yes it’s close but I think future UK govts will soften Brexit quite considerably. I think we’ll end up back in the SM and CU.
Such climb downs won’t be available to Russia.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/31/mass-civil-legal-action-to-seek-compensation-for-ukrainian-war-victims

Ukrainian lawyers are going to go after every Russian asset held abroad.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Stairway 2 7]

Yes it’s close but I think future UK govts will soften Brexit quite considerably. I think we’ll end up back in the SM and CU.
Such climb downs won’t be available to Russia.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's not close. You can't buy an iPhone, burger King, Ford or about any western product in Russia currently. Uk gdp growth this year is estimated to be 3.7% this year one of the fastest in the g7. Next year 1.2% one of the slowest in the g7. Russia will have massive drops over the next 5 years.

Sanctions are just hitting. They will be totally shunned politically until regime change. They have also lost half there military and will soon lose their biggest financial income in gas and oil Sanctions

[Hibrandenburg]

That seems to be the way to do it in the 21st century.

The artillery, the troops and the lines on the map all seem to be a bit 20th century.

You could argue that the Russians were playing the 21st century game very well (sowing discord in Europe and the USA whilst having Europe where they wanted them by way of dependence on oil, having a military that was feared and a known nuclear might) until they decided to go medieval in Ukraine.

:agree: For some reason stopped his long game plan and adopted a short one, I suspect it was due to personal health issues.

[hibsbollah]

I read this and thought it was the most accurate summary and analysis so far.

100 days of war in Ukraine — and it’s still not clear who’s winning | News | The Sunday Times (thetimes.co.uk) (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/100-days-of-war-in-ukraine-and-its-still-not-clear-whos-winning-pxfztjk6v?shareToken=dbc8f46e2e9329fd5bff4c1de2436 78e)

“In April and early May, after Ukraine’s victory in the battle of Kyiv, a degree of triumphalism crept into Ukraine war narratives. But as the Russians have shown recently, by concentrating their forces on smaller regions of Ukraine, they can generate tactical victories,” he said.
“Neither belligerent has demonstrated the capacity to land a strategically decisive blow against the other. Despite the Ukrainians demonstrating superiority in global influence, strategy and leadership, the Russians keep generating the combat power to attack them in the east.
“Despite the Russians and Ukrainians losing people and equipment in the hundreds (if not thousands), neither are exhausted nations. The Russians have reserves of manpower and equipment in storage. Ukraine has masses of military aid flowing across its borders.”

[Stairway 2 7]

I read this and thought it was the most accurate summary and analysis so far.

100 days of war in Ukraine — and it’s still not clear who’s winning | News | The Sunday Times (thetimes.co.uk) (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/100-days-of-war-in-ukraine-and-its-still-not-clear-whos-winning-pxfztjk6v?shareToken=dbc8f46e2e9329fd5bff4c1de2436 78e)

“In April and early May, after Ukraine’s victory in the battle of Kyiv, a degree of triumphalism crept into Ukraine war narratives. But as the Russians have shown recently, by concentrating their forces on smaller regions of Ukraine, they can generate tactical victories,” he said.
“Neither belligerent has demonstrated the capacity to land a strategically decisive blow against the other. Despite the Ukrainians demonstrating superiority in global influence, strategy and leadership, the Russians keep generating the combat power to attack them in the east.
“Despite the Russians and Ukrainians losing people and equipment in the hundreds (if not thousands), neither are exhausted nations. The Russians have reserves of manpower and equipment in storage. Ukraine has masses of military aid flowing across its borders.”

The fact that Ukraine are an independent country and will be in the future means they have won, simple as. The full might of the Russian army attacked and had Kyiv surrounded. To be talking about what will happen to just the Donbas post war is unbelievable really. I don't many including myself thought Russia wouldn't steam through Ukraine.

I think Philips OBriens piece further up is closer to what I reckon, but opinions and all that

[Stairway 2 7]

https://www.wsj.com/articles/opec-weighs-suspending-russia-from-oil-production-deal-11654019943?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1

Nightmare for Russia, great for the lovely regime in Saudi Arabia 👀

[Smartie]

The fact that Ukraine are an independent country and will be in the future means they have won, simple as. The full might of the Russian army attacked and had Kyiv surrounded. To be talking about what will happen to just the Donbas post war is unbelievable really. I don't many including myself thought Russia wouldn't steam through Ukraine.

I think Philips OBriens piece further up is closer to what I reckon, but opinions and all that

I just take any issue with the concept of winning and losing this war.

Russia have obviously lost loads, it remains to be seen whether or not they have anything to show for it or anything they can present as a victory.

Ukraine has been battered in many senses too. You can't see their economy being decimated, the likes of Mariupol being blown to pieces and their relationship with their neighbours - who they have a long and complex relationship with - shattered and come away thinking that merely by continuing to exist that it is some sort of victory.

The West - we've spent fortunes on weapons that could have been spent much better elsewhere and been forced to brace ourselves for a future of mistrust and increased defence spending.

China you might think would be rubbing their hands at all of this but they have had economic woes of their own exacerbated by this situation.

So - losers everywhere so far and the creation of this situation will be Putin's legacy. Just how much more every party loses is what remains to be seen.

[Stairway 2 7]

In the sense that everyone loses in war yes then you could say that about every war. London was decimated and economy knackered after ww2, but no one would dispute we were on winning side. Everyone thought Ukraine would be conquered, it hasn't and has its independence. Still a long way to go but it's clear Kyiv will be free now

They didn't have a relationship with Russia, they have been at war with them for 10 years with tens of thousands of deaths. They are definitely closer to the west now though

[Smartie]

In the sense that everyone loses in war yes then you could say that about every war. London was decimated and economy knackered after ww2, but no one would dispute we were on winning side. Everyone thought Ukraine would be conquered, it hasn't and has its independence. Still a long way to go but it's clear Kyiv will be free now

They didn't have a relationship with Russia, they have been at war with them for 10 years with tens of thousands of deaths. They are definitely closer to the west now though

Kyiv will be free FOR now. At best there will be an uneasy peace, until we know how this ends we won't know how long lasting any peace is.

And Ukraine have always had a relationship with Russia. It was certainly closer in the past than over the past 10 years and annexing Crimea and the like doesn't exactly improve relations, but the 2 have a massively complex interwoven history and they're right next door to each other. Who knows how that relationship might look in the future? Either way, it's going to be worse than it was before this special military operation.

[Stairway 2 7]

Kyiv will be free FOR now. At best there will be an uneasy peace, until we know how this ends we won't know how long lasting any peace is.

And Ukraine have always had a relationship with Russia. It was certainly closer in the past than over the past 10 years and annexing Crimea and the like doesn't exactly improve relations, but the 2 have a massively complex interwoven history and they're right next door to each other. Who knows how that relationship might look in the future? Either way, it's going to be worse than it was before this special military operation.

Kyiv is safer than any time in the last few decades, not a chance Russia are taking it any time soon. They couldn't take it when they threw its army and paratroopers who got blootered. Russias army is a fraction of a few months ago and Ukraines military is light years ahead now hardware wise. Germany, Poland, the uk and others have said they will happily agree to protect Kyivs security going forward.

It's all about the Donbas now. This was all Russias fault, they invaded. So any further breakdown is Putin's doing.

[Stairway 2 7]

Kaitlan Collins
@kaitlancollins
Tomorrow Biden will announce a new $700 mil security package for Ukraine that includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, known as HIMARS, which have a range of about 40 miles. A senior official says they received assurances Ukraine won’t use to strike targets in Russia

[Stairway 2 7]

Bloomberg UK
@BloombergUK
·
Danes head to polls today to vote on joining the EU’s defense pact, as the country is pushed closer to the bloc by Russia’s war against Ukraine https://trib.al/uAGzdM9

Phillips P. OBrien
@PhillipsPOBrien
·
When the dust settles on this, europe will be more united in two different security structures (NATO and EU) than it has even been in its history, including the Roman Empire, Charlemagne, etc). In that way, Putin is one of the most important figures in European history

[Stairway 2 7]

Interesting article about Ukraines lgbt soldiers

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna31214

Phillips P. OBrien
@PhillipsPOBrien
A fascinating story about Ukrainian ‘unicorn’ soldiers, members of the LGBTQ community. One thing this war has revealed, which needs constant reinforcement, is that a more united, tolerant, inclusive country leads to greater military effectiveness

Before the war, there was lots of blather on the populist right against against a ‘woke’ military, most famously by the always wrong Tucker Carlson—but there were others

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/tucker-carlson-the-woke-military.amp

Part of their Putin worship came from the idea that Russia’s more oppressive, anti liberal society would create a more masculine, powerful military. In the end, this is shown to be such a sham

A united society which brings as many of its people together is far more powerful. This is something that we need to stress again and again going forward

[Stairway 2 7]

Seems like the UK, Poland and Ukraine military pact that was talked about in March will be a goer, hopefully boris gone too when it's announced

Visegrád 24
@visegrad24
·
2m
The Polish & Ukrainian governments met in Kyiv today for historic intergovernmental discussions.

