Can Russia attack the UK?

[PakLFC]

Do you guys think Russia will and can attack the UK? If so what will be the consequences and how will the UK respond?. Discuss...I know many will have such thoughts on their mind

 

[James]

Both states are nuclear armed so it is highly improbable. More likely now will be a long term proxy war between Russia/NATO.

 

[transparent opacity]

Not going to happen.

Both are nuclear states, they are not gonna go MAD (mutually assured destruction).

 

[Rana]

Don’t think the UK can afford a war against Liberia let alone Russia at the moment.

 

[ElRaja]

can they attack the uk? well of course anything is possible, but they barely have an economy to support an invasion of neighbouring ukraine if it lasts longer than maybe 3 or 4 weeks.

they'd barely be able to afford a week of engagement with the UK, especially given their navy and air force would be outgunned by NATO forces.

 

[Bewal Express]

Moral of the story- if you don't want to be attacked get Nuclear weapons. Russia will use Cyber attacks on the UK but with a mad man at the help, who can say with any certainty. Putin is 70, he had nothing to lose

 

[IMMY69]

Anything is possible.
We're living in extremely dangerous times.

 

[IMMY69]

can they attack the uk? well of course anything is possible, but they barely have an economy to support an invasion of neighbouring ukraine if it lasts longer than maybe 3 or 4 weeks.

they'd barely be able to afford a week of engagement with the UK, especially given their navy and air force would be outgunned by NATO forces.

Your post actually points to nuclear destruction...
In a couple of weeks there literally will be nothing to lose for Putin.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

No. Russia won't attack the UK.

 

[Technics 1210]

Depends how you define attack if conventional weapons then no. If cyber attacks then yes. If economic attacks yes.

 

[James]

Your post actually points to nuclear destruction...
In a couple of weeks there literally will be nothing to lose for Putin.

Extremely unlikely. If Putin dropped a hydrogen bomb on a NATO country then NATO would use its own massive arsenal of nuclear missiles to destroy the entire nation of Russia within 10 minutes.

 

[IMMY69]

Extremely unlikely. If Putin dropped a hydrogen bomb on a NATO country then NATO would use its own massive arsenal of nuclear missiles to destroy the entire nation of Russia within 10 minutes.

I agree that it it unlikely.
But when you have someone unpredictable cornered and with the might of the military behind him then you don't know what he can do.

Just the fact that there is thread on this is enough. Who would have thought we'd be where we are now?

 

[leonidas_alexandar]

Moral of the story- if you don't want to be attacked get Nuclear weapons. Russia will use Cyber attacks on the UK but with a mad man at the help, who can say with any certainty. Putin is 70, he had nothing to lose

This is the gist of the whole global order. Nuclear haves and nuclear have nots are treated differently when it comes to a war like situation. Even India and China recently engaged only in extremely finite and limited hand to hand combat and ensured it did not flare into a bigger conflict - precisely because both are obviously nuclear armed and even though conventionally China is much stronger than India - it largely gets negated when you are squaring off with a nuclear armed nation.

It is also the reason North Korea is not messed with however nebulous their nuclear prowess is claimed to be.

 

[Technics 1210]

Russia had the balls to invoke a chemical attack on British soil. The result? More meaningless economic sanctions.

Wake up. UK is under attack for some time.

 

[gani999]

Do you guys think Russia will and can attack the UK? If so what will be the consequences and how will the UK respond?. Discuss...I know many will have such thoughts on their mind

Russia is more likely to attack Poland or the Baltic states first, before the UK. If they do that then NATO will enter the fight and we'll have WWIII on our hands.

In any case, even Ukraine is not proving to be as easy as Putin thought it would be. The Ukranians are fighting back with whatever they have, and Russian casualties are quite high, if some reports are to be believed.

It will all end with Ukraine hopefully. Let's wait and watch.

 

[ElRaja]

Your post actually points to nuclear destruction...
In a couple of weeks there literally will be nothing to lose for Putin.

well, I'm guessing he may be playing a bait and switch by talking of nukes, and then escalating with more lethal non-nuclear weapons, so the world is kinda like at least its not nukes.

tbh I'm not sure what russia is thinking, they needed blitzkrieg war to shock ukraine before they could kinda stabilise, not sure how accurate the latest war maps are but it looks like its gotten stuck last few days, esp in the north.

 

[JaDed]

Cyber attacks defn, UK govn is taking on the Russian oligarchy expect some repercussions!

 

[IMMY69]

well, I'm guessing he may be playing a bait and switch by talking of nukes, and then escalating with more lethal non-nuclear weapons, so the world is kinda like at least its not nukes.

tbh I'm not sure what russia is thinking, they needed blitzkrieg war to shock ukraine before they could kinda stabilise, not sure how accurate the latest war maps are but it looks like its gotten stuck last few days, esp in the north.

