Ukraine

[Kato]

https://bsky.app/profile/theworldindex.bsky.social/post/3lcnrnt6e722f

Assad has fled apparently. Not sure where.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkBetter send a limousine anyway.

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[Smartie]

https://bsky.app/profile/theworldindex.bsky.social/post/3lcnrnt6e722f

Assad has fled apparently. Not sure where.


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I thought he was meant to have been in Moscow on another matter already when the whole thing escalated?

[Ozyhibby]

I thought he was meant to have been in Moscow on another matter already when the whole thing escalated?

He was there last Friday, came back but now appears to be on the move again although all just rumours just now.


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[Bristolhibby]

Surely him heading to Moscow with as much wealth as he can carry is the end game for him.

J

[cabbageandribs1875]

Russians scarpering from Syria
Romanian court orders election re-run after allegations of Russian interference
Georgians protesting against Russian interference in recent election

here's hoping Belarusians start protesting Europe's last Dictator



Putin can concentrate on sticking his nose in African countries

[Ozyhibby]

Russians scarpering from Syria
Romanian court orders election re-run after allegations of Russian interference
Georgians protesting against Russian interference in recent election

here's hoping Belarusians start protesting Europe's last Dictator



Putin can concentrate on sticking his nose in African countries

Even that will be harder now he has lost the warm water port at Tartus in Syria.


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[Hibs4185]

Syria is an absolute mind *uck when you try and work out all the actors, coalitions, hatred and dynamics.

The only one thing I can support whole heartedly….russia getting *ucked

[Ozyhibby]

Syria is an absolute mind *uck when you try and work out all the actors, coalitions, hatred and dynamics.

The only one thing I can support whole heartedly….russia getting *ucked

That’s where I am with it. We need Russia to lose more than anything else and we can deal with problems in Syria later.
Don’t want to get hopes up but there is an interview with the leaders of the Syrian rebels here on CNN where it sounds like he has moderated slightly. We can only hope.

https://youtu.be/1tLBPbEXScA?si=sVVIrvDGse6dT1zM


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[judas]

What's democratic about this so called SDF? They are probably just slightly less desirable than Assad and co.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

This is a headache for Iran, its proxies and Russia.

I think the CIA is at work.

[judas]

Wish the centre left would get its act together and offer an alternative.


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The centre point has been moving to the right for 30-40 years.

For example, I wouldn’t call Starmers gov centre left, but they would.

I now think that only a true left wing government can actually deliver people from the challenges they face, in healthcare particularly. Let’s face it, that’s the main component underpinning the standard of living for a nation.

The problem is that it would take a big change in our attitude to taxation. In short we’d all need to accept more of it.

[Lendo]

Syria is an absolute mind *uck when you try and work out all the actors, coalitions, hatred and dynamics.

The only one thing I can support whole heartedly….russia getting *ucked

28333

A lot of speculation that this private jet leaving Damascus earlier today was Assad fleeing the country.

[Kato]

Romanian court orders election re-run after allegations of Russian interference
Georgians protesting against Russian interference in recent election





Whereas the UK and US allow Russian interference and ignore it.

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[Bostonhibby]

Whereas the UK and US allow Russian interference and ignore it.

Sent from my SM-A528B using TapatalkWhere Russians are concerned we've allowed a great many to live with their wealth in and around Belgravia, Kensington & Mayfair even though they weren't ever able to do so under the much maligned EU freedom of movement.

They are still holed up there now, sanction free, hell it's almost as if they were deeply entrenched as donators to a political party.[emoji16]

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[Hibrandenburg]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

This is a headache for Iran, its proxies and Russia.

I think the CIA is at work.

Just watching the tv footage coming out of Syria and nearly all the weaponry I've seen is of Russian origin. Wouldn't surprise me if the Russians were playing both sides to create the chaos we've seen there the past 2 decades. It's now come back to bite them on the bum with the fall of their puppet dictator.

[Stairway 2 7]

Just watching the tv footage coming out of Syria and nearly all the weaponry I've seen is of Russian origin. Wouldn't surprise me if the Russians were playing both sides to create the chaos we've seen there the past 2 decades. It's now come back to bite them on the bum with the fall of their puppet dictator.

It's all Russian because the rebels are storming all the Assadis barracks and police stations, they were so quick almost nothing was destroyed. Russia was fully backing Assad mainly through his airforce and troops, most of which were transferred to Ukraine. This is a disaster for Russian foreign policy. They have lost there only warm water port and because Turkey won't allow Russian ships through the Bosphorus they now have no presence in the Mediterranean, all the ships will now have to go to Kaliningrad.

The rebels were fully backed by Turkey. I worry Turkey will want them to attack the Kurds now. It's a big moment in showing the diminishing power of Russia and the rising power of Turkey

[Hibrandenburg]

It's all Russian because the rebels are storming all the Assadis barracks and police stations, they were so quick almost nothing was destroyed. Russia was fully backing Assad mainly through his airforce and troops, most of which were transferred to Ukraine. This is a disaster for Russian foreign policy. They have lost there only warm water port and because Turkey won't allow Russian ships through the Bosphorus they now have no presence in the Mediterranean, all the ships will now have to go to Kaliningrad.

The rebels were fully backed by Turkey. I worry Turkey will want them to attack the Kurds now. It's a big moment in showing the diminishing power of Russia and the rising power of Turkey

The Arab spring was heavily influenced by Russian interference in social media. They got exactly what they wanted, an Assad who was dependent on Russian support. Both sides of the conflict were equipped with Russian weaponry, the result was a win, win and win situation for Putin. The result was such a success for Russian influence, that he has invested heavily in Internet subterfuge in many countries including the US and UK, we're still feeling the effects now and the subterfuge is ongoing.

[Ozyhibby]

It's all Russian because the rebels are storming all the Assadis barracks and police stations, they were so quick almost nothing was destroyed. Russia was fully backing Assad mainly through his airforce and troops, most of which were transferred to Ukraine. This is a disaster for Russian foreign policy. They have lost there only warm water port and because Turkey won't allow Russian ships through the Bosphorus they now have no presence in the Mediterranean, all the ships will now have to go to Kaliningrad.

The rebels were fully backed by Turkey. I worry Turkey will want them to attack the Kurds now. It's a big moment in showing the diminishing power of Russia and the rising power of Turkey

I don’t think they’ll attack the Kurds just because what they really want is Syria to be peaceful and all the Syrians in Turkey to go home. The refugees have become a real political issue in Turkey. As everywhere I guess.


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[Stairway 2 7]

The Arab spring was heavily influenced by Russian interference in social media. They got exactly what they wanted, an Assad who was dependent on Russian support. Both sides of the conflict were equipped with Russian weaponry, the result was a win, win and win situation for Putin. The result was such a success for Russian influence, that he has invested heavily in Internet subterfuge in many countries including the US and UK, we're still feeling the effects now and the subterfuge is ongoing.

Yeah I agree but that is different from this uprising. I'd put it at zero percent chance Russia supported Assads opposition. He backed Assad with Iran and hezbollah 100%, hezbollahs command has been destroyed, Iran doesn't have support at home and Russia had to move it's equipment and soldiers from Syria to Ukraine. Turkey took the opportunity to topple Assad when Russia was week.

It's a blow for Russia loosing it's presence in the med and it's Syrian airports which were important for it's presence in Africa.

[Stairway 2 7]

I don’t think they’ll attack the Kurds just because what they really want is Syria to be peaceful and all the Syrians in Turkey to go home. The refugees have become a real political issue in Turkey. As everywhere I guess.


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Heard lots are returning from Lebanon but I'd doubt many will want to leave Europe. The rebels are saying the right thing about elections and unity for the different groups but we'll see

[Hibrandenburg]

Yeah I agree but that is different from this uprising. I'd put it at zero percent chance Russia supported Assads opposition. He backed Assad with Iran and hezbollah 100%, hezbollahs command has been destroyed, Iran doesn't have support at home and Russia had to move it's equipment and soldiers from Syria to Ukraine. Turkey took the opportunity to topple Assad when Russia was week.

It's a blow for Russia loosing it's presence in the med and it's Syrian airports which were important for it's presence in Africa.

I wouldn't be so sure. The Russians (and the West to be fair) are devious enough and more than capable of instigating circumstances that would put them in a position to prop up Assad's regime, at a price of course.

[cabbageandribs1875]

been a bad week for conor mcgregor

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GeRriDEWoAAhTuK?format=jpg&name=medium

[jamie_1875]

So the bad guys have been defeated to be replaced by another set of bad guys? (Meaning Syria)

[Hibs4185]

So the bad guys have been defeated to be replaced by another set of bad guys? (Meaning Syria)

I’ve seen this said many times. No one really knows, nor will anyone for a few months until the dust settles.

The one thing that encourages me, the Syrian people look incredibly happy which in itself is a good sign.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Assad is in Moscow and will be given asylum




that's probably where Lukashenko will eventually scarper to as well, hopefully

[Lendo]

Assad is in Moscow and will be given asylum




that's probably where Lukashenko will eventually scarper to as well, hopefully

I hope that Putin pushes his luck with Lukashenko and makes an attempt to annex parts of Belarus. Get the cluster**** even more ****ed.

[Bristolhibby]

Yeah I agree but that is different from this uprising. I'd put it at zero percent chance Russia supported Assads opposition. He backed Assad with Iran and hezbollah 100%, hezbollahs command has been destroyed, Iran doesn't have support at home and Russia had to move it's equipment and soldiers from Syria to Ukraine. Turkey took the opportunity to topple Assad when Russia was week.

It's a blow for Russia loosing it's presence in the med and it's Syrian airports which were important for it's presence in Africa.

Just out of interest, how does Russia move its equipment from Syria to Ukraine?

No direct route. Jets can’t fly over Turkey. Can they tanker them all the way through the Med, up over Scotland and into Murmansk or Kaliningrad?

J

[Stairway 2 7]

Just out of interest, how does Russia move its equipment from Syria to Ukraine?

No direct route. Jets can’t fly over Turkey. Can they tanker them all the way through the Med, up over Scotland and into Murmansk or Kaliningrad?

J

Turkish airspace isn't closed to Russia, there's daily flights from Istanbul to Moscow still. They could go Iraq Iran if it did close

[CropleyWasGod]

Assad is in Moscow and will be given asylum




Hope he remembered to pack a jumper.

[Ozyhibby]

Assad is in Moscow and will be given asylum




that's probably where Lukashenko will eventually scarper to as well, hopefully

I’m glad he went to Moscow. Less chance of new Syrian regime doing a deal with Putin for use of the port or air base. Would be good if the eu done a deal for them.


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[Bristolhibby]

Turkish airspace isn't closed to Russia, there's daily flights from Istanbul to Moscow still. They could go Iraq Iran if it did close

Ahhhh. Even military flights?

I know the Turks have closed the Bosporus to Russian military shipping.

J

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/09/moscow-reaches-out-to-new-syrian-leadership-in-move-to-secure-bases?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky&CMP=bsky_gu

Russia still trying to hold the bases. Hopefully the west can step on with a better offer.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Ahhhh. Even military flights?

I know the Turks have closed the Bosporus to Russian military shipping.

J

Yeah airspace is free but the Bosphorus comes under the Montreux Convention. It says no countries at war can pass war ships through the Bosphorus

[Hibs4185]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/09/moscow-reaches-out-to-new-syrian-leadership-in-move-to-secure-bases?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky&CMP=bsky_gu

Russia still trying to hold the bases. Hopefully the west can step on with a better offer.


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I fear somehow they’ll manage to do a deal but then Russia is the country that has bombed and bombed and killed thousands of rebels, so how can the rebels rebels do a deal with them?

[Ozyhibby]

I fear somehow they’ll manage to do a deal but then Russia is the country that has bombed and bombed and killed thousands of rebels, so how can the rebels rebels do a deal with them?

