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Post by venceremos on Feb 24, 2022 13:00:00 GMT 1
Let's not get lazy, dredging up opposing views from Conservative and Labour fringes. Now is the time for a united front. Up to a point. We're not at war, we can argue our differences. But holding up Young Labour as anything to take much notice of, let alone describing their tweets as "chilling" is risible. When you think of the Hitlerite nonsense the Young Conservatives have sometimes come up with over the years - they're young, they're passionate, they're responsible for nothing and to nobody, some are attention-seeking. This is fringe stuff and plain silly to fret about.
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Post by staffordshrew on Feb 24, 2022 13:01:10 GMT 1
I'm calling this early. Putin is actually insane, he is not a man in control of his own mind, he's lost the plot. I think this will be proven in time. Whether he is or he isn't, what does the West do about it?
Muddled or mad, we still have to deal with it - I give you: "Putin stated. The military action is meant to demilitarize and “de-Nazify” the country".
Which prompted the comment: "The Ukraines are nazi's led by Jewish Zionists? Does anyone else find that reasoning strange?"
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Post by venceremos on Feb 24, 2022 13:10:43 GMT 1
I'm calling this early. Putin is actually insane, he is not a man in control of his own mind, he's lost the plot. I think this will be proven in time. Whether he is or he isn't, what does the West do about it? Not treat him as insane. He seems anything but that to me. His strategy has been to weaken and divide Europe and the US. Now, he hasn't achieved that single-handedly but do you see a united Europe and US? I don't. Trump, who could be the US President again in 2025, described his recent actions as 'genius'. Having helped bring that division about, Putin's calculated how far he can go in Ukraine. I think - and hope - that's a mistake that could be very costly for him and Russia in the future, but right now it seems to be playing out fine for him.
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lynch
Midland League Division One
Posts: 251
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Post by lynch on Feb 24, 2022 13:12:25 GMT 1
Listening to Putins speeches (rants) it's first time I've thought he is insane. He is clearly threatening anyone who stands up to him; I take that to mean economic sanctions too. Annex of Crimea was ignored; time has stopped for talk and statements of how angry politicians are. My thoughts with all those in Ukraine. And normal Russians too, who I doubt want this war either.
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Feb 24, 2022 13:18:33 GMT 1
Ahhh - the sublime pure innocence of youth.... You would think so wouldn't you. And for the most part perhaps. But when you look to all those who talk this way along with calls for open borders, defund the police, etc...
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Feb 24, 2022 13:23:00 GMT 1
He is clearly threatening anyone who stands up to him That dressing down he gave to the chap in the linked clip from the BBC earlier in this thread was a real eye opener. Can't recall who I was listening to the other day but there was someone insisting on calling this "Putin's War" rather than say the "War in Ukraine" in order to make it very clear who this is on, who is driving this, who is responsible. I think he may have a point.
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Post by armchairfan on Feb 24, 2022 13:31:35 GMT 1
Ahhh - the sublime pure innocence of youth.... You would think so wouldn't you. And for the most part perhaps. But when you look to all those who talk this way along with calls for open borders, defund the police, etc... You may have a point, but I don't think that this is the time to muddy the waters.
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Post by staffordshrew on Feb 24, 2022 13:35:08 GMT 1
Ahhh - the sublime pure innocence of youth.... You would think so wouldn't you. And for the most part perhaps. But when you look to all those who talk this way along with calls for open borders, defund the police, etc... Is this a thread about Putin's Russia or the youth of Labour? You are always free to open a new thread on anything else you want to.