It ended with Kyiv & Warsaw signing an agreement that will:

▪️Develop the Polish-Ukrainian-British Alliance

▪️Strengthen defence cooperation

▪️Strengthen cross-border cooperation

[Stairway 2 7]

Ukraine get their long range system with the promise not to hit Russia. I'm sure they won't as nations are backing their defence not attack

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
🇺🇸⚡️#US announces $700 million military aid to Ukraine

The 11th military aid package for #Ukraine includes:

🔹High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)
🔹Anti-aircraft radars
🔹Javelin anti-tank systems, helicopters and cars

📰 US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken

[Stairway 2 7]

Andrew Neil
@afneil
·

Official forecasts say Russia set for deepest recession since fall of Soviet Union with GDP expected to drop 15% this year.
UK and EU have agreed to stop insuring ships which carry Russian oil, making it harder for the Kremlin to sell its embargoed oil elsewhere

[Stairway 2 7]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·

#OPEC countries are discussing the possibility of excluding Russia from the oil deal, which would allow redistributing oil production quotas. According to forecasts, due to sanctions, oil production in #Russia may fall by 8% by the end of the year.

📰 The Wall Street Journal

[superfurryhibby]

British supermarkets still buying Russian Diesel. How can this still be happening?

https://www.politics.co.uk/opinion-former/press-release/2022/05/23/tesco-sainsburys-asda-and-morrisons-tankers-filling-up-from-site-of-russian-diesel-delivery/

[cabbageandribs1875]

Danes voted 66.9% to 33.1% in yesterdays referendum in favour of joining the EU's common defence policy

Denmark votes overwhelmingly to join EU’s common defence policy | Denmark | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/01/denmark-votes-on-joining-eus-common-defence-policy)

Denmark has voted overwhelmingly to join the EU’s common defence policy, becoming the last of the bloc’s members to sign up, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (https://www.theguardian.com/world/ukraine) continues to reshape Europe’s security landscape.

[Stairway 2 7]

Lithuanian public took 6 days to raise 5 million needed to buy a bayraktar drone. Lithuanian defence minister tweeted

@a_anusauskas
It is UNBELIEVABLE but 🇹🇷 just agreed to give the Bayraktar that 🇱🇹gathered money for, ❗️FOR FREE❗️. It is amazing! For the gathered money we will buy the needed ammunition for the Bayraktar and the rest of money will also go for support of 🇺🇦. Thank you Türkiye! 🇹🇷🇱🇹🇺🇦

[Stairway 2 7]

Senator Mark Daly
@SenatorMarkDaly
·
“….. the illegal invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation is an Act of Genocide”
Senate of Ireland passed a resolution on Genocide by Russia in Ukraine

[hibsbollah]

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/02/russia-economic-war-ukraine-food-fuel-price-vladimir-putin

[Stairway 2 7]

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/02/russia-economic-war-ukraine-food-fuel-price-vladimir-putin

Read it earlier he is trying to say European ban is no problem as China taking more oil. This is clearly daft as oil trade is 10% down this year and that is before the European ban comes in. Saudi Arabia has agreed a few hours ago to fill that gap by pumping more oil. Even if the war ended today its estimated Russian gdp will fall 15% in each of the next two years. The biggest crash since the end of the Soviet Union. No sure how you dress that up is anything but a national disaster. In comparison due to brexit our gdp will grow the slowest in the g7 next year, it will still grow but only 1.5%

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/02/russia-economic-war-ukraine-food-fuel-price-vladimir-putin

Surrender now by doing a deal and we’ll be back at war within a decade.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[StevieC]

Surrender now by doing a deal and we’ll be back at war within a decade.

100%

[Stairway 2 7]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
12m
⚡️ In response to the invasion of #Ukraine, Taiwan's Ministry of Economy imposed a ban on the export of microchips to #Russia and #Belarus, Taiwan News reported.

In addition, #Taiwan will no longer sell chip-making equipment to these countries

[hibsbollah]

Read it earlier he is trying to say European ban is no problem as China taking more oil. This is clearly daft as oil trade is 10% down this year and that is before the European ban comes in. Saudi Arabia has agreed a few hours ago to fill that gap by pumping more oil. Even if the war ended today its estimated Russian gdp will fall 15% in each of the next two years. The biggest crash since the end of the Soviet Union. No sure how you dress that up is anything but a national disaster. In comparison due to brexit our gdp will grow the slowest in the g7 next year, it will still grow but only 1.5%

I trust him as the Guardians economic editor to know what he’s talking about in relation to likely future supply and demand of oil and the balance between what Russia did get from the west and are still getting from the West and will get from China. It’s slightly jarring because it goes against the usual hyper positive narrative, but hey it’s just another prediction? You haven’t really explained why he’s being ‘daft’?

[lapsedhibee]

I trust him as the Guardians economic editor to know what he’s talking about ...

Might be wrong as I don't follow him closely but didn't Larry Elliott argue that Brexit would/could/should be a good thing for the UK?

[JeMeSouviens]

Might be wrong as I don't follow him closely but didn't Larry Elliott argue that Brexit would/could/should be a good thing for the UK?

He still does. Bennite Lexiter I think.

[Ozyhibby]

I think people are getting nervous because they can’t see much change in the maps the last few weeks. This was always predicted though by the Ukrainians and they seem to know exactly what they are up against. Both side are taking heavy losses just now but the Ukrainians are about to get a massive injection of equipment and still have more troops than the Russians.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hibsbollah]

Might be wrong as I don't follow him closely but didn't Larry Elliott argue that Brexit would/could/should be a good thing for the UK?

He’s a massive eurosceptic. All human life is here though :greengrin doesn’t make his economic opinions invalid.

[Stairway 2 7]

I trust him as the Guardians economic editor to know what he’s talking about in relation to likely future supply and demand of oil and the balance between what Russia did get from the west and are still getting from the West and will get from China. It’s slightly jarring because it goes against the usual hyper positive narrative, but hey it’s just another prediction? You haven’t really explained why he’s being ‘daft’?

He's tried to make it seems Russia has replaced the European oil sales with Chinese and that makes it fine. Chinese sales might be up 50%, but they were a fraction of the European sales. Russia sales are down 9% this year and that's before the European sanctions that start Monday.

Hence opec have said other nations are allowed to pump oil to replace it. None wanted to as it will drop oil price dramatically. Saudi Arabia has agreed to today, due to some dodgy security deal the US has agreed with them. Europe will stop all sales by the end of the year, uk and US too. There is no pipeline that China can take all of that, they will also have Russia in their pocket to buy at their price

Russia will face the biggest recession in decades even the **** show of Brexit won't be as bad. You can't really dress that up as good.

Plus it's not for anyone but Ukrainians to decade what they do. If Norway invaded us, stole thousands of our children, performed genocide, flattened our cities, raped, committed unspeakable war crimes in Scotland. Then someone said just give them Orkney shetlands and Aberdeenshire its best for everyone, we'd have the right to say **** off

[Stairway 2 7]

Might be wrong as I don't follow him closely but didn't Larry Elliott argue that Brexit would/could/should be a good thing for the UK?

Yep was delighted when it happened

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/31/the-left-brexit-economic-uk

Still thinks it's fine, even though most other economists think it's going to take points of our gdp growth in the next 10 years
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jan/31/post-brexit-economic-crisis-labour-eu-britain

[hibsbollah]

He's tried to make it seems Russia has replaced the European oil sales with Chinese and that makes it fine. Chinese sales might be up 50%, but they were a fraction of the European sales. Russia sales are down 9% this year and that's before the European sanctions that start Monday.

Hence opec have said other nations are allowed to pump oil to replace it. None wanted to as it will drop oil price dramatically. Saudi Arabia has agreed to today, due to some dodgy security deal the US has agreed with them. Europe will stop all sales by the end of the year, uk and US too. There is no pipeline that China can take all of that, they will also have Russia in their pocket to buy at their price

Russia will face the biggest recession in decades even the **** show of Brexit won't be as bad. You can't really dress that up as good.

Plus it's not for anyone but Ukrainians to decade what they do. If Norway invaded us, stole thousands of our children, performed genocide, flattened our cities, raped, committed unspeakable war crimes in Scotland. Then someone said just give them Orkney shetlands and Aberdeenshire its best for everyone, we'd have the right to say **** off

I think you’ve missed the subtlety, which is a reduction in GDP, income from oil or other baselines doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t continue to fight a war for months or years with the necessary political will. There are no definites here, there are only predictions. Some of the military and economic intangibles
we don’t know yet.

Time will tell.

[Stairway 2 7]

I think you’ve missed the subtlety, which is a reduction in GDP, income from oil or other baselines doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t continue to fight a war for months or years with the necessary political will. There are no definites here, there are only predictions. Some of the military and economic intangibles
we don’t know yet.

Time will tell.

There's no subtlety. He says . Russia is finding no difficulty finding alternative markets for its energy. They can find markets but not one to replace their biggest by far market.

