Current Affairs Ukraine

[Diogenes the Cynic]

There'll be those who genuinely look at Russia favourably, but I suspect they're actually few and far between. This where political positioning comes in to play.

There'll be those who are more akin to isolationism (it's not their problem), so will argue for less US support; there's also those wanting to appease the weirdos.*

Yet, let's not forget that money talks. Those, whose moral compass perhaps is questionable, may talk the talk, but in this war there'll be money to be made.

Some many say I am cynical, although I wouldn't be surprised if those to the centre and right may be happy to take favours from certain big industries.

*conspiracy theorists.

No I think you're absolutely right. I remember as a kid reading about profiteering in the 2nd world war and being disgusted and disheartened that some people in privileged positions were getting rich at the expense of the suffering of the general population.

I know war is a business and human nature is what it is but it's so easy to tut sometimes and look down upon people's actions in the past as though we are so superior and evolved.

Covid hammered that home to me, the corruption with contracts etc was exactly what has gone before.

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

Is empty head now applying his forensic insights to the Ukraine conflict?

Wowzers.

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

Is empty head now applying his forensic insights to the Ukraine conflict?

Wowzers.

I think it’s getting back to ignore button time

 

[Yarrgh]

I think it’s getting back to ignore button time

Only convinced me more to keep the goon on ignore. My Christmas present to you all is suggest you do the same to odders.

Interesting Russian propaganda whilst you're eating your Christmas hamster...

 

[LinekersLegs]

I mentioned soon after the outset of the war that the US, UK and Nato would be content to sustain Ukraine if it eroded the Russian military, which it has.

While it's terrible for Ukraine, a sustained conflict will continue to chip away at Russia in terms of its military, its economy and its standing within the region.

The current cost of $40bn is way below the trillions of dollars that the US spent on the likes of Vietnam, The Gulf War and Afghanistan, so it's good value for money.

Materially, Russia still has sizeable stockpiles of assets, but replacing their PGMs, lost aircraft and key assets such as EW and ADs will be lengthy and costly.

They'll have to offset that cost somewhere else, and I'd not be surprised if that comes out of maintenance schedules (already corrupt) and whatnot.

The material worth of their assets may therefore decline. You've got to then consider what they've lost in terms of leaderships - officers and NCOs.

Russia will be setback for close to a decade or more.

Yep. I’d assume the realpolitik assessment by the relevant defense departments was fairly straightforward on the cost benefit even before considering the Ukrainians themselves. Especially since Putin hasn’t been shy at launching various attacks recently on Western soil (interference in elections, cyber attacks and Salisbury poisoning) so unlikely that were many arguing that good relations could be achieved if the invasion was just somehow ignored.

There are also the costs inaction would trigger - if Russia occupied all of Ukraine the US would presumably have to reinforce the NATO members nearby with significantly more troops and material as an ongoing budget item. And European nations would have an even worse refugee situation to manage.

I’d also be interested to see an analysis of what the impact has been on the likelihood of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

 

[PhilM]

Always question the factual accuracy and objectivity of such posts, yet interesting still.

 

[LinekersLegs]

Awful images of central Kherson shelling today, deliberately targeting civilians. Reportedly 5 killed with 20 wounded.

 

[Spadge Vernacular]

Awful images of central Kherson shelling today, deliberately targeting civilians. Reportedly 5 killed with 20 wounded.

Bombing families on Christmas eve, the absolute scumbags.

Imagine a world with Putin and Xi at the head of the table.

 

[The binman chronicles]

Only convinced me more to keep the goon on ignore. My Christmas present to you all is suggest you do the same to odders.

Interesting Russian propaganda whilst you're eating your Christmas hamster...

Rather a cold and hungry Christmas than one where your loved ones are no longer alive because they've been forced to go to war with no proper training or equipment by their despot leader.

 

[devogue]

 

[ds3000]

This guy, Putin, Trump and Musk - sent into space in one of Elon’s rockets - one way ticket.

 

[Diogenes the Cynic]

I wonder if in the future the name Vladimir will be as scarcely used as the name Adolf.

Two instruments of evil cut from the same cloth.

I wish nothing but pain and death to Putin and his supporters.

Merry Christmas Ukraine, I pray you get the support you need and the courage to continue your fight for freedom.

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

So angry
Imagine signing this off

 

[peteblue]

Bombing families on Christmas eve, the absolute scumbags.

Imagine a world with Putin and Xi at the head of the table.

I can imagine a world with their detached heads on top of a table…..

 

[peteblue]

So angry
Imagine signing this off

bastards…..