James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
Would Russia have committed their best forces first? We have to remember that they are keeping quite a bit back at the moment. I was surprised to see reports that Kazakhstan have refused to send troops to Russia's aid. I suppose they have enough problems of their own.
Also these failed Special Ops attempts - because Putin wants a 'clean' victory or is this some kind of weird showing off as one analyst is saying.
I've no idea. Russia's strategy and tactics in the war atm are as clear as mud, but certainly it is not yet as decisive as I feared it was going to be. There is always the possibility that a plan is progressing pretty much as Russia expected, and my perceptions are incorrect. Or it could be that it is not going as planned, or is going very badly for them.
I daresay it'll only become clear a lot later. And if Russia win, they'll probably say that any problems they have were just part of the original plan...
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
I am told he lacks the personal support of Tory MPs.
The Chinese abstention last night was very welcome. Of course it would have been nicer if they'd backed the motion but you can't have everything. Too much to hope they might play the role of Eisenhower in Suez.
If you want to make a donation to the Ukrainian war effort without having a dodgy looking SWIFT transfer to the Bank of Ukraine on your banking records, Euromaiden Press are a media outlet that accept paypal. They said yesterday on twitter that any money donated would go to the military. There are also NGOs that do humanitarian work.
Last night president Zelensky tweeted after speaking to president Macron saying that France supported expelling Russia from Swift, with noises from Germany too. Sources say Downing Street encouraged by that. https://twitter.com/AnushkaAsthana/status/1497478652493185024 A few days ago, banning Russia from Swift wasn't really an option. Now talk is building, some of it from the U.S.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Last night president Zelensky tweeted after speaking to president Macron saying that France supported expelling Russia from Swift, with noises from Germany too. Sources say Downing Street encouraged by that. https://twitter.com/AnushkaAsthana/status/1497478652493185024 A few days ago, banning Russia from Swift wasn't really an option. Now talk is building, some of it from the U.S.
That’s probably a worse outcome for Russia than actually being banned from it. The suggestion that it might now happen could easily spark capital flight to pre-empt it.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Good morning everybody. Hat-tip to the Ukrainians who are, I suspect, holding on far, far better then Putin expected. I suspect many individual Russians, particularly European ones, might find difficulty in destroying Kyiv/Kiev. AIUI, it's the Mother City, the place where Russia as we know it started. Historians will know better of course, and may well correct me.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
A few things I don't understand. Why haven't the Russians apparently established air superiority? Why are they sending in conscripts who should be held in reserve to occupy territory later? And why does Russia need to ask Kazakhstan for military assistance?
The only sanctions that might have an effect are ones that no country is willing to inflict on itself.
The hypocrisy in the west over this is staggering and, I repeat, reaches through stakeholders and shareholders and right into the Conservative Party coffers.
If we REALLY meant it about standing with Ukraine we would hit Russia with every sanction going even if it cost us dearly, which it would.
But we don't really mean it. We talk the talk but we are, effectively, throwing Ukraine to the dogs.
A few things I don't understand. Why haven't the Russians apparently established air superiority? Why are they sending in conscripts who should be held in reserve to occupy territory later? And why does Russia need to ask Kazakhstan for military assistance?
The last one is truly bizarre. Only a few weeks after the pro-Russian government barely survived a popular revolution, why on earth would you be weakening its military by sending its troops to fight on a different continent?!
Russia if it wanted to could have already taken Kyiv but to do so would mean huge destruction and civilian casualties which doesn’t fit with the optics of the mission sold to the Russian people .
Perhaps Putin miscalculated that Ukrainians would just surrender and now it looks like they will go down fighting.
This makes things altogether more complicated for him . He will eventually get his win but at what cost.
"‘Only isolated pockets’ of Russian troops in Kyiv - UK armed forces minister
UK armed forces minister, James Heappey said on Saturday that there are only “isolated pockets” of Russian troops in Kyiv - which is a testament to the resistance shown by Ukrainian forces. “The main armoured columns approaching Kyiv are still some way off. That is a testament to the incredible resistance the Ukrainian armoured forces have put up over the last 48 hours or so,” he told Sky News. “Clearly the Russian plan is to take Kyiv but the reality is that the Ukrainians are thwarting them thus far. “It looks like the Russian plan is nowhere near running to schedule. “I think that will be a great cause of concern for President Putin and rather points to the fact that there was a lot of hubris in the Russian plan and that he may be awfully advised.”
A few things I don't understand. Why haven't the Russians apparently established air superiority? Why are they sending in conscripts who should be held in reserve to occupy territory later? And why does Russia need to ask Kazakhstan for military assistance?
The last one is truly bizarre. Only a few weeks after the pro-Russian government barely survived a popular revolution, why on earth would you be weakening its military by sending its troops to fight on a different continent?!
A few things I don't understand. Why haven't the Russians apparently established air superiority? Why are they sending in conscripts who should be held in reserve to occupy territory later? And why does Russia need to ask Kazakhstan for military assistance?
The correct answer may well be the obvious one. That the Russian military are not as strong or competent as they were made out to be. I suspect they lack the logistical tail for a prolonged war too.
Russians being unable to take money out of their bank accounts would cause national panic....
