Russia - threadbanned users in OP

I am conflicted over it. Such asylum was a very difficult thing to get back in the Cold war. In some ways, the situation that now exists between EU-Russia is worse than that. Why is the EU obliged to just let Russian's (citizens of a hostile state) in who show up at the border now, after their damascene conversion about the evils of the Ukraine war?

They can go to Turkey or Israel or whatever, most of them able to flee at a moments notice now Putin's making moves to call them up for war probably have the money to do that. Why is the EUs job to be the bolt-hole for everyone on earth fleeing these scumbag dictators? All the while we get abused and threatened with war by these dictators and strong men on the regular, while majority of citizens in these places either keep the head well down or even cheer on the revisionism/revanchism and militarism (until the dictator turns on them or their family of course)!

Germany could say that they will accept Russian refugees, but such is their security concerns that the refugees will have to live in secure camps where they will receive basic amenities in return for labour geared towards humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Now, yes, camps in Germany housing an ethnic minority? Not a fantastic look, given the history of that, but these are extraordinary times.

It would, of course, be easier just to not accept any Russian, but that begs the question do those people stay in Russia and protest the war, or does Russia gain any advantage by sending them to be cannon fodder?

No, there was an alternative tv channel. I’ll have to go back this thread to the first days of the invasion to find what it was called.

Edit: it was the Russian authorities that went in to their studio and physically removed them.

Considering the hostility that has been expressed towards Estonia historically as well as now from Russia i think Estonia are doing the right thing.

I can't see how from a security perspective, with the very real prospect that they will be attacked, they can allow large numbers of Russian men have sanctuary there.

Yes, you're right the more that refuse a draft the better it is for Ukraine, and I don't hold each and every Russian collectively responsible for this war.

Just don't think the EU needs to be taking risks and letting them in en masse (everyone who shows up at the border claiming asylum from Putin, because they might be drafted tomorrow!).

There are many other places they can go in the world (though they are less cozy, easygoing and accommodating than EU countries) and other (though admittedly more dangerous) ways to get out of fighting if it comes to it, or oppose the regime.

This is absurd. Overweight 50 year old supermarket workers in the Territorial Defence do not suddenly get mistaken for special forces and start performing like GI Joe.

I wouldn't be letting any of the Russian F*****s into this country. And I'd rounding up all Russians here inc our man in the embassy and kicking them out. Likewise Ukrainian males wanted for service in their country, immediate repatriation for them to do their bit as best they can.

Aviation update:

I've mentioned a few times here about the, almost forgotten, enclave that is Kaliningrad.

Kaliningrad is unique in that it is, in the eyes of Russia, a veritable "aircraft carrier/missile platform" in a perfect strategic position in Europe, but also a particularly vulnerable one.

Airtraffic, both commercial and military, has increased exponentially into Kaliningrad over the last few weeks, with thousands of tonnes of equipment being shipped along a very circular route over the Baltic. ( Lithuania stopped all rail transits from Russia to Kaliningrad)

This morning, NATO surveillance flights all around Kaliningrad have tripled, with everything from 2 x Swedish ELINT platforms over the Baltic Sea, A US army SIGNIT King Air to the North, an RAF RC-135 conducting a complete, encircling sweep of the Enclave, which it has never done, plus numerous refuelling and support Aircraft, all in operation around the area.

Something very interesting is happening here. Kaliningrad is known to have upgraded and increased its nuclear ballistic missile facilities and is now hosting a flight of Mig-31's, among others. The Migs carry the Kinzhal nuclear-tipped hypersonic missile.

In my opinion, if a tactical nuke was to be deployed by Russia, this is how it would be done. Hence the massively increased surveillance of Kaliningrad currently underway. Please see below:

Here is the whataboutry again.

I'll point out Iraq did not become part of the USA, nor was there any intention of it and the USA have not threatened to nuke other UN members, the US Armed forces did not rape and castrate civilians and POWs.

RT got banned off our Sat, it's harder to access now.

I don't need to flee to Russia, unlike some of our truth tellers who exposed western hypocrisy, like Edward Snowden who ended up there

Some of the team are working from Latvia now and started producing content on YouTube last month.

Germany saying at least some deserters are welcome, Estonia saying they're not, for example. There are already dozens of posts about this

It is the fundamental right of a nation to defend itself if attacked. Ukraine is exercising that right. It's about that simple, really. And this is even truer when the invasion has no real pretext.

The idea of prolonging the war and creating more suffering is another good one because it ignores the suffering that would ensue were Russia allowed to just overrun Ukraine, given what's been happening in occupied areas with torture, executions and deportations of children. In light of that, it's no wonder that Ukraine is fighting as it is.

Here's a fact for you: Russia can go home tomorrow and the war ends. Nobody will be chasing them back to Moscow, although stronger border defences will possibly be erected.

Thanks, you lot. Looks like they have relocated to Riga and are broadcasting again.

Ps: I can get RT on my fire stick

Another of Putin's ex EU leader buddies defending him:

He, Schröder und Orban are an absolute disgrace and Italians are a disgrace that this corrupt sleazeball still has many supporters in their country