People push everywhere. 25 years ago the company I managed in the UK had a subsidiary in Moscow. I visited them and and made a presentation on beverage trends in Europe. The Russian's push here too, although using dirty money to do so.

I see no logical reason why the Russians think they need an economic buffer zone, and they certainly don't need a military one. If anything the reverse is true. Nato is a defence organisation and even the most cynical surely cannot believe they have territorial ambitions in Russia.

So I see these as excuses, and not reasons, to justify Putin's aggression, and find it sad to read some defending it, having swallowed the propaganda.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

How come the UN hasn't got involved in all this?

This operation, will make the 'Charge Of The Light Brigade' seem like a simple military exercise.

I think Putin should sit tight, the west's warmongering, sanctions and threats will run out of steam.

People are becoming aware of Russia's case.

You would be surprised how many view the west as the aggressors here.

Keep the pressure on but don't go too far.

I am more surprised you live in the UK. Your ideals appear to be elsewhere.

Rich Russians go West for the weather , not the politics.

just like yourself to The Costa Del Sol or Thailand.......nothing to do with government.

When Putin invades Ukraine, it will take him about 5 minutes to conquer the place.

Edited by PalazioVecchio (14 Feb 2022 4.49pm)

Kayla did Anfield & Old Trafford

I don't trust Putin an inch, but I wonder if there is an opportunity here to call his bluff. His Foreign Minister has indicated that diplomacy can still work.

What it seems he is asking for are assurances that Ukraine will not be allowed to join Nato. As no application has been made no refusal is possible, but I am sure that a diplomatic form of words, that could be spun as a victory by all sides, could be found which effectively makes that promise, along with an understanding that a quid pro quo exists and Russia won't occupy either. Left loose enough to be untangled at will.

What do we lose by doing that? If he ignores it and invades anyway he would confirm it was never his real objective. If though he spins it as securing Russia's borders and backs off, nothing actually changes. He has probed the west's weaknesses, but avoided the sanctions which would hurt everyone.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.