kyle04

Isn't China's stance on Taiwan the same as Russia's stance on Crimea prior to the annexation though? Now it's saying Russia was wrong to take Crimea, as China would be to take Taiwan. The possible reclaiming of Crimea is a long way off yet though, possibly years if Russia continue their campaign by throwing more men and machines at it. They need to control the Donbas and the southern land strip first, blow the Kerch bridge then have a go at Crimea.

I never cited a comparison, but the Ukraine conflict is at the forefront of the west's attentions. If you think desperate Ukrainian woman and children, not knowing if their husbands/fathers have been killed defending their country can be likened to mainly young men fleeing their country without their family then you either haven't thought this through or you're just a bit dense.

Wine tarrifs lifted? To quote Samuel L Jackson in Pulp fiction on learning the "wolf" was being sent - "hell negro, that's all you had to say"

Ain't gonna happen, the outcry would be too great even for this bunch of talentless bastards we call a government. BJ's very publicly stuck his neck out for Ukraine, he can't very well sanction sending the victims of the war half way round the world because our civil service are dragging their heels dealing with visa applications.

That's a fucking beaut ! It's rare to see one actually detonate like that, it explains the condition of the many destroyed T72/80 tanks with pictures taken long after they've burnt out. Russia's lost about a third of it's entire active tank inventory already.

Seems they did have a fly past after all :

Ordered to by Putin no doubt. Well they got was was coming to them I suppose. There was a time when diplomats were untouchable, not if they're Russian it seems. I think you're right about the European divisions becoming exposed, but you can't underestimate self interest. It's well known that Trump (of all people) called out Germany for it's reliance on Russian gas for example, and France is quite happy for others to do the dirty work, for a change. Maybe some good will emerge from this madness in time, where countries do not rely so much on rogue states for their energy neeeds and economic security.

That would have been worth the price of admission, to see a few Russian SU jets spiralling into the Kremlin!

All good points, which begs the question why allow the ceremony to take place at all (particularly now, and I assume it's an annual event?)

Putin's speech a little muted by all accounts, basically saying NATO made us do it so don't feel bad we had no choice. I didn't like the Polish paint/juice throwing incident BTW, fully understand the hostility but it seemed a little undignified. The Russian diplomats (sorry FSB officers) took it well though. The ceremony was to be a mark of respect for the millions killed fighting Hitler, I think a more restrained civilized protest would have had more impact and shown the Russians that we're not like you.

Thanks, thats good news for Ukraine. I read a while ago that they were running out of the bombs for their TB2's, and were improvising with other munitions (80mm mortar rounds for example, cheap and deadly). Biden also proposing a further £33billion in military aid, while the US won't send their best stuff that could be a game changer.

Oryx reporting it in their list, they're pretty reliable generally. The Makarov "hit" remains a bit of a mystery, some Youtube comments stating it's in Sevastepol unscathed, the Twitter video claims it's burning,who or what to believe sometimes. One thing's for sure, Ukraine still have TB2's active, despite Russia claiming to have destroyed 40 of them, when they only had 34 to begin with. Haven't seen anything to suggest that Turkey have supplied any more recently.

Russians still pumping out the BS : It seems from the TB2 footage bombs from 2 aircraft were enough to do the job, can't see any evidence of helicopters or landing craft, they weren't needed and Ukraine aren't stupid enough to try and recapture the island only to get wiped out themselves pretty quickly.

Snake island levelled by Ukrainian aircraft strikes : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c8cHTo3Yr4 Hope they can target the Kerch bridge next.

Can we just put 11 men on the goal line for 90 mins ?

If Ukraine ceded the Donbas, all it would result in is more secured Russian controlled territory within Ukraine, and a more emboldened Russia. Next would follow the drive along the south to Odesa and on to Traninistra and Moldova, with direct land supply lines from Russia, which is what they're aiming to do now but can't because Ukraine is resisting them on every front. Let's not forget in 1996 Ukraine handed over it's nukes to Russia in exchange for guarantees never to be invaded. On every level Russia just cannot be trusted to honor any "agreement" should one be negotiated. The failed attempt to take Kyiv showed Putin's hand, and every objective so far has backfired.

Those Russian sailors really must stop smoking on duty.

I know his father, Tim. Big bear of a man but nice with it.

Er, the database upgrade did not go well then?

Comedy gold. It seems the Russians are attempting to storm the Azovstal steel plant, a nightmare for them it would seem. Putin desperate to present some sort of victory for May 9th parade, lets hope the Nazis hold out. They've been dropping more thermobarics on the place apparently, and there's still kids holed up in there.

That video was posted on Youtube nearly 8 years ago. I think quite a lot has changed since then ?

Agreed, but if you sow the seed ...?

Russian TV bods calling for nuclear strike on the UK, including underwater "tsumani" bomb recently. In case anyone's remotely worried this is a good analysis of nuclear strategy/doctrine. It's lengthy but quite worth the effort. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxOO0hCCSk4

Or join the Saints? C'mon Pep, lets see what you can do with an average squad and no money.