Do you think the Russians will invade Ukraine, the Baltic States and Poland?

@whowasthatmaskedman Unfortunately I think you are on the money. Russia has also given approximately 500,000 Russian Passports to Ukraine Russians. The catalyst has been programmed.

@whowasthatmaskedman @KiwiBird I only hope that calm heads prevail in the rest of the world. Hopefully, this won't escalate into a major conflict.

@KiwiBird Its not like it hasnt happened before.😷

@Bushranger Thats the thing. It wont. Western Europe will throw the Ukraine under a bus and America will protest and put on economic sanctions. Now whether Russia can keep Ukraine long term if the people act up is another matter. The world is about to have a recession, including Russia. And Soldiers need paying.😷

@whowasthatmaskedman I hope you are right, about the war bit, not the recession. Thankfully, there's a more sensible leader in the White House at the moment.

@Bushranger I agree on all points. But funnily enough I think America and Europe might have dodged a bullet having Biden there. Trump is just stupid enough to send troops to Ukraine to try and spend his way out of a recession. (Assuming he was willing to offend Putin, but thats another argument)😷

@Bushranger I hope you are wrong about the war. Unfortunately Ukraine wasn't allowed to join NATO. The West will do nothing. [b]Shame Shame Shame[/b]

@KiwiBird It does remind you (as if we needed reminding) just how lucky we are here.😷

@KiwiBird @whowasthatmaskedman In the past, wars have been seen as a way to boost the economy. I think that and his ego, would have had Trump already sending troops to either the Ukraine or Russia, depending on who stroked his ego the most.

@KiwiBird As I have said to our Ukrainian friend several times Putin knows no one is going to be daft enough to start world war three.
The question is does he want to take the risk?
The fact the situation is getting a lot of attention in the European and world press may keep him out but I fear for our friends safety.

@TheSirfurryanimalWales This is all being played out to make Putin look strong at home. Hard times are coming and he cant look vulnerable.😷

@TheSirfurryanimalWales I think Putin will take the risk. An opportunistic time....Covid and Uncertainty. The West does not have the appetite for war. If Russia invades Ukraine further....China may make advances on Taiwan at the same time.

@KiwiBird Will the West ignore a Chinese move on Taiwan? After all, Taiwan does produce a lot of the goods we use in the West.

@Bushranger The trade balance would be in China's favour not Taiwan.

@KiwiBird Yeah, but the emotional balance?

@KiwiBird I dont mind admitting this is a little off my patch. But I suspect China will be looking for a long game with Taiwan. To preserve the trade relationships it currently has. So a "peaceful transition".😷

@whowasthatmaskedman Yes...China could be looking long long term. Trade balance is way in Taiwan's favour and a very symbiotic relationship.

@MarmeeMarch North Korea is hardly a part of this current problem. The people are starving and "Fat Boy" himself isnt so fat any more. He is a useful puppet as long as he keeps the lid on the place and keeps up the rare earth deliveries. But with Chinas own financial issues right now, they wont have the patient to put up with a petulent child in their own family.😷

@MarmeeMarch Skipping over the last part, you have a point. NK military is meant to keep their own people scared. Join the army and get more to eat. That keeps them loyal for now. The thing is that the Russian Military is operating in a similar fashion. But on a far more sophisticated level. Its not about getting enough to eat. But there are some lifestyle advantages, and Putin relies on looking strong and in control to keep from being deposed as well. So the external posturing is largely for internal consumption. This is what gives Biden and Nato such a problem with Ukraine. Maybe he is planning to invade. Maybe he is daring NATO or the US to make a move he can use as an excuse. Or maybe he just wants to look threatening so he can have everyone calling on him to play nice and look strong at home. I certainly dont know which. And I dont think anyone does but him.😷