I don’t think they will be able to do a deal. I think Turkey will be the big player now in Syria.
Apparently there is talk of an oil pipeline through both countries to the EU.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://kyivinsider.com/russias-colony-of-transnistria-declares-state-of-emergency/

Ukraine about to cut off gas supply to Transnistria.


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[Bristolhibby]

I don’t think they’ll attack the Kurds just because what they really want is Syria to be peaceful and all the Syrians in Turkey to go home. The refugees have become a real political issue in Turkey. As everywhere I guess.


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The Wests consistent abandonment of the Kurds has been another stain on our collective history.

From Turkey, Saddam gassing them. They have been after a homeland for generations.

I was told a mental story from one of my Dads military mates. After Gulf War 1 the west were policing the Northern no fly zone over the Kurdish northern Iraq, flying sorties from Eastern Turkey. Meanwhile from the same airbase Turkish jets were taking off to bomb their own Kurds in Eastern and Southern Turkey.

Mental.

We know Trump doesn’t care. It’s a shame as the Kurds have done much of the heavy lifting in Gulf War 2 and the Syrian uprising.

J

[Bristolhibby]

https://kyivinsider.com/russias-colony-of-transnistria-declares-state-of-emergency/

Ukraine about to cut off gas supply to Transnistria.


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Interesting.

Went to Transnistria when Scotland played Moldova a few years ago. Weird place.

J

[Moulin Yarns]

https://kyivinsider.com/russias-colony-of-transnistria-declares-state-of-emergency/

Ukraine about to cut off gas supply to Transnistria.


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Yet more attacks on the trans community. 🤣

[Smartie]

Interesting.

Went to Transnistria when Scotland played Moldova a few years ago. Weird place.

J

A few of my mates went to the game when it was there.

I could never understand - was it not unusual for them to play the game in a contentious region?

What was the thinking behind playing a big football game there?

[Bristolhibby]

A few of my mates went to the game when it was there.

I could never understand - was it not unusual for them to play the game in a contentious region?

What was the thinking behind playing a big football game there?

Sorry, we went to Transnistria on a day trip. The game was in the Moldovan capital Chișinău.

Like you said, pretty sure they never play Moldova national team games in Transnistria.

I think what happened was the Transnistrian team Sheriff (Moldovan champions despite not believing they are Moldovan) played their European games in Chișinău post Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Pretty sure the Transnistrian border is closed to tourists now.

J

[Smartie]

Sorry, we went to Transnistria on a day trip. The game was in the Moldovan capital Chișinău.

Like you said, pretty sure they never play Moldova national team games in Transnistria.

I think what happened was the Transnistrian team Sheriff (Moldovan champions despite not believing they are Moldovan) played their European games in Chișinău post Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Pretty sure the Transnistrian border is closed to tourists now.

J

I could have sworn they switched the location of the game from somewhere obvious to somewhere relatively obscure and thought it had been in Transnistria.

That trip I missed out on and I think it ended up being one of the most memorable.

[Bristolhibby]

I could have sworn they switched the location of the game from somewhere obvious to somewhere relatively obscure and thought it had been in Transnistria.

That trip I missed out on and I think it ended up being one of the most memorable.

We’ve only played in Moldova twice and both were in Chisinau.

J

[cabbageandribs1875]

this simplifies everything quite well, i think



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GedspkiW0AARmDt?format=jpg&name=medium

[Moulin Yarns]

this simplifies everything quite well, i think



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GedspkiW0AARmDt?format=jpg&name=medium
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/936650561/12-string-art-pattern-ebook-owl?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_c-craft_supplies_and_tools&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAiAjeW6BhBAEiwAdKltMpvL9j8LT7t qJdeSFieGuUcAtm9gmbtJquQQdJw39YzzgkaYiM54ixoCSFcQA vD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_21811974840_169452891296_7175646344 69_aud-1184048147899:pla-295462056867_m__936650561engb_468091996&utm_custom2=21811974840&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAjeW6BhBAEiwAdKltMpvL9j8LT7tqJdeSFieG uUcAtm9gmbtJquQQdJw39YzzgkaYiM54ixoCSFcQAvD_BwE


Reminds of these. Used to be a thing in the 1970s.

[Jones28]

this simplifies everything quite well, i think



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GedspkiW0AARmDt?format=jpg&name=medium

Thats a ****ing migraine on a screen. What a mental time we live in. So many human lives dedicated to ending the lives of others.

[tamig]

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/936650561/12-string-art-pattern-ebook-owl?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_c-craft_supplies_and_tools&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAiAjeW6BhBAEiwAdKltMpvL9j8LT7t qJdeSFieGuUcAtm9gmbtJquQQdJw39YzzgkaYiM54ixoCSFcQA vD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_21811974840_169452891296_7175646344 69_aud-1184048147899:pla-295462056867_m__936650561engb_468091996&utm_custom2=21811974840&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAjeW6BhBAEiwAdKltMpvL9j8LT7tqJdeSFieG uUcAtm9gmbtJquQQdJw39YzzgkaYiM54ixoCSFcQAvD_BwE


Reminds of these. Used to be a thing in the 1970s.
Your link is as bad as that graphic 😄

[Moulin Yarns]

Your link is as bad as that graphic 😄

Look what I found on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/936650561/12-string-art-pattern-ebook-owl?ref=share_v4_lx

[Moulin Yarns]

Look what I found on Etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/936650561/12-string-art-pattern-ebook-owl?ref=share_v4_lx

Any better?

[Ozyhibby]

https://bsky.app/profile/prune602.bsky.social/post/3ld5u5mnoys2e

Mortgage rates at 100%?[emoji102]

Things not going great on the battle field for Ukraine just now but Russia’s economy may not be able to keep them in the fight much longer.


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[Ozyhibby]

Lots of footage of Russian troops getting kicked out of Syria today. Shame they’ll be heading straight to Ukraine.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://bsky.app/profile/kyivinsider.bsky.social/post/3ldb6mn2xy22w

The importance of long range strikes.


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[judas]

https://bsky.app/profile/kyivinsider.bsky.social/post/3ldb6mn2xy22w

The importance of long range strikes.


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The comments are telling. West has been too slow to support Ukraine. The world’s been watching.

I wonder how differently things might be going in Georgia if they had real faith in the West.

[Ozyhibby]

https://bsky.app/profile/specialkhersoncat.bsky.social/post/3lddkn7yffc23

Two Russian oil tankers from their shadow fleet sunk in Kerch strait.


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[Hibrandenburg]

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/north-korean-troops-ukraine-war-vladimir-putin-russia-killed-b1200177.html

Reports of North Korean troops taking casualties as Ukrainian drones swarm their position.

[Lendo]

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/north-korean-troops-ukraine-war-vladimir-putin-russia-killed-b1200177.html

Reports of North Korean troops taking casualties as Ukrainian drones swarm their position.

Well wee Kim wanted his troops to get “combat experience”. They’re certainly getting that now.

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/17/lieutenant-general-igor-kirillov-russian-general-killed-moscow-explosion-chemical-weapons?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky&CMP=bsky_gu

Good work right in the middle of Moscow.


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[superfurryhibby]

Well wee Kim wanted his troops to get “combat experience”. They’re certainly getting that now.

"Reports are now emerging of how difficult Putin’s military chiefs have found it to integrate the North Korean soldiers to fight alongside their ranks.

“North Korean forces are reportedly facing expected struggles with high casualties and poor communication with Russian forces in Kursk Oblast (province), likely disrupting coordination between North Korean and Russian personnel and undermining Russian military operations,” said the Institute for The Study of War".

Who could have anticipated this?

[Viva_Palmeiras]

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/north-korean-troops-ukraine-war-vladimir-putin-russia-killed-b1200177.html

Reports of North Korean troops taking casualties as Ukrainian drones swarm their position.

surely drones must decimate ground troops -methinks the clips we see of troops scurrying for cover as drones circle nearby are propaganda tying to show they have chance. The truth Id imagine to be far more devastating.

[Hibrandenburg]

surely drones must decimate ground troops -methinks the clips we see of troops scurrying for cover as drones circle nearby are propaganda tying to show they have chance. The truth Id imagine to be far more devastating.

Similar to artillery in that they will kill you if you're out in the open or you suffer a direct hit whilst in cover.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Poland becomes first EU country to introduce compulsory Gun and Shooting classes in all elementary schools

Poland becomes first EU nation to implement firearms training in all primary and secondary schools | Human Events | humanevents.com (https://humanevents.com/2024/12/16/poland-becomes-first-eu-nation-to-implement-firearms-training-in-all-primary-and-secondary-schools)

[Hibrandenburg]

Poland becomes first EU country to introduce compulsory Gun and Shooting classes in all elementary schools

Poland becomes first EU nation to implement firearms training in all primary and secondary schools | Human Events | humanevents.com (https://humanevents.com/2024/12/16/poland-becomes-first-eu-nation-to-implement-firearms-training-in-all-primary-and-secondary-schools)

War is on the horizon, it seems like a sensible thing to do. You can bet your shirt that governments will also be looking at how they go about drafting their citizens for military service when the time comes.

[DaveF]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/17/lieutenant-general-igor-kirillov-russian-general-killed-moscow-explosion-chemical-weapons?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky&CMP=bsky_gu

Good work right in the middle of Moscow.


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I see that they have arrested and beaten a confession out of a 29 year old Uzbek man.

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.politico.eu/article/world-war-ukraine-russia-europe-cold-war-donald-trump-support-west-russia-americans-high-tech/

World War 3 has begun.


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[Smartie]

https://www.politico.eu/article/world-war-ukraine-russia-europe-cold-war-donald-trump-support-west-russia-americans-high-tech/

World War 3 has begun.


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Something I was reading yesterday - some countries are preparing harder than others for what may be on the way.

At the Foreign Affairs meeting of the European council yesterday, Sweden stated that they have been preparing 500,000 burial plots and have ordered supplies with long shelf life capable of treating up to 1,000,000 military and civilian casualties.

Meanwhile, in Spain they're wondering how to get tourists to visit Spain from outside of the EU.

Those likely to be drawn in earliest should Ukraine not win are certainly preparing for what may be coming their way.

[Ozyhibby]

Something I was reading yesterday - some countries are preparing harder than others for what may be on the way.

At the Foreign Affairs meeting of the European council yesterday, Sweden stated that they have been preparing 500,000 burial plots and have ordered supplies with long shelf life capable of treating up to 1,000,000 military and civilian casualties.

Meanwhile, in Spain they're wondering how to get tourists to visit Spain from outside of the EU.

Those likely to be drawn in earliest should Ukraine not win are certainly preparing for what may be coming their way.

I’m wondering if Poland will even let Ukraine fall before getting involved? They will not want Russia at their border, Kaliningrad excepted.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Something I was reading yesterday - some countries are preparing harder than others for what may be on the way.

At the Foreign Affairs meeting of the European council yesterday, Sweden stated that they have been preparing 500,000 burial plots and have ordered supplies with long shelf life capable of treating up to 1,000,000 military and civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, in Spain they're wondering how to get tourists to visit Spain from outside of the EU.

Those likely to be drawn in earliest should Ukraine not win are certainly preparing for what may be coming their way.

The article on Sweden is speculation and comes from Aftonbladet a Swedish far left paper who is constantly accused of putting out pro Russian propaganda, it's editor had to quit due to this in 2019. It's got lines like if Sweden is pushed into The United States war against Russia.

If nato gets involved against Russia, it's not going to be a ground war like Ukraine. A dozen Israeli f35s waltzed round Iran picking and choosing what to blow up. Iran has Russias most advanced air defenses available. NATO has hundreds of next generation fighters.

It's true eastern European are getting far more prepared correctly, whilst Spain and Belgium ect expect others to pick up the tab. One thing I agree with the US is, if others won't pay their share in gdp, then they should be removed from NATO until they do or promise to

[Moulin Yarns]

The article on Sweden is speculation and comes from Aftonbladet a Swedish far left paper who is constantly accused of putting out pro Russian propaganda, it's editor had to quit due to this in 2019. It's got lines like if Sweden is pushed into The United States war against Russia.