Way to go, GCHQ!
There were significant queues to cash machines and counters at Sberbank outlets across Moscow yesterday. It became next to impossible to withdraw foreign currency towards the evening. Russia’s largest bank clearly in trouble as a result of sanctions. https://twitter.com/leonidragozin/status/1497363624502902790
A few things I don't understand. Why haven't the Russians apparently established air superiority? Why are they sending in conscripts who should be held in reserve to occupy territory later? And why does Russia need to ask Kazakhstan for military assistance?
The correct answer may well be the obvious one. That the Russian military are not as strong or competent as they were made out to be. I suspect they lack the logistical tail for a prolonged war too.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Predictable as ever Malc
The truth will out G, propaganda cannot hide the truth.
There’s wee, pretendy Churchill and then there’s President Zelensky showing us the real thing. Anyone can talk the talk, it takes genuine courage to walk the walk.
A few things I don't understand. Why haven't the Russians apparently established air superiority? Why are they sending in conscripts who should be held in reserve to occupy territory later? And why does Russia need to ask Kazakhstan for military assistance?
The correct answer may well be the obvious one. That the Russian military are not as strong or competent as they were made out to be. I suspect they lack the logistical tail for a prolonged war too.
Yes, I'm rather hoping that might be the case. Sending the conscripts in may be the Generals' way of not fully cooperating.
Russia if it wanted to could have already taken Kyiv but to do so would mean huge destruction and civilian casualties which doesn’t fit with the optics of the mission sold to the Russian people .
Perhaps Putin miscalculated that Ukrainians would just surrender and now it looks like they will go down fighting.
This makes things altogether more complicated for him . He will eventually get his win but at what cost.
What happens after the "win"? Given the level of resistance, are we talking about indefinite military occupation of a country with a population that is going to be largely hostile? Is there going to be massive civil disobedience, and how is that going to be handled?
A few things I don't understand. Why haven't the Russians apparently established air superiority? Why are they sending in conscripts who should be held in reserve to occupy territory later? And why does Russia need to ask Kazakhstan for military assistance?
The correct answer may well be the obvious one. That the Russian military are not as strong or competent as they were made out to be. I suspect they lack the logistical tail for a prolonged war too.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Predictable as ever Malc
The truth will out G, propaganda cannot hide the truth.
Malc - I want Boris to go but to be honest now is not the time and whilst this crisis is ongoing we as a country must be united as anything else just provides succour to the evil Putin
A few things I don't understand. Why haven't the Russians apparently established air superiority? Why are they sending in conscripts who should be held in reserve to occupy territory later? And why does Russia need to ask Kazakhstan for military assistance?
The correct answer may well be the obvious one. That the Russian military are not as strong or competent as they were made out to be. I suspect they lack the logistical tail for a prolonged war too.
Well if that's the case it's the one thing I got right and it's why I suggested Russia wouldn't attack: because they wouldn't be that stupid. But I didn't factor in that we're dealing with a madman not a rationalist.
Russia's military might was always overrated.
But intelligence has moved on from my day so I may be way out of touch.
If the Russians do not yet have air superiority (which they don't have), it raises serious questions about how well planned the Russian offensive is. They had the resources to have air superiority via destroying the grounded Ukrainian airforce in the first few minutes of the war.
Meanwhile the assault down 'Victory Avenue' in Kyiv has been repelled.
I don't think the Russian fascist forces expected the Ukrainian resistance to have British anti-aircraft weapons. Litvinenko's revenge.
The western weapons are certainly making this by far the closes peer-on-peer conflict since the 40. Even if the US was invading in the place of Russia it'd be more organised but they'd still be taking very significant casualties. Still the question about what happens if Putin doesn't achieve his objectives lingers. Peace and prosperity in our time is as dead as the snake island 13.
It seems likely that Putin is going to achieve his objectives, and fairly quickly. Not guaranteed, but maybe a 1/5 shot.
But sometimes 1/5 shots don’t come home. What then? It is a very important question, but impossible to answer. Nobody wants to contemplate the obvious answer: nuclear war.
Nuclear war against whom? Why would even a half-crazed Putin order the nuclear annihilation of the region he wants to reincorporate into Russia? And even a glance at a map would warn him of the danger of residual becquerels being blown by the wind back to mother Russia.
I sincerely hope you are right.
But, if you are right, it still leaves the question unanswered.
There’s wee, pretendy Churchill and then there’s President Zelensky showing us the real thing. Anyone can talk the talk, it takes genuine courage to walk the walk.
He is taking shelter from Russian weapons, not hiding in a fridge from journalists.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Predictable as ever Malc
The truth will out G, propaganda cannot hide the truth.
Malc - I want Boris to go but to be honest now is not the time and whilst this crisis is ongoing we as a country must be united as anything else just provides succour to the evil Putin
That's utter rubbish though and with your logic would have kept Chamberlain on as PM after the Norway débâcle.
There’s wee, pretendy Churchill and then there’s President Zelensky showing us the real thing. Anyone can talk the talk, it takes genuine courage to walk the walk.
Zelensky has the perfect combination of humility and authority, of which our own lying clown can only dream.