It's all a weapon, hammering the Russian economy, making Russians not be able to buy western goods ect. Their military isn't infinite, they don't have the foreign parts to replace the lost tanks and vehicles. It will be a long horrible war ,although many military experts say it should turn to Ukraines favour in the next few months, who knows.

[Stairway 2 7]

Ian Pannell
@IanPannell
·

BREAKING: Ukrainian forces have begun training on the HIMARS from the U.S.(Snr. U.S. defense official. US trainers working at an undisclosed location outside of the country.
@MattSeyler

[Stairway 2 7]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
2h
International sanctions imposed against #Russia due to its invasion of #Ukraine have a sharp negative impact on the Russian economy, the #Russian economy is collapsing, said #German Economy Minister and Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck in the #Bundestag

[Ozyhibby]

Lot of people saying Russia will be able to sustain a long war? I’m not so sure. The Russian economy is collapsing extremely quickly and this war is about as expensive as you can get. Russia only has a population of about 150 million people. When it comes down to it, most wars are won by having the bigger population and the largest economy behind you. In this case, Russia does have a larger population than Ukraine but the fact that Ukraine is mobilised and Russia is not balances that out. When it comes to the size of economy, you have to add in the size of all of Ukraines allies. Ukraine for now has very very deep pockets for funding this war. There will come a time soon when Russia really struggles to get vehicles and weaponry into Ukraine. I can’t see that happening to Ukraine. As far as equipment is concerned, they are going to be getting a lot stronger.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jun/02/biden-saudi-arabia-oil-russia?utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=twt_gu&utm_medium&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1654210760

Sometimes dirty deals have to be done.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/putins-pivot-to-a-really-big-war-in-ukraine?utm_campaign=falcon&utm_brand=tny&utm_social-type=owned&mbid=social_twitter&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social
Snapshot of things inside Russia.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Mattia Nelles
@mattia_n
·
Since the ru invasion, 5.3 million 🇺🇦 have fled to the EU. In recent weeks, more people are returning to #Ukraine than are leaving the country. From 25-31 May, almost 260,000 🇺🇦 left the EU. In total, 2.3 million 🇺🇦 have returned to their homeland since the beginning of the war

[Stairway 2 7]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/06/02/china-support-russia-ukraine/

Beijing chafes at Moscow’s requests for support, Chinese officials say
China’s leadership wants to expand assistance for Russia without running afoul of Western sanctions and has set limits on what it will do

[hibsbollah]

Lot of people saying Russia will be able to sustain a long war? I’m not so sure. The Russian economy is collapsing extremely quickly and this war is about as expensive as you can get. Russia only has a population of about 150 million people. When it comes down to it, most wars are won by having the bigger population and the largest economy behind you. In this case, Russia does have a larger population than Ukraine but the fact that Ukraine is mobilised and Russia is not balances that out. When it comes to the size of economy, you have to add in the size of all of Ukraines allies. Ukraine for now has very very deep pockets for funding this war. There will come a time soon when Russia really struggles to get vehicles and weaponry into Ukraine. I can’t see that happening to Ukraine. As far as equipment is concerned, they are going to be getting a lot stronger.


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I don’t think ‘lots of people’ are saying that. There’s just been some balance applied to the debate where maybe 10% of op-eds are now expressing concern that things aren’t going as well as the 90% of pieces that take the prevailing view. Russia has a new military tactic of encircling smaller settlements, pummelling Ukrainian positions with artillery and taking them step by step. It’s a long game where potentially everybody loses.

[Stairway 2 7]

I don’t think ‘lots of people’ are saying that. There’s just been some balance applied to the debate where maybe 10% of op-eds are now expressing concern that things aren’t going as well as the 90% of pieces that take the prevailing view. Russia has a new military tactic of encircling smaller settlements, pummelling Ukrainian positions with artillery and taking them step by step. It’s a long game where potentially everybody loses.

Your painting laying siege to a town as new. They have been doing from the start from Kiev to Mariupol. It's just there goals have become less and less. From taking Ukraine in 5 days to splitting it in too. Gradually reducing each month until now they are advancing on only a tiny section. This map demonstrates that
25913
Feb, March, April, May..

There's only two bits of movement recently. Russia to try and surround Severodonetsk for the last 2 weeks and Ukraine moving to retake Kherson.

I can't see Ukraine wanting to do much until the US HIMARS come in 3 weeks, as they are far advanced to anything Russia has

[Ozyhibby]

I don’t think ‘lots of people’ are saying that. There’s just been some balance applied to the debate where maybe 10% of op-eds are now expressing concern that things aren’t going as well as the 90% of pieces that take the prevailing view. Russia has a new military tactic of encircling smaller settlements, pummelling Ukrainian positions with artillery and taking them step by step. It’s a long game where potentially everybody loses.

Russia has an advantage but probably only for another couple of weeks as Ukraines new artillery starts to arrive. The amount and capability of the new kit that the Ukrainians will have is going to start to make a serious difference. It outranges the Russian artillery massively.

https://kyivindependent.com/national/how-western-heavy-weaponry-can-make-a-difference-in-the-war-in-ukraine/


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[hibsbollah]

Your painting laying siege to a town as new. They have been doing from the start from Kiev to Mariupol. It's just there goals have become less and less. From taking Ukraine in 5 days to splitting it in too. Gradually reducing each month until now they are advancing on only a tiny section. This map demonstrates that
25913
Feb, March, April, May..

There's only two bits of movement recently. Russia to try and surround Severodonetsk for the last 2 weeks and Ukraine moving to retake Kherson.

I can't see Ukraine wanting to do much until the US HIMARS come in 3 weeks, as they are far advanced to anything Russia has

They were encircling larger positions before, now they are encircling smaller positions in a higher percentage low risk low reward tactic. It corresponds with the appointment of the new general to coordinate the Eastern front and it absolutely IS a new tactic, that’s been widely reported. I’m not ‘painting it’ as anything.

[Stairway 2 7]

They were encircling larger positions before, now they are encircling smaller positions in a higher percentage low risk low reward tactic. It corresponds with the appointment of the new general to coordinate the Eastern front and it absolutely IS a new tactic, that’s been widely reported. I’m not ‘painting it’ as anything.

Where is that reported pravda. They were encircling cities like Kyiv, then they lost half their army. They were encircling Mariupol only a few weeks ago well after they had their new command. Its settling down to ranged artillery now

[hibsbollah]

Where is that reported pravda. They were encircling cities like Kyiv, then they lost half their army. They were encircling Mariupol only a few weeks ago well after they had their new command. Its settling down to ranged artillery now

Are you actually reading what I’ve written? Kyiv is a big place, Mariupol is a big place. Now they are encircling SMALLER PLACES. So it’s a NEW tactic. The MOD has a daily intelligence briefing where they’ve said the same this morning.

[Stairway 2 7]

Are you actually reading what I’ve written? Kyiv is a big place, Mariupol is a big place. Now they are encircling SMALLER PLACES. So it’s a NEW tactic. The MOD has a daily intelligence briefing where they’ve said the same this morning.

Mariupol was only a few weeks ago after the new command came in. If they had the resources of course they would target bigger areas. Mod has also said pushing all their efforts into taking severodonetsk has come at a huge cost, so not low risk. Severodonetsk has well over 100,000 people also

https://mobile.twitter.com/PhillipsPOBrien/status/1532660739403657220

We'll know in the next few weeks if Russia are done being able to make any advances. They will hope so before the HIMARS come I'd suppose

[Stairway 2 7]

https://mobile.twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1532667599208816641

On day 100 Zelensky recreats the video he made on the second day of the war, when Kyiv was besieged and he had to prove he hadn't fled. I thought then Kyiv would be taken that night, Ukraine within the week and Zelensky imprisoned or worse if wagner got him

Some balls on him. When the uk said we would send in the SAS to evacuate him if he wanted. He replied, I need weapons not an escape route

[lapsedhibee]

https://mobile.twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1532667599208816641

On day 100 Zelensky recreats the video he made on the second day of the war, when Kyiv was besieged and he had to prove he hadn't fled. I thought then Kyiv would be taken that night, Ukraine within the week and Zelensky imprisoned or worse if wagner got him

Some balls on him. When the uk said we would send in the SAS to evacuate him if he wanted. He replied, I need weapons not an escape route

His 'I need ammunition, not a ride' speech probably got more than half the world on Ukraine's side right there and then. Terrific leadership.

[Stairway 2 7]

His 'I need ammunition, not a ride' speech probably got more than half the world on Ukraine's side right there and then. Terrific leadership.

And we get boris who hid in a freezer to avoid a question, brilliant

[Smartie]

His 'I need ammunition, not a ride' speech probably got more than half the world on Ukraine's side right there and then. Terrific leadership.

I think that will go down as a pretty significant quote in years to come.

At that point I didn't see any of this playing out the way it has.

[Ozyhibby]

https://twitter.com/phillipspobrien/status/1532660741244964866?s=21&t=p4rfhKPd5Bt3VSWdbV4ysQ

Turning into just a ranged artillery fight now as Russia lacks the vehicles necessary to make any advances.


