Ukraine (Mod Note & Threadbanned Users in OP)

Assessment on CNN from Petraeus - Its interesting but he outlines what he considers has gone wrong for the Russians during this campaign - suspects that the Russians may be actively looking for a way out of this mess. Where they can declare a success and move on.

He is clear that as an experienced military commander, there is no simple way for russia to win. Not without exhorting to extreme tactics which would further galvanize the population.

TBH i can only speak for myself. I would be of no use to the Ukraine. I suspect they are genuinely hoping that volunteers will have even modest military experience. And obviously the language barrier is another issue. I dont know really if many people in the west will volunteer. Expats are the most likely source of manpower

None of us can be certain of any event unless actually a personal witness.

All otherwise are but stories told us, stories and claims to consider openly or accept without question or dismiss out of hand because of our own bias or limited knowledge.

Who knows? Quis custodiet ipsos custodes

This London based checker site seems to be at least asking some questions of reports of supposed events on the ground, some used by national media like the BBC.

For examples

..as if you get shot in arm or such..your going to waste valuable medical resources in the field. NOBODY WHO DOES NOT HAVE FIELD EXPERIENCE SHOULD VOLUNTEER AT THIS STSGE.

It smacks of babies being thrown from incubators. The amount of propaganda people are willing to swallow if it aligns with their prejudices is frightening.

You believe that my sympathy for the Ukrainian people, under attack in their own Country by the military of a neighbouring fascist power, is because I'm prejudiced in favour of them?

Assuming your response to the above is in the affirmative, would you like to tell me some facts about Putin and Putin's Russia, that may bring balance to my perspective?

Genuine Question: Has anyone seen any time tables on when the Ukraine can expect to receive Stingers and other equipment? These images of Russian Military Buildup are frightening - Just wondering on a time table - I know the earlier stuff has arrived but, the promised deliveries mentioned yesterday - any indication if any have been received?

ok. i havent seen it mentioned on the news that anything has started. just repeatedly mentioning that its miles long, and pictures of an airfield with lots of Helicopters (possibly hind gunships, as of yet no confirmation) - if they have reached Kiev then probably this time tomorrow it might begin. Its horrendous to consider this possibility

Are you advocating that the Ukrainian people just let their professional soldiers get slaughtered defending them, or that the country should have surrendered as soon as Russians crossed the border? I'm sure for many volunteers, they think there is as much risk getting shot/blown up by not getting involved (obviously doesn't apply to those returning from abroad).

It's a numbers game for Ukraine now, they need to use those numbers well. They are getting equipment and weapons from abroad, those are not any good without people to use them. Obviously there is a limit to what equipment/weapons volunteers can use, but volunteers doing certain tasks frees up soldiers for other things. There is plenty volunteers can do in terms of support; lifting/carrying, sourcing/preparing food, logistics/communications (they are even using Starlink), small arms fire, etc.

How many million Ukrainians are there between 18 and 60? They are also armed to the teeth and access to western intelligence, with good strategy and leadership they can put up one hell of a fight. I'm sure seeing their countrymen take up arms alongside them is an enormous moral boost for their trained soldiers, the "we're all in this together" spirit is vital in times of adversity. Ukraine needs to hang in there and hope that domestic/international pressures force a resolution.

The texts were a claimed prank by 2ch, who were all in celebratory mode yesterday over their fabrication being read out live at the UN.

In other news, President Zelensky yesterday announced they would be releasing prisoners with combat experience & arming them to fight. A bold move - you would hope that prisoners' patriotism outranks their desire to escape or loot. It also doesn't bode well for the situation on the ground, if it has come to releasing prisoners to fight.

The cowards also attacked another hospital a cancer hospital this time I see. I just wish Nato would say enough is enough and just send boots in. I even think it's time the west launched Nukes at Moscow before they do to us just Nuke Putin or bomb the **** out of him I don't care. He is deranged madman, is dangerous and needs to be killed sooner rather than later.

Great interview with Fiona Hill - she knows Putin fairly well.