The issue is that no one can predict what he will do.
Everything is on the table and that's a scary thought

 

[Rajdeep]

England will not play against Russia for 'foreseeable future' due to invasion of Ukraine, FA confirms

England refuse to play Russia "out of solidarity with Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership"; Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic have refused to play their World Cup play-offs with Russia in opposition to invasion of Ukraine

https://www.skysports.com/football/...future-due-to-invasion-of-ukraine-fa-confirms

Not trying to draw any parallel but for people who says only India mix politics with sports, even England is doing the same.

 

[PakLFC]

I hope all you guys saying UK's nuclear deterrence will keep Russia at bay are right. Putin though is an unpredictable man with aspirations of restoring the old Soviet Union. That is the scary thing.

 

[Rana]

England will not play against Russia for 'foreseeable future' due to invasion of Ukraine, FA confirms

England refuse to play Russia "out of solidarity with Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership"; Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic have refused to play their World Cup play-offs with Russia in opposition to invasion of Ukraine

https://www.skysports.com/football/...future-due-to-invasion-of-ukraine-fa-confirms

Not trying to draw any parallel but for people who says only India mix politics with sports, even England is doing the same.

Sounds like a Priti Patel thing to do.

 

[Firebat]

Putin practically coerced Russian democracy into giving him limitless and timeless power until at least 2036, when he will be 84, à la Hitler 1933-34. There is no system or parliament or congress or agenda calling the shots over there, it's a mad dictator in complete power who's doing whatever he likes.

Therefore, I agree with the sentiments of other posters that it's completely unpredictable what he feels like doing next. Scary indeed.

 

[IMMY69]

Regarding cyber attacks, is it a coincidence that British Airways suffered computer failure for their short haul flights two days ago?
Didn't the same thing happen when the Wiltshire incident took place?

Just a coincidence?

 

[MenInG]

Kremlin claims Putin placed nuclear deterrence on high alert after Liz Truss statement

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin placed his nuclear deterrence forces on high alert after statements from Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

According to the Interfax news agency, Mr Peskov said: "Statements were made by various representatives at various levels on possible altercations or even collisions and clashes between Nato and Russia.

"We believe that such statements are absolutely unacceptable.

"I would not call the authors of these statements by name, although it was the British foreign minister."

Ms Truss recently suggested she backed Britons who are travelling to Ukraine to fight the Russian advance, saying "it is a just cause".

 

[MenInG]

PM told Ukraine that more UK aid will be sent 'in the coming hours and days'

Boris Johnson has spoken again with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this afternoon and has been given an update on the Ukrainian resistance.

Following the call, Downing Street said the prime minister had "commended" the bravery of Mr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people.

"The leaders categorically condemned the barbaric airstrikes being carried out by Russia against innocent civilians, including children," it said.

It added Mr Johnson also gave an update on military support being sent to Ukraine and "committed to sending more in the coming hours and days".

 

[Zaz]

Putin practically coerced Russian democracy into giving him limitless and timeless power until at least 2036, when he will be 84, à la Hitler 1933-34. There is no system or parliament or congress or agenda calling the shots over there, it's a mad dictator in complete power who's doing whatever he likes.

Therefore, I agree with the sentiments of other posters that it's completely unpredictable what he feels like doing next. Scary indeed.

Lets be honest in the west democracy is a facade

The foreign policy doesnt change in the uk and politicans who may have a different point of view on uk policy are and never get into a position to dictate or change things

Yes you can vote boris out but that just means someone else will come in whos policies are not that far different

The whole system is rigged to make it out like your getting your view across and your opinion has a voice but in reality it might as well be a dictatorship

 

[Firebat]

Lets be honest in the west democracy is a facade

The foreign policy doesnt change in the uk and politicans who may have a different point of view on uk policy are and never get into a position to dictate or change things

Yes you can vote boris out but that just means someone else will come in whos policies are not that far different

The whole system is rigged to make it out like your getting your view across and your opinion has a voice but in reality it might as well be a dictatorship

I don't disagree at all with what you've said here, but you're misunderstanding the original point.

Sure the West is not really a democracy, but it is a system so huge and intricate with so many special interests and puppeteers that no one person's warmongering fantasies will be acted on unless unless it benefits the entire system, usually monetarily.

I'm not saying Putin has total, 100%, unchecked power but he has far more freedom to impose his will on policy than any Western head of state. That makes him dangerous, especially considering so many of his people and now some oligarchs are speaking out against his war, which I imagine will make him a little more desperate and unstable.

 

[Technics 1210]

I don't disagree at all with what you've said here, but you're misunderstanding the original point.

Sure the West is not really a democracy, but it is a system so huge and intricate with so many special interests and puppeteers that no one person's warmongering fantasies will be acted on unless unless it benefits the entire system, usually monetarily.

