Russian invasion of Ukraine

[Chippy_boy]

The longer it goes on, the more bitterness, anger and resentment will grow among the Ukrainian population. This, along with stories of bravery and strong leadership, will only fuel the resistance to, and the and rejection of, Russian control. It will make Russia controlling Ukraine near impossible. Whilst it is easy for a superpower to flatten a country, controlling it is a different matter.

No-one will 'win' this conflict. Not even Russia, regardless of the weapons they use. If anything is futile, it's Russia's efforts. In the long-term, Ukraine will be an independent country and Russia will be a pariah state.

Agree with all of that. That is why I said all is not lost just because fighting stops. When fighting stops, Putin has his "face saved". He can say that his mission is successful. And then we use the full force of the sanctions to shape the resulting deal in the best possible (i.e. achievable) way. I think the complete withdrawal of all Russian forces is an entirely realistic goal.

 

[Chippy_boy]

I disagree it being futile. Russia will be brought to its knees and democracy will prevail in Ukraine

But not militarily it won't. It's militarily futile.

EDIT Unless we deploy US and EU armed forces directly and again, I think there is ZERO chance of that.

 

[SWP's back]

Can’t the CIA give a couple of drones to Ukraine? We’ve all seen footage of CIA drones reduce vehicles in Iraq to dust with frightening accuracy. It’d wipe that whole thing out in seconds.

Wouldn’t have to be CIA drones, the armed forces have hundreds of the bastards.

 

[wolviedinho]

It might sound crazy but Ukraine need to start attacking Russia. The Russian public need to stop Putin. Bring the war to their homes and hopefully it will encourage change.

I can see Ukraine being broken up into small sections to appease this madman.

 

[Scottyboi]

It might sound like a crazy but Ukraine need to start attacking Russia. The Russian public need to stop Putin. Bring the war to their homes and hopefully it will encourage change.

I can see Ukraine being broken up into small section to appease this madman.

I think that's quite a bad idea and would make the Russians believe they have an enemy and then side with Putin even more.

 

[bluesteel]

Not meaning to single you out, but replying with a more general point...

I understand everyone wants to see the weedy kid standing up to the school bully and giving him a bloody nose. Of course we want to see Putin turning around and pulling out.

But realistically, this is just not going to happen. Admirable - hugely admirable and courageous though the Ukrainian resistance may be - I honestly think it's futile. The longer it goes on, the more lives are lost, injuries sustained, buildings destroyed.

I am afraid I think there can be only one outcome here (sadly). No matter how well intentioned, I think the west's efforts to prop up the Ukrainian defence are ultimately just making it worse.

I’ve said this from the start, it was inevitable before the Russians invaded. NATO should have caved into Russia in my opinion when she mobilised troops, in regards to NATO membership and prevented all this. Obviously they’ve not and said they won’t be bullied and if you do this we’ll ruin you financially, which has partially happened, but ultimately they still paying the Russians billions a day for gas. Ukraine and her citizens have been caught in the middle with nothing to gain, as far as I can see. Sure some people will say they’re fighting for their right to join a military alliance, but unfortunately, in this case, it was always going involve a military battle, and a battle they couldn’t win.

As far as I can tell, the Russians are currently demanding recognition of the two areas in the east and Crimea, a change of government and demilitarisation, I assume that means permanent Russian troops for “protection” from NATO.

I assume once this is over we’re going to see a demand for current NATO members to leave, hopefully the financial impact is going to dissuade them from that (and it’s why it’s so important to ramp up renewables now) or it’s going to be WW3.

 

[wolviedinho]

I think that's quite a bad idea and would make the Russians believe they have an enemy and then side with Putin even more.

At the min they are sitting watching this unfold in their name. Now is their chance to remove putin. A few bombs going off in at Petersburg’s would focus Russian minds.

 

[Bazzmand Show]

It might sound crazy but Ukraine need to start attacking Russia. The Russian public need to stop Putin. Bring the war to their homes and hopefully it will encourage change.

I can see Ukraine being broken up into small sections to appease this madman.

It sounds crazy and it is crazy, they will not do that.

 

[MCFC1993]

It might sound crazy but Ukraine need to start attacking Russia. The Russian public need to stop Putin. Bring the war to their homes and hopefully it will encourage change.

I can see Ukraine being broken up into small sections to appease this madman.

I think it benefits Ukraine to stay entirely defensive.

The strategy you talk about would have happened years ago but I think it suits Ukraine to say we just want our sovereignty, leave us alone.

 

[Scottyboi]

Me and a Ukrainian back in 2010 Kyiv away when Balotelli was allergic to grass.

He was drinking beer with a triple shot of vodka in it, can't remember much of it besides having a St Patrick's day hat on from 2003 on my head haha.