If nato gets involved against Russia, it's not going to be a ground war like Ukraine. A dozen Israeli f35s waltzed round Iran picking and choosing what to blow up. Iran has Russias most advanced air defenses available. NATO has hundreds of next generation fighters.

It's true eastern European are getting far more prepared correctly, whilst Spain and Belgium ect expect others to pick up the tab. One thing I agree with the US is, if others won't pay their share in gdp, then they should be removed from NATO until they do or promise to

Sweden are preparing for war, according to the BBC, france24, al jazeera, channel 4.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr4zwj2lgdo


I take it they are also far left???

[Stairway 2 7]

Sweden are preparing for war, according to the BBC, france24, al jazeera, channel 4.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr4zwj2lgdo


I take it they are also far left???

Did you read both articles, you couldn't have as they are talking about completely different things. One is saying Sweden is updating a booklet that has been out for a decade.

The other quotes an undertaker who throws out I'd reckon 5% of the population will fight so that would be 500k that could die. Aftonbladet was dead against joining NATO and has a few far left politicians it gets quotes from.

Of course all nations close to Russia are preparing for war, the UK must to as its military and planning is years behind

[Ozyhibby]

https://kyivindependent.com/russian-cargo-ship-ursa-major-sinks-in-mediterranean-after-explosion/

Sanctions def having an effect on ship maintenance. 3 tankers and a cargo ship in the last couple of weeks all sunk.


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[superfurryhibby]

Did you read both articles, you couldn't have as they are talking about completely different things. One is saying Sweden is updating a booklet that has been out for a decade.

The other quotes an undertaker who throws out I'd reckon 5% of the population will fight so that would be 500k that could die. Aftonbladet was dead against joining NATO and has a few far left politicians it gets quotes from.

Of course all nations close to Russia are preparing for war, the UK must to as its military and planning is years behind

"For Swedes, the idea of a civil emergency booklet is nothing new. The first edition of “If War Comes” was produced during World War Two and it was updated during the Cold War.

On Monday, millions of Swedes will start receiving copies of a pamphlet advising the population how to prepare and cope in the event of war or another unexpected crisis.

“In case of crisis or war” has been updated from six years ago, external because of what the government in Stockholm calls the worsening security situation, by which it means Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The booklet is also twice the size."

Nothing new really, just updating a fine old Swedish civil emergency public information giving tradition.

I'm puzzled by how Russian could extend a war when they are so stretched economically and militarily in the one they are so embroiled in. How could that be possible?

[Lendo]

"For Swedes, the idea of a civil emergency booklet is nothing new. The first edition of “If War Comes” was produced during World War Two and it was updated during the Cold War.

On Monday, millions of Swedes will start receiving copies of a pamphlet advising the population how to prepare and cope in the event of war or another unexpected crisis.

“In case of crisis or war” has been updated from six years ago, external because of what the government in Stockholm calls the worsening security situation, by which it means Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The booklet is also twice the size."

Nothing new really, just updating a fine old Swedish civil emergency public information giving tradition.

I'm puzzled by how Russian could extend a war when they are so stretched economically and militarily in the one they are so embroiled in. How could that be possible?

Realistically they can't. Diverting any troops away from Ukraine is out of the question and moving them from the Chinese border is also a risk. They might be allies but you could see China making a move on Russian territory if Russia was bogged down with NATO in the west. Even when the inevitable American support dries up under Trump Europe could wipe the floor with any Russian invasion of the Baltics or Poland.

[Ozyhibby]

Realistically they can't. Diverting any troops away from Ukraine is out of the question and moving them from the Chinese border is also a risk. They might be allies but you could see China making a move on Russian territory if Russia was bogged down with NATO in the west. Even when the inevitable American support dries up under Trump Europe could wipe the floor with any Russian invasion of the Baltics or Poland.

All that is true but if they win in Ukraine and then begin to rebuild with an extra 40 million people then it would not be long before they were ready to go again. Moldova would not put up much of a fight. Georgia? We have to decide what we think is acceptable?


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[superfurryhibby]

All that is true but if they win in Ukraine and then begin to rebuild with an extra 40 million people then it would not be long before they were ready to go again. Moldova would not put up much of a fight. Georgia? We have to decide what we think is acceptable?


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How could they rebuild with 40 million people?

If their economy is in tatters, how could they finance another war?

Even if there was little resistance from the armies of Moldova or Georgia, it would still require significant resource to maintain Russian rule, let's also not discount the potential impact of trouble from non military opposition.

[Smartie]

Do these things not largely boil down to the assumption that if Ukraine fell to the Russians in its entirety then all of the military hardware, soldiers and civilians would immediately become useful assets for the Russians?

Not impossible (certainly over time) but quite an assumption nonetheless.

[Ozyhibby]

How could they rebuild with 40 million people?

If their economy is in tatters, how could they finance another war?

Even if there was little resistance from the armies of Moldova or Georgia, it would still require significant resource to maintain Russian rule, let's also not discount the potential impact of trouble from non military opposition.

Same way the Germans power increased with each new country they invaded during Second World War? Their industrial base increased and their pool of Labour increased. There was internal resistance but it still increased.
They would have no second thoughts of mobilisation in non Russian populations.
Russia is weak. A lot weaker than the USSR ever was but that doesn’t mean it can’t get stronger. Although it is doomed to fail eventually it would be better sooner rather than later and before we have to be directly involved.


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[Ozyhibby]

Do these things not largely boil down to the assumption that if Ukraine fell to the Russians in its entirety then all of the military hardware, soldiers and civilians would immediately become useful assets for the Russians?

Not impossible (certainly over time) but quite an assumption nonetheless.

It’s not just military though. It’s every part of economic activity. The revenue from all Ukraines resources would immediately flow to Moscow. It would be a significant boost to the coffers. Sanctions would start to drop away as the war would be seen as over and rebuilding with a much larger economic base would begin.


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[Ozyhibby]

It’s not just military though. It’s every part of economic activity. The revenue from all Ukraines resources would immediately flow to Moscow. It would be a significant boost to the coffers. Sanctions would start to drop away as the war would be seen as over and rebuilding with a much larger economic base would begin.


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Should say I don’t any of this will happen. I think Russia will lose at some point in 2025.


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[Smartie]

Should say I don’t any of this will happen. I think Russia will lose at some point in 2025.


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Agreed, although much of it probably boils down to what side the unpredictable Trump decides to fall on.

As it stands, I think the Russians are in huge trouble.

[Ozyhibby]

Agreed, although much of it probably boils down to what side the unpredictable Trump decides to fall on.

As it stands, I think the Russians are in huge trouble.

I think the sanctions are key now. I doubt either side can win militarily now. Trump may stop aid to Ukraine but lifting sanctions is trickier without congressional approval.


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[superfurryhibby]

Same way the Germans power increased with each new country they invaded during Second World War? Their industrial base increased and their pool of Labour increased. There was internal resistance but it still increased.
They would have no second thoughts of mobilisation in non Russian populations.
Russia is weak. A lot weaker than the USSR ever was but that doesn’t mean it can’t get stronger. Although it is doomed to fail eventually it would be better sooner rather than later and before we have to be directly involved.


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Far fetched in my view. There is no comparison to Germany and WW2, whether is be mobilising populations, like conquered Ukrainians, to fight in wars v other nations or in terms of the economic benefits you mention.

We won't need directly involved.

[Ozyhibby]

Far fetched in my view. There is no comparison to Germany and WW2, whether is be mobilising populations, like conquered Ukrainians, to fight in wars v other nations or in terms of the economic benefits you mention.

We won't need directly involved.

I don’t think so either but we shouldn’t just gamble, we should make sure.


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[Hibs4185]

Should say I don’t any of this will happen. I think Russia will lose at some point in 2025.


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I hope this prediction is better than your last one 🤣🤣

[Ozyhibby]

I hope this prediction is better than your last one [emoji1787][emoji1787]

This one is a sure fire winner. Bet your house on it.[emoji6][emoji23]


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[Bridge hibs]

I don’t think so either but we shouldn’t just gamble, we should make sure.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkPutin still needs taken out, no matter what happens, I suppose then is there another maniac waiting in the wings to fill the vacuum.

[Lendo]

Looks increasingly likely that the plane crash in Kazakhstan has been caused by a Russian SAM.

[Bridge hibs]

Looks increasingly likely that the plane crash in Kazakhstan has been caused by a Russian SAM.

Strange because the plane exploded when it hit the ground and on the video footage it doesnt look like it was hit by a missile when in the air

[DaveF]

Strange because the plane exploded when it hit the ground and on the video footage it doesnt look like it was hit by a missile when in the air

Video I've seen clearly shows damage from a SAM system exploding close by. There are comparisons against other aircraft which have been hit to confirm it.

Definitely Russians responsible for this. Not that they will care.

[Lendo]

Hopefully the Kazakh government don’t roll over to Russian pressure and cover it up. Russia are saying it was a “bird strike” which might be true if birds travel at Mach 3 and are made of tungsten.

[Ozyhibby]

Hopefully the Kazakh government don’t roll over to Russian pressure and cover it up. Russia are saying it was a “bird strike” which might be true if birds travel at Mach 3 and are made of tungsten.

They need to learn a lesson and stop flying in and out of Russia.


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[Bristolhibby]

Also reading that the Russians jammed the planes GPS and refused it landing on Russian soil, hoping it would crash into the Caspian Sea.

Fantastic heroism from the pilots to get to safe territory and save the tail end passengers.

J

[AgentDaleCooper]

What would the motive be?

[Ozyhibby]

What would the motive be?

For shooting down the passenger jet? Likely accident.


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[Lendo]

What would the motive be?

Ukraine had fired some larger drones (like Cessna sized) at military installations in Grozny a few days earlier. Most likely it's an unqualified/incompetent SAM operator with an itchy trigger finger.

[Stairway 2 7]

What would the motive be?

Incompetence and a shoot on sight policy just like when Russia murdered 300 people on Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014. No idea why some airlines still fly to Russia.

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Isreali Airlines stop all flights to Russia from today.

[Lendo]

Incompetence and a shoot on sight policy just like when Russia murdered 300 people on Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014. No idea why some airlines still fly to Russia.

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Isreali Airlines stop all flights to Russia from today.

Turkey should really be doing the same. Crazy that a NATO member is still doing so.

[superfurryhibby]

Russian gains in the Ukraine can't be good news in this war. Trump has also acknowledged he plans a meeting with Putin and wants to bring peace. Very worrying for the Ukrainian government.

"Russia claims that its forces have captured the front-line town of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.

The town has borne the brunt of Russian advances in recent months and is a stepping-stone to the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk.

Ukraine has not acknowledged the fall of Kurakhove, which is 35km (21 miles) south of Pokrovsk.

Fierce fighting has also been under way in Russia's Kursk region in recent days after Ukraine launched a counter-attack on Sunday"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr56gr6p49eo

"Rump has promised to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine soon after he takes office on 20 January and has expressed scepticism about US military and financial support for Kyiv.

"President Putin wants to meet," he said on Thursday.

"He has said that even publicly and we have to get that war over with. That's a bloody mess."

A spokesman for Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Friday that Kyiv expected high-level talks to take place with the Trump administration after the inauguration".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz7e3qzpn9xo

[cabbageandribs1875]

Ukraine captured two injured North Korean soldiers in Kursk on thursday, one of them had a Russian Military ID card issued in the name of another person

both of them in Kyiv now, injured North Korean soldiers are normally killed by fellow NK soldiers or Russian soldiers, Zelensky said

[Bristolhibby]

Ukraine captured two injured North Korean soldiers in Kursk on thursday, one of them had a Russian Military ID card issued in the name of another person

both of them in Kyiv now, injured North Korean soldiers are normally killed by fellow NK soldiers or Russian soldiers, Zelensky said

I’d offer them the chance to defect. Give them a house and an allowance. Then get them on the internet to get more NKs to surrender and defect.