I'm not saying Putin has total, 100%, unchecked power but he has far more freedom to impose his will on policy than any Western head of state. That makes him dangerous, especially considering so many of his people and now some oligarchs are speaking out against his war, which I imagine will make him a little more desperate and unstable.

So, while you admit the West is not a real democracy, Putin is dangerous? Come again?

The fact you have admit the West isn’t a real democracy says it all, the West and it’s democracric values are a myth compared to Putin whose values have gravitas and tangible outcomes.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Putin reminds the world Russia is a nuclear power , putting his nuclear forces are alert. There is uproar calling him a nutter etc.

Meanwhile UK nuclear trident is always on alert. It takes 15 mins to prepare launch of trident nukes.

 

[Firebat]

So, while you admit the West is not a real democracy, Putin is dangerous? Come again?

The fact you have admit the West isn’t a real democracy says it all, the West and it’s democracric values are a myth compared to Putin whose values have gravitas and tangible outcomes.

What are Putin's values? Warmongering, corruption, political persecution/murder and draconian laws to extend dictatorship? If so, I agree they certainly have tangible outcomes.

I am no Western apologist or defender, unlike how you seem to be for Putin, as indicated by my posts here and in the Western hypocrisy thread. My point is simply as an individual he has far more freedom to impose his will on policy than any Western head of state, meanwhile the Western agenda is dictated and filtered by a far bigger system of special interests. I view both as evil.

However, that would make Putin, who can potentially become erratic or desperate, more unpredictably dangerous than if Joe Biden held the same views, because he is not the one running/setting the agenda, unlike Putin.

 

[KingKhanWC]

What are Putin's values? Warmongering, corruption, political persecution/murder and draconian laws to extend dictatorship? If so, I agree they certainly have tangible outcomes.

I am no Western apologist or defender, unlike how you seem to be for Putin, as indicated by my posts here and in the Western hypocrisy thread. My point is simply as an individual he has far more freedom to impose his will on policy than any Western head of state, meanwhile the Western agenda is dictated and filtered by a far bigger system of special interests. I view both as evil.

However, that would make Putin, who can potentially become erratic or desperate, more unpredictably dangerous than if Joe Biden held the same views, because he is not the one running/setting the agenda, unlike Putin.

No he is not irractic or desperate. He is a smart man, makes Boris and Biden look like idiots.

Did you watch all his one hour long broadcast, where he explained in detail his reasons?

Reminder it was Putin and Russia who bravely stood up against Nato in Syria. He saved Syria from Nato and also destroyed ISIS.

The world is lucky to have some balance with Russia or China, otherwise more nations esp Muslim nation would be in rubble now.

 

[Zaz]

I believe theres only one country in the world that has used nuclesr bombs on civilians and that isnt russia...

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Does anyone seriously think Putin wants a war with Britain? It seems to me the invasion of Ukraine is a defensive move to ward against NATO coming onto Russia's doorstep. I don't like the UK getting involved in wars across the world, certainly not with a country like Russia.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Does anyone seriously think Putin wants a war with Britain? It seems to me the invasion of Ukraine is a defensive move to ward against NATO coming onto Russia's doorstep. I don't like the UK getting involved in wars across the world, certainly not with a country like Russia.

I dont think Europe wants a fight with Russia but its the Yanks again who dont want Russia to provide 80% of Europes gas.

See how Germany was bullied into acting against Russia. Now the Germans are arming the Ukrainians to the teeth. After their history, you can understand why Russia would be paranoid of Germans choosing conflict over trade.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I dont think Europe wants a fight with Russia but its the Yanks again who dont want Russia to provide 80% of Europes gas.

See how Germany was bullied into acting against Russia. Now the Germans are arming the Ukrainians to the teeth. After their history, you can understand why Russia would be paranoid of Germans choosing conflict over trade.

Whether they want a war or not, seems like being part of NATO means Europe has to fall in line when the call comes. Hopefully it will stop at sanctions.

 

[James]

I highly doubt that anyone would directly engage the UK in a military sense. The British nuclear deterrent is deliberately kept at sea across several submarines in classified locations so that even if a major UK city was attacked or destroyed by an enemy with first strike capability then it would be relatively straightforward for Britain to retaliate with a coordinated launch of Trident missiles (each of which contains multiple warheads) from an underwater setting. This is a solid deterrent against aggression and invasion.

 

[Zaz]

I highly doubt that anyone would directly engage the UK in a military sense. The British nuclear deterrent is deliberately kept at sea across several submarines in classified locations so that even if a major UK city was attacked or destroyed by an enemy with first strike capability then it would be relatively straightforward for Britain to retaliate with a coordinated launch of Trident missiles (each of which contains multiple warheads) from an underwater setting. This is a solid deterrent against aggression and invasion.