He also ran on an anti-corruption ticket, about which our own lying clown never dreams.
Russia if it wanted to could have already taken Kyiv but to do so would mean huge destruction and civilian casualties which doesn’t fit with the optics of the mission sold to the Russian people .
Perhaps Putin miscalculated that Ukrainians would just surrender and now it looks like they will go down fighting.
This makes things altogether more complicated for him . He will eventually get his win but at what cost.
What happens after the "win"? Given the level of resistance, are we talking about indefinite military occupation of a country with a population that is going to be largely hostile? Is there going to be massive civil disobedience, and how is that going to be handled?
The irony is in that scenario it would weaken Russian control over Belarus. If they've got large numbers of soldiers pacifying Kyiv, Odessa and Lviv, they won't be controlling Minsk.
Russia's Ministry of Defence yesterday said that when their soldiers took Melitopol, they were welcomed into the city and met by pensioners waving red flags. This guy is telling them to fuck off. https://twitter.com/ragipsoylu/status/1497478435240923136
A few things I don't understand. Why haven't the Russians apparently established air superiority? Why are they sending in conscripts who should be held in reserve to occupy territory later? And why does Russia need to ask Kazakhstan for military assistance?
The correct answer may well be the obvious one. That the Russian military are not as strong or competent as they were made out to be. I suspect they lack the logistical tail for a prolonged war too.
Well if that's the case it's the one thing I got right and it's why I suggested Russia wouldn't attack: because they wouldn't be that stupid. But I didn't factor in that we're dealing with a madman not a rationalist.
Russia's military might was always overrated.
But intelligence has moved on from my day so I may be way out of touch.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Predictable as ever Malc
The truth will out G, propaganda cannot hide the truth.
Malc - I want Boris to go but to be honest now is not the time and whilst this crisis is ongoing we as a country must be united as anything else just provides succour to the evil Putin
There is nothing he is doing now that is of any practical or significant help to the Ukranians that his deputy couldn't do tomorrow, pending the selection of an honest and competent replacement.
You quote Cummings on today of all days - brexit has taken you over sadly
In due course The Russia Report really should be released in unredacted form.
There is a massive stench of hypocrisy, much of it leading back to the Conservative Party, over this country's dealing with Putin's dirty money washing through London.
I accept that now probably isn't the time, except that this impinges on our weak sanctions. We have succoured Putin's mafia in London and it has to stop.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Predictable as ever Malc
The truth will out G, propaganda cannot hide the truth.
Malc - I want Boris to go but to be honest now is not the time and whilst this crisis is ongoing we as a country must be united as anything else just provides succour to the evil Putin
That's utter rubbish though and with your logic would have kept Chamberlain on as PM after the Norway débâcle.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Predictable as ever Malc
The truth will out G, propaganda cannot hide the truth.
Malc - I want Boris to go but to be honest now is not the time and whilst this crisis is ongoing we as a country must be united as anything else just provides succour to the evil Putin
That's utter rubbish though and with your logic would have kept Chamberlain on as PM after the Norway débâcle.
I don't have military experience but I note that in my airsoft games the following probably carry over. Defenders get 2 lives whereas attackers are on an infinite respawn. Attacking is much harder. People with the best kit and experience can take out many times their number. Snipers embedded in Kiev will kill huge numbers of Russian conscripts... Ultimately Russia will win as it simply can keep chucking numbers but they'll need to basically flatten Kiev to do so
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Predictable as ever Malc
The truth will out G, propaganda cannot hide the truth.
Malc - I want Boris to go but to be honest now is not the time and whilst this crisis is ongoing we as a country must be united as anything else just provides succour to the evil Putin
G excuses as to why he should not be sacked are just not acceptable. last thing we need is a crooked lying toerag pretending he is a war hero. He should have been gone already and the longer he si there the more it shows how far UK has fallen. It will be excuses right up to the next election when the Tories get the comeuppance they deserve for supporting the clown.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Predictable as ever Malc
The truth will out G, propaganda cannot hide the truth.
Malc - I want Boris to go but to be honest now is not the time and whilst this crisis is ongoing we as a country must be united as anything else just provides succour to the evil Putin
I disagree. Removing a bungling liar who looks like Worzel Gummidge on a bad hair day and replacing him with somebody competent and knowledgeable is not only vital for national security given this situation calls for intelligence, shrewdness and calm judgement (three things Johnson hasn't got, never has had and never will have) but will tell Putin that we're taking the threat he poses very seriously indeed.
You quote Cummings on today of all days - brexit has taken you over sadly
In due course The Russia Report really should be released in unredacted form.
There is a massive stench of hypocrisy, much of it leading back to the Conservative Party, over this country's dealing with Putin's dirty money washing through London.
I accept that now probably isn't the time, except that this impinges on our weak sanctions. We have succoured Putin's mafia in London and it has to stop.
Our sanctions are as strong as the EU and we have lead the way in wanting Russia out of swift and but for Germany that would be happening
I got up, read the Ukrainians were still fighting, and cried. They are clearly putting up a hell of a fight.
I've been continuously asking myself the question - would I fight or would I flee, when confronted with this? People in Ukraine are doing both. I don't think I would know until confronted with the choice.