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[stu in nottingham]

Some balls on him. When the uk said we would send in the SAS to evacuate him if he wanted. He replied, I need weapons not an escape route

Nothing to do with the UK or the SAS but rather the United States I believe.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/26/europe/ukraine-zelensky-evacuation-intl/index.html

[StevieC]

Are you actually reading what I’ve written? Kyiv is a big place, Mariupol is a big place. Now they are encircling SMALLER PLACES. So it’s a NEW tactic. The MOD has a daily intelligence briefing where they’ve said the same this morning.

I would suggest that it’s only a new tactic because it’s only smaller places that are left in Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
After failing to take the two biggest cities they initially targeted (and overthrow the government), I suspect strategically (and I said this right at the start) they will want to secure Luhansk/Donetsk/Zaporozhia/Kherson regions to provide themselves with a reasonably stable land bridge to Crimea. Anything less will be a failure.

The one thing I’m unsure about is Zaporozhia. Having visited the city many times, I suspect it would be very difficult to encircle. The natural defence of the Dnipro river, and even the Cossack defences of Khortitsa Island, would make it difficult to attack. The hydro electric dam could provide a solid route to keep the city defences supplied, it would be pretty difficult/risky to attempt to blow that. Without taking the city of Zaporozhia could they hold on to the region (a critical part of the land bridge)?

The edge of Zaporozhia region is less than 30 miles from Dnipro.

[Stairway 2 7]

Nothing to do with the UK or the SAS but rather the United States I believe.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/26/europe/ukraine-zelensky-evacuation-intl/index.html

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/uk-special-forces-preparing-high-26397004.amp

Zelensky said at Westminster address that he turned down uk offer. Doesn't really matter though as he rejected instantly

[stu in nottingham]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/uk-special-forces-preparing-high-26397004.amp

Zelensky said at Westminster address that he turned down uk offer. Doesn't really matter though as he rejected instantly

That was in March. The quote we are discussing here was in response to a US offer in February in a video dated 26th. It was the US.

[Stairway 2 7]

That was in March. The quote we are discussing here was in response to a US offer in February in a video dated 26th. It was the US.

That's decent nit picking. So us offered him rescue in the end of February and the uk and us offered him it a week later, he refused it all. Glad that's cleared up

[stu in nottingham]

That's decent nit picking. So us offered him rescue in the end of February and the uk and us offered him it a week later, he refused it all. Glad that's cleared up

Bit touchy.

[Ozyhibby]

So we’re all cleared up now? He wasn’t short of lifts but he was short of ammo?


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[lapsedhibee]

So we’re all cleared up now? He wasn’t short of lifts but he was short of ammo?


The important point to focus on is that the UK led the way in everything, whether it did or not.

[Jack]

Bit touchy.

Always has to get the last word.

[Stairway 2 7]

Always has to get the last word.

Hardly I said he was correct but the country was irrelevant. Whether it was the US, France or jossys giants that offered the lift it was Zelensky that was the hero as he flatly rejected it. Probably a bit rude for uk to ask him actually

[Ozyhibby]

https://thehill.com/policy/international/3509681-putin-fires-five-more-generals-report/

5 Russian generals fired. I guess they are the lucky ones.


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[Stairway 2 7]

https://thehill.com/policy/international/3509681-putin-fires-five-more-generals-report/

5 Russian generals fired. I guess they are the lucky ones.


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5 fired 13 dead, pretty unbelievable

[Stairway 2 7]

Pretty crazy video no gore. A Russian journalist is filming the Russians firing a tos1 launcher. 50 seconds later its destroyed by counter artillery strike. This is only able to happen due to western weapons and radar that's been given to Ukraine. HIMARS was designed as anti Russian artillery and has mutch greater accuracy and distance than Russia has, so this will be common soon

https://mobile.twitter.com/lusenok/status/1532729530372214784

[Stairway 2 7]

Archer83Able
The classified US report says Putin seems to have re-emerged after undergoing treatment for advanced cancer in April and that there was an assassination attempt on Putin's life in March, three US intelligence leaders told Newsweek

https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-putin-treated-cancer-april-us-intelligence-report-says-1710357

[Glory Lurker]

Archer83Able
The classified US report says Putin seems to have re-emerged after undergoing treatment for advanced cancer in April and that there was an assassination attempt on Putin's life in March, three US intelligence leaders told Newsweek

https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-putin-treated-cancer-april-us-intelligence-report-says-1710357

Again, I admire your optimism but the upshot of all that is that he's still as much as in charge as evee.

[Stairway 2 7]

Again, I admire your optimism but the upshot of all that is that he's still as much as in charge as evee.

It's not my optimism mate I doubt he's that bad. There's been similar rumours for a decade, would need something a lot more substantial than that

[silverhibee]

I see Burger King and Subway are still trading in Russia and they aren’t short of Heineken beer, these places should be boycotted by the rest of the world.

[Glory Lurker]

I see Burger King and Subway are still trading in Russia and they aren’t short of Heineken beer, these places should be boycotted by the rest of the world.

There should be more publicity about who's still helping prop up their economy. I take it western govts don't fancy naming and shaming because they are, or might be in the future, donors? The plebs want to do what we can though. We can't choose the fuels our power runs off,and we can't arm Ukraine. Let us know the western companies are that are still dancing over there so we can avoid them. Come on, western governments, you are rightly arming the defence so surely it is a no-brainer to let the populations you represent do their bit too?

[Stairway 2 7]

Germany wanting to be the biggest army in Europe

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·

The #Bundestag of #Germany decided to allocate an additional 100 billion euros to equip the #Bundeswehr. With this money, in the coming years, they plan to purchase the most modern weapons for the #German army, including aircraft, tanks and ammunition

[Stairway 2 7]

I see Burger King and Subway are still trading in Russia and they aren’t short of Heineken beer, these places should be boycotted by the rest of the world.

Heineken sold its factories and is out and won't return to russia. Burger King and Subway say they are unable to leave as its a franchise but are selling their stake. 1800 companies have moved stopped trading apparently.

https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/burger-king-caught-complex-legal-web-thwarting-russia-exit-2022-06-03/

[Moulin Yarns]

I see Burger King and Subway are still trading in Russia and they aren’t short of Heineken beer, these places should be boycotted by the rest of the world.

Heineken own the caledonian brewery. Boycott Deuchars!!

[Stairway 2 7]

Visually confirmed Ukraine has countered in sievierdonetsk, that's the problem with not being able to surround the city on four sides, resupply. Can see this being bloody for both sides. Russia should take, but probably won't be able to cross the river

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
11h
Russians control 50% of #Sievierodonetsk after Ukrainian counteroffensive

@NEXTA
Previously Russian troops had controlled 70% of the city but AFU had counterattacked and pushed them out. Russian troops are suffering heavy loses

[Stairway 2 7]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
❗️The EU will not recognize Russian passports issued to residents of #Kherson and #Zaporozhye regions

Josep Borrell said that the #EU also condemns attempts to introduce the ruble into circulation and introduce the #Russian curriculum in schools in the occupied territories

[Stairway 2 7]

Can't keep sacking the manager Vladimir, number 4 in 100 days now

The Kyiv Independent
@KyivIndependent
· 17h
⚡️ CIT: General Dvornikov dismissed from leading Russian troops in Ukraine.

According to the Conflict Intelligence Team, General Alexander Dvornikov was replaced by General Gennady Zhidko, former commander of the Eastern Military District and Russia’s deputy defense minister

[Stairway 2 7]

Heineken own the caledonian brewery. Boycott Deuchars!!

Bit harsh. Heineken took a 400 million euro hit to abandon Russia

https://www.google.com/amp/s/fortune.com/2022/03/28/carlsberg-heineken-leaving-russia-inbev-beer/amp/

Plus deuchars is lovely. Although caley is being sold off anyway, wonder if it will still be the same

[Ozyhibby]

https://twitter.com/phillipspobrien/status/1532997505868255233?s=21&t=trz88TjjGXsMjKCM_uQrHA

Russian offensive now completely stalled. The don’t have enough tanks to push forward.


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[hibsbollah]

I went for a swim after work yesterday, popped into the steam room, got talking to an elderly Ukrainian lady with poor English and a nasty looking injury which she said she received getting out of southern Ukraine with her family last month. She couldn't stop talking about the generosity of Scottish people, how her landlady is introducing her to friends and neighbours, showing her nice bits of Edinburgh to visit, particularly for free, and apparently she doesn't have to pay for Edinburgh Leisure swimming and gets free bus travel.

It's all very well reading about it from a distance but when you hear these people's stories it really brings it home. And a nice feeling that we are perceived as being caring hosts too.

[WeeRussell]

I went for a swim after work yesterday, popped into the steam room, got talking to an elderly Ukrainian lady with poor English and a nasty looking injury which she said she received getting out of southern Ukraine with her family last month. She couldn't stop talking about the generosity of Scottish people, how her landlady is introducing her to friends and neighbours, showing her nice bits of Edinburgh to visit, particularly for free, and apparently she doesn't have to pay for Edinburgh Leisure swimming and gets free bus travel.