Yh them days are over where a country would directly engage a nuclear armed country in war

Nowadays its proxy wars n hitting them in the pockets rather than direct conflict

 

[JaDed]

Yh them days are over where a country would directly engage a nuclear armed country in war

Nowadays its proxy wars n hitting them in the pockets rather than direct conflict

Except Russia has directly attacked Ukraine.

 

[James]

Yh them days are over where a country would directly engage a nuclear armed country in war

Nowadays its proxy wars n hitting them in the pockets rather than direct conflict

Yes I can see a long term “war” of sorts now taking place between Russia and NATO.

Proxy conflicts, skirmishes, sanctions, cyber attacks, etc.

 

[James]

Except Russia has directly attacked Ukraine.

Unlike NATO/EU/UK/US — Ukraine is not nuclear armed. Possibly one of the very reasons that it has been invaded instead of anywhere else.

 

[JaDed]

Unlike NATO/EU/UK/US — Ukraine is not nuclear armed. Possibly one of the very reasons that it has been invaded instead of anywhere else.

I misread @Zaz!

 

[Maher96]

Scary to Imagine but being on a island it will always be one of the most difficult tasks to invade UK from the outside.

 

[James]

I misread @Zaz!

Haha

 

[James]

Scary to Imagine but being on a island it will always be one of the most difficult tasks to invade UK from the outside.

Even old Adolf couldn’t manage it.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Scary to Imagine but being on a island it will always be one of the most difficult tasks to invade UK from the outside.

This isnt the 40's.

There doesnt need to be an invasion. Russia's missiles tech is superiour to all. Only ONE missiles will destroy all of the UK. Of course Russia will be hit too but due to its immense size, the leadership and nation will continue to exist.

The more realistic problem for UK and Europe is the Gas/Energy. If Russia is losing in Ukraine, Putin wont just accept this and move out. He will use his ace card, turn off the gas tap. This alone will plunge the world into an economic crises the world has never seen before. Witin days the Brits will demand peace and offer up Ukraine to Russia in return.

 

[Technics 1210]

A few pringles think Harry McGuire is better than VVD. )

Nato does not have missiles on Russian border. Try checking the world map.

If Russia attack UK, there isnt much to worry about because there are many pro-west, anti-Muslims inc brown people who are so brave , will leave their little jobs to defend and defeat the enemy. We salute you.

Russia did attack UK sovereignty - Chemical attack on UK soil.

Chemical attack on UK soil - UK response? Sanctions.
Crimea annexed, response? Sanctions.
Russia invade Ukraine, response? Yup you guessed it, Sanctions.

West and NATO have waged war on the weak, but will never with heavyweights like Russia (or China).

Oh guess who are the biggest manufacturers of chemical weapons, yes sir, you guessed it, UK and USA.

Ask these so called liberals if the West cared so much about chemical warfare and war, then why build weapons/chemicals and sell them to the highest bidder?

 

[Varun]

Russia may have been quite proficient in seeding election results in the US or cyber-bullying Western European nations, but this hot war they are waging against Ukraine shows up their actual military to be quite deficient. It's similar to the Soviet Union at the start of Operation Barbarossa until Stalin really turned it on to fight back.

They need something similar to that if they have to go all the way to the other side of Europe to invade/attack the UK. At this moment, the far flung areas of Ukraine have already sprung the hand-brakes on them and their subpar war machine.

 

[MenInG]

'Putin must fail' - PM's six-point plan for resolving crisis ahead of talks with world leaders

Boris Johnson has claimed Vladimir Putin is trying to "rewrite the rules" of international order "by military force" - as he prepares to host world leaders for talks at Downing Street.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Rutte of the Netherlands will visit Number 10 on Monday.

On Tuesday, Mr Johnson will host leaders of the V4 group of central European nations - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia - which are already experiencing the impact of Ukraine's humanitarian crisis.

In an essay in The New York Times, Mr Johnson wrote: "Putin must fail and must be seen to fail in this act of aggression. It is not enough to express our support for the rules-based international order - we must defend it against a sustained attempt to rewrite the rules by military force."

 

[PakLFC]

With provocative comments by Boris it is not helping the cause. I do believe Russia is capable of attacking the UK and will do so too. This is the start of World War 3 in my opinion. Putin seems to be hungry for war with Europe even America to avenge the break up of the Soviet Union.

 

[Itachi]

Russia does not need to attack UK. It's not a major player even in Europe any more.

 

[PakLFC]

Russia does not need to attack UK. It's not a major player even in Europe any more.

Russia wants to make a point by attacking a major country. Now don't tell me the UK is not that. Ukraine is just a small fish just to get the ball rolling.