Turn this into a PR and military advantage.

J

[Hibrandenburg]

I’d offer them the chance to defect. Give them a house and an allowance. Then get them on the internet to get more NKs to surrender and defect.

Turn this into a PR and military advantage.

J

They'd be as good as sentencing their families to death.

[cabbageandribs1875]

I’d offer them the chance to defect. Give them a house and an allowance. Then get them on the internet to get more NKs to surrender and defect.

Turn this into a PR and military advantage.

J


if they have any loved ones i agree with brandenburg, both soldiers will have to think about them, i think the most the Ukrainians can get out of this is prove to the world on TV just how weak russia is having to rely on soldiers from NK to help them and neither Putin or Jong Un can deny it now. i wonder if Jong Un will want them back

[Ozyhibby]

if they have any loved ones i agree with brandenburg, both soldiers will have to think about them, i think the most the Ukrainians can get out of this is prove to the world on TV just how weak russia is having to rely on soldiers from NK to help them and neither Putin or Jong Un can deny it now. i wonder if Jong Un will want them back

Can’t put them on TV. Think against Geneva convention.


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[Bristolhibby]

if they have any loved ones i agree with brandenburg, both soldiers will have to think about them, i think the most the Ukrainians can get out of this is prove to the world on TV just how weak russia is having to rely on soldiers from NK to help them and neither Putin or Jong Un can deny it now. i wonder if Jong Un will want them back

Looks like Zelensky is granting them access to the press. Pictures already on Twitter.

https://x.com/zelenskyyua/status/1878046090018042169?s=46

J

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250112/3eb23f1413b9b28e42f4540f616646ee.jpg

The new sanctions this week are seriously going to be tough for Russia to their oil to market.


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[Bristolhibby]

Exactly what I was saying. Offer them asylum in return for speaking out.

https://x.com/zelenskyyua/status/1878502443077509588?s=46

J

[Hibrandenburg]

Exactly what I was saying. Offer them asylum in return for speaking out.

https://x.com/zelenskyyua/status/1878502443077509588?s=46

J

If international law considers the North Koreans to be POWs, then showing photos of them is a war crime. I get what and why Zelensky is doing, but this is a gift for Russian propaganda.

[Stairway 2 7]

If international law considers the North Koreans to be POWs, then showing photos of them is a war crime. I get what and why Zelensky is doing, but this is a gift for Russian propaganda.

It's not a war crime to publish photos of POWs. Russia and Ukraine have shared hundreds of official videos and pictures of each other's POWs. Mostly they were to show they were treated well or being exchanged, there has been court cases shown etc too like some of the Maripoul defenders.

https://fullfact.org/law/prisoners-war-geneva-convention-photographs/

Photos of POWs being harmed or degraded would be against the convention. The convention was written in 47 mind and couldn't have realised that in the future every soldier and member of public would have a video camera on them. Hence I've seen a dozens of videos of POWs being executed unfortunately. One being famously Oleksandr Matsievskyi who said Slava Ukraini before being shot and becoming a symbol. With such videos being everywhere on both sides I'd doubt the government showing POWs will cause much news in Ukraine or Russia

[Hibrandenburg]

It's not a war crime to publish photos of POWs. Russia and Ukraine have shared hundreds of official videos and pictures of each other's POWs. Mostly they were to show they were treated well or being exchanged, there has been court cases shown etc too like some of the Maripoul defenders.

https://fullfact.org/law/prisoners-war-geneva-convention-photographs/

Photos of POWs being harmed or degraded would be against the convention. The convention was written in 47 mind and couldn't have realised that in the future every soldier and member of public would have a video camera on them. Hence I've seen a dozens of videos of POWs being executed unfortunately. One being famously Oleksandr Matsievskyi who said Slava Ukraini before being shot and becoming a symbol. With such videos being everywhere on both sides I'd doubt the government showing POWs will cause much news in Ukraine or Russia

I was always taught that showing identifiable photos of POWs is a breach of the GC. That is certainly the case here.

[Bristolhibby]

If international law considers the North Koreans to be POWs, then showing photos of them is a war crime. I get what and why Zelensky is doing, but this is a gift for Russian propaganda.

Cmon. Bucha massacre, that’s a war crime.

Executing POWs, that’s a war crime.

Denying Mariupol defenders medical treatment, that’s a war crime.

Firing rockets into hospitals and civilian blocks of flats, that’s a war crime.

Invading a sovereign state, a crime.

Doubt anyone gives a toss about some NK POWs. What’s NK going to do? Invade Ukraine?

Ukraine have every right to try and win the Psychological war. If it encourages NK units to defect, craic on.

J

[Hibrandenburg]

Cmon. Bucha massacre, that’s a war crime.

Executing POWs, that’s a war crime.

Denying Mariupol defenders medical treatment, that’s a war crime.

Firing rockets into hospitals and civilian blocks of flats, that’s a war crime.

Invading a sovereign state, a crime.

Doubt anyone gives a toss about some NK POWs. What’s NK going to do? Invade Ukraine?

Ukraine have every right to try and win the Psychological war. If it encourages NK units to defect, craic on.

J

But that's exactly my point. Ukraine should avoid giving the Russians any opportunity to say that they have also committed acts that contravene international law.

[Bristolhibby]

But that's exactly my point. Ukraine should avoid giving the Russians any opportunity to say that they have also committed acts that contravene international law.

There’s scale though. Russia is off the scale.

It’s a bit like Obama saying “They go low, so we go high”.

Nope, it’s war you take calculated risks. This is one. It’s not even the same ballpark as Russias crimes.

J

[Hibrandenburg]

There’s scale though. Russia is off the scale.

It’s a bit like Obama saying “They go low, so we go high”.

Nope, it’s war you take calculated risks. This is one. It’s not even the same ballpark as Russias crimes.

J

Of course there's scale and of course the Russians are right at the wrong end of that scale. But there's enough countries that haven't alienated Russia, want to buy their gas and this kind of thing just helps them argue that there is wrong on both sides.

[Stairway 2 7]

Of course there's scale and of course the Russians are right at the wrong end of that scale. But there's enough countries that haven't alienated Russia, want to buy their gas and this kind of thing just helps them argue that there is wrong on both sides.

It's not in international law and isn't against the Geneva convention.

This is isn't opposite ends of any scale, it's not even in the same world.

If a country says we are buying gas because whilst Russia invaded a sovereign nation, set a barracks with 100 Maripoul defenders on fire murdering them, hit a children's oncology hospital with a precision missle, abducted thousands of Ukrainian orphans to east Russia. On the other hand Ukraine proved North Korea is sending fighters by showing his face which isn't against the Geneva convention, then they are at it and were always going to buy it

[Moulin Yarns]

Any image of Prisoners of War (POWs) as identifiable individuals should normally be regarded as subjecting such individuals to public curiosity and should not be transmitted, published or broadcast. Where the specific circumstances of a case make it necessary in the public interest to reveal the identity of a POW (eg, because of the person’s seniority, or because the person is a fugitive from international justice) great care should be taken to protect the person’s human dignity.

Images of POWs individually or in groups in circumstances which undermine their public dignity, should not normally be transmitted, published or broadcast. In the exceptional circumstances where such images are transmitted, for example, to bring to public attention serious violations of international humanitarian law, individual identities must be protected.”


https://fullfact.org/law/prisoners-war-geneva-convention-photographs/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAny%20image%20of%20Prisoners%20o f,be%20transmitted%2C%20published%20or%20broadcast .

[Stairway 2 7]

Any image of Prisoners of War (POWs) as identifiable individuals should normally be regarded as subjecting such individuals to public curiosity and should not be transmitted, published or broadcast. Where the specific circumstances of a case make it necessary in the public interest to reveal the identity of a POW (eg, because of the person’s seniority, or because the person is a fugitive from international justice) great care should be taken to protect the person’s human dignity.

Images of POWs individually or in groups in circumstances which undermine their public dignity, should not normally be transmitted, published or broadcast. In the exceptional circumstances where such images are transmitted, for example, to bring to public attention serious violations of international humanitarian law, individual identities must be protected.”


https://fullfact.org/law/prisoners-war-geneva-convention-photographs/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAny%20image%20of%20Prisoners%20o f,be%20transmitted%2C%20published%20or%20broadcast .

That's the red cross opinion of publishing pictures. Full fact at the top say their view is it isn't banned in the Geneva convention and the two lawyers say it isn't specifically mentioned in the Geneva convention but if you were trying to stay on the right side there would have to be good intent in publishing. The Geneva convention was written in a different time and was in relation to WWII their should be updated rules in the time of social media and camera phones. The intention of the original paragraph was more about harming and embarrassing prisoners out in public.

Regardless it's all much ado about nothing really. When there was videos of a Ukrainian soldier being castrated widely shared I'd doubt many places will be talking about this. If Ukraine blurred the NK soldiers face they would have been accused of faking it so it's for a legitimate reason.

[Hibrandenburg]

It's not in international law and isn't against the Geneva convention.

This is isn't opposite ends of any scale, it's not even in the same world.

If a country says we are buying gas because whilst Russia invaded a sovereign nation, set a barracks with 100 Maripoul defenders on fire murdering them, hit a children's oncology hospital with a precision missle, abducted thousands of Ukrainian orphans to east Russia. On the other hand Ukraine proved North Korea is sending fighters by showing his face which isn't against the Geneva convention, then they are at it and were always going to buy it

Jeez, you'd think I was Vladimir Putin posting on Hibs Net. Nobody is disputing that the Russian invasion is evil and their actions repugnant and the Ukrainians are heavenly angels in comparison. All I'm saying is that in my very humble opinion, the Ukrainians would be wise to not be seen to not leave themselves open to accusations of war crimes. There's enough countries looking for as many excuses as they can make up to continue trading with Putin and just as many other countries who support Ukraine but with rising internal opposition to supporting Ukraine, any actions seen to be negative will be jumped upon to further their agenda.

I know that you believe showing identifiable pictures of POW by their captors is not against the GC but there are several organisations that do, including the International Committee of the Red Cross. Article 13 of the GC states that POW need to be protected from violence, intimidation and public curiosity, the later of which is considered by many to mean not being put out on public display. I get that you consider that to be OK, but can you maybe accept that others might find it extremely tasteless?

[Stairway 2 7]

Jeez, you'd think I was Vladimir Putin posting on Hibs Net. Nobody is disputing that the Russian invasion is evil and their actions repugnant and the Ukrainians are heavenly angels in comparison. All I'm saying is that in my very humble opinion, the Ukrainians would be wise to not be seen to not leave themselves open to accusations of war crimes. There's enough countries looking for as many excuses as they can make up to continue trading with Putin and just as many other countries who support Ukraine but with rising internal opposition to supporting Ukraine, any actions seen to be negative will be jumped upon to further their agenda.

I know that you believe showing identifiable pictures of POW by their captors is not against the GC but there are several organisations that do, including the International Committee of the Red Cross. Article 13 of the GC states that POW need to be protected from violence, intimidation and public curiosity, the later of which is considered by many to mean not being put out on public display. I get that you consider that to be OK, but can you maybe accept that others might find it extremely tasteless?

It's not me that thinks that it's OK but lawyers that specialise in conflict. I've looked further and all says photography isn't in the Geneva convention and it would be acceptable if the intent was OK. Russia has shown Ukrainian POWs having dinner being treated well in the barracks it's obviously propaganda but it's not a crime as they are being treated well.

High profile POWs are shown all the time from captured military leaders to the Israel soldiers taken hostage on October the 7th.

By the by the Geneva convention only covers soldiers from armies officially in the conflict. North Korea says they aren't involved or sending soldiers so these lads would be seen as mercenaries. Ukraine will treat them as POWs I'm sure though. When Russia has captured any foreign national like British James Rhys Anderson they have said they are mercenaries and not under the Geneva convention

[Hibrandenburg]

We could go on all night exchanging opinions from the internet but I've got better things to do. You've got your opinion based on what you've read, I've got my opinion based on what I was taught. Let's just leave it there.

