I think the title [and sub-title] pretty much explains it....and BTW, this is not a political post, but rather a sad look at world events.
I have been following the news on events regarding Russia's dealings with the Ukraine and it has me quite worried that a full scale invasion will trigger WWIII... and then there's the lunatic in the East showing aggression to Taiwan and other neighbours in Asia.
Frankly, these are not the best of times to be alive, what with these two crackpots who could bring destruction to the world as we know it. There is nothing good about war... everyone eventually is a loser, not that these two crackpots care. They will not back down because greed and the lust for greater power is inherently too stong in them both. I mean, both are targetting countries for their industries and resources, so it's more about greed and power than it is about so-called historical ownership or self defence/peacekeeping, etc.
What do you think? Are we heading into full-scale war or will there be last minute peace deals?
It is definitely a scary situation and sets a dangerous precedent that countries can just invade and take territory. I don't think that is something we can tolerate and the right thing to do would be to help Ukraine defend and keep its territory. Bringing up the China and Taiwan issue does illustrate how ugly things could potentially get and also further illustrates why we can not afford to let Russia chip away at Ukraine the way it is attempting to do so.
I do understand your fear.
GOD help us all.
Not fazed at all. My best mate's father was Ukranian...and spent about 4 years in a Nazi labor camp....so there's nothing new under the sun when it comes to that part of the world...
It's starting right now. Explosions in the capital.
I am not scared yet. It would appear that in the future Russian troops may be right up to the border of Poland which is a NATO nation. If Putin decides to go after Poland than World War III would be on. If that happens kiss your ass goodbye because nukes come into play. Let's pray to God that doesn't happen.
Big question will China go after Taiwan. If they choose to invade, that would be parallel to Russia invading Poland, for the USA, I believe.
Russia invading Poland(NATO) would be WW3. China invading Taiwan would be unopposed by the current regime in the USA. Putin wants to restore the old Russian empire, Xi wants the world. Currently they're no world leaders with the brains or balls to do anything about it.
As A Long Serving Soldier and Private Military Contractor, i have worked in War Zones in Africa and the Old Yugoslavia, seen things you never read about in the news, terrible things.
The Russian Federation have now launched a Full scale Invasion, Putin is making Threats to any who may come to there aid, some will say , reading between the lines, he is threatening to Nuke any Power who helps Ukraine, but all the big leaders know there will be NO winner in a Hot Nuclear War, only degrees of losing. War in Europe of some kind is inevitable now. N.A.T.O. countries including my own have already sent advanced anti aircraft/ Missile Systems and other weapon systems to Ukraine. They are Brave people who will fight to the end.
Already i have had phone calls from old mates still serving, some have already left the country on Deployment to eastern Europe to back up N.A.T.O. Allies.
Would be very Interested in knowing what portion of Countries Navy's have also left for deployment as this can show an Intent by what ships move to crucial points, Aircraft Carriers mean Business, whilst Nuclear Subs which not many will know about as there deployment is kept secret, will silently be taking up positions, some may have already dropped off Highly Specialized Units (SAS, Delta Force Etc..) to recon and report back.
Sorry Starkers as my replies will not make you feel better or alleviate your worries, but i do understand War too well to sugar coat things. This will affect us all sooner or later in varying ways.
Well you should be. It's not just the unsettling events occuring in the Ukraine. With the other crackpot here in Asia, we too could have a major conflict right here on our doorstep.
I don't think so. Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.”It's starting right now. Explosions in the capital.
Yeah, so I read this morning, that Russia has seized an airport and has begun shelling Ukrainian the capital. It is not what the world needs right now, what with China saying it will take Taiwan by force if necessary. Either or both actions could be the sparks to start WWIII.... conflict on both sides of the globe.
I'm already scared and worried about the futures of my grandchildren, not to mention world peace and all the innocents who will be killed or displaced, even enslaved by the Russian lunatic.
It think Xi is waiting to see the world's response to the russian invasion before deciding to take Taiwan by force. Sadly, there is little to nothing to oppose these actions, other than economic sanctions, and look at how that has not prevented Iran and North Korea from their nuclear ambitions.