It's all very well reading about it from a distance but when you hear these people's stories it really brings it home. And a nice feeling that we are perceived as being caring hosts too.

Nice story. Must have been eerie even just seeing an injury suffered from the atrocities over there.

[Stairway 2 7]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
23m
Roman Abramovich is selling the #British telecommunications company "Truphone" to #German businessman Hakan Koch and his business partner Pirros Cussios at a symbolic price of one pound sterling because of sanctions

[Stairway 2 7]

Visegrád 24
@visegrad24
·

After winning the French Open, Iga Świątek closes her speech by stating:

“I want to send a message to Ukraine. Stay strong.

The war is still there.”

The Polish World No1 has been wearing a Ukrainian ribbon from day 1 of the war. She hasn’t lost a match since

[Ozyhibby]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
23m
Roman Abramovich is selling the #British telecommunications company "Truphone" to #German businessman Hakan Koch and his business partner Pirros Cussios at a symbolic price of one pound sterling because of sanctions

Why is he allowed to sell anything? Surely it’s frozen? I’m assuming he’ll buy it back for £1 when it’s all over.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Why is he allowed to sell anything? Surely it’s frozen? I’m assuming he’ll buy it back for £1 when it’s all over.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No buy back but they can receive 30% of the money they put in if they are unsanctioned. EU are wanting him to start handing over companies, but he's taken them to court. He's wanting everything unfrozen. There needs to be decisions now on the billions of assets really. Think some were hoping the war would be settled in talks months ago, so they money could be unfrozen and kept out the courts

[Stairway 2 7]

Visegrád 24
@visegrad24
·

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said Berlin will soon have the largest conventional army in EU.

“The statement confirms Berlin has chosen remilitarization of the country. How could this end? This is well known from history," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

[Hibrandenburg]

Visegrád 24
@visegrad24
·

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said Berlin will soon have the largest conventional army in EU.

“The statement confirms Berlin has chosen remilitarization of the country. How could this end? This is well known from history," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova saidAnd there we have it, damned if they do and damned if they don't.

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[Ozyhibby]

And there we have it, damned if they do and damned if they don't.

Sent from my SM-A505FN using Tapatalk

Being damned by the Russians make you the good guys though.[emoji106]


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[Hibrandenburg]

Being damned by the Russians make you the good guys though.[emoji106]


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Even the bad guys have their good guys. The re-militarization of Germany will only help underpin to many of the 144 million Russians that Putin is right about the threat from the West. Putin can only be taken down from within and we've just strengthened his hand internally.

[Stairway 2 7]

Even the bad guys have their good guys. The re-militarization of Germany will only help underpin to many of the 144 million Russians that Putin is right about the threat from the West. Putin can only be taken down from within and we've just strengthened his hand internally.

It doesn't really matter what Russia or the Russians think. They are were clearly a third rate army pre war and less now. Europe and nato has literally never been so united in its history.

[Stairway 2 7]

The Kyiv Independent
@KyivIndependent
· 34m
⚡️El Pais: Spain ready to supply Ukraine with Leopard tanks, air defense systems.

Spanish media outlet El Pais reported, citing government sources, that the delivery of heavy weapons is currently being prepared

[Ozyhibby]

Even the bad guys have their good guys. The re-militarization of Germany will only help underpin to many of the 144 million Russians that Putin is right about the threat from the West. Putin can only be taken down from within and we've just strengthened his hand internally.

I think Putin is getting weaker everyday in Russia. Their economy is being gutted. There will be real shortages being experienced right now in Russia.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Looks like Russia is at its limit of being able to advance. Problem for them is they are using the same equipment as the start although in smaller numbers, Ukraine is going to get far advanced machinery in the next few weeks.

https://mobile.twitter.com/PhillipsPOBrien/status/1533348568119103489

[Ozyhibby]

Looks like Russia is at its limit of being able to advance. Problem for them is they are using the same equipment as the start although in smaller numbers, Ukraine is going to get far advanced machinery in the next few weeks.

https://mobile.twitter.com/PhillipsPOBrien/status/1533348568119103489

I think in another couple of weeks the Russians will wish they had the same equipment as at the start. It’s likely they are having to use older kit as stocks run out. And their arms industry is almost at a standstill without western tech.
I sounds like they are running out of tanks so can’t push forward even when they have a chance. Artillery seems to be all they have left and the Ukrainians will soon have artillery that outranges the Russians.


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[Stairway 2 7]

I think in another couple of weeks the Russians will wish they had the same equipment as at the start. It’s likely they are having to use older kit as stocks run out. And their arms industry is almost at a standstill without western tech.
I sounds like they are running out of tanks so can’t push forward even when they have a chance. Artillery seems to be all they have left and the Ukrainians will soon have artillery that outranges the Russians.


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They still have a huge amount of artillery so I guess this period will last a while, although ukraines will soon be much more accurate and longer.
Severodonetsk sounds like a disaster for them. Pulled into a trap with massive losses. Noticed it was the international brigade that lead the UKR counter

https://mobile.twitter.com/michaelh992/status/1533323772723331072

Some of them talking here before hitting sdonetsk, including an ausy saying its amazing a band from all over the world saving a nation

[superfurryhibby]

It doesn't really matter what Russia or the Russians think. They are were clearly a third rate army pre war and less now. Europe and nato has literally never been so united in its history.

Sorry, but that’s way off the mark. Russia is actually part of Europe and it’s vital that the Russian people cease supporting this war and their psychopathic dictator.

[Stairway 2 7]

Sorry, but that’s way off the mark. Russia is actually part of Europe and it’s vital that the Russian people cease supporting this war and their psychopathic dictator.

Putin isn't stopping regardless of what his people think in private. The only way he stops is militarily. Russia is part of the European geography but choses not to be military allies, it was the won that broke all treaties and invaded. He'll not be around forever. Hopefully who's next realises they aren't a super power and just choses peace, instead of invasion

[Hibrandenburg]

It doesn't really matter what Russia or the Russians think. They are were clearly a third rate army pre war and less now. Europe and nato has literally never been so united in its history.

They may be a 3rd rate army but they are a nuclear power and because of that no one would dare to try and invade, the stakes are simply too high and that means the war in Ukraine could basically continue indefinitely. The re-militarization of Germany will only bolster support for Putin's politics and increase the likelihood that who ever replaces him will also be a hard liner.

[Hibrandenburg]

I think Putin is getting weaker everyday in Russia. Their economy is being gutted. There will be real shortages being experienced right now in Russia.


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Agreed, but Germany again becoming the largest military power in Europe will only insure that Putin's successor will also be hardline.

[Stairway 2 7]

They may be a 3rd rate army but they are a nuclear power and because of that no one would dare to try and invade, the stakes are simply too high and that means the war in Ukraine could basically continue indefinitely. The re-militarization of Germany will only bolster support for Putin's politics and increase the likelihood that who ever replaces him will also be a hard liner.

No one is invading Russia or is going to, just wanting them to stop this invasion. All Ukraines support would instantly stop if Ukraine put boots on Russian soil I think.

It can last indefinitely as long as the west keeps up supply and sanctions, Putin is hoping the west lose interest. Russia only has a set number of equipment, it all needs western parts. They can't resupply so eventually it runs out. Not saying that is soon but it doesn't last forever

[Ozyhibby]

They may be a 3rd rate army but they are a nuclear power and because of that no one would dare to try and invade, the stakes are simply too high and that means the war in Ukraine could basically continue indefinitely. The re-militarization of Germany will only bolster support for Putin's politics and increase the likelihood that who ever replaces him will also be a hard liner.

I don’t think Russia will have the money to carry on indefinitely. They are short of everything (including soldiers) except artillery and have no way of replacing them. They have not been able to make any advances in months now. Ukraine will start to counter attack soon. Putin won’t survive this defeat.
What comes afterwards is unknowable. It may not be orderly enough for them to instal another hardliner or anyone else. Once the Russian people detect a weakness they will exploit it. What happens after that is anyones guess.
We are moving into a very unstable time in European politics but it’s not unusual in anyway. The map of Europe has been constantly changing for thousands of years.


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[Smartie]

Agreed, but Germany again becoming the largest military power in Europe will only insure that Putin's successor will also be hardline.

The best we can realistically hope for is that the bloodshed ends asap and we can move onto the next phase, which will be another cold war with a ton of tension and armament in Eastern Europe.

Any appeasement allows Putin to continue progressing towards his goal of getting all the countries Russia once had "under their influence" back "under their influence".

The Germans are doing what they are doing I believe reluctantly but correctly.

[Keith_M]

Agreed, but Germany again becoming the largest military power in Europe will only insure that Putin's successor will also be hardline.


Do you feel they're doing the wrong thing by increasing their military?

:dunno:

I don't have strong feelings on it either way but I can see why some people are wary of taking that course of action.

[Ozyhibby]

Do you feel they're doing the wrong thing by increasing their military?

:dunno:

I don't have strong feelings on it either way but I can see why some people are wary of taking that course of action.

I don’t think they or anyone else in Europe now has a choice.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1533494289631674373?s=21&t=eJDFqPY2bTI1FAyX8js8yg

Another Russian General bites the dust.[emoji106]


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[hibsbollah]

I don’t think they or anyone else in Europe now has a choice.