 

[Itachi]

Russia wants to make a point by attacking a major country. Now don't tell me the UK is not that. Ukraine is just a small fish just to get the ball rolling.

In case of Europe, that "major" entity would be Germany in order to make a point.

UK isn't relevant anymore. Remove the past glory and UK after WWII has nothing to boost about.

 

[PakLFC]

In case of Europe, that "major" entity would be Germany in order to make a point.

UK isn't relevant anymore. Remove the past glory and UK after WWII has nothing to boost about.

Relevant or not Putin does not like the UK. Many of his comments seem to be directed towards the UK in particular. This could be because he may want to make some point to the Americans by attacking the Brits. UK is still a big country and a nuke power too. Putin isn't looking for peace at all, he is like a loose cannon looking to fight anyone.

 

[Jadz]

Russia does not need to attack UK. It's not a major player even in Europe any more.

Yes, Russia is so irrelevant to Europe German Chancellor Sholz rejected calls for gas and oil imports to be banned - declaring they were important in every sector of European life and business:

'“Europe has deliberately exempted energy supplies from Russia from sanctions.

“Supplying Europe with energy for heat generation, mobility, electricity supply and industry cannot be secured in any other way at the moment. It is therefore of essential importance for the provision of public services and the daily lives of our citizens.”

https://www.theguardian.com/busines...087f6d099f28cc#block-622609a08f087f6d099f28cc

 

[MenInG]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed to "fight to the end" against Russia as he appealed for more help from the UK in a historic address to the House of Commons.

Echoing Winston Churchill's "we shall fight on the beaches" speech to the same chamber in 1940, he vowed: "We will fight until the end, at sea, in the air. We will continue fighting for our land, whatever the cost.

"We will fight in the forests, in the fields, on the shores, in the streets."

And quoting Shakespeare, Mr Zelenskyy said the question for Ukraine is "to be, or not to be.. it's definitely yes, to be".

It is the first time a foreign leader has directly addressed MPs in the Commons.

He appealed for more military assistance and further sanctions, saying: "We are looking for your help, for the help of Western counties. We are thankful for this help and I am grateful to you, Boris.

"Please increase the pressure of sanctions against this country (Russia) and please recognise this country as a terrorist country.

"Please make sure sure that our Ukrainian skies are safe. Please make sure that you do what needs to be done and what is stipulated by the greatness of your country.

"Glory to Ukraine and glory to the United Kingdom."

Mr Zelenskyy gave an emotional timeline of events of the Russian invasion, telling MPs what has happened on each of the 13 days of war, so far.

He said more than 50 children have been killed, adding: "These are the children that could have lived but these people have taken them away from us.

"Ukraine was not looking to have this war. Ukraine has not been looking to become big but they have become big over the days of this war.

"We are the country that are saving people despite having to fight one of the biggest armies in the world. We have to fight the helicopters, rockets."


Follow the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

The president, appearing live by video link while MPs wore headphones linked to a translator, received a lengthy standing ovation from MPs both before his speech and after.

Directly afterwards, the prime minister promised to employ "every method - diplomatic, humanitarian and economic - until Vladimir Putin has failed in this disastrous venture and Ukraine is free once more".

Mr Johnson added: "Never before, in all our centuries of parliamentary democracy, has the house listened to such an address."

The grim faces of MPs across the chamber told the story of President Zelenskyy's address to the House of Commons.

You didn't need access to the translation to understand what the Ukrainian leader was saying. From his bunker in Kyiv, President Zelenskyy laid bare the reality of the war his people face.

The starving children, those who have lost their lives, the troops forced back by unarmed civilians determined to save their homeland and the disappointment that NATO leaders have, in his eyes, failed to rise to the scale of the challenge.

As he spoke, MPs listened on, their faces flitting between solidarity, defiance and anguish.

It was not a triumphant address, it was - as life must surely be for those living in Ukraine right now - determined, tired, frustrated but undefeated.

Mr Zelenskyy spoke of Shakespeare, he nodded to Churchill - he sought to find references British MPs could understand but he needn't have bothered. Dead children need no translation.

MPs listening in the Commons were silent. Some looked close to tears. The defence secretary, Ben Wallace, rubbed his face wearily as the president's words sunk in.

They must all feel the weight of their refusal to act on his calls for a no-fly zone.

Such brave defiance is hard to follow, but the prime minister and the leaders of every other party vowed to do all they can to protect Ukrainians. But they know in reality this can't be true, they have red lines which can't be crossed.

There was a standing ovation before President Zelenskyy began his address and afterwards. He raised his arm in defiance in response.

But the mood in the Commons reflected his; written all over the faces of everyone listening - from ambassadors to the prime minister, doorkeepers to reporters - was the grim mask of inevitability.

There will be no quick end to this conflict and many more will die, the president risked his own life just to make such a speech. The stakes are so high and the reality so desperately sad.