That's it exactly, there is not one world leader with the balls to stand up to these dictators. Other than economic sanctions there is no opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Russia is a big enough country to survive those economic restrictions.
As for Poland, it'll be all too late if Russia expands it's territorial claims there. With China pursuing it's own agenda in the East, the balance of power will have already shifted. The threat of nuclear retaliation if anyone interferes with Russia's agenda is what will deter other world leaders from launching military measures of their own to aid the Ukraine.
No need to apologise, I was pretty much aware that the situation would escalate, but I see no point in sending troops and equipment to the region if they are given no authority to act militarily. Putin is unfazed by the presence of Nato and other troops in close proximity, and the additional troops now pouring into the region will not deter him whatsoever.
It is hard to say at this point. I can understand peoples view of Bidden being weak in the face of these land grabbers, I hope it does not become true. But at the same time the United States is sending in a massive amount of troops along the Russia and Ukraine borders, Finally. It does seem a bit sickening to see that this is being allowed to happen though
The West's response to Putin was primarily dictated by logistics. Russia borders Ukraine. How far away is a viable army to oppose him? How long are the supply routes? Not at all viable.
As for Xi? He'd be basing a conclusion of "a weak US response" on a misunderstanding of the reasons and risks. The US is committed to supplying Taiwan with what it needs to defend itself. The actual act of supplying that materiel could easily cause mistakes by Chinese forces and escalation. Xi's territorial aims do not differ from Putin's.
China and Russia have nukes. If Chapter 5 of Nato happens because Russia starts to invade Poland I can see the exchange of nuclear weapons happening. I don't think Putin would risk that. No one wins in that scenario.
Taiwan is another matter.
The following is from this article: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/content-series/reality-check/reality-check-10-china-will-not-invade-taiwan/
Being an island Taiwan presents completely different challenges to any invasion force. " With a potential defending force of 450,000 Taiwanese today, using the traditional three-to-one ratio of attackers to defenders taught at war colleges, China would need to deploy over 1.2 million soldiers (out of a total active force of over 2 million). Many thousands of ships would be required to land all those forces, and doing so would take weeks."
Let's not freak out.
That's it exactly, there is not one world leader with the balls to stand up to these dictators. Other than economic sanctions there is no opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Russia is a big enough country to survive those economic restrictions. As for Poland, it'll be all too late if Russia expands it's territorial claims there. With China pursuing it's own agenda in the East, the balance of power will have already shifted. The threat of nuclear retaliation if anyone interferes with Russia's agenda is what will deter other world leaders from launching military measures of their own to aid the Ukraine.
Troops will already be either on there way or already landed by Subs. These will be very small units of special forces with instructions to Recon and Record and report back.
I understand why you think there is no point in having troops there when they can not act, i seen the exact same thing in Yugoslavia, men i knew from back home wearing Blue Berets of the U.N. with no authority to act and forced to watch Villages and Town being Ethnically Cleansed, but having special forces there to Recon is standard operating Procedure in these kind of events and can be vital in deciding any future action.
Hoped i would not live to see this again in Europe.
That and the US has 4 nuclear powered aircraft carriers in the area. That is a huge hornet's nest to have to pass by.
Actually, while all will be hurt by sanctions, Russia will be hurt most. Worse for Vlad is that the US will boost troop levels in NATO countries bordering Russia. If that doesn't make him think twice about further invasions he's quite mad...and I don't believe he is.
Given Putin's continued push into the ukraine, I do not believe the economic sanctions are causing him to rethink his intentions. Those sanctions may prove to be effective over time, but by then the Ukraine will have already fallen and become a puppet state of Russia.
Furthermore, China is an ally of Putin's and there will be no economic sanctions between them, just trade as usual, if not an increased trade due to Russia's economy being strangled by the West. Sadly for the Ukraine, the fighting will be over, with Russia taking total control before the West sees a need to support it militarily as well as economically.
Re the map above, this just in: https://m.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-698665
Population of Finland is about 5 million.
The thing is Finland kicked the Red Army's ass in WWII and was an ally of Nazi Germany. The Finns aren't fascists now but Putin doesn't care. He probably wants revenge on them as well. He's at the point now of calling anybody who doesn't go along with him Nazis!