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You and Stairway have been banging the drum for weeks that Russia are doomed to military defeat due to a combination of stupid tactics and out of date tech. I’m sure you will agree that’s your been consistent position. I don’t think you can have it both ways, what’s the point in Western countries blowing their domestic budgets on defence spending for years and years in the middle of severe deflation, when the Russians can’t even manage to push a few hundred miles into a 2nd rate military power after almost 4 months?

[Ozyhibby]

You and Stairway have been banging the drum for weeks that Russia are doomed to military defeat due to a combination of stupid tactics and out of date tech. I’m sure you will agree that’s your been consistent position. I don’t think you can have it both ways, what’s the point in Western countries blowing their domestic budgets on defence spending for years and years in the middle of severe deflation, when the Russians can’t even manage to push a few hundred miles into a 2nd rate military power after almost 4 months?

Because if they are not stopped then they will regroup after this and move on to some other country. We can’t just hope they will always be incompetent. War has come back to Europe whether we like it or not.


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[hibsbollah]

Because if they are not stopped then they will regroup after this and move on to some other country. We can’t just hope they will always be incompetent. War has come back to Europe whether we like it or not.


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So they ARE still a military threat to other countries then? Glad that’s the consensus view.

[Stairway 2 7]

You and Stairway have been banging the drum for weeks that Russia are doomed to military defeat due to a combination of stupid tactics and out of date tech. I’m sure you will agree that’s your been consistent position. I don’t think you can have it both ways, what’s the point in Western countries blowing their domestic budgets on defence spending for years and years in the middle of severe deflation, when the Russians can’t even manage to push a few hundred miles into a 2nd rate military power after almost 4 months?

I'm with Philips OBrien and a few others that this war shows we need a much smaller army. Your not taking a western nation by force anymore. £20,000 nlaws blooter tanks easily, drones the same.

As long as an independent joins the EU military alliance and nato we'll be fine. If Russia couldn't take Ukraine it would get blootered very quick in any nato nation.

Of course the opposite will happen and everyone will buy tons of weapons.

[Hibrandenburg]

Do you feel they're doing the wrong thing by increasing their military?

:dunno:

I don't have strong feelings on it either way but I can see why some people are wary of taking that course of action.

Germany as the economic powerhouse of Europe has enough sway as things stand, the thought of that then being backed up by them also having the strongest military capability will be too much for some. I for one would much prefer an EU military capability headed by a joint command. If the EU is going to progress as an idea, then it has to have a viable defence strategy.

[Stairway 2 7]

Germany as the economic powerhouse of Europe has enough sway as things stand, the thought of that then being backed up by them also having the strongest military capability will be too much for some. I for one would much prefer an EU military capability headed by a joint command. If the EU is going to progress as an idea, then it has to have a viable defence strategy.

Nato is where its at I think. Will now have Scandinavia almost all of Europe, turkey and the US. No one is touching a nato country. Germany already hosts US nukes and it seems their public now is happy with that. It was inevitable military spending would rise everywhere unfortunately

I think an European army will definitely come but it will be a while away and the numbers being touted are small

[Stairway 2 7]

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1533494289631674373?s=21&t=eJDFqPY2bTI1FAyX8js8yg

Another Russian General bites the dust.[emoji106]


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Think that's 14 unbelievable. Nothing like this has been seen since ww2, 2-3 would be a large number

[Hibrandenburg]

Nato is where its at I think. Will now have Scandinavia almost all of Europe, turkey and the US. No one is touching a nato country. Germany already hosts US nukes and it seems their public now is happy with that. It was inevitable military spending would rise everywhere unfortunately

I think an European army will definitely come but it will be a while away and the numbers being touted are small

It needs to happen soon. NATO is only a viable option as long as the USA play ball. Recent history has told us that that is no longer a guarantee.

[Hibrandenburg]

Think that's 14 unbelievable. Nothing like this has been seen since ww2, 2-3 would be a large number

Russia has always had terrible battlefield comms. Back in the 80's and 90's they were still coordinating their tanks with flag signalling. I'm guessing their commanders are having to get closer to the front lines to assess the situation.

[Stairway 2 7]

It needs to happen soon. NATO is only a viable option as long as the USA play ball. Recent history has told us that that is no longer a guarantee.

I'm all for an EU army and hopefully Scotland could be a part soon.

[Keith_M]

Germany as the economic powerhouse of Europe has enough sway as things stand, the thought of that then being backed up by them also having the strongest military capability will be too much for some. I for one would much prefer an EU military capability headed by a joint command. If the EU is going to progress as an idea, then it has to have a viable defence strategy.


Sounds fair enough.

[Stairway 2 7]

Russia has always had terrible battlefield comms. Back in the 80's and 90's they were still coordinating their tanks with flag signalling. I'm guessing their commanders are having to get closer to the front lines to assess the situation.

Your spot on from what I've read people say is the reason. Bad comms means generals are having to go right to the front to see what's happening and give the orders.

Also read western armies let lower ranks change plans depending on the situation changing. Where as Russia the top ranks make a plan and the soldiers stick to it. Apparently this was the biggest change in the Ukrainian military since 2014, moving from the Russian way to nato

[Stairway 2 7]

https://mobile.twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1533522639398092802


WarMonitor🇺🇦
@WarMonitor3
Map:
Severodonetsk Frontline-Ukrainian forces have recaptured 80 percent of the city pushing Russians into a pocket in the north east(Previous Positions). Heavy fighting is happening around the Severodonetsk Bus Station and Fedorenka Street

[Hibrandenburg]

Your spot on from what I've read people say is the reason. Bad comms means generals are having to go right to the front to see what's happening and give the orders.

Also read western armies let lower ranks change plans depending on the situation changing. Where as Russia the top ranks make a plan and the soldiers stick to it. Apparently this was the biggest change in the Ukrainian military since 2014, moving from the Russian way to nato

Western armies have been doing that since the end of the first World War. It was a tactic developed by the Germans that nearly changed the course of the war by devolving decision making down to highly trained NCO's working in small highly mobile groups and being issued with smaller scale objectives as a means to achieving larger objectives. The Germans called them Sturmtruppen (Storm Troopers), the British army still use the same principle of battalions of infantry divided into sections with a corporal as section commander.

[Stairway 2 7]

Pretty remarkable. Zelensky went to Lysychansk just outside severodonetsk yesterday to visit soldiers near the front. Must be confident Russia won't be able to close the small pocket any time soon

25917

https://mobile.twitter.com/olliecarroll/status/1533619320093388800

[Stairway 2 7]

Uk joins the US in training and delivering longer ranged weapons


NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·

⚡️🇬🇧The #UK will gift the #Ukrainian Armed Forces multiple-launch rocket systems M270 which can strike targets up to 80km away with precision guided rockets

[Stairway 2 7]

Really interesting thread and article from bellingcat. Russia has been systematically trying to target and destroy Ukraines historical and cultural sites. It wants to wipe the identity and history of Ukraine away

https://mobile.twitter.com/bellingcat/status/1534203565392240640

[Renfrew_Hibby]

https://mobile.twitter.com/siberian_times?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Es erp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

[Stairway 2 7]

Christo Grozev
@christogrozev
·

Wow. Russian radio station Kommersant FM is broadcasting a sequence of Ukrainian songs and Russian-language anti-war songs. Have a listen while you still can: https://kommersant.ru/fm/player#

[Ozyhibby]

https://twitter.com/jason_corcoran/status/1534568537397813249?s=21&t=hGhKx6zWbypnGXZg7ohDjQ

Huawei pulling out of Russia. So much for the Chinese stepping in to plug the gap left by the west.


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[hibsbollah]

https://twitter.com/jason_corcoran/status/1534568537397813249?s=21&t=hGhKx6zWbypnGXZg7ohDjQ

Huawei pulling out of Russia. So much for the Chinese stepping in to plug the gap left by the west.


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Huawei is essentially an arm of the CCP. That is very big news and shows you where Xi’s head is at. The more Russia suffers the more markets China waltzes into.

[Glory Lurker]

Interesting read mainly about Russia and China but with comment on India too

https://www.politico.eu/article/china-new-vassal-vladimir-putin/

[Ozyhibby]

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/londongrad/id1625862285

For anyone who enjoys podcasts. Story of the corruption of London by the Oligarchs.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Conflict News
@Conflicts
·
14m
BREAKING: Two British men and a Moroccan man who were fighting for Ukraine have been sentenced to death by a court in the 'Donetsk People's Republic' in Eastern Ukraine

https://dan-news.info/obschestvo/sud-dnr-prigovoril-troih-inostrannyh-naemnikov-k-smertnoj-kazni/

[Stairway 2 7]

Aiden has lived there 4 years so hardly a mercenary

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/09/britons-sentenced-to-death-russian-occupied-ukraine-aiden-aslin-shaun-pinner

Andrew Roth
@Andrew__Roth
·
32m
Russian state media say that Britons Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner, as well as Moroccan Brahim Saadoun have been sentenced to death by officials in Russian-occupied east Ukraine


@brooklyn_crouch
Replying to
@Gerashchenko_en
My cousin Aiden is being held by the DPR , charging him with being a mercenary even tho he isn’t a mercenary! He’s been enlisted in ukraine 36th naval brigade for the last 4 years ! #aidenaslin

[stu in nottingham]

Very upsetting news. The Russian authorities are the **** of the earth.

