It must be the most corrupt country in Europe by some considerable distance. Putin is apparently worth an absolute fortune despite never being a businessman and yet nobody in the country raises an eyebrow.
Apologies for the source,
Russian firing on Avozstal plant.
Tulipan 240mm.
Offshore accounts in Panama,Switzerland and Cyprus
Most have been destroyed lately by Ukrainian attacks.
The reason why Russia wants snake island is very simple,the air coverage the Moskva was suppose to have.
And also for missile attacks on mainland Ukraine
From the Guardian:
"The Foreign Office statement noted that Putin’s official assets ran to little more than a small flat in St Petersburg and two Soviet-era cars despite his very obvious enormous personal wealth, including a yacht and the vast Putin’s Palace mansion on the Black Sea coast."
It's a complete and utter parallel universe over there.
Taiwan is also a much more difficult prospect to invade. They can't just roll a few tanks over some out of the way border farmland in the middle of the night. Would take a massive seaborne assault and plenty of opportunity for Taiwan to sink them on the way.
Lest we forget, the Mockva was the RuSSian air defence for Snake Island. Oops.
But they haven't been able to put any long range air defense systems on the island , especially with the Ukrainians having the ability to drone strike the island at will
Correct. Taiwan is already armed to the teeth as you say. I don't think we can draw a direct comparison between it and Ukraine.
Again, China are in no hurry. They were in no hurry for Macau or Hong Kong. They loved seeing economic powerhouses developed by others for them. They'll be in no hurry for Taiwan, if it takes 50 years from now it takes 50 years. Right now they'd have to raze it to the ground, what's the benefit of that? They're in border disputes all over but don't kick off too regularly.
Too late, Taiwan are already armed to the teeth. I think the Ukraine conflict has made Taiwan safer. As another corrupt country I suspect that China will do a really deep survey of their military to determine if they have what they think they have.
A really good article by Anne Applebaum (excellent writer on all things Russian, Polish) that skewers Putinism and its war on truth and memory.
This really struck a chord:
They are told endless tales about the glorious past, but given hardly anything to hope for in the terrifying future. They have no idea who or what could follow the Putin regime, or what that would mean for them. They support him because nothing else is on offer. But support does not translate into excitement. Neither he nor his war stories seem able to create enthusiasm for another Great Fatherland War.
I know this isn't 100% relevant to this conflict but will be an issue as such. China invading Taiwan, I wonder has this conflict pushed up the timetable for China to invade Taiwan. China might be looking at all the military supplies and equipment going to Ukraine from America etc. and realise the same might happen with Taiwan. Like can you imagine if what was given to Ukraine was given to Taiwan I say China would have a horrendous time trying to do an airborne and seaborne invasion. At least Russia can do a land invasion, China cannot. Now its different in the fact tht China can blockade Taiwan but if Taiwan was given all the military assistance like Ukraine was given before China was to invade would it not be the best thing to give Taiwan billions and billions in military equipment so China might not invade. As after the Ukraine war comes to an end hopefully sooner rather than later Taiwan will more then likely be the next massive issue. A weak Russia will let America concentrate with China proper so China might be happy the longer this war goes on the better for them as America is sending supplies to Ukraine but not in the direction of Taiwan.
Time I reckon for another country to take possession with Ukraines agreement and refuse access to Russian forces.
I'm not sure if it has been discussed on here or not, but long range air defences built on Snake Island is a major concern for Ukraine
Some of the targets hit only recently arrived on the island too
Erdogan thats a supporter of the muslim brotherhood,a terrorist organisation banned by many countries,and Hamas/Hezbollah have offices in Ankara.
Selling fuel to Isis etc etc.
I think he should walk quietly trough the door
And what about the Kurdish separatists in Turkey?
I think he'd lose the primary anyway. De Santis is building a monster organisation already.
Can't see Trump getting anywhere near the WH next time round. The US intelligence services now have Russia firmly back on the radar as more than just a nuisance hacking centre but not much bother beyond that. The thoughts of a Russian friendly, possibly compromised President isn't going to fly next time round so there will be serious efforts preventing the propoganda and social media bubble that surrounded him last time. He might cry Make America Great again but his real mantra is make Donald rich again so he won't be tolerated at a time like this.
Turkey joined NATO mostly because of Russia but they're not really allies to a lot of Europe. They're happy with NATO as it is. Likely just looking some concession or other.
it would be interesting to see who stands up to be counted out of the Nato countries if a war were to break out in a Nato country with Russia, count Hungary out anyway
Quite possibly, but I'd not allow the Rest of Ukraine to be battered to keep them. They made their bed etc. etc.
I don't think he actually cares, he's probably using the veto as leverage to get something.
a few loitering munitions no doubt
I don't imagine we'd ever be able to fight off an airforce. The airplanes are there so that we can use them for peacetime operations. Maritime patrols and the interdiction of planes that enter our airspace without permission.
I wonder has the position changed with your typical Crimean when they see the way the Russian government is behaving ?
Sure they do. Here's one example: "I will be delighted when Ukrainians have advanced past their current positions and repelled the invaders back to Russia"!
Interceptors are fantasically expensive to buy operate and maintain. A waste of money and resources imho and more for show than go. On the other hand ground to air missiles, drones, mines, and anti tank weapons and even IEDS while not exactly cheap are a lot cheaper and have more impact and render an airspace and ground war a right pain in the arse for an atacker, as Russia has found out. Gaining air superiority is easy when dealing with hill farmers with AK47's, not so easy when dealing with a 21st century military with weapons like the above, as Russia has found out. If we're going to tool up that's where the money and resources should go.
Peace and complete withdrawal, not ceasefire. And why do you need to call putin to say that, do you need his approval?
Did he admit that the claim that there's nazis in Ukraine is false?
And what did he say? Did he approve, or did he told you to idi na hui?
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