[Bristolhibby]

Zelensky offering some Ukrainian firefighters to go help out in LA.

What a guy! PR genius. The Ukrainian firefighters will certainly have some experience.

J

[Hibrandenburg]

Zelensky offering some Ukrainian firefighters to go help out in LA.

What a guy! PR genius. The Ukrainian firefighters will certainly have some experience.

J

Yep, you've got to hand it to him, he nearly always gets it right. Cometh the hour, cometh the man.

[Lendo]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250112/3eb23f1413b9b28e42f4540f616646ee.jpg

The new sanctions this week are seriously going to be tough for Russia to their oil to market.


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Jackpot, a free boat and some free oil/gas.

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250114/7888891c4625b32968e20e4e11fa81ed.jpg


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[Hibrandenburg]

Heard a report on the World Service this morning about Russia putting pressure on families of POW to commit acts of sabotage, otherwise they will torture and kill them. Utterly despicable.

[Bristolhibby]

Heard a report on the World Service this morning about Russia putting pressure on families of POW to commit acts of sabotage, otherwise they will torture and kill them. Utterly despicable.

Yea, I read that on the Beeb this morning. Now that is a war crime.

Thankfully the story on the Beeb the Army medic is back with his family.

J

[Stairway 2 7]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250114/7888891c4625b32968e20e4e11fa81ed.jpg


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Just read that India confirmed today that it's joining China in not accepting sanctioned ships. Gazprom shares have plummeted and they have announced 1,600 jobs will be cut. Should have happened years ago

[Hibs4185]

Just read that India confirmed today that it's joining China in not accepting sanctioned ships. Gazprom shares have plummeted and they have announced 1,600 jobs will be cut. Should have happened years ago

Makes you wonder just how tough the initial sanctions were.

[Ozyhibby]

Makes you wonder just how tough the initial sanctions were.

To be fair, the sanctions so far have been the toughest ever on any advanced nation. I’ve some sympathy for the gradual introduction as it would do Ukraine no good at all if we had put the whole of Europe into recession.


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[Smartie]

To be fair, the sanctions so far have been the toughest ever on any advanced nation. I’ve some sympathy for the gradual introduction as it would do Ukraine no good at all if we had put the whole of Europe into recession.


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Agreed.

There is a bit of the cynic in me who wonders about the conspiracy theory that suggests it may very much have been in the West's interests to bleed the Russians out in a long, difficult conflict though?

I mean, what the Russians have thrown at it over an extended period has been really quite remarkable, the losses staggering. A shorter conflict, even an early "victory" (!!!!!) for Ukraine would not have had the same sort of impact on the Russians.


At the end of the day though I don't buy it. There's not really an outcome that is anywhere like as good for Ukraine and all who have supported them than the Russians being kicked back to pre-2014 borders at the earliest possible moment. And it's far from certain that even that will ever happen.

[Smartie]

There’s a rumour out there that the Russians launched a drone attack on the location where Zelensky is meeting Starmer, all of which were intercepted by the Ukrainian air defences.

[Lendo]

There’s a rumour out there that the Russians launched a drone attack on the location where Zelensky is meeting Starmer, all of which were intercepted by the Ukrainian air defences.

Well that's one way to start World War 3 I guess.

[Hibs4185]

There’s a rumour out there that the Russians launched a drone attack on the location where Zelensky is meeting Starmer, all of which were intercepted by the Ukrainian air defences.

If Reeves had been there too, I wouldn’t have been too disappointed if the drones got through. Joking!!!

[lapsedhibee]

If Reeves had been there too, I wouldn’t have been too disappointed if the drones got through. Joking!!!

Did you make a lot of money selling dodgy PPE and are you worried that Reeves might be coming after it, is that why you don't like her? :dunno:

[Ozyhibby]

Did you make a lot of money selling dodgy PPE and are you worried that Reeves might be coming after it, is that why you don't like her? :dunno:

You really believe that Reeves will claw back the PPE money?[emoji23]
It was just a populist announcement. The money is gone and they won’t get it back.


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[lapsedhibee]

You really believe that Reeves will claw back the PPE money?[emoji23]
It was just a populist announcement. The money is gone and they won’t get it back.


I know but I haven't abandoned all hope that at least one or two of the miscreants will be feeling something unpleasant, even if it's only a dread of negative publicity.

[Ozyhibby]

I know but I haven't abandoned all hope that at least one or two of the miscreants will be feeling something unpleasant, even if it's only a dread of negative publicity.

I not even sure anyone is actually working on it? Surely by now you would have had reports of companies being asked to provide evidence etc. ?


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[Moulin Yarns]

I not even sure anyone is actually working on it? Surely by now you would have had reports of companies being asked to provide evidence etc. ?


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No camper vans were involved so it's a low priority

[Stairway 2 7]

If Reeves had been there too, I wouldn’t have been too disappointed if the drones got through. Joking!!!

Hilarious..

[lapsedhibee]

I not even sure anyone is actually working on it? Surely by now you would have had reports of companies being asked to provide evidence etc. ?


No. All the investigation will be done within camouflaged tents, to protect suspects' privacy.

[CropleyWasGod]

No. All the investigation will be done within camouflaged tents, to protect suspects' privacy.

Isn't that how Michelle Mone made her money?

[lapsedhibee]

Isn't that how Michelle Mone made her money?

If she's involved we're looking at a conspiracy in the House of Lords, with the Owen child as kingpin.

[Hibs4185]

Did you make a lot of money selling dodgy PPE and are you worried that Reeves might be coming after it, is that why you don't like her? :dunno:

Not at all but interest rates won’t be coming down as fast due to her which will cost me money and the pound is going down massively which is costing me money.

However, if her actions were benefiting the country as a whole I’d happily accept it but they aren’t.

This however is not the thread for that discussion so apologies for bringing then up.

[superfurryhibby]

Makes you wonder just how tough the initial sanctions were.

There has been trade throughout, direct and indirectly.

https://news.sky.com/story/british-firms-exports-are-almost-certainly-bolstering-russias-war-machine-in-ukraine-sky-data-analysis-finds-13077660

"British companies are exporting hundreds of millions of pounds of equipment and machinery which almost certainly ends up in Russia, undermining the official sanctions regime and bolstering Vladimir Putin's war machine, according to data analysis from Sky News.

The items - which include drone equipment, optical supplies and heavy machinery - are being sent to countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan and others, from where they are understood to be forwarded on to Russia.

Ukraine war latest: Russia hits out at UK after prison bosses sanctioned over Navalny death

The numbers show that despite the sharp fall in the flow of goods to Russia, following the imposition of trade sanctions after its invasion of Ukraine two years ago, large volumes of sensitive, "dual use" British goods are still finding their way to Moscow."

or

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68018660

"Millions of barrels of fuel made from Russian oil are still being imported to the UK despite sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine, research claims.

A so-called "loophole" means Russian crude is refined in countries such as India and the products sold to the UK.

This is not illegal and does not breach the UK's Russian oil ban, but critics say it undermines sanctions aimed at restricting Russia's war funds.

The UK government denied there had been any imports of Russian oil since 2022.

But a spokesman said internationally recognised "rules of origin" define that crude, once refined in another country, is classed for the purposes of trade as originating from the refining country.

[Ozyhibby]

There has been trade throughout, direct and indirectly.

https://news.sky.com/story/british-firms-exports-are-almost-certainly-bolstering-russias-war-machine-in-ukraine-sky-data-analysis-finds-13077660

"British companies are exporting hundreds of millions of pounds of equipment and machinery which almost certainly ends up in Russia, undermining the official sanctions regime and bolstering Vladimir Putin's war machine, according to data analysis from Sky News.

The items - which include drone equipment, optical supplies and heavy machinery - are being sent to countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan and others, from where they are understood to be forwarded on to Russia.

Ukraine war latest: Russia hits out at UK after prison bosses sanctioned over Navalny death

The numbers show that despite the sharp fall in the flow of goods to Russia, following the imposition of trade sanctions after its invasion of Ukraine two years ago, large volumes of sensitive, "dual use" British goods are still finding their way to Moscow."

or

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68018660

"Millions of barrels of fuel made from Russian oil are still being imported to the UK despite sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine, research claims.

A so-called "loophole" means Russian crude is refined in countries such as India and the products sold to the UK.

This is not illegal and does not breach the UK's Russian oil ban, but critics say it undermines sanctions aimed at restricting Russia's war funds.

The UK government denied there had been any imports of Russian oil since 2022.

But a spokesman said internationally recognised "rules of origin" define that crude, once refined in another country, is classed for the purposes of trade as originating from the refining country.

The sanctions from a couple of weeks ago are hitting them hard as it targets the tankers and the Indians and Chinese ports won’t deal with a sanctioned tanker. Apparently 65 sanctioned tankers are now stuck at sea with no port willing to take them.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://news.sky.com/story/russia-sanctions-fears-over-uk-enforcement-by-hmrc-13290206

Thank goodness for the Americans who take this sort of thing seriously. Starmer talks tough but acts soft.


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[Smartie]

Can't remember where I read it but I'm pretty sure we still trade a fair amount of fish with Russia.

We don't really eat the fish that we catch and the fish that we do eat in the UK are found in good quantities near Russia, I think it might have been the Barents Sea. There was a deal for years that allowed us to fish the Barents Sea but I think that was scrapped when we tightened sanctions in the aftermath of Navalny's death.

[judas]

Highly regret saying this, but it looks like those of us who saw a Russian victory in this war were right.

Ukraine put up and immense fight but it seems to me that Putin will take everything he acquired in Ukraine as part of any peace deal.

Trump will slap Ukraine in the face I fear.

[Ozyhibby]

Highly regret saying this, but it looks like those of us who saw a Russian victory in this war were right.

Ukraine put up and immense fight but it seems to me that Putin will take everything he acquired in Ukraine as part of any peace deal.

Trump will slap Ukraine in the face I fear.

[emoji2369] Where you getting this?


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[Smartie]

Highly regret saying this, but it looks like those of us who saw a Russian victory in this war were right.

Ukraine put up and immense fight but it seems to me that Putin will take everything he acquired in Ukraine as part of any peace deal.

Trump will slap Ukraine in the face I fear.

That seems to be the narrative the western media seem keen to push. Does bad news and gloom increase clicks and viewing figures?

From what I hear, on the battlefield it's a bit of a stalemate. Russia progressing in some areas but at a ridiculously, disgustingly high human cost. Ukrainian tactics in these areas have been to give the odd field, village or town in order to pick off as many soldiers and pieces of equipment as possible. Russia are weakening themselves ridiculously and when you take into consideration their economic problems, they don't survive this year if the war goes on.

Trump was quite bullish pre-election but has changed his tune somewhat since. He's certainly not coming across as being pro-Ukraine and he's unlikely to volunteer much help to Ukraine but he's been cooler than before with his anti-Ukraine comments.

He's so unpredictable though, who knows and I believe him to be all of a coward an idiot and a traitor so it could go any way yet.

If Ukraine hang in and are supported, I think they win this year and could be a PR boon for Trump, even if he had sweet FA to do with it. Can't say I'm savouring the prospect of the "tipping point" when the war gets away from Russia coming though.

[Bristolhibby]

Highly regret saying this, but it looks like those of us who saw a Russian victory in this war were right.

Ukraine put up and immense fight but it seems to me that Putin will take everything he acquired in Ukraine as part of any peace deal.

Trump will slap Ukraine in the face I fear.

Ukraine holding as much of Kursk as it can will be an enormously important bargaining tool.

J

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250122/22cdbf1bb96ee6039a0fb1dbe57154a8.jpg
Russians now officially kicked out of Syria.