Mr Zelenskyy's speech came as new "humanitarian corridors" were opened on Tuesday, with people leaving the heavily hit northern city of Sumy and the town of Irpin, near Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said.

On Monday, the president called the corridors "completely immoral" as the Kremlin had set them up so most of them led to Russia or close ally Belarus.

But that appears to have changed, with video posted by Ukrainian officials on Tuesday showing buses packed with people moving along a snowy road from Sumy and others leaving the besieged southern port of Mariupol.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who approved Mr Zelenskyy's request to talk to MPs, called it a "historic address".

Mr Zelenskyy has been addressing politicians around the world, privately and publicly, since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly a fortnight ago.

He made a "desperate plea" to US Congress members over the weekend for further military aid not currently being supplied by the West, including anti-aircraft missiles, planes and drones.

Mr Zelenskyy is also calling for a no-fly zone to be imposed over his country - which the West has said it is not in favour of as it could bring NATO into direct military contact with Moscow.

Last week, he gave an emotional speech to MEPs at the European Parliament as he called on Europe to prove its support for Ukraine by allowing it to join the EU.

SKY

 

[silentkiller187]

A British soldier has gone absent without leave and may be trying to head to Ukraine, an Army source has confirmed to the BBC.

It follows a report in the Sun of a 19-year-old from the Coldstream Guards who left his Windsor barracks and bought a ticket to Poland at the weekend.

The Ministry of Defence did not confirm the report.

A spokesperson said all service personnel are banned from travelling to Ukraine until further notice.

"This applies whether the service person is on leave or not," they added. "Personnel travelling to Ukraine will face disciplinary and administrative consequences."

Senior UK military officers have been worried that some British troops - regulars or reservists - might try to join the battle in Ukraine.

Hundreds of former British soldiers, who have completed their time in the armed services, have said they want to go to Ukraine to fight or help with medical or humanitarian efforts. Many have told the BBC they are getting mixed messages from the government about whether they should go.

The head of the British armed forces said at the weekend that Britons should not head to Ukraine to fight - and should instead help in sensible ways they can from the UK.

Adm Sir Tony Radakin said the "sound of gunfire" was not "something you want to rush to".

And last week the Chief of Defence People, Lt Gen James Swift, sent out a message to the chain of command stressing that UK military personnel were "not authorised" to travel there.

He said that if there was any suspicion that troops were trying to make their way to Ukraine then it should be reported immediately to the service police.

The message warned that if serving British military personnel went to fight in Ukraine then they were putting not only their lives in danger but they also risked giving "the mistaken perception" to Russia that Britain had sent in troops to engage in hostilities.

Previously, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss had said in a TV interview that she backed individuals from the UK who might want to go to Ukraine to help the fight. Her comments came after Ukraine called on foreign nationals to come over and help.

But the government later clarified its position. The MoD advises against all travel to Ukraine, and says travelling to help in the fighting may be against the law or could lead to prosecution. The Ukrainian people can be supported in many ways, including through charitable donations, it stresses.

The UK has repeatedly said it would not be sending British troops to fight in Ukraine, and the West has been clear that it would not engage in direct military confrontation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60675671

 

[Stewie]

A British soldier has gone absent without leave and may be trying to head to Ukraine, an Army source has confirmed to the BBC.

It follows a report in the Sun of a 19-year-old from the Coldstream Guards who left his Windsor barracks and bought a ticket to Poland at the weekend.

The Ministry of Defence did not confirm the report.

A spokesperson said all service personnel are banned from travelling to Ukraine until further notice.

"This applies whether the service person is on leave or not," they added. "Personnel travelling to Ukraine will face disciplinary and administrative consequences."

Senior UK military officers have been worried that some British troops - regulars or reservists - might try to join the battle in Ukraine.

Hundreds of former British soldiers, who have completed their time in the armed services, have said they want to go to Ukraine to fight or help with medical or humanitarian efforts. Many have told the BBC they are getting mixed messages from the government about whether they should go.

The head of the British armed forces said at the weekend that Britons should not head to Ukraine to fight - and should instead help in sensible ways they can from the UK.

Adm Sir Tony Radakin said the "sound of gunfire" was not "something you want to rush to".

And last week the Chief of Defence People, Lt Gen James Swift, sent out a message to the chain of command stressing that UK military personnel were "not authorised" to travel there.

He said that if there was any suspicion that troops were trying to make their way to Ukraine then it should be reported immediately to the service police.

The message warned that if serving British military personnel went to fight in Ukraine then they were putting not only their lives in danger but they also risked giving "the mistaken perception" to Russia that Britain had sent in troops to engage in hostilities.

Previously, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss had said in a TV interview that she backed individuals from the UK who might want to go to Ukraine to help the fight. Her comments came after Ukraine called on foreign nationals to come over and help.

