Ukraine (Mod Note & Threadbanned Users in OP)

How did he flip Yanukovych?

We are both in agreement so I won't get into semantics with you. What's happening in Ukraine to the ordinary people there is barbaric, you won't find me trying to make a case for Russia.

Politically, the Ukraine are a long way from joining the EU. That was well documented before the invasion and nothing has really changed since.

What's the right thing to do for Ireland then? Because sending money or troops to Ukraine ain't it.

And we shouldn't be sending good money after bad. We've enough problems that need dealing with here.

That's your opinion on whatay happen, I disagree. What's more shortsighted is starting a row with the US over something we have no input on. There are diplomatic channels that should be used rather than this brazen attitude we seem to have taken lately that we can do without the US, we can't.

That's just not true though. The US is not gone or going to turn it's back on NATO.

I'll be perfectly honest, I hope there's a peace deal soon as I think we were getting way to close to nuclear escalation over the past 2 years. That's one thing all sides should be trying to avoid at all costs.

Everyone hopes there will be a peace deal soon, but conversely we can't all be held hostage eternally to Putin's nuclear threats. He's counting on us wanting to avoid them at all costs while he actively works day and night to split and divide Europe, engaging in constant hybrid warfare.

Keep in mind most of the Kremlin's "red lines" were crossed in the past 3 years.

It's easy to slip into a fantasy loop where we somehow think "peace in Ukraine" or appeasement will somehow get us out of this. It's unlikely to ever stop. In fact, on the contrary, it's probably going to get worse. Regardless of what happens with Trump it's why we (Europe) are going to have to spend 10's, 100's of billions on defence.

The threat of nuclear war is not going away anytime soon. The best we can hope for is de-escalation where possible and some sabre rattling to make everyone feel like they are winning every now and again.

In my opinion any deal needs to include economic ties between Russia, US and EU. It's probably an unpopular opinion but until Europe had strong economic ties it was a mess. That being said, any deal has to work for Ukraine first and foremost, within the realms of reality though.

It will be a very long time before Europe depends on any economic ties with russia again. When Nordstream blew, Germany didn't really care much, they knew russia was too unreliable.

Very poor understanding of the situation-Russia can outlast all resistance that Ukraine has, and also anything that Europe can throw at them. They have the resources for it, pure and simple. It's only with US involvement that Russia could be held, however, and as it's been mentioned time and time and time again, this leads to nuclear war.

The Germans tried "Wandel durch Handel" (change through trade) with Russia. That's why things like Nordstream were built. The Russians were never interested in parity with Europe, only to dominate us. That ship has sailed. The only show in town now is massive defence budgets and a sufficiently large nuclear deterrent under European control.

Is that why they're using donkeys, bikes and ww2 era equipment?

And using ww2 era tactics?

And don't have any air superiority?

And losing indiscriminate amounts of soldiers that causes their demographic crisis to be a catastrophe?

Nuclear war is off the table, all of putins red lines were crossed and every time they accidentally land a missile in a NATO country they cry quickly that it was an accident.

putins folly has been to put europe on a war footing while also killing the market for soviet equipment which will hinder any advancements they could make (remember the uber missiles which weren't and the prototype that flew away?).

It is you who is displaying a poor understanding. The USSR was just about beaten in WWII by Nazi Germany. It was US manufacturing might that saved their collective bacon (and ours). They delivered thousands of tanks, trucks, fuel and everything else to the allies, not least to the USSR. Russia is a spent force right now. It's on the verge of collapse and has, relatively speaking, little to show for it. 20% of Ukrainian territory cor about 1 million killed or wounded in battle. Horrendous losses per km², probably worse than WWII in fact. The threat from Russia is not immediate, it is medium term, when she re-arms. Russia is in absolutely no state to take on NATO today, even in our weakened state. We need to prepare for war in 5 to 10 years.

This is just pathetic nonsense, I think you're watching this Michael Clarke from sky, sounds remarkably like his analysis.

What are you on about, donkeys? Seriously,this is just garbage. No air superiority? Are you joking..

When have they landed a missile in a Nato country?

Usual "Russian economy is doing better than ever, sanctions haven't worked!" line. Can we go into that in a bit more detail?

1. Production levels increasing means nothing in isolation. Can say the exact same thing about Ukraine. Could have said the exact same thing about Nazi Germany in 1944. Maybe you can tell us in detail how many fighter planes, modern tanks Russia is capable of producing every month rather than just artillery shells?
2. What is this mythical ability Russia has to fight war forever and ever? It surrendered in 1905. Virtually collapsed in 1917. USSR almost collapsed in 1942. The Afghan war contributed to collapse in the USSR in 1991. Can you outline how long you think Russia can sustain an invasion of this kind and why you think that?
3. They hold much of the land? Russia holds less land now than it did in 2022. Correct me if I am wrong but Russia currently holds around 20% of Ukraine, but it already held 12% pre 2022. So, after 3 years of war, you're suggesting Russia is advancing at a pace that suits Russia? An interesting strategy, would love to hear more about the logic.
4. Sanctions haven't worked….at all? What are your opinions on the rocketing food prices, current inflation rate, status of reserves, and challenges of a war-time economy?