War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
On the radio this morning was a brief bit saying Turkey, despite agreeing has suddenly shown "questions". It reported Erdoğan has now said that the Turkish Parliament might not agree to Finland and Sweden joining NATO.
Ian
Ian
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
A lot more than would happen without the enormous effort that's gone into this. And a lot less than is desirable at the operational level.
There are hundreds of agreements:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standardization_Agreement
and they cover an enormous range of technology, procedures and doctrine. Notable successes include ammunition, fuel, mapping and communications.
But of course it's difficult because of history and nationalistic preferences in procurement in a massive economic sector.
The supplies to Ukraine are clearing out a lot of stocks of old gear and the new is relatively more standardised.
One of the unusual features of this war is the ease of training Ukrainian combatants both in Ukraine and in supporting countries.
Jonathan
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
Good point. I'd expect most Ukrainian forces being trained are very motivated, paying 110% attention to the instruction (not thinking about the pub after todays exercises end a.s.a.p). They will be asking questions and making sure they understand everything they can because unlike many troops in peacetime they know straight after the training they'll be home on the front line using their training and their lives depending on it.
Ian
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Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
From the early 1970s to the mid 1990s anyone who joined the British Army would have known the chances of being deployed to Northern Ireland were high. And that the only year a British soldier hasn't died on operations since WW2 is 1969.Psamathe wrote: ↑7 Jul 2022, 11:30am Good point. I'd expect most Ukrainian forces being trained are very motivated, paying 110% attention to the instruction (not thinking about the pub after todays exercises end a.s.a.p). They will be asking questions and making sure they understand everything they can because unlike many troops in peacetime they know straight after the training they'll be home on the front line using their training and their lives depending on it.
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
Yes. It's completely different.Psamathe wrote: ↑7 Jul 2022, 11:30amGood point. I'd expect most Ukrainian forces being trained are very motivated, paying 110% attention to the instruction (not thinking about the pub after todays exercises end a.s.a.p). They will be asking questions and making sure they understand everything they can because unlike many troops in peacetime they know straight after the training they'll be home on the front line using their training and their lives depending on it.
And it reminds me of why the armed forces in the UK were so keen to end National Service. They wanted highly motivated professionals rather than reluctant conscripts.
Jonathan
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
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"All we are not stares back at what we are"
W H Auden
"All we are not stares back at what we are"
W H Auden
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
As I have posted previously, Francis Scarr of BBC Monitoring is monitoring reporting on russian TV.
I had thought I could not be surprised any more by the material he is posting, but just see the very short video in the link below.
https://twitter.com/francis_scarr/statu ... a6kP8qAAAA
I realise that people like that exist in every country; I just find it jaw dropping for the state broadcaster to show it.
I had thought I could not be surprised any more by the material he is posting, but just see the very short video in the link below.
https://twitter.com/francis_scarr/statu ... a6kP8qAAAA
I realise that people like that exist in every country; I just find it jaw dropping for the state broadcaster to show it.
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Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
The EU has agreed to cut gas by 15% as Russia cuts German gas supplies. At the start of Russia's war it was suggested lowering thermostats by 1% would help starve Putin of money. Like the British Cycling Olympics small changes contributed to wins . Households are safe. It is business that is more in danger. As with COVID and with the climate change crisis are UK businesses doing enough? eg encouraging cycling and switching to solar (big firms have the cash)..Helping Germany with a little UK coal to supplement their stocks.
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
Hang on, I think I know this one - it's a rhetorical question, isn't it! I've heard of these ...briansnail wrote: ↑27 Jul 2022, 8:17am As with COVID and with the climate change crisis are UK businesses doing enough? eg encouraging cycling and switching to solar (big firms have the cash)..
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
Earlier on in the war many were being highly critical of Germany for continuing to buy Russia gas and in doing so "funding Putin's War". Yet now Putin is dramatically reducing the gas quantities he's selling to the West. Whilst what gas is being sold is being sold at a high price, in reducing the volume of gas flowing to Europe so much is Putin de-funding his own war? or were the accusations of Germany funding Putin's War somewhat overstated?
Is Putin make another strategic error and accelerating the damage to the Russian economy? Whilst the war might not be daily headline news, I can't see the West reducing support for Ukraine (arms, etc.)
Ian
Is Putin make another strategic error and accelerating the damage to the Russian economy? Whilst the war might not be daily headline news, I can't see the West reducing support for Ukraine (arms, etc.)
Ian
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
Russia is selling plenty of oil and gas in Asia. Even Saudi Arabia is buying a lot of Russian oil at low prices for their domestic use. This gives them more oil to sell at higher prices to the west. You've got to admire their low cunning.Psamathe wrote: ↑29 Jul 2022, 1:54pm Earlier on in the war many were being highly critical of Germany for continuing to buy Russia gas and in doing so "funding Putin's War". Yet now Putin is dramatically reducing the gas quantities he's selling to the West. Whilst what gas is being sold is being sold at a high price, in reducing the volume of gas flowing to Europe so much is Putin de-funding his own war? or were the accusations of Germany funding Putin's War somewhat overstated?
Is Putin make another strategic error and accelerating the damage to the Russian economy? Whilst the war might not be daily headline news, I can't see the West reducing support for Ukraine (arms, etc.)
Ian
The sanctions may not be as effective as people think.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfr ... sia-europe
'Give me my bike, a bit of sunshine - and a stop-off for a lunchtime pint - and I'm a happy man.' - Reg Baker
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
Chatting to a Russian lady today.
She has decided not to speak Russian ever again.
She has decided not to speak Russian ever again.
Mick F. Cornwall
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
Bulk carrier leaving Odessa loaded with grain.
https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9086526
https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9086526
Mick F. Cornwall
Re: War on Our Doorstep: How do we respond?
That'll be this oneMick F wrote: ↑1 Aug 2022, 2:44pm Bulk carrier leaving Odessa loaded with grain.
https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9086526
BBC News - Ukraine war: First grain ship leaves under Russia deal
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62375580
Former member of the Cult of the Polystyrene Head Carbuncle.