Putin is trying to reshape Europe back to the way it was after WWII with Russia having more control in Europe.
He's going to bankrupt Russia the same way the Soviets did.
For over 20 years now Vlad has made noises about his intent for The Russian Federation, the western powers, even though the see him as an Imperial wannabe, up until now, they have considered him A Stable Leader, something has changed in Putin's thinking and he has now become reckless, but already it is not going how he hoped, he thought he would revive little resistance, even more so he thought the majority would lay down there weapons and welcome him and his Armies as Liberators. Ukraine will fall, but not without fighting to the last, Putin did not expect this at all, his supply lines are already running at a stretch.
I seen this up close serving in Yugoslavia for 2 Combat Tours. The only way to advance Tanks and Armour into Kyiv is to level the City with Artillery, if this is not done and Tanks roll into Kyiv, they are easy prey for concealed Anti Tank Weapons in this kind of urban environment. The member of the Ukraine opposition Parliament (the woman) we have seen on TV with her AK47 saying she will defend her Resident Tower Block creates something we in the Military call BlowBack. She is correct to say she will defend herself, the more the better, but then the Russians will consider Resident areas as Legitimate Targets, and will be more likely to Level those buildings. (I know we have already seen some Rockets hit resident areas)
Sanctions will hurt Russia in the long term but that will be too late for Ukraine, banning the use of the switch system will send a strong message to Putin and will hurt him and Russia, all of us really will be affected by this, but with Italy and Germany depending almost totally on Gas supplies from Russia, they are likely to be week partners in any European Stance, so other countries in Europe will have to supply those with Gas First, and as we all know global Fuel prices are hiking up massively already.
No corner of the world will be unaffected by this either it be Trade , Fuel, Sanctions etc..
I read not long ago that Russia is willing to hold peace talks with Ukraine... but in Belarus where they hold ground and staged the Northern part of the invasion. President Zelensky, however, has rejected peace talks in this location and has offered to do so in Poland or another neutral location.
I can see that, why would President Zelensky offer himself up to the Russians in hostile territory? For mine, though, Russia is facing greater resistance and logistic difficulties than Putin first believed, and I believe that he has since suggested these peace talks because his troops are strugging and dying in greater numbers than he'd like, not to mention the millions Russia is losing in military equipment. The Ukrainians have put up such stiff resistance that Putin is worried.
Furthermore, the economic sanctions are starting to bite hard into the Russian economy, and Putin himself has been targeted by them. Then there's the disconnection from the banking entity, SWIFT, which further prevents Putin funding his war machine.
It's suggested that Putin is one of the richest men in the world, with property portfolios around Russia as well as Europe. For mine, given his disregard for the civilian damage his missiles have caused in Ukraine, somebody ought to send a few missiles and totally destroy ALL his properties and holdings. Hit the bastard where it hurts most.... his own hip pocket... his own wealth.
Anyway, that's it from me for now, I have other things I'd like to do before it gets too late.
Putin has stole so much money from his own country, i am sure he has those Rubles well protected. President Zelensky has now agreed to hold talks on the Belarus Border with Ukraine, he will send a delegation and not go himself for obvious reasons.
The Russian Invaders are starting to lose people, equipment and men, there supply lines are now stretched too far and are already in short supply of many things, when you expected to take the Airport in the first night by Special Forces, it seems like they had no plan B, a belief in there own power back firring, why do we see Putin on TV this morning praising his Special Forces, because he lost so many Special Forces in the first two nights, and now he needs to make a National TV address to appease the families of those crack troops that now lie dead.
I now feel a lot better as a military man to finally see the creation of "An International Brigade" a volunteer force made up of many Nationalities who will make there way to Poland then cross the border, i am personally aware of several of these guys who have already left.
Now many of our countries are sending Weapon Systems to Ukraine, Air To Air, Ground To Air Missile Systems, Anti Tank Weapon Systems and more. Every Weapon System My Government has ever sold to another Country has always been accompanied by Military Advisors, to train the buyers Armies in there use, without exception. These will likely be Special Forces in name only, if other ex military peeps here, will understand when i say guys from The Regiment will already be there and more on there way, met plenty of these guys in the past and no one would ever have them marked as Special Forces, as we are not talking about square jawed Crew cut haired men here, these blokes look like anyone in the street and that is a strength believe me, as they can move around and totally blend into the areas they need too.