But the government later clarified its position. The MoD advises against all travel to Ukraine, and says travelling to help in the fighting may be against the law or could lead to prosecution. The Ukrainian people can be supported in many ways, including through charitable donations, it stresses.

The UK has repeatedly said it would not be sending British troops to fight in Ukraine, and the West has been clear that it would not engage in direct military confrontation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60675671

Is this for real?

Why do UK soldiers feel such an affinity towards Ukraine? Why such a sense of brotherhood? Where is it all coming from?

 

[realitygaf]

Is this for real?

Why do UK soldiers feel such an affinity towards Ukraine? Why such a sense of brotherhood? Where is it all coming from?

white people

 

[shaz619]

Is this for real?

Why do UK soldiers feel such an affinity towards Ukraine? Why such a sense of brotherhood? Where is it all coming from?

You need a few screws loose to apply for the MOD regardless here, especially soldiers. Either he has been heavily brainwashed or he has accepted a private contract / will be getting paid a handsome amount for specific mission.

 

[JaDed]

Yes, Russia is so irrelevant to Europe German Chancellor Sholz rejected calls for gas and oil imports to be banned - declaring they were important in every sector of European life and business:

'“Europe has deliberately exempted energy supplies from Russia from sanctions.

“Supplying Europe with energy for heat generation, mobility, electricity supply and industry cannot be secured in any other way at the moment. It is therefore of essential importance for the provision of public services and the daily lives of our citizens.”

https://www.theguardian.com/busines...087f6d099f28cc#block-622609a08f087f6d099f28cc

He meant UK is irrelevant not Russia..

 

[PakLFC]

He meant UK is irrelevant not Russia..

The UK is still a very influential country.

 

[PetroDollars]

Russia does not need to attack UK. It's not a major player even in Europe any more.

You are kidding right,

London is the financial capital of the world, more money moves through here than most european capitals combined.

People who come up with rubbish statements like this usually still live with a 1970s mindset, where they think secondary industries are still where its at, wake up pal, primary industries which are services based lead the world and UK leads in pretty much all of them, theres a reason why everyone from europe moves here. Including russians, and theres a reason why all there money gets invested here.

 

[KingKhanWC]

You need a few screws loose to apply for the MOD regardless here, especially soldiers. Either he has been heavily brainwashed or he has accepted a private contract / will be getting paid a handsome amount for specific mission.

Most of them are nutjobs, playing too much COD , thinking they are heros.

If Russia capture UK serving soldiers in Ukraine it could be very serious for them. Stupid person.

 

[James]

The first thing I thought about when I heard about the AWOL soldier(s) was that it could be part of an MoD Black op to “officially” disavow operatives but in actuality be sending them to Ukraine on secret assignments without it looking like the UK is intervening militarily.

 

[Jadz]

He meant UK is irrelevant not Russia..

Thank you for the correction - and my apologies for misunderstanding his post.

 

[Jadz]

Most of them are nutjobs, playing too much COD , thinking they are heros.

If Russia capture UK serving soldiers in Ukraine it could be very serious for them. Stupid person.

Non-stop propaganda campaigns impact upon societies and individuals in ways that shape and form their actions, beliefs and politics.

Muslims fought against Serbs - because Serbs were depicted as anti-Muslim monsters.

Muslims fought in Syria against Assad - because he was depicted as an anti-Sunni/Islam fake Muslim belonging to a minority Shi'a sect.

Muslims are being weaponized against China.

The entire planet is being weaponized against Russia.

If people understood how geopolitics works - and how they are but tools in the hands of warmongers and war-profiteers - it is conceivable that wars would cease. But, that is doubtful because the majority always believe those in Authority, even if the latter have been exposed as liars that use disinformation to promote their interests, advance their agendas.

Things in the world are not looking good right now - likely they will get worse.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Non-stop propaganda campaigns impact upon societies and individuals in ways that shape and form their actions, beliefs and politics.

Muslims fought against Serbs - because Serbs were depicted as anti-Muslim monsters.

Muslims fought in Syria against Assad - because he was depicted as an anti-Sunni/Islam fake Muslim belonging to a minority Shi'a sect.


Muslims are being weaponized against China.

The entire planet is being weaponized against Russia.

If people understood how geopolitics works - and how they are but tools in the hands of warmongers and war-profiteers - it is conceivable that wars would cease. But, that is doubtful because the majority always believe those in Authority, even if the latter have been exposed as liars that use disinformation to promote their interests, advance their agendas.

Things in the world are not looking good right now - likely they will get worse.

The first point is true, the second, a skewing of Assad being a butcher of his people

 

[silentkiller187]

Armed Forces minister James Heappey has warned serving British soldiers and veterans who think they can "do a couple of weeks" in Ukraine and "take some selfies" not to travel to fight against Russian aggression.