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/live-updates-newark-man-sentenced-7187578

[Lendo]

Very upsetting news. The Russian authorities are the **** of the earth.

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/live-updates-newark-man-sentenced-7187578

Time to carry out a wee SAS raid and get him freed

[Just Alf]

Put this in the Tories thread... probably better here...

Not sure if this should be in here or the Ukraine thread... I've heard a number of times that the UK government had been playing a bit fast and loose with claiming the numbers of refugees that are getting visas, basically it had been identified that they were giving some of a family their visas and leaving one them out for various reasons... mostly this means even those with visas didn't travel to the UK!

https://www.itv.com/news/2022-06-08/stranded-13-year-old-girl-returns-to-ukraine-after-home-office-rejects-visa

[Smartie]

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/londongrad/id1625862285

For anyone who enjoys podcasts. Story of the corruption of London by the Oligarchs.


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I’ve just started listening to this, 2 episodes in.

It’s fascinating.

[cabbageandribs1875]

great sense of humour those Russians have, eh

Ukraine resistance blows up cafe used by Russian leaders (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ukraine-resistance-blows-up-cafe-used-by-russian-leaders/ar-AAYdIaT?bk=1&ocid=msedgntp&cvid=5fe1b26ff50945fd9f34547f3aca7b7a)

(https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/jan-6-hearings-live-conspiracy-not-over-warns-committee-as-trump-says-capitol-riot-greatest-movement/ar-AAYg8zd?bk=1&ocid=msedgntp&cvid=5fe1b26ff50945fd9f34547f3aca7b7a&fromMaestro=true)https://www.hibs.net/image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC 1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CY II=Ukrainian civilians living under Russian occupation (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/russia-ukraine-war/) have blown up a café close to the puppet government’s headquarters in the city of Kherson in what appears to be the first terror attack in occupied territories (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/06/02/ukraine-news-russia-war-latest-putin-live-updates-attack-kherson/).

Russia described the explosion as a “terror attack” on Russian-held territory in Ukraine (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/06/09/ukraine-russia-war-latest-live-putin-zelensky-severodonetsk/),

[Stairway 2 7]

😆
TASS
@tassagency_en

The Russian special military operation in Ukraine is proceeding as scheduled, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said


Darth Putin
@DarthPutinKGB
·
34m
Day 107 of my 3 day war. My front with Ukraine is over 1000km long. My army has had 30,000+ dead, retreated 200km from Kiev & advanced 10km in Donetsk, "proceeding according to schedule"

I remain a master strategist

[Ozyhibby]

‘Once upon a time in Londongrad’ on Sky documentaries is well worth a watch. Amazing to see how much every part of society was willing to turn a blind eye.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Europe would be better if Scholz, boris and Macron were punted

Agent Scholz also says the heavy weapons the promised Ukraine won't be able to be given until after the year

Marcel Dirsus
@marceldirsus
If Olaf Scholz had really, really wanted Germany to deliver heavy weapons to Ukraine, they'd already be in Ukraine. There's dysfunction and party politics and the Bundeswehr is in bad shape but that's the bottom-line

Professor Olga Chyzh
@olga_chyzh
·
It's crazy. Despite the 🇷🇺 war of aggression, in January-April 2022 Germany increased its imports from Russia by 60% (!) and transferred almost 6 billion € more to Moscow. The 🇺🇦🇩🇪 trade fell by 11%

https://mobile.twitter.com/olga_chyzh/status/1535330217371357185

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/11/the-return-of-banditry-russian-car-industry-buckles-under-sanctions

Good article on the sanctions starting to bite in Russia.


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[HUTCHYHIBBY]

‘Once upon a time in Londongrad’ on Sky documentaries is well worth a watch. Amazing to see how much every part of society was willing to turn a blind eye.


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Very interesting viewing as you say.

[Smartie]

‘Once upon a time in Londongrad’ on Sky documentaries is well worth a watch. Amazing to see how much every part of society was willing to turn a blind eye.


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Is this in any way linked to the podcast series you linked to the other day?

The names and content appear similar.

I listened to the first couple of episodes of the podcast and it was excellent. There have been loads of ads for the tv thing but I haven’t watched it yet.

[Ozyhibby]

Is this in any way linked to the podcast series you linked to the other day?

The names and content appear similar.

I listened to the first couple of episodes of the podcast and it was excellent. There have been loads of ads for the tv thing but I haven’t watched it yet.

TV show more about Berezovsky and podcast about Lebedevs but theme is similar.
So far anyway. I’m 4 episodes into tv show and 2 into the podcast.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Germany will block Spain delivering the German made tanks to Ukraine like it wanted to. Poland sent 200 tanks and around a third are now in Donbas. All the other g7 have sent heavy weapons now.

Steffen Lüdke
@stluedke
·
1h
#Spain considered delivering #Leopard tanks Ukraine. Then Berlin told them off, according to
@derspiegel
info
@MelAmann

According to govnmt sources, 🇩🇪 warned 🇪🇸 that this step would be a departure from the informal decision of West not to supply Kiev with western tanks

Apparently, the plan was leaked before anyone in the Spanish government who was familiar with the issue had been involved, the German government said somewhat mockingly

@stluedke
·
1h
That’s the German spin, but it is a sentence that is somewhat embarrassing for the Sánchez government.
@desdelamoncloa

@Defensagob
did not want to comment when approached.

Defense minister Robles had acknowledged that a Leopard delivery „is on the table“ on Tuesday night

If true, it shows of course, that the German government does not only not deliver western tanks to Ukraine, it also actively discourages allies to do so while the Ukrainian government seems increasingly desperate to secure heavy weapons

[Stairway 2 7]

The Kyiv Independent
@KyivIndependent
·
⚡️ European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits Kyiv.

The EU official said she will discuss the joint work needed for Ukraine's reconstruction and its progress on the European path with President Volodymyr Zelensky

[Ozyhibby]

Germany will block Spain delivering the German made tanks to Ukraine like it wanted to. Poland sent 200 tanks and around a third are now in Donbas. All the other g7 have sent heavy weapons now.

Steffen Lüdke
@stluedke
·
1h
#Spain considered delivering #Leopard tanks Ukraine. Then Berlin told them off, according to
@derspiegel
info
@MelAmann

According to govnmt sources, [emoji629] warned [emoji633] that this step would be a departure from the informal decision of West not to supply Kiev with western tanks

Apparently, the plan was leaked before anyone in the Spanish government who was familiar with the issue had been involved, the German government said somewhat mockingly

@stluedke
·
1h
That’s the German spin, but it is a sentence that is somewhat embarrassing for the Sánchez government.
@desdelamoncloa

@Defensagob
did not want to comment when approached.

Defense minister Robles had acknowledged that a Leopard delivery „is on the table“ on Tuesday night

If true, it shows of course, that the German government does not only not deliver western tanks to Ukraine, it also actively discourages allies to do so while the Ukrainian government seems increasingly desperate to secure heavy weapons

I wonder how secure Scholz is in Germany? He appears to be actively trying to help Putin. How does that sit with the German people?


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[Stairway 2 7]

I wonder how secure Scholz is in Germany? He appears to be actively trying to help Putin. How does that sit with the German people?


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Cdu and greens have been heavily critical of his helping Ukraine. At this rate it could cost him his job. Surprisingly the greens have been most vocal

Check this chart!!
25934

[Keith_M]

Cdu and greens have been heavily critical of his helping Ukraine. At this rate it could cost him his job. Surprisingly the greens have been most vocal

Check this chart!!
25934


To me, Scholz seems like a bit of a 'lame duck' Chancellor.

I can't say I've been particularly impressed since his coalition took over from Merkel's CDU

[Glory Lurker]

I wonder how secure Scholz is in Germany? He appears to be actively trying to help Putin. How does that sit with the German people?


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It's maybe not the best resource, but most of what I know about Scholz's performance in this crisis is gleaned from here. Based on that though, the boy is a disgrace.

Edit: that's in response to the "trying to help Putin" bit.

[Smartie]

It's maybe not the best resource, but most of what I know about Scholz's performance in this crisis is gleaned from here. Based on that though, the boy is a disgrace.

Edit: that's in response to the "trying to help Putin" bit.

Yeah, it's hard not to be very critical of Scholz and Germany but this war has put them in an impossible position. Their pre-war economic dependance on Russian fossil fuels and all sorts of cultural scars from the second world war make it far harder for them to "do the right thing" than it appears to the outsider.

I'm not remotely condoning his weaker moments but maybe showing a bit of sympathy for the difficult position they're in.

