hypochondriac

Having the capability means we wouldn't be reliant on America and it acts as a deterrant.

Maybe in the long term but if Trump pulled all support tomorrow how do you propose that 'Europe' replaces star link communications or the required missiles and intelligence at the rate required to prevent Russia from making gains in the short to medium term, particularly if Russia goes all in once that support stops which would seem like the logical thing to do. I still am not convinced that Trump is going to pull all support anyway and there's a case to be made that he would be happy if other countries proppse to buy American weapons but if he does, what's your predicted timeline for 'winning'?

You don't really know what you're talking about. European troop numbers and machinery is currently pitiful and we wouldn't be anywhere near ready to defend anything substantial for years. It's possible that Zelensky could start proper conscription and try to survive without US assistance but it's pretty unlikely. If Trump did pull all support soon then it's very likely that Ukraine will be overrun pretty quickly and the next sad truth is that Europe have very little to stop Russia.

China won't be providing transgender clinics in Pakistan or modern art seminars in Afghanistan so I am sure they can do without that kind of support.

I thought he came accross much better there to be fair. Maybe it is the case that with English being a second language it's difficult to articulate his meaning as well as he would like.

I expected a slightly stronger take from you on this.

Extremely pro Ukraine twitter account agrees that no one came out of that exchange well

I don't think they are that cunning to be honest but would be fascinating if true.

I wouldn't be antagonised by what he did but it was obvious that Trump would be. His manner and his very obvious irritation was clearly going to get Trump and Vance's backs up. I don't know why he did that personally.

So if you know that's the case, probably best not to correct them in a public way and in a clearly irritated fashion that they must have known would elict an annoyed response.

Exactly. It was amateurish and I have no idea why he didn't prepare beforehand.

You misunderstand me. What I'm saying is that you have to do what is necessary to ingratiate yourself with Trump in order to get more of what you want. How does it serve Ukraine or Zelensky by arguing publicly with Trump even if he is in the right? We all know Starmer thinks Trump is a massive bellend but let's say Trump publicly rebuked him yesterday, the last thing Starmer would have done would be to continue a fight. Zelensky has struck the wrong tone here even if it's understandable given what he's going through.

Brilliant. We can write to the government and let them know that you'll be happy to my share. After all it's nothing compared to what Ukrainians are going through so I'm sure you'll have no problem.

Be a lot more conciliatory in public and save the pointed remarks for private. It doesn't matter if he is personally disrespected, what matters is his country supposedly. He knows what Trump is like, suck it up, show gratitude for the support America has already given him and do the negotiating on private. Use diplomacy.

That may be true but Zelensky was tactically clueless. Starmer played it fantastically by comparison. Arguing with Trump in the White House is only going to end one way. It sucks for us because it means the UK taxpayer is going to be even more under the cosh to finance the war.

What angle was the salute? That will determine the severity of the situation.

Why wouldn't you want to swap lives with him?

Would you want to swap lives? Because I certainly wouldn't.

His life is fucking awful. Can never retire, in a fishbowl and no anonymity or ability to make choices for himself for the most part.

Oh dear BBC. Broadcasting Hamas propaganda dressed up as a documentary. The silly celebs who signed a petition to bring this back have egg on their faces once again: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/statements/gaza-how-to-survive-a-war-zone

If it goes some way to stopping the war on reasonable terms and doesn't mean Ukraine have to capitulate entirely the whilst it's unedifying to treat your supposed friends like that, I'd probably take it over the war continuing. Lots of unknowns though and it depends what Russia would agree to.

Tbf to Starmer that press conference with Trump was probably his strongest moment in office so far.

GM tried to find out personal details of a poster on here in order to try to take legal action against him because he didn't like something he wrote. That makes him a grade A cunt in my book.

Think you'll unite the forum there.

I think you missed the sarcasm...