I’d be running. Mind you, it’s difficult for us to answer. We haven’t grown up with the threat, so it’s hard to put yourself in that position.
It is a bit like what you do when someone is getting assaulted. I've seen this a few times when much younger. I've tried to stop a couple of assaults and ran away from others. A split second instinctive decision.
On a more theoretical level, I have been thinking about this question continously because I have got close family who live in the Baltics. In fact, my son is a dual national and will be conscripted in to the army when he is older, so it is a real possibility that he will have to fight at some point in his lifetime.
Removing the extended family to England is not a good option, even though it is possible and we have the resources to do it. What sort of life is it to be removed from your homeland, whilst you let other people defend it and die in the process of doing so? And if much of Europe folds to a dictatorship, how safe are we in England?
These are just really difficult questions with no simple answer, but my instinctive answer is that I think we should be fighting and supporting everyone who is resisting this tyranny, in Russia and outside of it.
Met an old friend last week I hadn't seen in 30 years. He's not in great shape. Heart attack a few years ago. Needs both knees replacing, since before COVID. Uses a walker. Told me he saw a slender lad of about 14 being attacked by a coked up thug at the bus stop. Put himself between them. "It was the only thing I could have done right then." Ashamed to say I could have thought of a few other, better alternatives. He ended with a broken back. I was moved. And reflective.
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Predictable as ever Malc
The truth will out G, propaganda cannot hide the truth.
Malc - I want Boris to go but to be honest now is not the time and whilst this crisis is ongoing we as a country must be united as anything else just provides succour to the evil Putin
That's utter rubbish though and with your logic would have kept Chamberlain on as PM after the Norway débâcle.
It is not going to happen
Morning Lord Halifax.
You Wood say that. Maybe you were Irwin on the side of sarcasm?
Russia if it wanted to could have already taken Kyiv but to do so would mean huge destruction and civilian casualties which doesn’t fit with the optics of the mission sold to the Russian people .
Perhaps Putin miscalculated that Ukrainians would just surrender and now it looks like they will go down fighting.
This makes things altogether more complicated for him . He will eventually get his win but at what cost.
What happens after the "win"? Given the level of resistance, are we talking about indefinite military occupation of a country with a population that is going to be largely hostile? Is there going to be massive civil disobedience, and how is that going to be handled?
The irony is in that scenario it would weaken Russian control over Belarus. If they've got large numbers of soldiers pacifying Kyiv, Odessa and Lviv, they won't be controlling Minsk.
The Russian army is going to be playing whack-a-mole for ever - with the moles armed with anti-tank weapons.
The Russian top brass must be either 1. Shit-scared of Putin for their personal safety and that of their families, or 2. utterly deluded or 3. actively trying to work out how to extricate themselves from an unholy mess.
At the moment, all it looks like they can organise is a nice goose-stepping display through Red Square.....
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Predictable as ever Malc
The truth will out G, propaganda cannot hide the truth.
Malc - I want Boris to go but to be honest now is not the time and whilst this crisis is ongoing we as a country must be united as anything else just provides succour to the evil Putin
There is nothing he is doing now that is of any practical or significant help to the Ukranians that his deputy couldn't do tomorrow, pending the selection of an honest and competent replacement.
Hopefully not Raab though Ian, that would be too far.
Reports 27 countries are actively providing weapons to Ukraine
Time for us to unite, stop sniping, and be proud of the response currently on its way from nations across the world
I'm sorry BigG. We in the West have done next to nothing. There is good reason why we have done next to nothing we don't want Putin to escalate this fiasco to involve the EU and the UK.
Clinton's biggest regret was he did nothing about the genocide in Rwanda. We are watching, not genocide, but the destruction of a nation. The upshot either way is thousands of innocents are slaughtered whilst we watch on.
Our declarations "but Ukraine is not in NATO" are sops to ourselves.They are a sovereign nation invaded by an aggressor and we (the West) have sanctioned 70% of Russian banks. Huh, 70%?
Now I don't want British troops involved, I don't want my children conscripted for a world war, but neither can I sit back with satisfaction and claim leaders representing me have done all they can on my behalf, they haven't. In some cases, their vested interests trump my horror.
I don't know how to counter Putin, that is not my job. But neither, it seems, do those whose job it is to deal with Putin.
I am not suggesting a party political or Remainer/ Leave bias here. Whoever they represent, Western leaders have been guilty of dereliction of duty for at least eight years and that includes Starmer and your beloved "Boris".
Went through my mind yesterday. How they might now wish they'd bumped him off when they had the chance in Cornwall.
I bet he's bunkered down. One drone is all it takes ...
Unlike Putin, the UK government does not assassinate individuals
I think that's naive though in today's world. The Americans have no such qualms and nor do the Israelis. It's also incorrect. We have shown plenty of willingness to be involved in removing terrorists. And if you think our Special Forces don't take people out you are badly mistaken.
Faced with the choice: thousands killed in an illegal and immoral invasion vs 1 dead dictator.
It's an ethical dilemma which runs back through time. Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously wrestled with the ethics of it before committing to the attempt to bomb Hitler.
