Member Info for big-blue

The west, the US, do not control anything in Ukraine. This is the propaganda lie of Russia. There are no avenues for 'the west' to negotiate away Ukraine. Like there is no nazi regime, there is no west control. Ukraine was much closer to Russia than europe, the conflicts it had were ethnic Russian enclaves. Like the BBC, you and too many others are far too susceptible to Russian propaganda.

R4 again pressing mayor of town hard, "why don't you just give up, you're never going to win?" type questioning. BBC share clubs being hit by market falls I suspect. The war an inconvenience for the BBC and therefore the Ukrainians should just give up.

There are 15 reactors in Ukraine Fug. Hardley mission accomplished.

Scotty, it seems people are hedging against war spreading to rest of EU.

Never watched neighbours.

You forget Ed, SH used chemical attacks to kill entire villages and small towns in one go. He threatened to use them as terrorist weapons. He then either moved or destroyed them but played a game of bluff with the UN. Because he had a significant track record using them he had to be confronted. He was bluffing to the second UN sanction to commence attacks but France decided to veto the resolution to protect it's oil interests. SH had divided the west forces. Basically the coalition had to go in without the required mandate because they just couldn't risk SH having held back some weapons. It was believed in the intelligence I saw that a large amount was hidden in Syria with some destroyed to be traced as destroyed. Part of the war in Syria has been to search for the potential stocks. They haven't been found. The probability that SH managed destroyed the lot is improbable. Amongst security agents the search for them is still on.

https://www.mtv.com.lb/en/news/international/1261631/china-s-belt-and-road-strafed-by-vladimir-putin?utm_campaign=magnet&utm_source=article_page&utm_medium=recommended_articles

An interesting perspective on China's dilemma.

How long until the passenger fuel surcharge returns? I think it would be a good thing as long as airline don't try and proferteer from it and keep it transparent. Paying an extra 0.5p per mile for example would be acceptable.

China spokesman on R4 refers to conflict as 'war'. That is important as Chinese commentary is not censored or suppressed yet in USSR. Point being picked up!

https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/world/2022-03-03-explainer-what-is-the-chain-of-command-for-potential-russian-nuclear-strikes/

Chain of command for Russia using nukes. Putin doesn't have a red button, he has to rely on a loyal chain of command. But as the article mentions, there maybe a crack in that chain as the response to Putin's command to light up the nukes has been given a non-standard response from the generals. Code to the west? Biden seems very confident no nuclear weapons will be used.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-ukraine-putin-bounty-b2027186.html

Anybody fancy having a pop?

With a significant open corridor into south Kyiv, there will be mountains of arms being moved in. Even if the attacking column can get moving again, they will suffer very heavy losses.

BBC back to pushing a narrative this morning that it is a futile effort and pressing questions that it would be better to just give up. If the war expands and UK gets involved BBC should be closed immediately. They are far too starry eyed about these Russian oligarch as they mix with them around London as they ,ove in the same expensive restaurant and exclusive elite circles. There is a continuing off colour about BBC coverage hinting surrender is the preferred option.

Don't bring up Taiwan says the one who uses the WMD card! Putin can retreat and frame it in his own mind as a great heroic gesture. It's why I am surprised he hasn't been so generous in calling a token ceasefire yet. And if course, there is the old being mislead cop out. The Donbas rebels asked for help, but then Putin finds out they had deceived him so they get eliminated. A wild card prospect. But his desire for self preservation might lead to a back peddling. Or at least buy some time.

Didn't the planning for potash mining in Yorkshire? recently get refused? Where is it, Boulby potash mine?

Come on people. You are only war gaming this with a blue helmet. Try the red, white, green hats. This is not the same situation the russkies have been in elsewhere. Even neutral countries have turned against Russia. Think beyond the box, the box where our perceptions of what war with the Russians could mean have been shaped by a very old out of date cold war fear. A fear mostly promoted by the likes of CND who were nothing more than an extension of the Russian propaganda machine.

Interesting point TP, no fuel to withdraw so if Putin wanted to regroup his columns are stranded. Again, perfect moment to take advantage. I would love to see the risk assessment memos from the military top brass right now!

In the same way we all presumed the great Russian army would be invincible, I'm not sure the nuclear Holocaust idea is for real. Would the generals rate their chances against nato given the muck up so far? They know most NATO nukes are serviceable, how many of the Russian ones are? looking at the shambolic Russian attack, I think if nato declared war, the Russian generals would throw in the towel. The whole Russian army ploy has been a bluff! They have never faced any serious opposition forces to date.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/captured-russian-soldiers-call-for-end-to-war-in-ukraine/

This army can be taken out. In my opinion, nato should pile in and wipe out the Russian army.

https://www.dezeen.com/2022/03/02/russian-architects-ukraine-invasion-open-letter/

Brave soules

https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/805456.html

I posted earlier this might happen, some Ukraine units can go on the offensive because the Russian army is collapsing in places.