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[Smartie]

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/us/politics/trump-putin-russia-ukraine.html?unlocked_article_code=1.rE4.uOFN.huGv HDM2MRwX

Trump makes comments criticising Putin.

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/us/politics/trump-putin-russia-ukraine.html?unlocked_article_code=1.rE4.uOFN.huGv HDM2MRwX

Trump makes comments criticising Putin.

I don’t think the US will send another penny to Ukraine and Europe will need to step up its support. Importantly though, I think the US will keep up the sanctions. Mostly because the US is making out like bandits selling Oil and LNG to all of Russia’s old customers.
The sanctions are the difference just now. Neither side can move much on the battle field but both economies are wrecked. Ukraine is on life support from Europe but Russia does not have anyone willing to lend to it. They are already printing money and that never ends well.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjw4q7v7ez1o


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[cabbageandribs1875]

Gazprom desperately wanting price increases in Russia Gazprom seeks domestic price hike amid economic turmoil (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/gazprom-seeks-domestic-price-hike-amid-economic-turmoil/ar-AA1xOiku?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=87e2e278ed4049aea000ca2adff3e0c8&ei=25)

[RyeSloan]

Gazprom desperately wanting price increases in Russia Gazprom seeks domestic price hike amid economic turmoil (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/gazprom-seeks-domestic-price-hike-amid-economic-turmoil/ar-AA1xOiku?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=87e2e278ed4049aea000ca2adff3e0c8&ei=25)

Looks like we are starting to enter the end game.

Then fallacy that Russias economy was somehow weathering this war well through the lens of positive GDP figures is starting to be laid bare.

In reality they have been burning the furniture to keep warm and ultimately when they run out of things to burn they will get very cold indeed.

Predicting what’s gonna happen is probably a fools errand but it’s hard to see a scenario where this most pointless and bloody war doesn’t end in some manner this year.

[Ozyhibby]

Looks like we are starting to enter the end game.

Then fallacy that Russias economy was somehow weathering this war well through the lens of positive GDP figures is starting to be laid bare.

In reality they have been burning the furniture to keep warm and ultimately when they run out of things to burn they will get very cold indeed.

Predicting what’s gonna happen is probably a fools errand but it’s hard to see a scenario where this most pointless and bloody war doesn’t end in some manner this year.

I agree. Looks like neither side can make a breakthrough but Russia’s economy looks like it’s on the brink of collapse.


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[Bristolhibby]

I agree. Looks like neither side can make a breakthrough but Russia’s economy looks like it’s on the brink of collapse.


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Surely we let this play out. Keep the sanctions and let the Russians actually revolt.

When things fall apart, they fall apart quickly. If you are a worker not getting paid and can’t feed your family or heat your home, that’s when the pitchforks and torches come out.

Doubt they have enough left in the army to put down a serious rebellion backed by the people.

J

[Hibs4185]

Surely we let this play out. Keep the sanctions and let the Russians actually revolt.

When things fall apart, they fall apart quickly. If you are a worker not getting paid and can’t feed your family or heat your home, that’s when the pitchforks and torches come out.

Doubt they have enough left in the army to put down a serious rebellion backed by the people.

J

I’m not sure if it’s coming into force but there were rumours of banks confiscating any funds over £12,000.

Surely that would lead to a revolt??

[Ozyhibby]

I’m not sure if it’s coming into force but there were rumours of banks confiscating any funds over £12,000.

Surely that would lead to a revolt??

Think it all banks and you would get shares in the banks in return. Only rumours just now but it’s been talked about in the duma.


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[tamig]

Think it all banks and you would get shares in the banks in return. Only rumours just now but it’s been talked about in the duma.


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Those shares will just be like the maroon Vlad’s shares.

[Kato]

Those shares will just be like the maroon Vlad’s shares.So they'll be ok then as they'll owe it to themselves. Sly.

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[cabbageandribs1875]

another cable damaged this time between Sweden and Latvia Sweden opens inquiry into damaged undersea cable as Nato deploys ships | Latvia | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/26/latvia-investigating-significant-damage-to-undersea-fibre-optic-cable?fbclid=IwY2xjawID2hdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRHrA22 xQaNlxx8WVzdDBOZAxYIjK4UjCdSYSfkIkGA99spvJBy_HDKL_ g_aem_iqJ4AtjNNA8K6PAnX0mxgA)

[cabbageandribs1875]

Looks like we are starting to enter the end game.

Then fallacy that Russias economy was somehow weathering this war well through the lens of positive GDP figures is starting to be laid bare.

In reality they have been burning the furniture to keep warm and ultimately when they run out of things to burn they will get very cold indeed.

Predicting what’s gonna happen is probably a fools errand but it’s hard to see a scenario where this most pointless and bloody war doesn’t end in some manner this year.


i'm positive we won't see the huge $$$ packages Biden was giving Ukraine with Trump at the helm, i've thought throughout that Ukraine won't get Crimea back and i've seen nothing to change my mind, i'm also convinced we will end up with a no-go area between Russia and parts of the land they've taken in Ukraine i just can't see them giving Land back.

[Ozyhibby]

i'm positive we won't see the huge $$$ packages Biden was giving Ukraine with Trump at the helm, i've thought throughout that Ukraine won't get Crimea back and i've seen nothing to change my mind, i'm also convinced we will end up with a no-go area between Russia and parts of the land they've taken in Ukraine i just can't see them giving Land back.

I depends on what happens in Russia. Any real crisis there and they will bring troops back to Moscow. The military won’t want the security services taking control.


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[Bristolhibby]

i'm positive we won't see the huge $$$ packages Biden was giving Ukraine with Trump at the helm, i've thought throughout that Ukraine won't get Crimea back and i've seen nothing to change my mind, i'm also convinced we will end up with a no-go area between Russia and parts of the land they've taken in Ukraine i just can't see them giving Land back.

Suppose Ukraine will keep the territory in Kursk in that case.

J

[StevieC]

Suppose Ukraine will keep the territory in Kursk in that case.

I’d suggest that’s the reason Ukraine have taken it, it seems tactical.
That said, I can see Russia being happy to give it up if it keeps them holding onto the land bridge to Crimea.

[Ozyhibby]

I’d suggest that’s the reason Ukraine have taken it, it seems tactical.
That said, I can see Russia being happy to give it up if it keeps them holding onto the land bridge to Crimea.

I don’t think there are any circumstances where Putin negotiates at all. I don’t think he can. The minute the war stops the Russian economy collapses. It might collapse first but it def does if the war stops. Putin would be toast. Besides, I think he believes that Ukraine will one day be his. He won’t give up on that.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250130/4cfefcf204c36c4ed72a98f7b98fa077.png
Who are they debating with? There are no negotiations. Putin must be having a great chuckle at all these articles with all sorts of settlements when there is no negotiations happening.[emoji2369]


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[Jones28]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250130/4cfefcf204c36c4ed72a98f7b98fa077.png
Who are they debating with? There are no negotiations. Putin must be having a great chuckle at all these articles with all sorts of settlements when there is no negotiations happening.[emoji2369]


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If we are to use Russian gas again it can only be after the Russians turn tail and **** off back over the border.

Appeasement anyone? Remember how that went?

[cabbageandribs1875]

Suppose Ukraine will keep the territory in Kursk in that case.

J

huge climbdown by Zelensky, they fought hard but ultimately they're struggling for new recruits whilst losing men/women https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250205-zelensky-says-ready-for-direct-talks-with-putin-ukraine-russia-war-peace i'm sure this will confirm Trump would much prefer to think about building beachfront condos in Gaza than helping to protect Ukraine, Zelensky was doing the right thing by stroking Trumps Ego but i'm sure even he didn't trust the big clown, it's lost Crimea and it won't be getting it back, Putin will win and be hailed a Hero in his homeland for gaining hundreds of square miles of new land.

[Ozyhibby]

huge climbdown by Zelensky, they fought hard but ultimately they're struggling for new recruits whilst losing men/women https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250205-zelensky-says-ready-for-direct-talks-with-putin-ukraine-russia-war-peace i'm sure this will confirm Trump would much prefer to think about building beachfront condos in Gaza than helping to protect Ukraine, Zelensky was doing the right thing by stroking Trumps Ego but i'm sure even he didn't trust the big clown, it's lost Crimea and it won't be getting it back, Putin will win and be hailed a Hero in his homeland for gaining hundreds of square miles of new land.

I don’t see it that way at all. Zelensky is presenting himself as wanting peace and willing to compromise because he knows that there is zero chance of Putin ever sitting down at a negotiating table. It will never happen.
Putin doesn’t want to stop the war. The Russian economy will collapse one day anyway but it would be quicker if war spending stopped and all the bad debts in the banking system became due. I think now if the war stops then Putin is toast.


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[cabbageandribs1875]

I don’t see it that way at all. Zelensky is presenting himself as wanting peace and willing to compromise because he knows that there is zero chance of Putin ever sitting down at a negotiating table. It will never happen.
Putin doesn’t want to stop the war. The Russian economy will collapse one day anyway but it would be quicker if war spending stopped and all the bad debts in the banking system became due. I think now if the war stops then Putin is toast.


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Zelensky must realise Vlad's great friend Donald will not be giving any more $$$'s for the defence of Ukraine, Viktor Orban called it last March, Trump is desperate for that Nobel peace prize though his name has probably dropped down the list a tad after his comments on Gaza.

[Ozyhibby]

Zelensky must realise Vlad's great friend Donald will not be giving any more $$$'s for the defence of Ukraine, Viktor Orban called it last March, Trump is desperate for that Nobel peace prize though his name has probably dropped down the list a tad after his comments on Gaza.

It’s possible US money stops but that doesn’t mean that Ukraine immediately collapses. There is still scope for Europe to step up payments or hand over the £350bn frozen Russian assets. That would be enough to keep Ukraine going for another couple of years. Not sure Russia can last that long?
Trump isn’t in full control of everything here. Nor is Putin.


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[Hibrandenburg]

Older news but it looks like North Korean troops have taken such a bloody nose that they've been withdrawn from the front line.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/01/31/europe/ukraine-russia-kursk-north-korean-troops-intl

[Jones28]

Older news but it looks like North Korean troops have taken such a bloody nose that they've been withdrawn from the front line.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/01/31/europe/ukraine-russia-kursk-north-korean-troops-intl

Instances of suicide among their ranks were cited as being one of the reasons in one of the stories I read as well.

I think it was 10,000 or so troops deployed initially, and these guys were supposedly professional soldiers who will be replaced with Russian conscripts. It's certainly an advantage for the Ukranians.

[Ozyhibby]

Instances of suicide among their ranks were cited as being one of the reasons in one of the stories I read as well.

I think it was 10,000 or so troops deployed initially, and these guys were supposedly professional soldiers who will be replaced with Russian conscripts. It's certainly an advantage for the Ukranians.

Things seem to have changed since Xmas anyway. Ukraine now seems able to strike way behind the lines with their own drones now at will. Russian air defence seems non existent? Ukraine no longer seems to be waiting on the next weapons system being approved and has now moved to developing their own for a fraction of the cost.


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[Bristolhibby]

It’s possible US money stops but that doesn’t mean that Ukraine immediately collapses. There is still scope for Europe to step up payments or hand over the £350bn frozen Russian assets. That would be enough to keep Ukraine going for another couple of years. Not sure Russia can last that long?
Trump isn’t in full control of everything here. Nor is Putin.


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Good point re the £350bn.

Get it spent before it gets swallowed up in a Peace deal. If anything it’s reparations for the havoc that Russia has coded to that country. No way they should be getting that back. Same with the oil. Poke off.

