Russia-Ukraine

Eric said:
I think we all support this, the question is what will they do when a Russian plane provocatively enters that airspace? This could lead to a much bigger escalation, but I think it has to be done.
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If it is commercial airliner, I would hope they would escort it to the nearest airport and force it to land. Remove the passengers and seize the plane.
 
Herdfan said:
If it is commercial airliner, I would hope they would escort it to the nearest airport and force it to land. Remove the passengers and seize the plane.
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Out of curiosity, how do you force an airplane to land?
 
From Twitter, courtesy an ex WH staffer:

"Unconfirmed rumors that Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s Chief of the General Staff (the highest ranking officer of Russia’s armed forces) has been fired by Putin."

I also saw a clip (also on Twitter) that featured an officer from Belarus - a Lieutenant-Colonel in uniform (in other words, not a dissident or political person who disputed the outcome of the contentious presidential election of 2020) - who advised his audience that many members of the Belarus army "are lying in the forest" about to enter Ukraine (in support of the Russian invasion) and that "some of them will not return home." "This is not our war," he concluded.
 
Scepticalscribe said:
From Twitter, courtesy an ex WH staffer:

"Unconfirmed rumors that Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s Chief of the General Staff (the highest ranking officer of Russia’s armed forces) has been fired by Putin."

I also saw a clip (also on Twitter) that featured an officer from Belarus - a Lieutenant-Colonel in uniform (in other words, not a dissident or political person who disputed the outcome of the contentious presidential election of 2020) - who advised his audience that many members of the Belarus army "are lying in the forest" about to enter Ukraine (in support of the Russian invasion) and that "some of them will not return home." "This is not our war," he concluded.
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So much for the peace talks, what a surprise…:rolleyes:
 
Zoidberg said:
So much for the peace talk, what a surprise…:rolleyes:
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Actually, what it suggests to me - if true - is that elements (senior elements) of the armed forces are unhappy with - not just how the invasion of Ukraine is progressing (or, not progressing, as the case may be) - but are also profoundly uncomfortable with nuclear threats, especially if coming from the mouth (and mind) of a possibly unstable (perhaps increasingly unhinged) boss whom they are expected to obey.

If matters continue to deteriorate so dramatically (Turkey is contemplating closing the straits) for Russia (militarily, economically, commercially, politically, diplomatically - has one country, other than the complicit and compromised Belarus, even offered the vaguest whisper of support?), a palace coup, once unthinkable, may well become somewhat less impossible to contemplate.
 
Significant about Switzerland, agreed.

What many don't realise about Switzerland is how much their trade law is in conformity with that of the EU - it is difficult for their export businesses to conduct trade within the EU, otherwise.

And, also tonight, word from the Russian central bank: BREAKING - The Russian central bank has ordered market players to reject foreign clients' bids to sell Russian securities from 0400 GMT on Monday, according to a central bank document seen by Reuters. The bank did not reply to a Reuters request for comment."

Expect the value of the rouble (already falling) to tumble further when markets open tomorrow.
 
Paypwalled, but corroborating the rumors I've heard about Turkey closing Bosporus traffic to Russian Warships
www.reuters.com

Turkey to implement pact limiting Russian warships to Black Sea

NATO member Turkey changed its rhetoric to call Russia's assault on Ukraine a "war" on Sunday and pledged to implement parts of an international pact that would potentially limit the transit of Russian warships from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.
www.reuters.com www.reuters.com
 
P_X said:
Paypwalled, but corroborating the rumors I've heard about Turkey closing Bosporus traffic to Russian Warships
www.reuters.com

Turkey to implement pact limiting Russian warships to Black Sea

NATO member Turkey changed its rhetoric to call Russia's assault on Ukraine a "war" on Sunday and pledged to implement parts of an international pact that would potentially limit the transit of Russian warships from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.
www.reuters.com www.reuters.com
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Yes, they have been coming around to this throughout the day.
 
This Sunday Sweden announced it will send 5000 anti-armor rocket launchers (and body armor kits, helmets, and field rations) to Ukraine. The Parliament will vote on Monday, expected to get majority approval without drama. The opposition will likely take the opportunity to whine a bit about the government having taken too long to act, only sending AT4 and whatever, but then vote “Yes”.

As far as I know this will be the first time since the 1939 Winter War weapons will be sent to an active war zone.
 
Pumbaa said:
This Sunday Sweden announced it will send 5000 anti-armor rocket launchers (and body armor kits, helmets, and field rations) to Ukraine. The Parliament will vote on Monday, expected to get majority approval without drama. The opposition will likely take the opportunity to whine a bit about the government having taken too long to act, only sending AT4 and whatever, but then vote “Yes”.

As far as I know this will be the first time since the 1939 Winter War weapons will be sent to an active war zone.
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An exceptionally important point, agreed.

I don't know whether our American readers actually understand just quite how extraordinary - and transformative - all of this is to European political culture and society.

And equally extraordinary is the case of Germany, exporting arms (for the first time since 1945) to a conflict zone (one, moreover, heavy with historical resonance for Germany), and doubling their defence budget overnight.

And most extraordinary is the case of the EU.

I have worked with the EU, worked for several EU CSDP missions; the EU doesn't do armed conflict. And doesn't support, fund, or equip belligerents.

In general, the EU sends civilian "capacity-building" missions to conflict areas or war zones, generally operating under an armed umbrella supplied by someone else (NATO, the US, etc for example); the EU supports (and funds) the building of a civilian infrastructure - courts, prosecution services, police, human, civil, and women's rights, whereas people like me advise on (and report on) political matters.

But, this is unprecedented - for the EU to agree to send arms - especially at such short notice. (And, by the way, I'm in wholehearted agreement with this).
 
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Zelensky is taking the internet by storm, people love the guy and you can see why. He was told he should leave and has been standing by and fighting with his own people this entire time without backing down an inch, a true leader.

Oh and he's also not an uptight psychopath...

 

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