Current Affairs Ukraine

[Ghost Rider]

There's a lot of disinformation, influencing of votes and even vote rigging; Putin's regime has built a system where there's a natural lack of transparency.

Nevertheless, sadly the fact is that he's still a popular and well voted-for politician in Russia who, according to those in the know, would still likely win.

That's why my sympathy for Russia as a whole doesn't extend as much as it probably should because he's nowhere near losing his grasp on power yet.

Friend of mine knows someone who lives in Russia. English lad who has a life over there I think.

He didn't even know the war was happening from general day to life.

So seems to be a media blackout as well as a factor, not sure if that is still true weeks later.

 

[Robert Heenan]

They are indeed, yet the issue is that with their wealth and influence (many have ties to specific regions or industries) they could be used as leverage.

If there were to be enough of his cronies (before talking about his closest inner circle) who built up a wave of pressure, the Kremlin may be forced to budge.

But then again, previous Putin friendly oligarchs who've fell out with the Kremlin have been jailed or murdered, so that may not be as likely as we'd wish.

That looks like just another load of crap spouted. On the ground.. Mariupol is gone, Donbass looks like it's going unless we get weapons and I mean state of the art stuff urgently to the Ukrainian soldiers in Donbass. Once Eastern Ukraine is all gone then its just Odesa and its over.

The reality on the ground is different to what morale boosting rubbish our politicians and media are spouting

 

[PhilM]

That looks like just another load of crap spouted. On the ground.. Mariupol is gone, Donbass looks like it's going unless we get weapons and I mean state of the art stuff urgently to the Ukrainian soldiers in Donbass. Once Eastern Ukraine is all gone then its just Odesa and its over.

The reality on the ground is different to what morale boosting rubbish our politicians and media are spouting

Which part, Bob?

 

[Robert Heenan]

Are you Ukranian? As you keep using the term we.

The Ukes are hurting the Russians and making them pay for every mile of ground they take.

Russia cannot live with their current attrition rate of troops and equipment. This will end in a negotiated settlement, it has to. Ukraine needs to be in a position to not concede further territory in the Donbas region. Admittedly they will lose Mariupol but I think Odessa will be safe. It’s a step to far for Russia. They just need to dig in and survive for another month or so and keep doing what they’re doing.

Once Mariupol and East Ukraine is gone then im afraid Odessa is there for the taking for the Russians.

Despite all the spin about Russian casualties and state of their weapons along with tales about their commanders generals... The reality is Mariupol is gone... Donbass looks in a perilous state.. Kherson looks like gone and its just Odessa.

Ukraine as a state is finished once Odesa is captured

 

[Deleted member 48881]

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/atp-statement-wimbledon-british-grass-swing-april-2022

ATP Statement On Decision To Ban Russian & Belarusian Players​

Apr202022
Press Release

Russian and Belarusian players will continue to be allowed to compete at ATP events under neutral flag

We strongly condemn Russia’s reprehensible invasion of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with the millions of innocent people affected by the ongoing war.
Our sport is proud to operate on the fundamental principles of merit and fairness, where players compete as individuals to earn their place in tournaments based on the ATP Rankings. We believe that today’s unilateral decision by Wimbledon and the LTA to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from this year’s British grass-court swing is unfair and has the potential to set a damaging precedent for the game. Discrimination based on nationality also constitutes a violation of our agreement with Wimbledon that states that player entry is based solely on ATP Rankings. Any course of action in response to this decision will now be assessed in consultation with our Board and Member councils.

It is important to stress that players from Russia and Belarus will continue to be allowed to compete at ATP events under a neutral flag, a position that has until now been shared across professional tennis. In parallel, we will continue our joint humanitarian support for Ukraine under Tennis Plays for Peace.

 

[The binman chronicles]

Everything I've heard or read says it is.

I know a few Russians and they and all their circles know exactly what the score is. One is emigrating to Turkey in May because of it.

For the most part it seems anyone educated to a certain point doesn't agree with it but feel it's impossible to change.

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

Once Mariupol and East Ukraine is gone then im afraid Odessa is there for the taking for the Russians.

Despite all the spin about Russian casualties and state of their weapons along with tales about their commanders generals... The reality is Mariupol is gone... Donbass looks in a perilous state.. Kherson looks like gone and its just Odessa.

Ukraine as a state is finished once Odesa is captured

Are you though?

 

[Spadge Vernacular]

That looks like just another load of crap spouted. On the ground.. Mariupol is gone, Donbass looks like it's going unless we get weapons and I mean state of the art stuff urgently to the Ukrainian soldiers in Donbass. Once Eastern Ukraine is all gone then its just Odesa and its over.

The reality on the ground is different to what morale boosting rubbish our politicians and media are spouting

Putin/Russia have multiple failures to show for this act of terrorism.

The citizens of Ukraine are refusing to submit. They're fighting back and defending their cities. Even if Russia take more territory it will never take the country.

Putin had gone into this wanting to flex his muscles showing Russia as a military superpower but they have been made to look third rate and like a group of savages.

Putin wanted to push NATO back - he has made it bigger and looking like he has brought it closer.

The economic special operation from the west will be tightening around Russia with increasing severity as the weeks pass.

The sinking of their flag ship was not exactly planned either.

It has been and is a disaster for all sides.

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

Putin/Russia have multiple failures to show for this act of terrorism.

The citizens of Ukraine are refusing to submit. They're fighting back and defending their cities. Even if Russia take more territory it will never take the country.

Putin had gone into this wanting to flex his muscles showing Russia as a military superpower but they have been made to look third rate and like a group of savages.

Putin wanted to push NATO back - he has made it bigger and looking like he has brought it closer.

The economic special operation from the west will be tightening around Russia with increasing severity as the weeks pass.

The sinking of their flag ship was not exactly planned either.

It has been and is a disaster for all sides.

Not to mention a less than desirable reaction from India and China

 

[devogue]

 

[Mutzo Nutzo]

Once Mariupol and East Ukraine is gone then im afraid Odessa is there for the taking for the Russians.

Despite all the spin about Russian casualties and state of their weapons along with tales about their commanders generals... The reality is Mariupol is gone... Donbass looks in a perilous state.. Kherson looks like gone and its just Odessa.

Ukraine as a state is finished once Odesa is captured

I beg to differ. Russia couldn’t even maintain a 50Km MSR in the north they’ve got no chance with a 200-300Km MSR in the south.

US intel reports that Russia has lost 25% of its overall military fighting strength in just 56 days!

Hard intel - not spin

 

[Robert Heenan]

I beg to differ. Russia couldn’t even maintain a 50Km MSR in the north they’ve got no chance with a 200-300Km MSR in the south.

US intel reports that Russia has lost 25% of its overall military fighting strength in just 56 days!

Hard intel - not spin

OK... Just hope it's true and Mariupol is the best Russia can muster

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

OK... Just hope it's true and Mariupol is the best Russia can muster

Where are you from/live?

 

[Yarrgh]

From what I just heard from my wife, sounds like they preparing the media for taking Odessa.

Also a lot of anti-UK sentiment in Russia too. If Putin's regime doesn't approve, we must be doing something right.

 

[devogue]

From what I just heard from my wife, sounds like they preparing the media for taking Odessa.

Also a lot of anti-UK sentiment in Russia too. If Putin's regime doesn't approve, we must be doing something right.

I don't think there is any possibility of taking Odessa, especially after the Moskva got smoked. That ship was providing cover for all their other ships.