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HSD I could not find evidence for your touted 30% figure of Ukrainians wanting Russian rule I personally find it quite incredible. It makes zero sense.
However just checked in to see if there was any relevant updates so no time to engage in a pointless argument so good luck with whatever it is you are trying to do here.
Woodstock you are having a laugh right?
Lecturing folk on appropriate content when you’ve repeatedly had to apologise for your own sexist and Uber inappropriate use of the board.
Glasshouses old chap. But you do make I laugh thanks greatly.
I seem to remember they had photographic and satellite images evidencing the surface to air missile system being rail freighted from Russia and back again when they did the deed.
I also seem to remember the Dutch and or Americans naming the Russian major responsible for the unit responsible.
I don’t think the ‘Separatist’ spin is terribly plausible that they chucked someone a ‘have a go guide,’ convenient as it may be.
Thanks, let’s see what transpires.
Either way it has just cemented the impression of a bully boy regime that can only gain attention by threats and violence. Crimea was a wake up call that wasn’t heeded you can’t be reliant on a protection racket to provide your energy requirements.
It’s just absolutely idiotic.
Russia evacuating its embassy staff, tells you all you need to know.
https://amp.ft.com/content/214559c2-c5f1-414e-a6f3-8d8fbea9ec30
I think now Russia are evacuating their Embassy staff the question of ‘IF ?’ they intend to invade is sadly answered.
https://amp.ft.com/content/214559c2-c5f1-414e-a6f3-8d8fbea9ec30
When I first came across SNG a couple of years ago I read a post that struck me advising others to follow the Science, because if it works the money would surely follow.
Well both seem to have aligned. Great stuff thanks again.
Fair one Doc but as with many others I think its definitely time an actual grown up who can lead by example was given the helm.
As for Putin he knows exactly what he is doing. With him and China teaming up I think we’ve been sleeping and there’s a new world order.
Taiwan must be very concerned and interesting comment about what that might mean in disrupting the electronics industry. China are also masters of gunboat diplomacy.
Crazy times when normal rules no longer count.
It beggars belief that with so many capable people you can end up with systems that put frail forgetful septuagenarians and a pathological liar in charge of major nations.
Interesting, I would imagine it’s a bit like the old coded bomb warnings, Russia have given Western powers the heads up to minimise collateral damage and chances of escalation. But all countries don’t pull everybody out without the belief it’s happening.
As far as SNG who knows? But it will have a negative immediate effect on the markets of some description wars invariably do. So some are getting frustrated but this is big stuff and should be thought about. It may well impact investments heavily across the board but if you factor it in it wont be a total shock.
Personally I am currently of a mind to ride it out as the reasons for being invested haven’t changed and it should rebalance. If it goes further investments will be the least of anybodies concerns.
I don’t think being pragmatic and telling your own nationals to leave is ‘aggravating’ the situation frankly that’s nonsense. You have only to look back a few months to Afghanistan to see what a sh#tshow played out when we still had military superiority.
The UK, USA and NATO are quite clearly saying we are not getting involved in defending Ukraine. As far as Diplomacy what are going to offer Putin ? He wants a withdrawal of Nato in effect to give up the former Eastern European countries and a guarantee Ukraine can never join, all of which they have said are non negotiable.
So where is the diplomacy. He can take big chunk of what he wants without any fear of intervention, we have said so. Now it is damage limitation. Shore up Poland Lithuania etc and try and save face by warning of big sanctions? So what ? He does it and in due course things return to their new normal.
He has warned us to keep out by flying bombers up to UK airspace in the past weeks and by sailing convoys up through the Channel and conducting Naval exercises off Ireland. That isn’t a coincidence.
Boris saying he will react if a Russian toecap goes over the border is just an idiot playing out his Churchill fantasy pretending we are still big hitters with an Empire. We are but a wee island and should really act accordingly. Threatening Putin is laughable.
Thanks HPHQ.
Yes sorry I actually agree with you. I think militarily he can get the job done but you simply can’t subjugate hearts and minds of a big European country and effectively turn the clock back as was possible in the mid 1900s.
I think it was Sky highlighting trainloads of Police type insignia trucks being taken to the border presumably to be used in the aftermath by Russians deployed to keep a lid on things.
Yes I agree they can win the war but winning the peace is when their problems will begin.
I think we are all susceptible judging others by our own standards. Putin doesn’t want this or that because etc etc
The truth nobody knows but what we do know is what has done in the near past ie carried out a smaller scale de facto invasion of Ukraine and annexed a chunk but with no real retribution from the West. The denials from Russia we won’t invade is very much out of page one of their playbook. ‘We didn’t or wouldn’t do that.’
He is playing a very big game of chess in which intimidation and force and manipulation win. Much of Europe is beholden to keep the lights on and their homes heated. He can and will do it. He has already had a small test run.
Maybe perceived as posturing by some here but if he doesn’t he will appear weak and foolish at home and in other co opted countries. He can’t allow that to happen. He is not the Grand old Duke of York marching all his troops to the top of the hill only to lose face he has to do it. He has whipped up a belief in Russia Nato are attacking the Motherland by stealth so this will be justification. He said exactly this, he may have postured to get Nato concessions but as not are forthcoming and the West have said we are not getting involved he will do it.
We will watch it and shore up neighbouring Nato countries but it is pretty much a done deal.
I repeat he has the absolute capability has done a small part already and he will finish the job soon.
As for Eastern European apparent stoicism they are realists and accept what they cannot change with a clear headed reality. Stalin decimated Ukraine before starved millions of people and arguably as equally depraved as Hitler but seems to get off quite lightly in the understanding of many.
Anyway it is very likely to happen and it will shake the markets. But if it is contained to Ukraine the markets will recover in due course and politicians of all persuasions will still be susceptible to a bit of Russian money and gas and influence.
It is what it is but please be realistic Putin doesn’t play cricket he plays murder ball and spikes the drinks with poison just to make sure.
I am trying to set aside any concerns which is pretty damned selfish as currently we’re alright Jack.
But with the blonde idiot trying to divert attention with sabre rattling and threats it does concern me.
The dilemma is pull a hefty chunk of my stake off the table whilst chaos ensues but then possibly miss out on one of the best financial opportunities I might ever encounter.
Any student of history would agree with Biden in that in wars things can and often do go very wrong very quickly.
The stupid name calling and how rich we will all be would become totally irrelevant.
So probably best not to think about it. Enjoy the sunshine and your family if you’re lucky enough to have some and hope next week and maybe Monday is the big day.
All the Best A.