Sometimes you have to commit an apparent act of evil in order to prevent far greater evil. But I wouldn't even class assassinating Putin as an evil.
One analysis of the situation that keeps coming to me (and frequently alluded to on here) is that we are witnessing the end of a dictator. The weird social distancing, the mad ramblings, the isolation on the world stage, the unprovoked war. The endgame is likely to be a revolution or a coup.
From our point of view, I think that Putin has proven himself to be beyond any kind of redemption. We have just got to take the chance and hope for the best.
@KwasiKwarteng summoned BP chief Bernard Looney this afternoon to explain why it owns a 20% stake in Rosneft, which provides fuel to Russia army - Kwarteng also "uneasy" about the fact that Looney sits alongside Putin on the Russian Geographical Society board"
@KwasiKwarteng summoned BP chief Bernard Looney this afternoon to explain why it owns a 20% stake in Rosneft, which provides fuel to Russia army - Kwarteng also "uneasy" about the fact that Looney sits alongside Putin on the Russian Geographical Society board"
Went through my mind yesterday. How they might now wish they'd bumped him off when they had the chance in Cornwall.
I bet he's bunkered down. One drone is all it takes ...
Unlike Putin, the UK government does not assassinate individuals
I think that's naive though in today's world. The Americans have no such qualms and nor do the Israelis. It's also incorrect. We have shown plenty of willingness to be involved in removing terrorists. And if you think our Special Forces don't take people out you are badly mistaken.
Faced with the choice: thousands killed in an illegal and immoral invasion vs 1 dead dictator.
It's an ethical dilemma which runs back through time. Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously wrestled with the ethics of it before committing to the attempt to bomb Hitler.
Sometimes you have to commit an apparent act of evil in order to prevent far greater evil. But I wouldn't even class assassinating Putin as an evil.
Naive does not begin to describe it , more like deluded.
Reports 27 countries are actively providing weapons to Ukraine
Time for us to unite, stop sniping, and be proud of the response currently on its way from nations across the world
I'm sorry BigG. We in the West have done next to nothing. There is good reason why we have done next to nothing we don't want Putin to escalate this fiasco to involve the EU and the UK.
Clinton's biggest regret was he did nothing about the genocide in Rwanda. We are watching, not genocide, but the destruction of a nation. The upshot either way is thousands of innocents are slaughtered whilst we watch on.
Our declarations "but Ukraine is not in NATO" are sops to ourselves.They are a sovereign nation invaded by an aggressor and we (the West) have sanctioned 70% of their banks. Huh, 70%?
Now I don't want British troops involved, I don't want my children conscripted for a world war, but neither can I sit back with satisfaction and claim leaders representing me have done all they can on my behalf, they haven't. In some cases, their vested interests trump my horror.
I don't know how to counter Putin, that is not my job. But neither, it seems, do those whose job it is to deal with Putin.
I am not suggesting a party political or Remainer/ Leave bias here. Whoever they represent, Western leaders have been guilty of dereliction of duty for at least eight years and that includes Starmer and your beloved "Boris".
Beloved Boris - I cannot understand why a conservative party leadership election taking upto 8 weeks at this time of war could be justified or indeed accepted by the voters
The time will come to replace Boris but it will not happen yet
Reports 27 countries are actively providing weapons to Ukraine
Time for us to unite, stop sniping, and be proud of the response currently on its way from nations across the world
I'm sorry BigG. We in the West have done next to nothing. There is good reason why we have done next to nothing we don't want Putin to escalate this fiasco to involve the EU and the UK.
Clinton's biggest regret was he did nothing about the genocide in Rwanda. We are watching, not genocide, but the destruction of a nation. The upshot either way is thousands of innocents are slaughtered whilst we watch on.
Our declarations "but Ukraine is not in NATO" are sops to ourselves.They are a sovereign nation invaded by an aggressor and we (the West) have sanctioned 70% of Russian banks. Huh, 70%?
Now I don't want British troops involved, I don't want my children conscripted for a world war, but neither can I sit back with satisfaction and claim leaders representing me have done all they can on my behalf, they haven't. In some cases, their vested interests trump my horror.
I don't know how to counter Putin, that is not my job. But neither, it seems, do those whose job it is to deal with Putin.
I am not suggesting a party political or Remainer/ Leave bias here. Whoever they represent, Western leaders have been guilty of dereliction of duty for at least eight years and that includes Starmer and your beloved "Boris".
When I was calling for us to act against Russia in 2014, 2016 (I think), 2018, etc, etc, where was your voice? Were you in the "Russia's ambitions are detrimental to the world; we need to act hard" camp or the "You're a warmonger risking WWIII" camp?
Because actions then would have been a damned sight easier than they are now. And we still face a threat of WWIII.
@KwasiKwarteng summoned BP chief Bernard Looney this afternoon to explain why it owns a 20% stake in Rosneft, which provides fuel to Russia army - Kwarteng also "uneasy" about the fact that Looney sits alongside Putin on the Russian Geographical Society board"
What’s there to say beyond observing it’s performative, grandstanding, meaningless bollocks? The government knew all this last week, last month, last year but chose to do absolutely nothing.
