oil barron
Member
- Location
- Aberdeenshire
The EU started as just a trade agreement and look at it now. Putin couldn’t allow that on his doorstep. It sucks for the people of the Ukraine, but unfortunately that is their destiny.
Ukraine
- Thread starter beardface
- Start date
Putin’s a nice guy. EU is the evil empire. Have a nice day...
betternextyear
Member
- Location
- salop
This is another Brexit thread.
The useless EU has meddled and faffed around with Ukraine over many years but when it comes to supporting Ukraine when Putin comes knocking they suddenly lose interest and turn their backs away. (Airliner shot down, do nothing) Another reason I voted out.
The useless EU has meddled and faffed around with Ukraine over many years but when it comes to supporting Ukraine when Putin comes knocking they suddenly lose interest and turn their backs away. (Airliner shot down, do nothing) Another reason I voted out.
Exfarmer
Member
- Location
- Bury St Edmunds
The EU was never intended as a military force but with Russia's posturing I think there is every likelihood that its hand will be forced.
It was one of Trumps better criticisms of Europe, that they did far too little in terms of their own defence. The problem is that the biggest driver for Europe is of course Germany and diplomatically it does not look good to anyone for it to push for greater military spending. I believe at least one other country, Sweden , would have difficult being aligned with other countries as it has been neutral for a long time.
- Location
- Beragh, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland
China Sends 25 Warplanes Near Taiwan in Biggest Drill This Year
China’s air force sent 25 fighters and bombers over the Taiwan Strait, escalating military pressure on the government in Taipei as it boosts ties with the U.S.
www.bloomberg.com
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As Biden’s emissaries go to Taiwan, China terms exercises ‘combat drills’
China described its military exercises near Taiwan as "combat drills" on Wednesday, upping the ante as senior former U.S. officials arrived in Taipei on a trip to signal President Joe Biden's commitment to Taiwan and its democracy.
www.reuters.com
- Location
- fakenham-norfolk
We in this country do not help matters by allowing ourselves to downgrade our own military. In the recent defence review we are cutting 10,000 army personel,reducing our Typhoon aircraft by at least 40.Probably cancelling any further F35's.The rest of NATO except the USA not keeping their commitments to funding the armed forces.Vlad is sitting in the Kremlin having a chuckle now that the democrats are in the White House .!!!!
And the other 60%?
Exfarmer
Member
- Location
- Bury St Edmunds
Seem to remember it was a certain Donald Trump who was the man who started cosying up to Putin!
Perhaps the shock and horror at his dismissal has clouded your memory!
The beauty of Trump as far as China, Russia & North Korea were concerned was his unpredictability, they could never be sure how he would react which in fact kept them in check.
Biden is just too predictable & countries can be fairly sure how he will react to aggression or possibly the lack of any meaningful reaction, Trump on the other hand could never be ruled out of nuking someone.
- Location
- Limousin
Russia, Turkey, China, USA, Belarus, Kazakhstan etc.
Hindsight
Member
- Location
- Lincolnshire
Don't be so silly and jingoistic. No western country is going to use Nuclear weapons. Not Trump or anyone else.
I think and hope you are right but please tell us how you think this will unfold.
Hindsight
Member
- Location
- Lincolnshire
Don't know how it will unfold. I just do not think any western country will use nuclear weapons. BrianV posted that Trump could not be ruled out of nuking someone. Of course he could. He may have been President but those around him would not have let him push a button to send a nuclear weapon. It is not Dr Strangelove.
Of course not, but poor old Trump was mad enough to always put that thought at the back of Putin, Kim Jong & Xi Jinping's mind, as with trident it's the unspoken threat that does the business.
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betternextyear
Member
- Location
- salop
The other 60 % slips into Poland at night unnoticed.
wanton dwarf
Member
The EU did buy one side of the Ukraine politics.
Let's not forget these are the actions of a group of Bureacrats created to solve conflict in Europe, similarly with actions against the UK.
Of course a lot of people think the complete opposite, the EU is populated with corruption and geopolitical bullying.
Have a nice day.
wanton dwarf
Member
At least Donald Trump has the cognative capacity to understand a lie.
Donald Trump spent $2.3 Trillion on the USA military as cosying up to Putin ? .. Biden has spent $1 Trillion on Covid & Left wing activism so far and has scheduled another $3 Trillion on "Climate Rubbish".
Spin that Lefty.
Hindsight
Member
- Location
- Lincolnshire
Think you would struggle to find much Altruism in the foreign policy of any medium/large country or political 'bloc'. Bureacrats or no.
Hindsight
Member
- Location
- Lincolnshire
Does it matter how the trillions are spent? The true objective is to generate economic activity.
So what is better for society -- F35 fighters or Solar Panels.
Yes, the F35s send a message - but will they ever be used. The solar panels and Covid lefty things might actually benefit the US people and other people around the world if it reduces the US consumption of gas in there V8 engined sedans.
As for the projection of power, and use of these weapons in war, well Mr Trump was elected on a policy of US isolationism, and did follow a policy of US non intervention and 'bring home the troops'. Indeed Biden is continuing this in Afghanistan.
In effect I contend Trump's policy provided succour and encouragement to both the Russian and Chinese to consider and follow expansionary policies. And to test the question 'is the west, for which read USA, prepared to undertake a real shooting war with iether Russia or China - and take the resultant body bag count and financial spend. The answer, I suggest is No. No western society is. And to an extent a modern Chinese society isn't iether - but may have no option. And likewise Russia.
Interesting times. UK is a relative backwater. I may lay a bet that both UK aircraft carriers will be sunk in the South China sea - or (more likely) never go east of Suez.
Cheers.