I Stand With Ukraine.
Me too!
The look in those old men and woman's eyes Chasbo when they were making Molotov Cocktails outside there building in Kyiv, even with my own recent diagnosis, i hope i never forget that look of Defiance, not ever, Brave , Brave souls who's only concern is to make The Russian Federation Soldiers, fight for every inch of Kyiv knowing what the likely outcome will be. Ukraine will fall but it's people never will.
When they run out of Guns, they will use Knives, when they run out of Knives they will use there Bare Hands, making use of anything to defend there country.
Ukrainian People, You Are A True Inspiration to all of us.
This was needed much sooner, international troops to bolster the Ukrainian defense, but better late than never, even mercenaries, anyone willing to support ukraine militarily.
I've been hoping that a ceasefire would eventuate while peace talks are on the table, but it seems the Russians are still pressing on towards the capital, Kviv. I just read that a large convoy of Russian vehicles and troops is enroute to Kviv; hopefully the Ukraians have the long-range capability, missiles to stop it in its tracks and inflict heavy losses to the Russian military. If Russia isn't willing to agree to a ceasefire while peace talks are on the table, then the convoy is fair game and should be targeted for destruction.
This was needed much sooner, international troops to bolster the Ukrainian defense, but better late than never, even mercenaries, anyone willing to support ukraine militarily. I've been hoping that a ceasefire would eventuate while peace talks are on the table, but it seems the Russians are still pressing on towards the capital, Kviv. I just read that a large convoy of Russian vehicles and troops is enroute to Kviv; hopefully the Ukraians have the long-range capability, missiles to stop it in its tracks and inflict heavy losses to the Russian military. If Russia isn't willing to agree to a ceasefire while peace talks are on the table, then the convoy is fair game and should be targeted for destruction.
The war is not even 10 days old starkers, believe me from my own past experience, The International Brigade is moving much faster than any before it, it does take some time to organise a multi national force. Ex Soldiers like myself who have undertaken Private Military Contracts do not like to be called Mercs or Mercenaries, this conjures up bad images of ex soldiers from the 60s and 70s who would fight anywhere as long as they are paid well. Modern Private Military Contractors, are something else entirely these days, and can be controlled by Whitehall men in grey suits, or Large Companies who can offer these services in a way not recognised by what those men of the past called Mercs.
We can not put Official Military on the ground in Ukraine as escalation would be certain, PMCs can do a lot more than official troops so i am grateful for my mates who have already left, i am too old to be Activated but i have helped in my own way by making contact with old military mates and Helping Organisations who may assist with the Logistics (in the Private sector, so much has to be done) just to organise all the things needed to be affective.
So far Putin has avoided the use of serious Destructive Weapon Systems , but he is moving in with thermobaric weapons and Rockets, these can be catastrophic to Human life in an area, i have seen them and believe me no of us who have , wish to see them used again.
The Weapon Systems many of our countries are sending to Ukraine, are Defensive Systems, helping the Ukrainian Air Force to keep the ability to Fly there Jets and hence Controlling there own airspace, if the Russians controlled the air space things would be so different right now and the Ukrainians would already be defeated, those columns would already be in Kyiv. Sure they can be used Offensively to make attacks, the Ukrainian Military are holding the line against a superior force who's weapons they hold in reserve, are catastrophic, even though we all wish they Bomb the shite out of the column from a safe distance, this would not end well for the Ukrainian people as Putin has so many long range weapon systems both conventional and Nuclear, he could fire them from inside the Russian Federation and all but destroy ever major city if he chooses too. I know this can sound crazy to None Military, but War has to follow a rule set, we in the 1st world posses so many weapon systems that can destroy on mass from long range, but we still put men and woman in uniform on the ground to fight conventional war, the alternative leaves no winners , only degrees of losing, and when they world commits to a system of hoping we loose less than our enemies, we all suffer more and our planet can be laid waist for generations to come.
I Stand With The People Of Ukraine (just glad i am able to do my bit).
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