I cannot understand why a conservative party leadership election taking upto 8 weeks at this time of war could be justified or indeed accepted by the voters
When the PM is an incompetent buffoon, I cannot understand why you would want him in post for a second longer
Reports 27 countries are actively providing weapons to Ukraine
Time for us to unite, stop sniping, and be proud of the response currently on its way from nations across the world
I'm sorry BigG. We in the West have done next to nothing. There is good reason why we have done next to nothing we don't want Putin to escalate this fiasco to involve the EU and the UK.
Clinton's biggest regret was he did nothing about the genocide in Rwanda. We are watching, not genocide, but the destruction of a nation. The upshot either way is thousands of innocents are slaughtered whilst we watch on.
Our declarations "but Ukraine is not in NATO" are sops to ourselves.They are a sovereign nation invaded by an aggressor and we (the West) have sanctioned 70% of Russian banks. Huh, 70%?
Now I don't want British troops involved, I don't want my children conscripted for a world war, but neither can I sit back with satisfaction and claim leaders representing me have done all they can on my behalf, they haven't. In some cases, their vested interests trump my horror.
I don't know how to counter Putin, that is not my job. But neither, it seems, do those whose job it is to deal with Putin.
I am not suggesting a party political or Remainer/ Leave bias here. Whoever they represent, Western leaders have been guilty of dereliction of duty for at least eight years and that includes Starmer and your beloved "Boris".
When I was calling for us to act against Russia in 2014, 2016 (I think), 2018, etc, etc, where was your voice? Were you in the "Russia's ambitions are detrimental to the world; we need to act hard" camp or the "You're a warmonger risking WWIII" camp?
Because actions then would have been a damned sight easier than they are now. And we still face a threat of WWIII.
Went through my mind yesterday. How they might now wish they'd bumped him off when they had the chance in Cornwall.
I bet he's bunkered down. One drone is all it takes ...
Unlike Putin, the UK government does not assassinate individuals
I think that's naive though in today's world. The Americans have no such qualms and nor do the Israelis. It's also incorrect. We have shown plenty of willingness to be involved in removing terrorists. And if you think our Special Forces don't take people out you are badly mistaken.
Faced with the choice: thousands killed in an illegal and immoral invasion vs 1 dead dictator.
It's an ethical dilemma which runs back through time. Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously wrestled with the ethics of it before committing to the attempt to bomb Hitler.
Sometimes you have to commit an apparent act of evil in order to prevent far greater evil. But I wouldn't even class assassinating Putin as an evil.
You spend your time on here trying to sow dissent. Now is not the time or place.
I did enjoy the video where that Irish journalist tore a new one for the Russian Ambassador to Ireland when aforementioned ambassador tried that line.
The look of withering contempt on his face was almost as good as the zingers of questions he kept putting.
A devastatingly effective, fair and fact based interview by an Irish journalist with Russian’s ambassador to Ireland. “Why should our government entertain your presence here when you’re acting as an apologist for slaughter.” https://twitter.com/rtenews/status/1497283552014213122/video/1
James Heappey MP (Armed Forces minister) pretty impressive on Sky News.
One to watch.
It has been fascinating watching Tom Tugendhat on the news. A Lieutenant-Colonel with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan - and then with the civilian administration in the latter. Notably shish-kebabs the Big Dog at every opportunity on his lack of comprehension of foreign affairs. A declared candidate for leader should a contest arise. And he continues to lead from the front, detailed criticism of the PM and our woeful position.
I know that some people think Ukraine saves the Big Dog, that there can be no move against him now. But remember the facts - the PM is a bumbling incompetent cretin with no grasp for detail. Fucking up this crisis is almost as certain as the sun setting in the west later.
So could Tugendhat rise from relative obscurity and be a real challenger when a vacancy does occur - or help force one?
Boris may be a "bumbling incompetent cretin" but he is blessed with a powerful, deep voice which means he sounds both authoritative and reassuring provided he sticks to reading out speeches crafted by some combination of Guto Harri, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
This is the best speech I have ever heard Boris make
Still a complete and utter arsehole who should be out on his arse, apologists for him as he tries to save his fat arse by pretending to be Churchill are easily taken in.
Predictable as ever Malc
The truth will out G, propaganda cannot hide the truth.
Malc - I want Boris to go but to be honest now is not the time and whilst this crisis is ongoing we as a country must be united as anything else just provides succour to the evil Putin
That's utter rubbish though and with your logic would have kept Chamberlain on as PM after the Norway débâcle.
It is not going to happen
Worth unpicking that.
Should BoJo go now? Hell yes. He's not up to the job.
Is it possible for him to go now? Indeedy. See all the precedents from history. And they were wars where the UK was fighting, rather than being a significant supporting player. The people of Ukraine can manage without a British PM for a bit.
Will he go? You're right. He won't. Because the Conservative ecosystem won't stand up to Big Dog. And I recognise that you're no longer a member, but people looking for excuses to delay the necessary is part of the problem.
Reports 27 countries are actively providing weapons to Ukraine
Time for us to unite, stop sniping, and be proud of the response currently on its way from nations across the world
I'm sorry BigG. We in the West have done next to nothing. There is good reason why we have done next to nothing we don't want Putin to escalate this fiasco to involve the EU and the UK.
