Russia - threadbanned users in OP

At this point neither Putin or Ukraine look likely to achieve their aim of Putin to take the whole country or Ukraine to push Russia back and out completely. My concern is that support for Ukraine will cool off a little for a whole lot of reasons. But I do think Putin can keep going enough to test the resolve of the various countries supporting Ukraine over the next couple of years .

But also to the realization that you cannot believe a word that comes from the mouth of any Russian.

Not to mention a solid bulwark against any future Russian aggression.

The funny thing is that Russia does not have to physically invade NATo countries its soldiers, armoury, etc. in order t have a very negative impact over the longtherm. It can do it by - vey remotely - sowing division, cyber attacks on various services / industry, etc. , funding groups that cause ‘ trouble, etc, etc.

It seems there's been a lot of complaints about the total lack of any Ukrainian fortifications along the front lines while the Russians constructed hundreds miles of multiple layers of defences and fortifications the Ukrainian have little or none ,it might explain the reason the Russians are able to keep grinding away at Ukrainian positions

I think it's more they might be in no position to do so for years to come. It will probably take Russia 10 to 20 years to build its army back up. Plus it still is at war with Ukraine so they will still take huge losses before this conflict ends. I think this crap of ohh Russia will march on Nato if they win in Ukraine is a load of crap, not a chance they could, I think that drum is being beaten so that Nato countries can ask for more money for their military. But let's be honest Russia has no chance against Nato alliance. It's like when top brass military in Nato countries were saying Russia was greatest threat to us give us money to improve our military, I'm sure they well knew that wasn't the case but if you have a country to project peoples fears to then it's easier to get a bigger military budget. It's like what is happening in America, you can see the pivot away from Russia and now towards China as their number 1 foe. American military is more asking for military budget for this threat now. I'm sure if these were no threats would be some other country. It's just the way it is, but no Russia has no chance against Nato and it will be years upon years before they will be able to try it against another country after Ukraine fiasco.

But by conquering Ukraine it takes them a step closer.

It might be 10 years, but its still a step closer.

If they take Ukraine they will have Belarus also.

How can you not see where this is all going if they succeed??

I think Belarus sadly will be more saddle to Russia. Ukraine no if the west and the states supply them properly. But let's be real this thing about they might take on a NATO country won't happen. Europe and America after Russia is hopefully 100% defeated should arm countries surrounding Russia who don't want to be under the influence of Russia and train their armed forces up. It will take Russia years up years to get back to where they are military wise.

So because they won’t take on a NATO country they should just be allowed take Ukraine??

Sorry I’ve no idea what point you’re trying to make here?

That's why their lithium and cobalt is so valuable and we need a steady supply. Oil and gas isn't going anywhere though, not in our lifetime.

I'm suspicious of this. The Ukrainians blasted the Russians very badly there recently.

Fog of War is going to make that front particularly difficult to examine for a while. The AFU is doing a very good job here, especially given that they've got to supply themselves via river, and can't count on any heavy armor for a good long while. Looking at the Deep State map, it seems like the Russians had begun to take this front more seriously in recent weeks with additional units in the area.

But still...the AFU hold their bridgehead. Somehow the Russians are either failing here, or the AFU are out-classing them (again). I think this will be one of those fights we'll learn about a long while after the fact.

Good advice to Hungary, ask Orbán to leave the room and Hungary to leave the EU.