Ukraine

Well it's not a case of 'reportedly' now is it. It is a definite ultimatum.

I think this situation sums up just how much power Russia holds and how powerless the UN and NATO actually are. Not that I agree with war but they have been seemingly submissive and this problem surpasses most other conflicts for us in the west. Terrifying.

Echoes of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Sadly I do not think there is anything that we can do that would not create a pan-European crisis, something that cannot be countenanced.

It is terrifying that a nasty little man like Putin can wield such power - but Hitler did.

What is even more worrying. I understand that the UK. USA and Russia has an agreement to defend Ukraine if her borders are threatened!! This (as I understand) was in exchange for Ukraine giving up nuclear weapons, which they have! Where does this incursion leave us? I think people(?) are now going to be looking at this agreement to see if it is valid!! How can it not be? how can any country make an agreement that turns out not be one - remember Belgium, our ticket into the first WW! This situation is desperately grave.

A friend and I with help from our Church, try to help a small charity in Ukraine, Orphans Children, it is run by a young man who runs an orphanage and then tries to help the children when they reach 16, when they are turned out on the streets. He tries to find them places to live with families and apprenticeships. he is just one young man trying to do some good. We are very worried about him and the children in his care. We have been unable to contact him for 3 days. Most youngsters coming out of care go into gangs or Prositution. They are likely to be the ones who will suffer greatly from this.

Niglglynellie, living in Belguim 100 years on believe me we are very worried here.

sorry about the spelling, DGS gone off with my specs again

I certainly can believe you felice. This is it, agreements and treaties HAVE to be kept, else the government concerned is totally shameful. A deal is a deal, so with Belgium we had to do that, and I would be ashamed if we hadn't even 100 years later, but it was costly!!! On further reading it seems, (and I expect I have got it wrong again!) that this is only an agreement and not lawful! Also as the government of Ukraine is not an elected government any more, this 'agreement' may not hold water anyway! I just don't know, but it sure is a massive worry!

I know many of you would rather jump off a cliff than read the DM, but there is in fact an interesting analysis called 'Blood-soaked Crimea, crucible of war for centuries' by Edward Lucas, which gives a brief insight into the history of that area. You may find it online.

One major worry is of the small people who rely on the State for assistance, like my friend I mentioned in a previous post. As with all conflicts it is the 'ordinary' people who suffer.

As I started the comment about Russia giving an ultimatum it is only right to acknowledge that Russia is now denying this. I repeated what was on going during the afternoon news reports.

I only hope the latest denial by Russia is true.

I don't think it is anything like the Cuban missile crisis when Soviet rockets were "pointed" directly at the USA. It's more like the invasion of Iraq – attacking a sovereign country with an invalid excuse. I don't know how John Kerry – a Vietnam vet – keeps a straight face when being interviewed.

Nevertheless, it is still a horrible situation. I strongly suspect that the Crimea will end up in the same way as South Ossetia with the same false justification.

Felice. I have just read one of your threads and I do hope that you get news of your friend who runs the orphanage charity. It must be so worrying for you - fingers crossed that all will be well and that you get good news soon.

Look beyond the obvious Absent and there are the two same superpowers in a potential stand off. That's why I posted 'echoes' and not 'this is just like the ....'

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does anyone else find this worrying

Hope it's not a first step to British involvement.

I don't think there is any way in which we will get involved [in any military way] noises have to be made, sanctions and so on, but I think the Crimea will get the referendum soon [and is almost certain to wish to be part of Russia.]As it used to be.The only thing is, will Putin want the whole of the Ukraine?

The UK tour of Boyan Choir from Ukraine mentioned earlier has been arranged from Sep 29 to Oct 24th.there are 22 venues from Elgin and Dumfries to Truro and Penzance.
I have been busy arranging overnight accommodation with local families for the Bristol concert on Sep 30th.
Now we are anxiously watching the news and hoping visas are ok and they arrive safely.
If you haven't heard them look out for 'One of the finest choirs on the planet' coming to a venue near you.
I first heard them in 1994 and have hosted choir members several times.

I hope you can persuade them to go back again Maniac.

What a particularly stupid and unhelpful comment. I have heard of this choir and it's fantastic reputation. Bristol is a bit far for us to go and hear them, but I do hope all goes to plan in these difficult times and that the tour is a great success. We will however, be looking out for a CD!!!

nigglynellie
If you send me in a 'private message' your area of residence I'll tell you of Boyan's nearest concert venue.-and CD details

Fergal Keane ‏@fergalkeane47 4h

#Ukraine #facesofwar Pensioner Valentina in basement shelter

would you want to go back

"We will however, be looking out for a CD!!!"

Jolly good! Enjoy!

We will!

nigglynellie, did you in some way misunderstand what I said in my post? Because I cannot understand why you would say what you did, and it's bothering me.

You do see what I mean now, don't you?