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Post by armchairfan on Feb 24, 2022 13:35:54 GMT 1
Not just did he have that in mind, he is doing it. Now. Not even the second largest army in Europe, (yes the Ukrainian army) will be able to stop him. Putin will have total control of Ukraine within 10-14 days, possibly sooner once Kiev falls and without other nations deploying ground or air forces (which they won’t) nobody will stop him. The big question is whether he stops there. In the short term he will, for sure, but longer term? Who knows. I was wrong in thinking Putin wouldn't go as far as he has but I don't believe he has any ambitions to go further than Ukraine, if indeed he intends to occupy the whole of the country. The conflict won't be over in a couple of weeks though. The Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, ostensibly in support of the Afghan government, resulted in a war that lasted almost a decade and ended in ignominious withdrawal by the USSR. Soviet military forces seized control immediately but the fighting dragged on, with huge loss of life on all sides. It's widely thought that the Soviet failure in Afghanistan was a key contributory factor in the collapse of the USSR within 3 years of its withdrawal from Afghanistan. Geographically, Ukraine is a huge country of 42m people. Invasion and subjugation aren't the same thing. Putin is risking Russia becoming embroiled in a conflict that could outlast him - and he's changed the rules to enable him to stay in power until 2036. I think the prospect of direct NATO military involvement remains very small. Ukraine isn't a NATO member and there is no treaty obligation to defend it. But the west and its allies will certainly supply weapons and support to the Ukrainian military and, if it comes to that, to Ukrainian 'rebels' fighting a Russian puppet government. Meanwhile, the UK needs to de-Russify itself. We've made it easier for Putin by enabling Russian dirty money to be laundered here and influence bought. That has to end now, whatever the cost to political parties, UK businesses - or football clubs! None of this "but they're on the electoral register so it's ok" collusion. In part we, and other western countries, are culpable in what's happening. Too many turned a blind eye to Russian interference and its evident strategy of dividing and weakening Europe because they liked the short term political gains for them that it helped to bring. Generally speaking, points well made, even though we may disagree on a few of the details.
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Post by martinshrew on Feb 24, 2022 13:36:12 GMT 1
You would think so wouldn't you. And for the most part perhaps. But when you look to all those who talk this way along with calls for open borders, defund the police, etc... Is this a thread about Putin's Russia or the youth of Labour? You are always free to open a new thread on anything else you want to. Ironic from you considering you do your level best to turn every thread political/anti Boris.
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Post by champagneprince on Feb 24, 2022 13:36:19 GMT 1
I'm calling this early. Putin is actually insane, he is not a man in control of his own mind, he's lost the plot. I think this will be proven in time. If that is so, then his threats of an 'instant' response should not be taken lightly. I am gutted this morning. The Belarusian people are the friendliest, most peace loving people I know. They don't want Russians on their land, only one man does, Putin's puppet and their psychotic, dictator of a president Lukashenko. The TV is state run, all news is pro-Russian, but Luka is so stupid he does not fully understand there are a thousand other communication channels out there. The people know the truth. The Belarus people tried to oust Lukashenko last year, but got brutally crushed with imprisonments, beatings, torture, rapes and deaths widespread. Their response was to throw flowers at the special police (OMON) in the hope they would change. They didn't stop, they just got worse. They are tired of being under Russia's thumb. Just want to be a peaceful people, friendly with everyone in the world. So, it is with sadness I see the rockets being fired from Belarus territory. I will speak with my fiancee via Skype tonight. I was due to travel there in early summer for 20 days, and we had a future planned of 5 months living in the UK, 5 months living in Belarus and 2 months living our dreams travelling the world. Sadly, if things continue to escalate it looks like communication might be cut. We have managed to Whatsapp this morning, but guess tonight could will be our last Skype for the foreseeable. I do think Putin has gone a little crazy here. He has put the world on the brink on World war. The NATO Eastern borders will be heavily defended and I would be surprised if no shells fall on NATO territory at some stage. Where will it stop? Belarus has already been invaded, the Russian troops are already on their territory, the people don't want them there, that's an invasion in my book. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, will all be quaking in their boots no doubt. Sanctions aren't going to do anything if the guy has lost his marbles. He doesn't care. The best thing that can happen is for one of his own regime to see sense and put a bullet in his head and the head of Lukashenko. Just noticed my hands are trembling typing this and tears welling. **** it, I need a beer.
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Post by armchairfan on Feb 24, 2022 13:40:07 GMT 1
You would think so wouldn't you. And for the most part perhaps. But when you look to all those who talk this way along with calls for open borders, defund the police, etc... Is this a thread about Putin's Russia or the youth of Labour? You are always free to open a new thread on anything else you want to. Fair comment; the views of "Young Labour" can be ignored, for the moment anyway; Mr Putin's actions cannot.