[Glory Lurker]

Yeah, it's hard not to be very critical of Scholz and Germany but this war has put them in an impossible position. Their pre-war economic dependance on Russian fossil fuels and all sorts of cultural scars from the second world war make it far harder for them to "do the right thing" than it appears to the outsider.

I'm not remotely condoning his weaker moments but maybe showing a bit of sympathy for the difficult position they're in.

Aye, that to. Bottom line is that the whole thing is horrible.

[Stairway 2 7]

Yeah, it's hard not to be very critical of Scholz and Germany but this war has put them in an impossible position. Their pre-war economic dependance on Russian fossil fuels and all sorts of cultural scars from the second world war make it far harder for them to "do the right thing" than it appears to the outsider.

I'm not remotely condoning his weaker moments but maybe showing a bit of sympathy for the difficult position they're in.

The other two parties want to support though and have the same constraints. There is no doubt that like the tories sdp were too close to russia.

Germany happily sent thousands of troops to help the US fight al quada in 2001, 150,000 German troops fought in Afghanistan. So it depends on the enemy I suppose.

It's one thing to not send heavy weapons but to stop other European nations doing so is poor. They have sent thousands of other deadly weapons, guns, ammo and mines, but Ukraine wants heavy weapons

[Stairway 2 7]

https://mobile.twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1535677229660884992

Kyiv bakery brings out a boris croissant. I wonder if its full of *****

[Smartie]

The other two parties want to support though and have the same constraints. There is no doubt that like the tories sdp were too close to russia.

Germany happily sent thousands of troops to help the US fight al quada in 2001, 150,000 German troops fought in Afghanistan. So it depends on the enemy I suppose.

It's one thing to not send heavy weapons but to stop other European nations doing so is poor. They have sent thousands of other deadly weapons, guns, ammo and mines, but Ukraine wants heavy weapons

It’s always easier to say what you would or wouldn’t do from the comfort of being in opposition rather than actually being the one to be making the decisions and living with the consequences.

Fortunately (!!) here in the UK we’ve had a PM desperate for distractions and anything that can boost his ratings. His lack of moral fibre has meant that it’s been pretty easy for him to overcome his party’s corruption by Russian money.
It might not be quite so straightforward for others.

[Ozyhibby]

It’s always easier to say what you would or wouldn’t do from the comfort of being in opposition rather than actually being the one to be making the decisions and living with the consequences.

Fortunately (!!) here in the UK we’ve had a PM desperate for distractions and anything that can boost his ratings. His lack of moral fibre has meant that it’s been pretty easy for him to overcome his party’s corruption by Russian money.
It might not be quite so straightforward for others.

Yip, the Russians are finding out, like many before them, that Johnson will always put himself first no matter what you think he might owe you.
Besides, he at least is keeping sanctions to the very minimum for them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Stairway 2 7]

It’s always easier to say what you would or wouldn’t do from the comfort of being in opposition rather than actually being the one to be making the decisions and living with the consequences.

Fortunately (!!) here in the UK we’ve had a PM desperate for distractions and anything that can boost his ratings. His lack of moral fibre has meant that it’s been pretty easy for him to overcome his party’s corruption by Russian money.
It might not be quite so straightforward for others.

What consequences can there be from stopping the genocide and overthrow of a nation. Every g7 nation bar 1 has sent heavy weapons also most of Europe. The west is more together than its ever been.

[Stairway 2 7]

https://mobile.twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1536414320522932229

@visegrad24
The Russian state TV propagandists are now arguing between themselves about the fate of the two British citizens who became members of the Ukrainian Army and were caught in Mariupol.

They can’t decide whether to shoot or hang them

[Stairway 2 7]

@Kira_Yarmysh
Alexei Navalny
@navalny
was transported away from the penal colony No. 2.
His lawyer, who came to see him, was kept at the checkpoint until 14.00, and was then told: "There is no such convict here."
We do not know where Alexei is now and what colony they are taking him to

Of course, neither Alexei's attorneys nor his relatives were informed about his transfer in advance. There were rumors that he was going to be transferred to the high-security penal colony IK-6 "Melekhovo", but it is impossible to know when (and if) he will actually arrive there

The problem with his transfer to another colony is not only that the high-security colony is much scarier. As long as we don't know where Alexei is, he remains one-on-one with the system that has already tried to kill him, so our main task now is to locate him as soon as possible

[cabbageandribs1875]

Macron doing his bit to help his bestie phone buddy Putin

Emmanuel Macron ‘betrays Ukraine’ as French imports of Russian gas soar (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/emmanuel-macron-betrays-ukraine-as-french-imports-of-russian-gas-soar/ar-AAYoNWw?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=6f3c44985e4345a8b7f3653182a65bf5)

Lauri Myllyvirta, an analyst at Crea, told The Telegraph: “France and Belgium stand out as buyers of Russian LNG (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/0/five-ways-can-turn-putins-gas/) on the spot market. As the EU is considering stricter sanctions against Russia (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/02/28/sanctions-hammer-every-sector-russian-economy-crisis-bites/), France has increased its imports to become the largest buyer of LNG in the world.
“We estimate an 18 per cent increase from February-March to May, seasonally adjusted.”


Dmytro Natalukha, the head of the Ukrainian parliament’s economic affairs committee, told The Telegraph: “The simple answer is, of course, this is not a way we consider how our allies should behave themselves.
“Those are actions that contradict the words, and provides a whole different context on the calls of the French president [Emmanuel Macron (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/03/17/markets-live-latest-coronavirus-news-pound-euro-ftse-1005/)]. Given these statistics, it gives you some doubt over his real willingness to end this conflict in the best interests of Ukraine.”

[Stairway 2 7]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
1Deputy chairman of the Security Council of #Russia Dmitry #Medvedev indicates that #Ukraine would not exist in two years any longer

"Who said Ukraine is even going to exist on the world map in two years?"

[Ozyhibby]

NEXTA
@nexta_tv
·
1Deputy chairman of the Security Council of #Russia Dmitry #Medvedev indicates that #Ukraine would not exist in two years any longer

"Who said Ukraine is even going to exist on the world map in two years?"

And after that it’s Moldova. Where next? Poland? They need stopped.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LeithMike]

And after that it’s Moldova. Where next? Poland? They need stopped.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkTotally. The lack of assistance to Ukraine (I read that less than 10% of promised military aid has been delivered) is a stain on the West. How can we stand by when we know what is happening.

This was the one thing the UK Government seemed to be getting right so it would be good to know what aid that we promised has been delivered so our government can be held to account.

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

[Smartie]

Totally. The lack of assistance to Ukraine (I read that less than 10% of promised military aid has been delivered) is a stain on the West. How can we stand by when we know what is happening.

This was the one thing the UK Government seemed to be getting right so it would be good to know what aid that we promised has been delivered so our government can be held to account.

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

I get the feeling that a number of different parties will come to deeply regret their actions of the past few weeks, months and years over the years to come.

Russia will regret the "special military operation".

Those who could have sent weapons but chose not to will regret that.

Those who continued to find ways to keep buying Russian oil and gas will regret that.

I find it hard to see a future that isn't varying levels of grim for millions of people.

[Stairway 2 7]

Pjotr Sauer
@PjotrSauer
·
54m
Igor Denisov, the former captain of Russia’s football team has spoken out against the war. “These events are catastrophic. It’s horrific. I am not sure if I will be jailed or killed for this, but I am saying it as it is”

[hibsbollah]

Macron doing his bit to help his bestie phone buddy Putin

Emmanuel Macron ‘betrays Ukraine’ as French imports of Russian gas soar (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/emmanuel-macron-betrays-ukraine-as-french-imports-of-russian-gas-soar/ar-AAYoNWw?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=6f3c44985e4345a8b7f3653182a65bf5)

Lauri Myllyvirta, an analyst at Crea, told The Telegraph: “France and Belgium stand out as buyers of Russian LNG (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/0/five-ways-can-turn-putins-gas/) on the spot market. As the EU is considering stricter sanctions against Russia (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/02/28/sanctions-hammer-every-sector-russian-economy-crisis-bites/), France has increased its imports to become the largest buyer of LNG in the world.
“We estimate an 18 per cent increase from February-March to May, seasonally adjusted.”


Dmytro Natalukha, the head of the Ukrainian parliament’s economic affairs committee, told The Telegraph: “The simple answer is, of course, this is not a way we consider how our allies should behave themselves.
“Those are actions that contradict the words, and provides a whole different context on the calls of the French president [Emmanuel Macron (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/03/17/markets-live-latest-coronavirus-news-pound-euro-ftse-1005/)]. Given these statistics, it gives you some doubt over his real willingness to end this conflict in the best interests of Ukraine.”

Le Monde (centre left paper) has given today's editorial to a Ukrainian politician who is absolutely slaying Macron. Right From the beginning, Frances policies have failed Ukraine. There should be an english translation tab on the site.
Ukraine : « Depuis le début du conflit, la position de la France a dérouté les Ukrainiens » (lemonde.fr) (https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2022/06/15/oksana-mitrofanova-depuis-le-debut-du-conflit-la-position-de-la-france-a-deroute-les-ukrainiens_6130343_3232.html)