Clinton's biggest regret was he did nothing about the genocide in Rwanda. We are watching, not genocide, but the destruction of a nation. The upshot either way is thousands of innocents are slaughtered whilst we watch on.
Our declarations "but Ukraine is not in NATO" are sops to ourselves.They are a sovereign nation invaded by an aggressor and we (the West) have sanctioned 70% of their banks. Huh, 70%?
Now I don't want British troops involved, I don't want my children conscripted for a world war, but neither can I sit back with satisfaction and claim leaders representing me have done all they can on my behalf, they haven't. In some cases, their vested interests trump my horror.
I don't know how to counter Putin, that is not my job. But neither, it seems, do those whose job it is to deal with Putin.
I am not suggesting a party political or Remainer/ Leave bias here. Whoever they represent, Western leaders have been guilty of dereliction of duty for at least eight years and that includes Starmer and your beloved "Boris".
Beloved Boris - I cannot understand why a conservative party leadership election taking upto 8 weeks at this time of war could be justified or indeed accepted by the voters
The time will come to replace Boris but it will not happen yet
Again, no. The time is now, before Putin attacks a NATO country.
There is never a *good* time for a change of government. Inertia is the most powerful force for a reason. But sometimes it's the right time to act. Now is the right time.
The fact that 80% of Tory backbenchers are spineless cowards who would be a disgrace to Trefriw Parish Council makes it difficult, but it doesn't mean it's the wrong time.
Comments
I bet he's bunkered down. One drone is all it takes ...
I daresay it'll only become clear a lot later. And if Russia win, they'll probably say that any problems they have were just part of the original plan...
Unleashing your bombers doesn't exactly fit the "peacekeeping" narrative he was trying to sell initially.
I'm sure the west would see assassinating Putin as a good solution.
Even some Germans tried to take out Hitler. With weaponry and intelligence so much more sophisticated this is something we should consider.
I may appear dove-like on general conflict but I see assassinations as a necessary part of maintaining world peace. Seriously.
The Israelis are particularly good at it.
Take out Putin and the world is a better place. Many Russians would be delighted.
See link below (h/t @Cyclefree)
https://ukrainianinstitute.org.uk/russias-war-against-ukraine-what-can-you-do-to-support-ukraine-ukrainians/
https://twitter.com/AnushkaAsthana/status/1497478652493185024
A few days ago, banning Russia from Swift wasn't really an option. Now talk is building, some of it from the U.S.
There's momentum, but the fate is unclear.
Via @SalehaMohsin, @nwadhams and me:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-26/u-s-puts-banning-russia-from-swift-global-system-back-in-play?sref=babSEhDq
PM speaks Russian and Ukrainian in message
https://news.sky.com/video/share-12551741
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/feb/25/global-markets-surge-as-concerns-ease-over-effect-of-sanctions-on-the-west
The only sanctions that might have an effect are ones that no country is willing to inflict on itself.
@RealCynicalFox
8.Russian morale is lower than expected. Some units appear to have anticipated being met with grateful Ukrainian crowds instead of stiff opposition."
https://twitter.com/RealCynicalFox/status/1497143878360739840
Hat-tip to the Ukrainians who are, I suspect, holding on far, far better then Putin expected.
I suspect many individual Russians, particularly European ones, might find difficulty in destroying Kyiv/Kiev. AIUI, it's the Mother City, the place where Russia as we know it started.
Historians will know better of course, and may well correct me.
If we REALLY meant it about standing with Ukraine we would hit Russia with every sanction going even if it cost us dearly, which it would.
But we don't really mean it. We talk the talk but we are, effectively, throwing Ukraine to the dogs.
https://twitter.com/paulwaugh/status/1497481660400553984
https://twitter.com/ChiefMI6/status/1497290589360070665
Perhaps Putin miscalculated that Ukrainians would just surrender and now it looks like they will go down fighting.
This makes things altogether more complicated for him . He will eventually get his win but at what cost.
Why dovyou think "modern" tabks can't be so easuly attacked. They are a metal box with limited visibility.
The fundamentals of "using tanks in an urban environment without infantry support is a terrible plan" has remained constant.
today...
Dominic Cummings: the Tory Party has been “financed by Putin’s mates for decades” and Russia has been able to sway the British electorate.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/tories-financed-by-putins-mates-for-decades-and-russia-did-influence-uk-votes-dominic-cummings-claims/ar-AAUfK8S?ocid=st
If that's the price of expelling Russia from SWIFT I will gladly pay it.
https://twitter.com/TommyLundn/status/1497413113112666113
Time for us to unite, stop sniping, and be proud of the response currently on its way from nations across the world
UK armed forces minister, James Heappey said on Saturday that there are only “isolated pockets” of Russian troops in Kyiv - which is a testament to the resistance shown by Ukrainian forces. “The main armoured columns approaching Kyiv are still some way off. That is a testament to the incredible resistance the Ukrainian armoured forces have put up over the last 48 hours or so,” he told Sky News. “Clearly the Russian plan is to take Kyiv but the reality is that the Ukrainians are thwarting them thus far. “It looks like the Russian plan is nowhere near running to schedule. “I think that will be a great cause of concern for President Putin and rather points to the fact that there was a lot of hubris in the Russian plan and that he may be awfully advised.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-putin-war-kyiv-invasion-latest-b2022971.html
Way to go, GCHQ!
https://twitter.com/leonidragozin/status/1497363624502902790
Apple Pay looks like it’s stopped working in Russia.
https://twitter.com/JamesAALongman/status/1497485016544288777
https://www.timesnownews.com/world/anonymous-declares-cyber-war-on-russia-attacks-govt-websites-all-about-the-mysterious-hacker-collective-article-89843798
Russia's military might was always overrated.