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Post by staffordshrew on Feb 24, 2022 13:40:43 GMT 1
Is this a thread about Putin's Russia or the youth of Labour? You are always free to open a new thread on anything else you want to. Ironic from you considering you do your level best to turn every thread political/anti Boris. Maybe, but this thread is about the most important political initiative in our lifetime, let's not go off on a tangent, just start another thread.
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Feb 24, 2022 13:46:05 GMT 1
You would think so wouldn't you. And for the most part perhaps. But when you look to all those who talk this way along with calls for open borders, defund the police, etc... Is this a thread about Putin's Russia or the youth of Labour? You are always free to open a new thread on anything else you want to. You can always choose to ignore my posts (there is even an ignore button to do so)...👍 And anyhow, NATO and our membership is clearly related to the discussion at hand considering current events. And just to add, I'll be sure to look out for you posting the same on other threads when its other political parties other than Labour (who I gather you vote for) are dragged into the discussion for no particular reason other than to be critical of them...👍
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Post by staffordshrew on Feb 24, 2022 13:49:22 GMT 1
He is clearly threatening anyone who stands up to him That dressing down he gave to the chap in the linked clip from the BBC earlier in this thread was a real eye opener. Can't recall who I was listening to the other day but there was someone insisting on calling this "Putin's War" rather than say the "War in Ukraine" in order to make it very clear who this is on, who is driving this, who is responsible. I think he may have a point. If I ignored all your posts I would not see the on topic and excellent posts from you such as this, which I "liked".
You can look out for me in future posts, but all I object to with your posts is not the raising of young Labour views about NATO, but extending it to what you think their views might be about the police, etc, totally off topic.
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lynch
Midland League Division One
Posts: 251
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Post by lynch on Feb 24, 2022 13:50:35 GMT 1
And if Beijing politicians repeat the statements that their press make (i.e. US caused invasion and “finally forced Russia to try to realise its security demands in such a way") then that should be a clear signal to the intentions of the Chinese is not defensive in the South China Sea but will be offensive. Need to stop being dependent on these nations for anything (and I understand that's easier said that done).
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Feb 24, 2022 13:54:44 GMT 1
I suppose we have to be careful in this day and age when it comes to "fake news" and the like but looking to some of the footage posted on social media from over there... And it really does suggest that he doesn't intend to limit things to the breakaway regions.
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lynch
Midland League Division One
Posts: 251
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Post by lynch on Feb 24, 2022 13:58:42 GMT 1
I suppose we have to be careful in this day and age when it comes to "fake news" and the like but looking to some of the footage posted on social media from over there... And it really does suggest that he doesn't intend to limit things to the breakaway regions. It's a contrast to other conflicts where news teams have been embedded into the armies; almost live streaming the conflict.
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Post by armchairfan on Feb 24, 2022 14:11:26 GMT 1
I'm calling this early. Putin is actually insane, he is not a man in control of his own mind, he's lost the plot. I think this will be proven in time. If that is so, then his threats of an 'instant' response should not be taken lightly. I am gutted this morning. The Belarusian people are the friendliest, most peace loving people I know. They don't want Russians on their land, only one man does, Putin's puppet and their psychotic, dictator of a president Lukashenko. The TV is state run, all news is pro-Russian, but Luka is so stupid he does not fully understand there are a thousand other communication channels out there. The people know the truth. The Belarus people tried to oust Lukashenko last year, but got brutally crushed with imprisonments, beatings, torture, rapes and deaths widespread. Their response was to throw flowers at the special police (OMON) in the hope they would change. They didn't stop, they just got worse. They are tired of being under Russia's thumb. Just want to be a peaceful people, friendly with everyone in the world. So, it is with sadness I see the rockets being fired from Belarus territory. I will speak with my fiancee via Skype tonight. I was due to travel there in early summer for 20 days, and we had a future planned of 5 months living in the UK, 5 months living in Belarus and 2 months living our dreams travelling the world. Sadly, if things continue to escalate it looks like communication might be cut. We have managed to Whatsapp this morning, but guess tonight could will be our last Skype for the foreseeable. I do think Putin has gone a little crazy here. He has put the world on the brink on World war. The NATO Eastern borders will be heavily defended and I would be surprised if no shells fall on NATO territory at some stage. Where will it stop? Belarus has already been invaded, the Russian troops are already on their territory, the people don't want them there, that's an invasion in my book. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, will all be quaking in their boots no doubt. Sanctions aren't going to do anything if the guy has lost his marbles. He doesn't care. The best thing that can happen is for one of his own regime to see sense and put a bullet in his head and the head of Lukashenko. Just noticed my hands are trembling typing this and tears welling. **** it, I need a beer. A heartfelt reaction from one of our own, who is directly affected by this dangerous situation - I wish you and your fiancee the best of good fortune. Does she still believe Mr Putin to be "a clever man"?
