Holien

Just seen this on another site I follow and just made me smile...

Yep an unintended consequence of the war, people getting to see how other countries behave and operate by staying there. My whole world view was changed after a year as an exchange student in America with folk from all over the world. That one year was the most influential on my education than any amount of time spent in a classroom. I hope they have learnt good lessons and that Ukraine benefits.

Yep the mood music is shifting here in the UK with dire economic forecasts and costs going to hit worst the poorest with a predicted loss of 20% disposable income. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-61469532 Already I have heard mention by folk on the street in the UK that we should not be spending so much money in Ukraine and we should be helping the cost of living crisis at home. The war in Ukraine is being blamed for these problems and while their is still popular support once people have to choose heating or food the support will slip away and political posturing move to focus on the economic crisis heading our way. Many families don't have a 20% margin to absorb the price rises coming down the tracks. Ukraine has to win soon and can't afford to wait until winter so let's hope Russian forces do just collapse with a few well aimed kicks with the fresh reserves and weapons systems being brought to bear. I am hoping that August is possible.

Hmmm not what I would call behind the scenes. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-61461805 There was no easy way out of the situation and if they get their fighters home out of Russian hands job done. I am just not sure I would trust Russia, but you have to play with the hand you are given. I have the utmost respect for the Ukrainian fighters and what they have achieved against overwhelming odds. Let's see how it plays out...

Hmmm BBC this morning is saying that the wounded are receiving medical "care" by Russians and the non wounded are in another location being "processed" by the Russians so it does seem like the position has been given up? Let's hope Ukraine gets everyone back in one piece. It's certainly going to be spun by Russia as a surrender.

Surely at some point a decent tractor will pull them out... Then a bit of drying and tidy up for some new owners.

Interesting comments re the possibility of China sharing data with the Russian forces. Not sure if that is true, I guess possible and maybe there are other explanations of how quickly drone Operators have been targeted, such as Russian eyes on the ground and some quick thinking? To get data from China back to the Russian units seems a stretch but who knows... Also shows what we have all known that the youth playing computer games can help defend their country…..

Tie this into a drone targeting program and you would soon see a massive loss of communications within the Russian forces.

Morning folks while military aid is essential for Ukraine I want to draw attention to other aid that is available and that folk in Ukraine might not be aware of. I saw this on local TV the other night and I want to ensure the news is spread. So I would ask any one with Ukrainian friends to take a look and pass this on as it is a unique opportunity that will make a difference to those that succeed in the application process and might make a big difference to Ukraine. Oxford University is running a scheme to fully fund 20 Ukrainians to study for one year at Oxford. FULLY funded so they get accommodation and even £7500 spending money for the year. https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/fees-funding-and-scholarship-search/graduate-scholarship-scheme-for-ukraine-refugees Applications to be made by Monday June 20th. Please pass this on as it is IMO a fantastic opportunity.

How do you think Don Diego de la Vega feels!!!

Is there a Russian Resistance? Let's Hope Monday there are plenty of Bangs in Russia

(Puts Popcorn back in packet and waits for Erwin to respond directly to Steve.... After some time..... The cobwebs start to grow around the Popcorn packet....)

Yep great point! Quack Quack Quack... Watch out for ducks, lots about and I hope justice will catch up with the foul creatures in Ukraine.

Karma is paying back years of crap from Russia let’s hope it's a game changer. As for our British Defence minister I do wish he would keep his gob shut on stuff like that, he didn't need to say it, even if I or most folk have no problem with how Ukraine uses the weapons to win the war. I wish our politicians would take some lessons from the Baltic countries or others keeping what they are upto closer to their chests. No need for propaganda own goals.

There was a report on BBC news this morning that Russia is claiming it captured a Ukrainian ammo store. My guess a lie or done in initial days of the war? I am hoping that the hit on an O Group of senior Russian officers is true and ultimately confirmed. I guess we will find out in several weeks.

Maybe, let's see some more live meetings with him from today onwards but he certainly looked crap and it was filmed at an interesting angle.

We need to see more to be certain but the left side of his body was more interesting to watch, looked like he had no strength? He certainly looks in trouble and reminds me of my father who had strokes. The grip goes so maybe why he was filmed from that angle?

Just read a report that Google might have removed the obscurity settings over sensitive Russian military sites? Not tested myself but might be of interest to folk following this thread?

I think that some of this is just human nature, we had the same when Germany occupied the Channel Islands, France had same in vichy areas. Folk need money to live and just accept the new situation. P.S. as ever thanks for your information it's always appreciated.

Hmmm I would think many would disagree that it's their territory, but I presume you mean Russia believe they will lose it after taking it illegally...

That approach would cross a red line which would mean all out war with Russia. NATO and the world would not be able to accept it so I seriously hope they don't but hey Putler is beyond sane at the moment and maybe he does not care about the world his daughters and grandchildren will live in? I think and hope there might be enough in the Russian military to understand that their children and grandchildren will suffer if they cross this line. Humans are hardwired to procreate and ultimately that like other animals is the main desire to ensure their offspring survive and prosper. Perhaps I am being naive but I hope reason prevails....

Gents any chance of keeping the thread on track? Ukraine...

ITV news last night lead on this https://www.itv.com/news/2022-04-11/three-war-crimes-in-bucha-which-reflect-russias-senseless-murders-in-ukraine A powerful well researched report, very difficult to watch. It takes time to create these reports and the world will get to see what Russia has brought upon Ukraine. So while I get some folk taking pot shots at the media we do have to understand that complex issues take time to explain.

Really intrigued as to how the anti shipping missiles will work for the Ukrainians. I presume NATO stock, so NATO mounts? I am not sure if they will be used anytime soon. Really hoping to be wrong and it could change the dynamic along the coast?

OK Maybe we will give Ukraine some ability to sink ships. https://mobile.twitter.com/i/web/status/1512837866258419713 I hope pretty darned quick!