J

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250206/0e26b6102e984e9ada6408108c91e989.jpg

Turning my back on the Catholic Church looks a better decision every day. [emoji35]


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[cabbageandribs1875]

https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/1043877.html

France will transfer Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of the first quarter of 2025, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said.
""French Mirages will be flying over Ukraine soon. At the end of the quarter, as announced by [French President Emmanuel Macron]," he said on Sud Radio.
According to him, at the end of 2024, Ukrainian pilots and mechanics completed flight training on these aircraft.
As reported, Macron announced his intention to transfer Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine last summer. In October, the French Foreign Ministry reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces would receive the first aircraft in early 2025. France has also taken over pilot training. At the same time, French media reported that the first delivery of Mirage 2000-5 aircraft from France would include three aircraft. The planes will be armed with Scalp cruise missiles and AASM bombs for air-to-ground combat missions. In total, Ukraine requested the transfer of 12 units of the Mirage 2000.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-receives-f-16-jets-netherlands-defence-minister-says-2025-02-06/


Feb 6 (Reuters) - Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said on Thursday the Netherlands had delivered U.S.-made F-16 fighters to Ukraine.
The aircraft, along with French Mirage jets, "will soon begin carrying out combat missions, strengthening our defence", Umerov said on Facebook.

sorry not sure why they links aren't clickable :) argh first one is html doh

[Lendo]

Never heard much about the F16s in Ukraine. Guess they are there quietly doing their job and they are actively not disclosing any details about it.

[Ozyhibby]

Never heard much about the F16s in Ukraine. Guess they are there quietly doing their job and they are actively not disclosing any details about it.

Yes it’s been very quiet on that front. They have a lot of them now. Maybe holding back until they attempt another breakthrough? Don’t think either side has been able to use much air power in this war so far and certainly no dominance has been achieved. They are maybe trying to degrade Russian air defence or at least move it back from the front to protect the refineries first.


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[MKHIBEE]

Older news but it looks like North Korean troops have taken such a bloody nose that they've been withdrawn from the front line.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/01/31/europe/ukraine-russia-kursk-north-korean-troops-intl


Or not
https://braveneweurope.com/ted-snider-north-korean-soldiers-in-russia-were-they-ever-there

[Ozyhibby]

Or not
https://braveneweurope.com/ted-snider-north-korean-soldiers-in-russia-were-they-ever-there

I read that article twice and it didn’t offer up a single shred of evidence to support its own case?


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[MKHIBEE]

I read that article twice and it didn’t offer up a single shred of evidence to support its own case?


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It’s all a case of he said/she said. I haven’t seen any evidence that there were ever 10,000 North Koreans fighting on the frontline.

[Stairway 2 7]

It’s all a case of he said/she said. I haven’t seen any evidence that there were ever 10,000 North Koreans fighting on the frontline.

Your not going to see evidence of 10k unless there was a parade. There is dozens of videos of captured and killed NK soldiers, close up drone footage of NK soldiers in Kursk, videos of NK and Russian soldiers mingling. They clearly were fighting but we'll never know the number

[Ozyhibby]

It’s all a case of he said/she said. I haven’t seen any evidence that there were ever 10,000 North Koreans fighting on the frontline.

There has been lots of evidence of Koreans there fighting though? Video, photos, interviews with captured Koreans, Russian telegram channel talking about them? What kind of evidence did you want?


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[MKHIBEE]

There has been lots of evidence of Koreans there fighting though? Video, photos, interviews with captured Koreans, Russian telegram channel talking about them? What kind of evidence did you want?


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10,000 of them?

[Stairway 2 7]

10,000 of them?

South Korean intelligence estimates 300 dead NK soldiers 2700 injured, that's less than the 1k the US estimates died. Who knows though. The drone footage of dozens getting killed in meat waves says the number will be significant. Poor men slaughtered for Russia's genocide so that NK can get weapons or money from Russia

https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250113005700315?section=nk/nk

[cabbageandribs1875]

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania unplugging from the Russian Electricity Grid over the weekend to join the EU's network

[Ozyhibby]

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania unplugging from the Russian Electricity Grid over the weekend to join the EU's network

https://bsky.app/profile/noelreports.com/post/3lhq7323s6s22

Cool video of it happening.[emoji106]


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[Bristolhibby]

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania unplugging from the Russian Electricity Grid over the weekend to join the EU's network

Good on em!

[Jones28]

Ukraines MOD claims to have destroyed its 10,000 Russian tank.

[K-Zazu]

I just want this war to end and people to stop dying.. Is there an endgame in sight?

[Ozyhibby]

I just want this war to end and people to stop dying.. Is there an endgame in sight?

The only way it ends now is with the collapse of the Putin regime. IMHO.
I don’t see any peace deal that everyone could accept.


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[Smartie]

Feels a bit like Ukraine are about to get hoyed under a bus, possibly not unexpectedly.

[superfurryhibby]

"Things are moving very fast when it comes to efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Unfortunately for Kyiv, it is not in the driving seat.

The news that the leaders of the two most heavily armed nuclear nations - Russia and the US - have held a seemingly constructive and cordial 90 minute phone call is, at face value, a welcome step towards a more peaceful world.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin clearly have a good working relationship, in marked contrast to the previous occupant of the White House, Joe Biden.

So for now, the temperature has been lowered - but this positive move may well come at Ukraine's expense.

The words of Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, earlier today "

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2k5wyqqlq0o

[Ozyhibby]

Feels a bit like Ukraine are about to get hoyed under a bus, possibly not unexpectedly.

Ukraine has agency itself. The US can cut finance if it likes but that doesn’t mean Ukraine stops fighting. It’s in Europes interest to step up.
In many ways I agree with the US that Europe should be dealing with this. And if we don’t deal with it in Ukraine we will be dealing with it closer to home.


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[cabbageandribs1875]

Trump and his Bezzie Putin were always going to carve up Ukraine

just give Russia the land it has stolen, it was never getting crimea back, never, it was never gaining entry to NATO, don't give trump/USA any freakin minerals

USA can gtf from NATO as well

Don't playing poker with that dirty sexual terrorist felonist BUM

hopefully he doesn't even survive his first year

yep i know easier said than done but nations need to start standing up to one of thee most vile individuals in America

[Ozyhibby]

Trump and his Bezzie Putin were always going to carve up Ukraine

just give Russia the land it has stolen, it was never getting crimea back, never, it was never gaining entry to NATO, don't give trump/USA any freakin minerals

USA can gtf from NATO as well

Don't playing poker with that dirty sexual terrorist felonist BUM

hopefully he doesn't even survive his first year

yep i know easier said than done but nations need to start standing up to one of thee most vile individuals in America

Need to stand up to Putin first. The Americans can deal with Trump.


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[judas]

Need to stand up to Putin first. The Americans can deal with Trump.


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Putin has alluded to it before. The US does not truly stand by those it claims to support.

Georgia saw it. Ukraine has seen it.

The US can’t be trusted as an ally. Not even to the UK imo.

I believe that the US is a power in decline and that Trump is actually accelerating the process.

The optics of this are terrible for the US if it lets Russia keep its gains.

It all makes me wonder what deal has been struck between these gangsters and what Russia will let Trump take in return.

[Bostonhibby]

The only way it ends now is with the collapse of the Putin regime. IMHO.
I don’t see any peace deal that everyone could accept.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkApproximately around the time Putin tells the orange blob he has to fall into line or he won't be his pal anymore?

Games probably up for Ukraine, sadly, unless the EU and the surrounding states step up as the blob is going to be sucked into the unholy alliance of autocratic despots that is Putin, Kim Jong and Netanyahuh, with Musky as a not so sleeping partner.

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[Bostonhibby]

Ukraine has agency itself. The US can cut finance if it likes but that doesn’t mean Ukraine stops fighting. It’s in Europes interest to step up.
In many ways I agree with the US that Europe should be dealing with this. And if we don’t deal with it in Ukraine we will be dealing with it closer to home.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[emoji106]

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[Keith_M]

I just looked up how old Donald Trump's dad was when he died... He was 93!


TBH, that's depressed the hell out of me

[Smartie]

Ukraine has agency itself. The US can cut finance if it likes but that doesn’t mean Ukraine stops fighting. It’s in Europes interest to step up.
In many ways I agree with the US that Europe should be dealing with this. And if we don’t deal with it in Ukraine we will be dealing with it closer to home.


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Agree with all of this FWIW.

And what isn’t really spoken about is how much Europe have ramped up production of weapons etc. From May, it is expected that Europe will produce more than Russia and the USA combined.

Today’s news isn’t news, and Ukraine, the Europeans and ourselves have been preparing for today for some time.

Still a bit unpleasant to hear confirmed though.

We have some very interesting times ahead.

[Bristolhibby]

Putin has alluded to it before. The US does not truly stand by those it claims to support.

Georgia saw it. Ukraine has seen it.

The US can’t be trusted as an ally. Not even to the UK imo.

I believe that the US is a power in decline and that Trump is actually accelerating the process.

The optics of this are terrible for the US if it lets Russia keep its gains.

It all makes me wonder what deal has been struck between these gangsters and what Russia will let Trump take in return.

It essentially says might is right. You can waltz into a country and take its land, and the international community will eventually sanction it.

That said when a sitting US President says he will “take Gaza / Greenland / Panama Canal” you can see that him and Putin are kindred spirits.

This will do immeasurable harm to the Wests reputation and our ability to ever stand up to genuine bad guys.

Trouble is the bulk of Americans don’t care.

J

[Bristolhibby]

I just looked up how old Donald Trump's dad was when he died... He was 93!


TBH, that's depressed the hell out of me

Did Fred Trump live on Big Macs and Coke?

He doesn’t even look healthy. And it’s not like it’s an easy job.

Just wondering when was the last sitting President to die, not assassinated, but die? Was it FDR in 1945?

J

[Bridge hibs]

Did Fred Trump live on Big Macs and Coke?

He doesn’t even look healthy. And it’s not like it’s an easy job.

Just wondering when was the last sitting President to die, not assassinated, but die? Was it FDR in 1945?

JHe wont look healthy, he is deid 🤔

[grunt]

The US can’t be trusted as an ally. Not even to the UK imo.
A real test for Starmer. Let us hope he's up to it. I have my doubts.

[Bostonhibby]

A real test for Starmer. Let us hope he's up to it. I have my doubts.This labour supporter fears Sir Keir will simply tread lightly around the orange guy hoping not to upset him. The wider the orange blob opens the door to Putin the further UK should be distancing itself from it.

Ain't going to happen though as we will be chasing the deal for a few more American fast food outlets based here and syphoning the profits back to the States.

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[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250212/65abbae103f94ed078a955382a5bc0d0.png
Nice words. Let’s see if backed up by action.


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[nonshinyfinish]

Did Fred Trump live on Big Macs and Coke?

It's Diet Coke so it'll cancel out the burgers

[Bostonhibby]

It's Diet Coke so it'll cancel out the burgersAnd if that doesn't work, maybe disinfectant is the answer? To quote the great man:-

"And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?
"So it'd be interesting to check that."
Pointing to his head, Mr Trump went on: "I'm not a doctor. But I'm, like, a person that has a good you-know-what."


After all his you know what is good.

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[Jones28]

And if that doesn't work, maybe disinfectant is the answer? To quote the great man:-

"And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?
"So it'd be interesting to check that."
Pointing to his head, Mr Trump went on: "I'm not a doctor. But I'm, like, a person that has a good you-know-what."


After all his you know what is good.

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Excellent, well seems like we're all in safe hands with Trump in charge.

I'll put the Iodine tablets away for now.

[Ozyhibby]

Seems to be cross party support for stepping up support of Ukraine in commons. Sunak wants UK troops as part of peace keeping force.


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[Bostonhibby]

Excellent, well seems like we're all in safe hands with Trump in charge.

I'll put the Iodine tablets away for now.[emoji106]

I think we're okay for now, at least until he decides he wants to buy the UK. His strange wee pal Nigeĺ is currently scouting it out for him.

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[Ozyhibby]

I think this will go nowhere. Trump trying to negotiate with Putin without Ukraine or Europe is pointless.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://bsky.app/profile/kajakallas.bsky.social/post/3li2x7ajpu22o

Good points being made by the EU.