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Post by zenfootball2 on Feb 24, 2022 14:23:19 GMT 1
i was taken by suprise i was expecting putin to occupy the areas of Ukraine were the majority of citizens are russia . the impact will be huge massive nummbers of refuges and deaths of civillians sky rocketting gas and oil prices i expect russia to by pass and sanctions by just selling gas and oil to china the other concern is china might think it has the greeen invade taiwan after the wests feeble responce to putin if russia intrend to permently occupy the ukrain then i would expect to see and armed rsssistance and this could be a second afghanistan for russia whilst puting has spent billions upgraded the russian armed forces the west has not matched spending and most nato members have not been paying the contributions they are supposed to somthing Trump was very crticial of them on numerous occasions. who knowes what the mental state of putin is but Europe and the US failure to stand up to him will have been a contributting factor and equally we have failed to challenge china as well.
i would imagine latvia , estonia and lithuania are very worried and scared at the moment the uk goverment and uk banks must now stop turning a blind eye to russian oligarchs and look to penalise all who have links to putin.
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Post by zenfootball2 on Feb 24, 2022 14:26:16 GMT 1
I'm calling this early. Putin is actually insane, he is not a man in control of his own mind, he's lost the plot. I think this will be proven in time. If that is so, then his threats of an 'instant' response should not be taken lightly. I am gutted this morning. The Belarusian people are the friendliest, most peace loving people I know. They don't want Russians on their land, only one man does, Putin's puppet and their psychotic, dictator of a president Lukashenko. The TV is state run, all news is pro-Russian, but Luka is so stupid he does not fully understand there are a thousand other communication channels out there. The people know the truth. The Belarus people tried to oust Lukashenko last year, but got brutally crushed with imprisonments, beatings, torture, rapes and deaths widespread. Their response was to throw flowers at the special police (OMON) in the hope they would change. They didn't stop, they just got worse. They are tired of being under Russia's thumb. Just want to be a peaceful people, friendly with everyone in the world. So, it is with sadness I see the rockets being fired from Belarus territory. I will speak with my fiancee via Skype tonight. I was due to travel there in early summer for 20 days, and we had a future planned of 5 months living in the UK, 5 months living in Belarus and 2 months living our dreams travelling the world. Sadly, if things continue to escalate it looks like communication might be cut. We have managed to Whatsapp this morning, but guess tonight could will be our last Skype for the foreseeable. I do think Putin has gone a little crazy here. He has put the world on the brink on World war. The NATO Eastern borders will be heavily defended and I would be surprised if no shells fall on NATO territory at some stage. Where will it stop? Belarus has already been invaded, the Russian troops are already on their territory, the people don't want them there, that's an invasion in my book. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, will all be quaking in their boots no doubt. Sanctions aren't going to do anything if the guy has lost his marbles. He doesn't care. The best thing that can happen is for one of his own regime to see sense and put a bullet in his head and the head of Lukashenko. Just noticed my hands are trembling typing this and tears welling. **** it, I need a beer. im sorry and sad to hear about your situations i would imagine many are in the same situation who have loved ones in the ukraine
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Post by barrynic on Feb 24, 2022 15:04:42 GMT 1
Sanctions will do very little....if they need cash the Chinese will be only too pleased to help.
