Russia / Ukraine Watch

[Smendrick Feaselberg]

Champions League final moved to Paris, but Russian teams still allowed to compete in European competitions in neutral countries. Ridiculous.

Absolutely disgusting. Has any justification been given for allowing Russian teams to compete?

Nope, nor anything about their sponsorship deal with Gazprom.

[Mistadobalina]

Champions League final moved to Paris, but Russian teams still allowed to compete in European competitions in neutral countries. Ridiculous.

What neutral countries? Serbia and Moldova? Absolutely ridiculous.

Putin looks correct in his assumption that, when push came to shove, enough European countries would baulk at really punishing Russia to undermine a cohesive and damaging response.

This is Germany's biggest challenge as de facto lead nation in the EU and it is failing. It's energy strategy has been a environmental disaster for the past decade and now it is a political disaster. Tanks are rolling in on Kyiv and continue to be paid for by the same European governments who are condemning Putin's invasion.

[Dunners]

I can see the Battle for Snake Island becoming lodged in Ukrainian folklore.

A Russian battleship approached the island, on which Ukrainian troops were stationed, with the intention of taking it over. This translation of what ensued is probably not entirely accurate:

Russian battleship to Snake Island: "This is a Russian ship, and propose you lay down your arms."
Ukrainian troop response: "Russian ship, go f*ck yourself."

The Russian battleship then opened fire and killed all Ukrainian troops.

[George M]

Whilst this unprovoked invasion can’t be supported, I do feel there is a fair bit of double standard here and it’s difficult to disagree with Lavrov’s statements this morning.
When have we ever sanctioned America for numerous unprovoked incursions. We reap what we sow.

Listening to Vettel this morning stating that he won’t race in Russia whilst happily racing in the US and Arab states.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

Champions League final moved to Paris, but Russian teams still allowed to compete in European competitions in neutral countries. Ridiculous.

Absolutely disgusting. Has any justification been given for allowing Russian teams to compete?

Is it anything to do with money? Just a hunch.

I’d hope that our clubs will boycott if we have to play them.

[Currywurst and Chips]

Whilst this unprovoked invasion can’t be supported, I do feel there is a fair bit of double standard here and it’s difficult to disagree with Lavrov’s statements this morning.
When have we ever sanctioned America for numerous unprovoked incursions. We reap what we sow.

Listening to Vettel this morning stating that he won’t race in Russia whilst happily racing in the US and Arab states.

More than one thing can be bad, like your takes

[George M]

Whilst this unprovoked invasion can’t be supported, I do feel there is a fair bit of double standard here and it’s difficult to disagree with Lavrov’s statements this morning.
When have we ever sanctioned America for numerous unprovoked incursions. We reap what we sow.

Listening to Vettel this morning stating that he won’t race in Russia whilst happily racing in the US and Arab states.

More than one thing can be bad, like your takes

Care to expand that thought

[Smendrick Feaselberg]

Putin now calling on Ukranian troops to turn on their government

[Dunners]

I've read some reports (admittedly from Ukrainian press) that estimated Russian troop casualties on first day of combat are approx 1,000. If that is even remotely accurate, then the Russian military will be concerned, and it doesn't bode well for them if this is to become a protracted conflict. They'll still "win", but there won't be much celebrating among their population.

[Dunners]

Also just read that the Italians have successfully negotiated a carve-out for luxury goods from the EUs economic sanctions. FFS, gotta sell those Armani suits.

[StockholmO]

I've read some reports (admittedly from Ukrainian press) that estimated Russian troop casualties on first day of combat are approx 1,000. If that is even remotely accurate, then the Russian military will be concerned, and it doesn't bode well for them if this is to become a protracted conflict. They'll still "win", but there won't be much celebrating among their population.

You have to be careful with these claims from both sides, they are almost certainly exagerated or fake. The Russians will win but the best the Ukrainians can do is give them a bloody nose and drag this out hoping the Russian public will become war weary, not that Putin gives a monkeys about casualties.

The worst outcome for the west would be a swift and decisive victory for the Russians. It would show they’ve got their tactics right and moved on fromChechnya and Georgia where they struggled to defeat a much weaker opponent.

They’ve been using recent conflicts, particularly in Syria as a live fire training exercise. If they do win quickly then this means a lot of soul searching and thinking from the west and heavy investment in defence.

[Dunners]

I've read some reports (admittedly from Ukrainian press) that estimated Russian troop casualties on first day of combat are approx 1,000. If that is even remotely accurate, then the Russian military will be concerned, and it doesn't bode well for them if this is to become a protracted conflict. They'll still "win", but there won't be much celebrating among their population.

You have to be careful with these claims from both sides, they are almost certainly exagerated or fake. The Russians will win but the best the Ukrainians can do is give them a bloody nose and drag this out hoping the Russian public will become war weary, not that Putin gives a monkeys about casualties.

The worst outcome for the west would be a swift and decisive victory for the Russians. It would show they’ve got their tactics right and moved on fromChechnya and Georgia where they struggled to defeat a much weaker opponent.

They’ve been using recent conflicts, particularly in Syria as a live fire training exercise. If they do win quickly then this means a lot of soul searching and thinking from the west and heavy investment in defence.

Agreed. But it's interesting to see that Russia is now dragging Chechen troops into the conflict (who are all poorly trained conscripts with low moral and interest in the fight). We also now see statements from the Kremlin suggesting a meeting with Ukrainian officials in Minsk to discuss terms. Hopefully the Ukrainians are giving them enough of a bloody nose to sow the tiniest seeds of doubt in the minds of military leaders.

[Dunners]

Champions League final moved to Paris, but Russian teams still allowed to compete in European competitions in neutral countries. Ridiculous.