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[cabbageandribs1875]

Trump administration disbands taskforce targeting Russian oligarchs | Trump administration | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/06/trump-russia-oligarchs-task-force)

and from 2021 ‘The perfect target’: Russia cultivated Trump as asset for 40 years – ex-KGB spy | Donald Trump | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/29/trump-russia-asset-claims-former-kgb-spy-new-book)

[Lendo]

Russian drone attack on the Chernobyl containment shell. ****ing nuts behaviour.

[Ozyhibby]

https://bsky.app/profile/samagreene.bsky.social/post/3li3sg23uoc26

Good thread, worth a read.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://news.sky.com/story/bluesky-13309703

Armed forces of Europe?


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[Smartie]

https://news.sky.com/story/bluesky-13309703

Armed forces of Europe?


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I think that’s been in the making for quite a long time - and we’re a big part of it.

[Lendo]

I think that’s been in the making for quite a long time - and we’re a big part of it.

Can’t help but agree with him on this one.

[Ozyhibby]

I think that’s been in the making for quite a long time - and we’re a big part of it.

I expect us to be a big part of it.[emoji106]


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[Hibs4185]

I expect us to be a big part of it.[emoji106]


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Hopefully it’s part of a reset with the relationship with Europe and brings along other benefits too.

[Hibrandenburg]

https://news.sky.com/story/bluesky-13309703

Armed forces of Europe?


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Didn't we leave the EU to avoid exactly that?

[Ozyhibby]

Didn't we leave the EU to avoid exactly that?

Changed days I guess.


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[Smartie]

Didn't we leave the EU to avoid exactly that?

Amongst other things, but you’d be better asking someone who voted for Brexit for an explanation why.

Times change though. Even though I disagreed with their position on the Brexit referendum, Brexiteers might be forgiven for changing their minds based on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the shifting dynamic of the relationship with the US.

Many will admire the likes of Trump and Putin and fancy a bit of what their like (ie Farage) has to offer though…

[Hibrandenburg]

Amongst other things, but you’d be better asking someone who voted for Brexit for an explanation why.

Times change though. Even though I disagreed with their position on the Brexit referendum, Brexiteers might be forgiven for changing their minds based on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the shifting dynamic of the relationship with the US.

Many will admire the likes of Trump and Putin and fancy a bit of what their like (ie Farage) has to offer though…

Nigel has a bit of a problem, he was enraged at the idea of an EU army but what now that his chums across the pond like the idea of selling lots of shiny new whizz bangs to them.

[Bostonhibby]

Nigel has a bit of a problem, he was enraged at the idea of an EU army but what now that his chums across the pond like the idea of selling lots of shiny new whizz bangs to them.Where will Nige get the biggest personal gain here? There's gotta be a grift in there somewhere.

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[Moulin Yarns]

I think that’s been in the making for quite a long time - and we’re a big part of it.

Not sure if we can be. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czep44jn9jyo

[Ozyhibby]

Not sure if we can be. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czep44jn9jyo

It’s all relative. Although we have weakened our forces over last 20 years it’s still stronger and more experienced than almost all the EU except maybe France.


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[Hibs4185]

The EU needs Britain and Britain needs the EU.

I don’t think Brexit will be reversed but hopefully ego’s can be put aside and a deal made so we can all benefit from each other including and probably most importantly defence.

[Smartie]

Not sure if we can be. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czep44jn9jyo

I think it’s our Navy that’s the biggest asset.

Our special forces and the like are well respected too.

We’ve been reliant, over-reliant, on the nature of NATO for a long time - where we’re a smaller part of a bigger entity. There’s no doubt that aspects of our armed forces are substandard.

The Swedes and Finns are fairly formidable, as the Americans step away.

[ddoc]

The EU needs Britain and Britain needs the EU.

I don’t think Brexit will be reversed but hopefully ego’s can be put aside and a deal made so we can all benefit from each other including and probably most importantly defence.

I think we have to accept that whilst Trump and his cohorts are in power the USA is no longer a member of NATO that would automatically step up to fulfil the treaty obligations.
He will only intervene when it is in his perceived interest of the USA.
The UK and the EU now need to look on the USA in a negative light.

[Bristolhibby]

I think we have to accept that whilst Trump and his cohorts are in power the USA is no longer a member of NATO that would automatically step up to fulfil the treaty obligations.
He will only intervene when it is in his perceived interest of the USA.
The UK and the EU now need to look on the USA in a negative light.

That’s fairly terrifying. Especially as Putin probes Poland, Georgia and the Baltics.

Georgia next IMHO, not in NATO.

He’d be mad to go up against Poland.

There would be a NATO reaction, surely.

J

[Scorrie]

The EU needs Britain and Britain needs the EU.

I don’t think Brexit will be reversed but hopefully ego’s can be put aside and a deal made so we can all benefit from each other including and probably most importantly defence.

Absolutely. I would go as far and say the Paris summit tomorrow is one of the most important recently held and will dictate European USA relations for the next few years. Where will the UK sit? We will have to make a choice soon and rapprochement with the EU has to be on the cards

[Stairway 2 7]

AFP in France are saying the UK France and Poland are leading plans for European peace keepers to be in Ukraine. If SDP or AfD win Germany will be out but CDU and greens would be in and also want to send Ukraine Taurus missles that Scholz blocked.

A number of papers saying Zelensky turned down Trumps initial offer of 50% of Ukraine's mineral rights for a US peacekeeping force in Ukraine going forward.

I think it's good Europe will step up. Von Der Leyen has announced defence spending won't need to be included in EU budget rules which is expected to massively increase defence spending. Italy has already welcomed it and said they will build up their military now

[Hibs4185]

AFP in France are saying the UK France and Poland are leading plans for European peace keepers to be in Ukraine. If SDP or AfD win Germany will be out but CDU and greens would be in and also want to send Ukraine Taurus missles that Scholz blocked.

A number of papers saying Zelensky turned down Trumps initial offer of 50% of Ukraine's mineral rights for a US peacekeeping force in Ukraine going forward.

I think it's good Europe will step up. Von Der Leyen has announced defence spending won't need to be included in EU budget rules which is expected to massively increase defence spending. Italy has already welcomed it and said they will build up their military now

Good on Zelensky. They reckon the minerals are worth £12 trillion.The US have of course given many billions but most of that cash has been spent replenishing US stocks and upgrading their capabilities, often giving Ukraine sticks which were to be destroyed. It’s boosted US manufacturing and defence.

I think a deal where US gets access to minerals makes sense but Trump is taking the piss.

Hopefully Britain and Europe step up to the plate

[Smartie]

That’s fairly terrifying. Especially as Putin probes Poland, Georgia and the Baltics.

Georgia next IMHO, not in NATO.

He’d be mad to go up against Poland.

There would be a NATO reaction, surely.

J

I think we should certainly be taking the threat of future Russian aggression very seriously.

But are there not good reasons why they might not be as terrifying as we think?

They have not fought this war well. It wasn't over after 3 days, with the Russians in Kiev. They've been shown to be more of an embarrassing paper tiger than the world's second strongest military.

They've also got desperate demographic issues that they have only made worse with this war. They had a small window to fight this war before the demographic issue tipped too far against them. With their brain drain overseas, many more killed and injured in the conflict and some seriously scarred individuals to be released back into their society once the conflict is over, will they be in a position to put together a formidable attacking force any time soon? Ever?

Obviously losing the Americans potentially drastically shifts the nuclear deterrent angle, but the Swedes and the Finns bring some pretty serious tech and fighting ability that wasn't part of NATO before. In many ways, having them on board (with no shortage of motivation) will compensate for being utterly reliant on unpredictable Americans. The Ukrainians themselves will be amongst the most battle-hardened in modern warfare that exist in the world today.

An attacking force needs to be much bigger than a defending one. There's a reason they're at the negotiating table - the Russians are on their knees and they know it. It's all just about how they get back up again.

I heard also that very, very low level talks occurred in Munich between the Ukrainians and the Russians - the Russians aren't exactly enamoured with the Americans, the content of the call with Putin was misrepresented publicly. It's really hard to know who is on whose side right now.

Interesting times.

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250217/95a58eee07e81723896dbcdc664763eb.png


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[Ozyhibby]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/17/starmer-urges-trump-to-provide-backstop-to-european-peacekeeping-force-in-ukraine?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Negotiating with ourselves again. There is no way Putin signs an ever enemy that sees European troops in Ukraine.[emoji849]


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[NORTHERNHIBBY]

Can see the logic in Trump trying to paint any carve up as an honourable settlement if he has intentions of using Putin's playbook himself.

[lapsedhibee]

Can see the logic in Trump trying to paint any carve up as an honourable settlement if he has intentions of using Putin's playbook himself.

Entirely logical for Trump to do a deal with Putin where Trump gets access to minerals under Ukraine, Putin gets a chunk of Ukraine 'back', and Trump gets a Nobel Peace Prize. Nobody knows more about acting in his self-interest than Trump. Ukrainians? **** 'em!

[Smartie]

Can see the logic in Trump trying to paint any carve up as an honourable settlement if he has intentions of using Putin's playbook himself.

I've got a really bad feeling about these USA Russia "peace talks".

There are an awful lot of common interests that the current USA have with Russia, none of them benefit decent people, peace or any sort of greater good.

[Ozyhibby]

I don’t see what they can achieve without Europe and Ukraine at the table?[emoji2369]


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[Jim44]

For Trump to try to broker a peace agreement without the presence of Ukraine is tantamount to the same disgraceful criminal act that Putin committed in the first place. I regretfully hope President Zalensky refuses to recognise the Russia/USA carve up and fights on. I know that sounds crazy as it will, in the very short term, result in more misery and bloodshed. I think other Ukraine allies should also refuse to recognise the dark deed and, if and when this is all over, Putin and Trump stand in the dock together, if not actually, then metaphorically.

[Scorrie]

For Trump to try to broker a peace agreement without the presence of Ukraine is tantamount to the same disgraceful criminal act that Putin committed in the first place. I regretfully hope President Zalensky refuses to recognise the Russia/USA carve up and fights on. I know that sounds crazy as it will, in the very short term, result in more misery and bloodshed. I think other Ukraine allies should also refuse to recognise the dark deed and, if and when this is all over, Putin and Trump stand in the dock together, if not actually, then metaphorically.

The UK is going to have to make a choice soon I feel. Also where do the Tories and Reform sit in all this. Badenoch was pretty supportive of Trump in her dreadful speech yesterday and Farage is a big fan and pal of Trump as well. They are going to have watch their step going forward as we may have to side against Trump in this matter

[lapsedhibee]

The UK is going to have to make a choice soon I feel. Also where do the Tories and Reform sit in all this. Badenoch was pretty supportive of Trump in her dreadful speech yesterday and Farage is a big fan and pal of Trump as well. They are going to have watch their step going forward as we may have to side against Trump in this matter

Don't think Farage and Badenoch will have any difficulty there. They'll just turn the volume on asylum seekers up to eleven and their idiot fanbase won't notice that on any given day they've spouted six contradictory things about Trump before breakfast.

[Hibrandenburg]

I don’t see what they can achieve without Europe and Ukraine at the table?[emoji2369]


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Ukraine and Europe don't play ball, Trump says you're on your own, I tried to make peace for you but you didn't want it. USA like in the beginning of WW1 & 2 starts making a mint selling goods including weapons to both sides in an ongoing conflict.

Trump isn't worried about world peace, in fact he sees an opportunity to sell stuff, he just needs to rid himself of any contractual obligations to step in on behalf of NATO. NATO needs the USA, but does the USA need NATO?

Failed peace negotiations are Trump's way out.

[Smartie]

I don’t see what they can achieve without Europe and Ukraine at the table?[emoji2369]


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Nothing.

It gets interesting when Trump, Russia, the Europeans, the Ukrainians and the Chinese (and anyone else who fancies getting involved) then have to use the various carrots and sticks they have at their disposal to get their own way.