Russian massing on the Ukrainian border

ExDancer

Like dumpling I noticed RAF planes flying over the Lake District during the last few days of good clear weather - lots of them, and thought 'something's going on somewhere'. Its madness, you'd think we'd learn not to follow the USA into these pointless foreign wars after Iraq, Afganistan et al.

If it’s in Europe and is encroaching on European soil it is not a foreign war it is preserving all of our freedoms which our fathers and grandfathers gave their lives for.

Like dumpling I noticed RAF planes flying over the Lake District during the last few days of good clear weather - lots of them, and thought 'something's going on somewhere'. Its madness, you'd think we'd learn not to follow the USA into these pointless foreign wars after Iraq, Afganistan et al.

I think it is the media that has been ignoring the Ukrainian situation as they kept on reporting partygate over and over. However, at last the media are reporting on the situation properly. The government have clearly been aware all along because our troops are in Estonia. Poland, and a few in Ukraine.

If we wanted a say in EU thinking and actions we should have stayed in the EU. As it is, what would those who want the UK to take action like to see done?
Ukraine is on the bcc news and in the newspapers. It's good to see this thread but can't agree that Ukraine has been ignored.

Last-ditch US-Russian talks to avert a Russian invasion of Ukraine ended without agreement but diplomacy will continue for at least one more week, Russia's foreign minister has said.

NATO expansionism has definitely got the Russians rattled. They have seen more and more former Soviet communist bloc countries enter as willing partners into the NATO fold, and Ukraine would like to be next. Being a major member of NATO, Britain will not just have woken up to the crisis on the Ukrainian border; the finger will have been on the pulse for some time.

Pepper59

Don't expect the EU to do anything, the silence has been deafening. I don't think the UK government has even noticed. Yes, it's worrying but apart from someone waking up the PM and the rest of them, nothing can be done. Germany has sent a minister out to see what can be done. That's all I know. The Ukrainian Ambassador was on television recently, he's the only politician that seems worried. What's the point in us worrying about it? Except as in that famous quote from Game of Thrones, men go to war while politicians talk ( don't know if thats it exact) but very true. Compared to President Putin, our PM seems to be dozing.

Really, so we send troops and some to the Ukraine and the Gov knows nothing about it. What!!!!Been reading and hearing about it for a while, still I don’t just listen to the Beeb. What do you really expect us to do, go in on our own, NATO is involved we are members and will work with them
See the Independant for more .

Kali have you forgotten about Flight MH17? That was in 2014.

Life sentences were demanded in December 2021 for the four accused suspects. I don't remember hearing anything since then.

This time, the UK is totally alone and isolated in this

As disgusted, dismayed and depressed as I am with the government in the UK, to say that we are totally alone and isolated in this is total, utter and complete balderdash. Read CNN, SKY, even the BBC for goodness sake but please, stop spouting utter cobblers.

I agree with that too Laura and Callistemon.

Kali2

Ilovecheese

I think we should stay out of it. Let's not be dragged into another American adventure.

This time, the UK is totally alone and isolated in this. It would be suicidal to get involved.

That's because the EU, which is very much involved, is in disarray over this.
The UK should, I think, be keeping a very watchful eye but not get involved.

LauraNorderr

Putin will be desperate to destroy the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement which will increase the power of the EU and encroach on Russian power.

That's what is at the bottom of all this and has been brewing for years.

I think it’s about time the government were allowed to get on with other matters including the situation in the Ukraine. Prime Ministers Questions was a complete waste of time as it was the same repeat questions re ‘partygate’ . I’m completely fed up with it. Again most of the headlines in the newspapers today related to ‘partygate’ it’s as if nothing else is going on in the World.

Putin will be desperate to destroy the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement which will increase the power of the EU and encroach on Russian power.

While Russia demands that Ukraine and other former Soviet states are excluded from NATO expansion we, the world have a problem.
Germany seems to be seeing things from only a German perspective ie gas supply. The rest of the EU member states will of course follow Germany, where their bread is buttered for the moment.
100,000 Russian troops on Ukraines border can’t be ignored for ever. Will Germany rely on the US to hold them back? A smart move economically but a dangerous risk. Surely at least Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania can see this.

I don’t think we should get involved though. USA saying any movement across the border will be met with swift, severe, action. Very worrying.

It’s the first item on BBC news, I’m watching it now. At last!

Ilovecheese

I think we should stay out of it. Let's not be dragged into another American adventure.

This time, the UK is totally alone and isolated in this. It would be suicidal to get involved.

We've known for quite a long while that something is afoot as the RAF and USAF have been training over the Wash far more intensively. And I fear Ukraine is the something.

When I was younger and lived nearby, it used to be that planes would start piling in to RAF Coltishall (now closed) long before any likely conflict. Something nasty usually developed. Posturing training exercises sound alarm bells now.

Al Jezerra is pretty good for news!

Good lord, is there something really important going on in the world other than the question: did Boris or did Boris not attend a party.
Where’s the sarcastic emoji ?
The Germans are not coming out of this smelling of Roses. I see Merkels finger print all over their attitude.

Europeans seem to have short memories, or maybe our parents and grandparents who had to fight in wars made us aware of Russian aggression.
They want their Empire back and widen their sphere of influence again. They see an opportunity when others are involved with Covid or Conservative party infighting.
To start with Biden seemed an isolationist but at last, he at least has spoken. We have sent armaments and some soldiers. We will have to see who else comes to the Ukrainian aide.
The Germans never will they want their Russian gas.
No one wants conflict or to be drawn into a war by the Americans, though do we sit and watch until the Russians are in Berlin again?

The Ukraine situation was the top story on the BBC website today.
Very worrying situation when our government is in disarray. Not a great time for a PM to be under scrutiny.

I have to look at RT (Russia Today) on the TV to f ind any news about Ukraine and of course they deny it. Why doesn't our BBC report on this important matter instead of our government's silly parties? What is more important?

Whoever thought that depending on Russian for a vital energy supply was a good idea?

They are the world's second largest supplier - we're producing alternatives but too slowly.

I think 'waiting for Sue' is going to go into the English language. I doubt there will be military action but with this lot squaring up there's room for accidental engagement and all that entails. Having said that a cyber war could be extremely damaging and Europe does get a lot of gas from Russia. Whoever thought that depending on Russian for a vital energy supply was a good idea?