Black opps needed to take Putin out ASAP and his puppet in Belarus.
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Post by champagneprince on Feb 24, 2022 15:18:56 GMT 1
If that is so, then his threats of an 'instant' response should not be taken lightly. I am gutted this morning. The Belarusian people are the friendliest, most peace loving people I know. They don't want Russians on their land, only one man does, Putin's puppet and their psychotic, dictator of a president Lukashenko. The TV is state run, all news is pro-Russian, but Luka is so stupid he does not fully understand there are a thousand other communication channels out there. The people know the truth. The Belarus people tried to oust Lukashenko last year, but got brutally crushed with imprisonments, beatings, torture, rapes and deaths widespread. Their response was to throw flowers at the special police (OMON) in the hope they would change. They didn't stop, they just got worse. They are tired of being under Russia's thumb. Just want to be a peaceful people, friendly with everyone in the world. So, it is with sadness I see the rockets being fired from Belarus territory. I will speak with my fiancee via Skype tonight. I was due to travel there in early summer for 20 days, and we had a future planned of 5 months living in the UK, 5 months living in Belarus and 2 months living our dreams travelling the world. Sadly, if things continue to escalate it looks like communication might be cut. We have managed to Whatsapp this morning, but guess tonight could will be our last Skype for the foreseeable. I do think Putin has gone a little crazy here. He has put the world on the brink on World war. The NATO Eastern borders will be heavily defended and I would be surprised if no shells fall on NATO territory at some stage. Where will it stop? Belarus has already been invaded, the Russian troops are already on their territory, the people don't want them there, that's an invasion in my book. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, will all be quaking in their boots no doubt. Sanctions aren't going to do anything if the guy has lost his marbles. He doesn't care. The best thing that can happen is for one of his own regime to see sense and put a bullet in his head and the head of Lukashenko. Just noticed my hands are trembling typing this and tears welling. **** it, I need a beer. A heartfelt reaction from one of our own, who is directly affected by this dangerous situation - I wish you and your fiancee the best of good fortune. Does she still believe Mr Putin to be "a clever man"? Don't forget Armchairfan, this is the way he is portrayed on TV, along with Lukashenko. But the Belarusians know that Lukashenko is a dumbass because of his behaviour, responses and his history. If I could remember the Russian word they use for him it would be something along the the lines of D**head. Putin is portrayed as 'all powerful' and Western leaders as weak and stupid. Belarusians view him as the 'great bear' on their doorstep, they live in constant underlying fear that one day he may decide to just claim Belarus as Russian. To them he is portrayed as winning every political battle, a step ahead of any other world leader. To them he is 'clever'. That does not mean 'respected' or 'wanted'. Belarus will become a battleground if this escalates, because it will be the soft 'underbelly'. The people there would welcome a NATO invasion, of that I have no doubt. BUT, they have a nuclear power station, and an ego driven, psychotic, president who cares not one jot for his people. The Belarusians never wanted this power station, never trusted their president wouldn't use it against them (by the way, he never says anything 'good' about them, but does call them 'rats'). This is because he knows their feelings towards him, a joke figure). Trouble is he's a joke figure with power and the backing of the 'Great Bear'. Up until my message from her this morning, I don't believe she thought he would invade Ukraine, but now of course it is obvious. To them Ukraine is their friendly neighbour. I think this will be a massive shock to Belarusians, because whilst there's always been that underlying threat, only in Crimea has it been followed through. She has a one year old grandchild. What world is he growing up into? She remembers growing up as a Soviet girl, until the wall came down when she was in her early 20's. They suffered economic collapse, she sold cigarette buts she found to supplement her meagre income. But even though she went through those years of poverty, her country eventually found it's feet as a 'sort of' independent nation (well, more independent that living under Soviet rule), she does not want to be under Russian rule again, and neither does anyone she knows. I'm probably best not to say anymore to be honest, with her safety in mind. But let's remember this is the Kremlin's war and quite maybe the war of a president gone mad. Hopefully his comrades see it and end it.
