WW3 -All Russia / Ukraine stuff here please-

What I find astonishing about the Russian military might is, apparently Putin has 15,000 “Volunteers” coming over from Syria to “ help with military
Manoeuvres”. Is the Russian army really that rubbish. Has Putin and his cronies underestimated how big a job this “ Military manoeuvres “ was
 
What I find astonishing about the Russian military might is, apparently Putin has 15,000 “Volunteers” coming over from Syria to “ help with military
Manoeuvres”. Is the Russian army really that rubbish. Has Putin and his cronies underestimated how big a job this “ Military manoeuvres “ was
He'd rather 15,000 Syrians popped their clogs than 15,000 Ruskies, there are also unconfirmed reports of a covert air attack on Belarusian troops to get more of them involved.
 
Disappointing to see 16000 Syrian mercenaries joining the fight. They will no doubt be posted to these towns still standing firm and use their guerilla tactical nous to break down Ukaranian resistance before the Russian onslaught. Putin will then claim it was a Russian victory
 
Disappointing to see 16000 Syrian mercenaries joining the fight. They will no doubt be posted to these towns still standing firm and use their guerilla tactical nous to break down Ukaranian resistance before the Russian onslaught. Putin will then claim it was a Russian victory

On the flip side you’d assume that there are a fair few from around Europe (and further afield) who will have joined the Ukrainian ranks. Hopefully even the playing field a little.
 
On the flip side you’d assume that there are a fair few from around Europe (and further afield) who will have joined the Ukrainian ranks. Hopefully even the playing field a little.
Though typical Putin and quite predictably, as soon as it was evident that ex-military from UK and other countries were going to Ukraine to fight he would disingenuously twist that into mercenaries from UK and European countries going to Ukraine to kill Russian 'freedom fighters' and use that as justification for such as engaging his own mercenaries. Because that's what he does and will continue to do, and so we need to be very clear whether or not we want UK citizens to go to Ukraine to 'fight'.
 
From what I've heard there are plenty of ex-military and non ex-military citizens from many countries heading out to join the fight. There's some weird stuff going on though as they are being made to sign a contract which may or may not be open-ended and may or may not be on a payment basis. The may or may not be element is because it's information from my nephew who's out there and he is probably only telling us what we want to hear. They were told about the contract and that it was dated "until the end of martial law in Ukraine". Also that they'd be sent out to the East and basically be "cannon fodder and a suicide mission".

So he refused to sign and was planning some humanitarian work on the Polish border. This has now become a contract signed which they can get out of at any time and him joining up with an alleged group of ex special foces joining up with the Ukranian special forces. I think he's somewhere South as it's on the coast. I have the horrible feeling the majority are basically mercenaries or living out their dreams as "SF" soldiers which hadn't previously materialised.

Having said that my judgement is clouded somewhat by the whats app group he set up which included many of his ex squaddie mates. The "banter" on there was anything but funny imho. Eventually my sister gave them a proper telling off and it disbanded - which is probably a good thing!
 
Certainly an interesting read. But how accurately representative it is of central Chinese political thinking is anyone's guess?
I think the beauty ( if that’s the term) is it gives out so many scenarios. Some of which are to horrendous to contemplate. Suffice to say, Putin has screwed up big style re the future of Russia and its place on the international scene. He has helped to galvanise countries in a Way that was previously un thought of.
 
The Times is reporting that the head of foreign intelligence in the FSB has been placed under house arrest. Putin is complaining that he was given incorrect intelligence about how easy things would be.

I wonder if the FSB actually thought that it would be easy. Or if they didn't believe it, but just told Putin what he wanted to hear. Or if they're trying to tell him the truth now, and Putin doesn't like it.
 
The Times is reporting that the head of foreign intelligence in the FSB has been placed under house arrest. Putin is complaining that he was given incorrect intelligence about how easy things would be.

I wonder if the FSB actually thought that it would be easy. Or if they didn't believe it, but just told Putin what he wanted to hear. Or if they're trying to tell him the truth now, and Putin doesn't like it.
Nice to know that The Times has access to the FSB and an insite into what Putins saying.
 
Nephew messaged to say that after a week without it he managed to find some coffee. Filter though so he's used his sock and reckons it tastes pretty good. At least he didn't use his pants.

He's in Kyiv - fortunately left the base near the border that was shelled a few days ago.
 
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