Absolutely disgusting. Has any justification been given for allowing Russian teams to compete?

Is it anything to do with money? Just a hunch.

I’d hope that our clubs will boycott if we have to play them.

Everyone needs to bombard advertisers and sponsors, and put some consumer power into action.

[Smendrick Feaselberg]

I've read some reports (admittedly from Ukrainian press) that estimated Russian troop casualties on first day of combat are approx 1,000. If that is even remotely accurate, then the Russian military will be concerned, and it doesn't bode well for them if this is to become a protracted conflict. They'll still "win", but there won't be much celebrating among their population.

You have to be careful with these claims from both sides, they are almost certainly exagerated or fake. The Russians will win but the best the Ukrainians can do is give them a bloody nose and drag this out hoping the Russian public will become war weary, not that Putin gives a monkeys about casualties.

The worst outcome for the west would be a swift and decisive victory for the Russians. It would show they’ve got their tactics right and moved on fromChechnya and Georgia where they struggled to defeat a much weaker opponent.

They’ve been using recent conflicts, particularly in Syria as a live fire training exercise. If they do win quickly then this means a lot of soul searching and thinking from the west and heavy investment in defence.

Agreed. But it's interesting to see that Russia is now dragging Chechen troops into the conflict (who are all poorly trained conscripts with low moral and interest in the fight). We also now see statements from the Kremlin suggesting a meeting with Ukrainian officials in Minsk to discuss terms. Hopefully the Ukrainians are giving them enough of a bloody nose to sow the tiniest seeds of doubt in the minds of military leaders.

Not sure it's wise for Ukranian officials to be going anywhere in Belarus though so seems a bit empty.

[Dunners]

Regardless of what anyone may think of Trump, here's a clip of him calling out Germany about six years ago. He bangs on about their disproportionately low contribution to NATO defences, and their decision to invest in Russian gas (and how this exposes them to Russian influence).

[StockholmO]

I've read some reports (admittedly from Ukrainian press) that estimated Russian troop casualties on first day of combat are approx 1,000. If that is even remotely accurate, then the Russian military will be concerned, and it doesn't bode well for them if this is to become a protracted conflict. They'll still "win", but there won't be much celebrating among their population.

You have to be careful with these claims from both sides, they are almost certainly exagerated or fake. The Russians will win but the best the Ukrainians can do is give them a bloody nose and drag this out hoping the Russian public will become war weary, not that Putin gives a monkeys about casualties.

The worst outcome for the west would be a swift and decisive victory for the Russians. It would show they’ve got their tactics right and moved on fromChechnya and Georgia where they struggled to defeat a much weaker opponent.

They’ve been using recent conflicts, particularly in Syria as a live fire training exercise. If they do win quickly then this means a lot of soul searching and thinking from the west and heavy investment in defence.

Agreed. But it's interesting to see that Russia is now dragging Chechen troops into the conflict (who are all poorly trained conscripts with low moral and interest in the fight). We also now see statements from the Kremlin suggesting a meeting with Ukrainian officials in Minsk to discuss terms. Hopefully the Ukrainians are giving them enough of a bloody nose to sow the tiniest seeds of doubt in the minds of military leaders.

Thanks Dunners. I saw pictures of Russian ‘POWS’ who didn’t look like professional Russian soldiers. Also saw on the news that a Russian battalion surrendered claiming they didn’t know they were being sent into combat. Again, I’d be wary of believing claims from both sides. The truth won’t come out for a few years. I just hope the Ukrainians make this a price the Russians will not want to pay.

This situation has been widely forecasted for a good few years and I just hope (and expect) the west had a plan in place.

Good analysis by the way, I just couldn’t spend so much time on a phone keyboard and make so many typos do stick to bullet points. Well done.

My Mossad handlers will be in touch with a job offer.

[Dunners]

Wallop!

[Smendrick Feaselberg]

Wallop!

We were all calling for tougher sanctions so it's about time.

[Currywurst and Chips]

I've read some reports (admittedly from Ukrainian press) that estimated Russian troop casualties on first day of combat are approx 1,000. If that is even remotely accurate, then the Russian military will be concerned, and it doesn't bode well for them if this is to become a protracted conflict. They'll still "win", but there won't be much celebrating among their population.

Not sure I believe that figure, the lack of an independent press in Russia should ensure it's un/under reported anyway.

[tuffers#1]

Regardless of what anyone may think of Trump, here's a clip of him calling out Germany about six years ago. He bangs on about their disproportionately low contribution to NATO defences, and their decision to invest in Russian gas (and how this exposes them to Russian influence).

Maybe Trump offering a removal of russian sanctions emboldened Putin .

https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN14Z0YE

Trumpys granddaddy was kicked.out of germany wasnt he , no wonder hair head has a pop at the germans

[StockholmO]

Regardless of what anyone may think of Trump, here's a clip of him calling out Germany about six years ago. He bangs on about their disproportionately low contribution to NATO defences, and their decision to invest in Russian gas (and how this exposes them to Russian influence).

Can’t stand Trump but for once he called it 100% right there. Although he just repeated what had been said before by numerous other people.

[Smendrick Feaselberg]

UK now imposing sanctions on Putin and Lavrov.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60530065

[faldO]

Ukrainian woman offers seeds to Russian soldiers so 'sunflowers grow when they die'

https://www.theguardian.com/world/video ... iers-video

A sad and remarkable encounter.

[Dunners]

Pornhub imposes content block on Russian users.

[Dunners]

Ukrainian woman offers seeds to Russian soldiers so 'sunflowers grow when they die'

https://www.theguardian.com/world/video ... iers-video

A sad and remarkable encounter.