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Post by ssshrew on Feb 24, 2022 15:24:53 GMT 1
A heartfelt reaction from one of our own, who is directly affected by this dangerous situation - I wish you and your fiancee the best of good fortune. Does she still believe Mr Putin to be "a clever man"? Don't forget Armchairfan, this is the way he is portrayed on TV, along with Lukashenko. But the Belarusians know that Lukashenko is a dumbass because of his behaviour, responses and his history. If I could remember the Russian word they use for him it would be something along the the lines of D**head. Putin is portrayed as 'all powerful' and Western leaders as weak and stupid. Belarusians view him as the 'great bear' on their doorstep, they live in constant underlying fear that one day he may decide to just claim Belarus as Russian. To them he is portrayed as winning every political battle, a step ahead of any other world leader. To them he is 'clever'. That does not mean 'respected' or 'wanted'. Belarus will become a battleground if this escalates, because it will be the soft 'underbelly'. The people there would welcome a NATO invasion, of that I have no doubt. BUT, they have a nuclear power station, and an ego driven, psychotic, president who cares not one jot for his people. The Belarusians never wanted this power station, never trusted their president wouldn't use it against them (by the way, he never says anything 'good' about them, but does call them 'rats'). This is because he knows their feelings towards him, a joke figure). Trouble is he's a joke figure with power and the backing of the 'Great Bear'. Up until my message from her this morning, I don't believe she thought he would invade Ukraine, but now of course it is obvious. To them Ukraine is their friendly neighbour. I think this will be a massive shock to Belarusians, because whilst there's always been that underlying threat, only in Crimea has it been followed through. She has a one year old grandchild. What world is he growing up into? She remembers growing up as a Soviet girl, until the wall came down when she was in her early 20's. They suffered economic collapse, she sold cigarette buts she found to supplement her meagre income. But even though she went through those years of poverty, her country eventually found it's feet as a 'sort of' independent nation (well, more independent that living under Soviet rule), she does not want to be under Russian rule again, and neither does anyone she knows. I'm probably best not to say anymore to be honest, with her safety in mind. But let's remember this is the Kremlin's war and quite maybe the war of a president gone mad. Hopefully his comrades see it and end it. Its all just too awful for you and her and everyone else who is over there and so affected by it all. We can only offer our thoughts and sympathies and our hopes for the best for you all.
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Feb 24, 2022 15:27:57 GMT 1
That dressing down he gave to the chap in the linked clip from the BBC earlier in this thread was a real eye opener. Can't recall who I was listening to the other day but there was someone insisting on calling this "Putin's War" rather than say the "War in Ukraine" in order to make it very clear who this is on, who is driving this, who is responsible. I think he may have a point. If I ignored all your posts I would not see the on topic and excellent posts from you such as this, which I "liked".
You can look out for me in future posts, but all I object to with your posts is not the raising of young Labour views about NATO, but extending it to what you think their views might be about the police, etc, totally off topic. Many threads here on B&A head off in different directions and as I'm talking about Labour and in turn Young Labour, why not. This happens many times on this board and yet I don't recall you seeing the need to interject. Like I say, if you don't want to read what I post then simply skip it and move on...👍
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Post by staffordshrew on Feb 24, 2022 15:33:05 GMT 1
An example of Lukashenko's level of diplomacy: A "Ukrainian statement asserted that some of the Russian troops entering Ukraine came from the territory of neighboring Belarus, adding that they “were supported” by Minsk. Lukashenko branded the people behind Kiev’s statement “exceptional scum.”
