Russia - threadbanned users in OP

Judging by the comments it seems like a worthwhile watch. I've it saved for later!

326k refugees in Poland. Including Hungary, Romania and Moldova it's probably 500k+

There is a massive action to provide food, clothes, accommodation, medical help. The decision on Ukrainian side to simplify procedures has shortened the queues.

Russian stock market will remain closed tomorrow as well.

The Ukrainian resolve is responsible for the EU and world reaction. Ukraine was abandoned when this started and only got assistance when the west saw Russian weakness. The Ukrainian resistance has literally changed the world.

Why?

Ukraine stands as a very clear example to the rest of Europe that NATO provides the ultimate shield against foreign intervention in Europe. You can bet that residents of Latvia and Estonia adore not having to be under the thumb of a tyrant.

It also stands as a reminder of the value nuclear weapons hold. And a country like North Korea will never give up Nuclear weapons.

You can bet that if Ukraine had nuclear weapons Russia would not have dared to attack.

Looking at the state of play would it be fair to say that Ukraine is still likely to be taken by the Russians,although i think its clear it cannot be held without massive Russian blood loss.

With this in mind what could actually result in Russian forces retreating.

Would it be a wise move for global co-operation and set out a package of further MASSIVE sanctions unless troops retreat within 24 hours, Only other option beyond something like that would be move in hard with European / NATO forces & safe to assume that could be the justification for a Putin meltdown.

Pressure is on with sanctions but i would be far more worried about the situation on the ground, everyone talks of modern weaponry on the way to Ukraine but how much of this is in defenders hands at this current time and now is crucial not days or weeks time when it might be too late and the curtain descends.

Their hand I think was forced when Poland then Sweden and then Czechia all said they would refuse to play Russia in the world cup playoffs next month. So FIFA were faced with giving Russia a free pass to the finals or kicking them out. Credit to all 3 nations for their stand and risking walking away from a place at the finals.

Basically they had Ukraine as a buffer from NATO until the collapse of the USSR. Now Belarus could be surrounded on three sides by NATO. NATO in Ukraine makes Russian border far longer and almost impossible to defend.

Ukraine found vast natural gas resources offshore, but don't have the infrastructure to exploit it. Russia invaded Crimea which gives them a claim to much of these offshore resources, as well as one of their only year-round ice-free ports.

The gas pipeline from Russia to EU runs through Ukraine, Ukraine charge massive tariffs on this gas. Russia built their own pipelines but if Ukraine do tap their natural gas, they will be a major competitor to Russia in supplying EU.

Crimea is basically a salty marshy desert, a huge canal from Ukraine supplied 85% of their water. After Russia took over Ukraine, the canal was blocked. Now Crimea is drying up fast.

Putin's tactics in Ukraine are almost identical to the invasion of Georgia, recognising separatist enclaves as independent states, then invading in the pretence of 'defending' these new 'states'.

Russian owned banks with thousands of employees and offices all over Europe have been excluded from trading. Why would the world of sport be any different. I simply do not understand the attitude the just because a segment of society sits in front of a tv foaming at the mouth over overpaid primadonnas in shorts somehow excludes the activities of those clubs from the norms expected of other parts of society.

Re: Wagner, I read this article a few weeks ago. The book could be an interesting read.

To be honest, if there is one piece of propaganda/slant that I feel we are being subjected to is the idea that Ukraine is "holding off" Russia.

I'm more inclined to think Russia are in second gear and did not anticipate they would have to go into 3rd or 4th and are probably still hoping they dont have to.