Ukraine Russia War #14

1
Darlingbaby said:
Nato statement...
Wonder if it's due to trump voicing he wishes to leave?
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Not specifically, as best I can tell - it seems to be more that although NATO members have (all?) set their defence spending to at least the minimum, the minimum level is somewhat short of what's needed to maintain proper levels of security.

“To Prevent War, NATO Must Spend More” - Speech by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte 12/12/24
Russia’s economy is on a war footing.
In 2025, the total military spending will be 7 to 8% of GDP, if not more.
That’s a third of Russia’s state budget – and the highest level since the Cold War.
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A decade ago, Allies agreed it was time to invest in defence once again.
The benchmark was set at 2%.
By 2023, NATO Allies agreed to invest ‘at least’ 2%.
At least…
I can tell you, we are going to need a lot more than 2%.
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Too many countries got complacent and defence spending is an easy target when trying to shave a few corners off the national budget.
 
These drone sightings are massively freaking me out.

I'm trying not to but it's making me worry Putin is seriously gearing up to actually do something.
 
lilyannrose said:
These drone sightings are massively freaking me out.

I'm trying not to but it's making me worry Putin is seriously gearing up to actually do something.
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If this is referring to the ones over NJ...
I'm not sure what Putin would be gaining from such seriously non-covert surveillance, given at least one or two look like they have their proper nav-lights on.
Other than air travel disruption, I'd be looking at most likely these will be someone fannying about, or doing some undeclared flight testing, or the local drug shippers forgot to switch the lights off, early Christmas presents being tried out...

I wouldn't go so far as to say it's definitely not some nefarious Putin plan but AFAICT there is *always* some nefarious Putin plan in the works so no change, just perhaps a reminder and if deliberate then its main purpose is likely the intent to get people wound up.

As regards not freaking out, the best approach is just have a few things in the cupboard in case some moron drives through the local supermarket at the same time as the bus drivers are on strike for a week - same basic principles of preparation but without the 'armageddon' angle chewing away at you.
 
Tragic tragic news from moscow, the chief of the radological biological chemical protection section somehow was in the vicinity of an electric scooter when it inexplicably exploded just as he was going past with his assistant.

 
IMG_1628.jpeg
 
Full article of the above
news.sky.com

Volodymyr Zelenskyy admits Ukraine cannot remove Russian troops from occupied parts

In an interview with French newspaper Le Parisien, Ukraine's president said they do not have the strength to retake the territories occupied by Russia. He said there is one option remaining.
news.sky.com news.sky.com


Additional reporting, analysis
news.sky.com

Zelenskyy now voicing the reality that's been apparent for a long time

Mr Zelenskyy has altered his language when describing how the conflict could end and admits his military doesn't have the strength to force the Russians out.
news.sky.com news.sky.com

Though a key phrase there is 'with the current level of western support' - a situation that would have been entirely avoidable if there hadn't been the so-caled 'escalation management' that slowed everything down, plus a pointless six-month hold-up, and the big talked-up numbers not matched by actual deliveries...

Right now it may well be that Putin is forced to the table by the Russian economy collapsing, but that's not as good as it sounds because without an actual defeat there will still be the desire to have another go.
 
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