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Post by The Clash 1966 on Feb 24, 2022 15:34:49 GMT 1
I'm calling this early. Putin is actually insane, he is not a man in control of his own mind, he's lost the plot. I think this will be proven in time. If that is so, then his threats of an 'instant' response should not be taken lightly. I am gutted this morning. The Belarusian people are the friendliest, most peace loving people I know. They don't want Russians on their land, only one man does, Putin's puppet and their psychotic, dictator of a president Lukashenko. The TV is state run, all news is pro-Russian, but Luka is so stupid he does not fully understand there are a thousand other communication channels out there. The people know the truth. The Belarus people tried to oust Lukashenko last year, but got brutally crushed with imprisonments, beatings, torture, rapes and deaths widespread. Their response was to throw flowers at the special police (OMON) in the hope they would change. They didn't stop, they just got worse. They are tired of being under Russia's thumb. Just want to be a peaceful people, friendly with everyone in the world. So, it is with sadness I see the rockets being fired from Belarus territory. I will speak with my fiancee via Skype tonight. I was due to travel there in early summer for 20 days, and we had a future planned of 5 months living in the UK, 5 months living in Belarus and 2 months living our dreams travelling the world. Sadly, if things continue to escalate it looks like communication might be cut. We have managed to Whatsapp this morning, but guess tonight could will be our last Skype for the foreseeable. I do think Putin has gone a little crazy here. He has put the world on the brink on World war. The NATO Eastern borders will be heavily defended and I would be surprised if no shells fall on NATO territory at some stage. Where will it stop? Belarus has already been invaded, the Russian troops are already on their territory, the people don't want them there, that's an invasion in my book. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, will all be quaking in their boots no doubt. Sanctions aren't going to do anything if the guy has lost his marbles. He doesn't care. The best thing that can happen is for one of his own regime to see sense and put a bullet in his head and the head of Lukashenko. Just noticed my hands are trembling typing this and tears welling. **** it, I need a beer. God that's so sad. All I can say is good luck to you both
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Post by The Clash 1966 on Feb 24, 2022 15:39:56 GMT 1
I'm calling this early. Putin is actually insane, he is not a man in control of his own mind, he's lost the plot. I think this will be proven in time. that was one hell of a threat he gave on TV.
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Post by armchairfan on Feb 24, 2022 15:40:22 GMT 1
A heartfelt reaction from one of our own, who is directly affected by this dangerous situation - I wish you and your fiancee the best of good fortune. Does she still believe Mr Putin to be "a clever man"? Don't forget Armchairfan, this is the way he is portrayed on TV, along with Lukashenko. But the Belarusians know that Lukashenko is a dumbass because of his behaviour, responses and his history. If I could remember the Russian word they use for him it would be something along the the lines of D**head. Putin is portrayed as 'all powerful' and Western leaders as weak and stupid. Belarusians view him as the 'great bear' on their doorstep, they live in constant underlying fear that one day he may decide to just claim Belarus as Russian. To them he is portrayed as winning every political battle, a step ahead of any other world leader. To them he is 'clever'. That does not mean 'respected' or 'wanted'. Belarus will become a battleground if this escalates, because it will be the soft 'underbelly'. The people there would welcome a NATO invasion, of that I have no doubt. BUT, they have a nuclear power station, and an ego driven, psychotic, president who cares not one jot for his people. The Belarusians never wanted this power station, never trusted their president wouldn't use it against them (by the way, he never says anything 'good' about them, but does call them 'rats'). This is because he knows their feelings towards him, a joke figure). Trouble is he's a joke figure with power and the backing of the 'Great Bear'. Up until my message from her this morning, I don't believe she thought he would invade Ukraine, but now of course it is obvious. To them Ukraine is their friendly neighbour. I think this will be a massive shock to Belarusians, because whilst there's always been that underlying threat, only in Crimea has it been followed through. She has a one year old grandchild. What world is he growing up into? She remembers growing up as a Soviet girl, until the wall came down when she was in her early 20's. They suffered economic collapse, she sold cigarette buts she found to supplement her meagre income. But even though she went through those years of poverty, her country eventually found it's feet as a 'sort of' independent nation (well, more independent that living under Soviet rule), she does not want to be under Russian rule again, and neither does anyone she knows. I'm probably best not to say anymore to be honest, with her safety in mind. But let's remember this is the Kremlin's war and quite maybe the war of a president gone mad. Hopefully his comrades see it and end it. Of course I do understand the way in which Presidents Lukashenko and Putin are portrayed on state-controlled media, and it was unthinking of me to ask her to answer my question. My apologies, and again I hope all turns out well for you both.
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Post by zenfootball2 on Feb 24, 2022 15:46:33 GMT 1
bearing in mind this lecture was made in 2015 it certainly provides context for current events.
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