But intelligence has moved on from my day so I may be way out of touch.
But, if you are right, it still leaves the question unanswered.
Last night's attack down Peremohy Avenue seems to have been driven back. Whether it was just a probe or a major attack is not yet clear.
He also ran on an anti-corruption ticket, about which our own lying clown never dreams.
There is a massive stench of hypocrisy, much of it leading back to the Conservative Party, over this country's dealing with Putin's dirty money washing through London.
I accept that now probably isn't the time, except that this impinges on our weak sanctions. We have succoured Putin's mafia in London and it has to stop.
Defenders get 2 lives whereas attackers are on an infinite respawn. Attacking is much harder.
People with the best kit and experience can take out many times their number.
Snipers embedded in Kiev will kill huge numbers of Russian conscripts...
Ultimately Russia will win as it simply can keep chucking numbers but they'll need to basically flatten Kiev to do so
They’re lying & it’s vital to say so. This block of flats in Kyiv was hit last night- a building identical to millions across Russia https://twitter.com/sarahrainsford/status/1497480549568552963/photo/1
Told me he saw a slender lad of about 14 being attacked by a coked up thug at the bus stop. Put himself between them. "It was the only thing I could have done right then."
Ashamed to say I could have thought of a few other, better alternatives.
He ended with a broken back. I was moved. And reflective.
The Russian top brass must be either
1. Shit-scared of Putin for their personal safety and that of their families, or
2. utterly deluded or
3. actively trying to work out how to extricate themselves from an unholy mess.
At the moment, all it looks like they can organise is a nice goose-stepping display through Red Square.....
Clinton's biggest regret was he did nothing about the genocide in Rwanda. We are watching, not genocide, but the destruction of a nation. The upshot either way is thousands of innocents are slaughtered whilst we watch on.
Our declarations "but Ukraine is not in NATO" are sops to ourselves.They are a sovereign nation invaded by an aggressor and we (the West) have sanctioned 70% of Russian banks. Huh, 70%?
Now I don't want British troops involved, I don't want my children conscripted for a world war, but neither can I sit back with satisfaction and claim leaders representing me have done all they can on my behalf, they haven't. In some cases, their vested interests trump my horror.
I don't know how to counter Putin, that is not my job. But neither, it seems, do those whose job it is to deal with Putin.
I am not suggesting a party political or Remainer/ Leave bias here. Whoever they represent, Western leaders have been guilty of dereliction of duty for at least eight years and that includes Starmer and your beloved "Boris".
Faced with the choice: thousands killed in an illegal and immoral invasion vs 1 dead dictator.
It's an ethical dilemma which runs back through time. Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously wrestled with the ethics of it before committing to the attempt to bomb Hitler.
Sometimes you have to commit an apparent act of evil in order to prevent far greater evil. But I wouldn't even class assassinating Putin as an evil.
From our point of view, I think that Putin has proven himself to be beyond any kind of redemption. We have just got to take the chance and hope for the best.
https://twitter.com/PickardJE/status/1497270460396015621
"Jim Pickard
@PickardJE
@KwasiKwarteng summoned BP chief Bernard Looney this afternoon to explain why it owns a 20% stake in Rosneft, which provides fuel to Russia army
- Kwarteng also "uneasy" about the fact that Looney sits alongside Putin on the Russian Geographical Society board"
Who needs satire? It just writes itself!
The time will come to replace Boris but it will not happen yet
Because actions then would have been a damned sight easier than they are now. And we still face a threat of WWIII.
The look of withering contempt on his face was almost as good as the zingers of questions he kept putting.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60533275
Quite right.
My donkeys for today, follow at your own peril.
Trixie
Hacker Des Places 13:08 Chepstow
Marty Byrde 16:35 Chepstow
Fonzerelli 14:45 Newcastle
Single EW
Enrilo 3:37 Kempton
Should BoJo go now?
Hell yes. He's not up to the job.
Is it possible for him to go now?
Indeedy. See all the precedents from history. And they were wars where the UK was fighting, rather than being a significant supporting player. The people of Ukraine can manage without a British PM for a bit.
Will he go?
You're right. He won't. Because the Conservative ecosystem won't stand up to Big Dog. And I recognise that you're no longer a member, but people looking for excuses to delay the necessary is part of the problem.
There is never a *good* time for a change of government. Inertia is the most powerful force for a reason. But sometimes it's the right time to act. Now is the right time.
The fact that 80% of Tory backbenchers are spineless cowards who would be a disgrace to Trefriw Parish Council makes it difficult, but it doesn't mean it's the wrong time.