Mr Heappey told Sky News the government position is that if you are a serving member of the armed forces and choose to join the conflict in Ukraine, you are considered to be breaking the law.

The defence minister told Kay Burley that any serving army personnel who choose to go to Ukraine "will be in a lot of trouble".

"This is not the time for people to be going there, and the Ukrainians have made clear, once you cross the border with the expectation to fight, you're in it for good," he told Sky News.

"So people who think they can go there, do a couple of weeks, take some selfies, get some Instagram shots and come home, that is not the way the Ukrainians are viewing the people that go and fight for them. British people should not be doing it."

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He continued: "To be clear, the Army has put out a statement overnight to say this. It is illegal for British service personnel to first of all go absent without leave in the first place, but to go absent without leave in order to fight in a foreign war is simply unacceptable, and frankly risks the United Kingdom being wrongly claimed by Russia to be a belligerent in this.

"Service people who might think they are doing the right thing should reflect it is 100% not the correct thing to be doing."

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace speaks in the House of Commons.
Image:
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the Commons on Wednesday said Britons in Ukraine would be in the war ‘for real’ and encouraged personnel not to travel
'No good' comes from British troops travelling to Ukraine

Mr Heappey said that he understood, as a former Army officer himself, that "there's a thing deep inside you as a soldier that makes you see TV images and makes you want to fight", adding: "But no good comes from British service people or veterans going to Ukraine to be a part of this."

Read more: Briton who volunteered to fight against Russia turned down and told he would be 'a liability'

The defence minister's remarks seemingly row back on comments from Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who last week said she would "absolutely" support volunteers who wished to travel to Ukraine to fight.

It comes after the Army yesterday confirmed a number of British soldiers have gone AWOL and may have travelled to Ukraine.


Army 'strongly encouraging' soldiers to return

A spokesperson told Sky News: "We are aware of a small number of individual soldiers who have disobeyed orders and gone absent without leave, and may have travelled to Ukraine in a personal capacity.

"We are actively and strongly encouraging them to return to the UK.

"All Service Personnel are prohibited from travelling to Ukraine until further notice.

"This applies whether the Service Person is on leave or not. Personnel travelling to Ukraine will face disciplinary and administrative consequences."


Mr Heappey also told Sky News that the UK is treating the Russian attack on a maternity hospital in Mariupol as a war crime.

He said: "Yes absolutely. There - it is - what you see on you TV screens is a war crime.

"Now clearly there is evidence to be gathered in which to prove that it is a war crime and western countries are working together to make sure that evidence is gathered in the best way so that people can be held to account.

"Let's be clear what Putin is doing is not a war waged between two militaries, right now he has besieged a number of Ukrainian cities. He's waged a war against Ukrainian civilians."

Later, Ms Truss added that the UK "absolutely" believes war crimes have been committed in Ukraine.


Yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said children had been buried under rubble after a Russian airstrike hit a hospital in Mariupol.

The president tweeted that children were among people "under the wreckage", calling the strike an "atrocity".

He added that 17 people were injured in the attack.

Meanwhile, Mr Heappey said Home Secretary Priti Patel is considering changing the visa processes and the checks required for Ukrainian refugees to come to the UK.


Sky News understands Ms Patel could make a statement in the Commons today to announce any changes.

"There's effectively two sides to what can be done to bring refugees here more quickly," Mr Heappey told Sky News.

"There's a policy choice around the checks that we go through, but equally you can increase the capacity of the pipeline to process more people more quickly.

"We'll supply as many people as they need in order to be able to get the highest number of people processed in the quickest time possible and then the Home Secretary has got some choices, which I know she's considering, around how to further change the visa process and what checks might be necessary within it."

Hundreds of Ukrainian refugees trying to get to the UK have turned up at Calais over the past few days but most have been told to go to Paris or Brussels.

It then emerged on Tuesday evening another centre would be based in Lille, more than 70 miles away from Calais.

Sky News understands over 1000 visas have now been allocated.


https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-...o-fight-as-they-may-face-prosecution-12562081

 

[MenInG]

Boris Johnson has said he fears Vladimir Putin may deploy chemical weapons in Ukraine as that would be "straight out of Russia's playbook".

Speaking on Sky News' Beth Rigby Interviews programme, the prime minister said the only way the war in Ukraine can end is if the Russian president realises he has made a "catastrophic mistake".

Putin could use chemical weapons

Mr Johnson reiterated Western officials' fears that Mr Putin could use chemical weapons in Ukraine after Moscow accused Kyiv of planning to deploy them in the battlefield.

"The stuff that you're hearing about chemical weapons is straight out of their playbook," he said.

"They start saying that there are chemical weapons that have been stored by their opponents or by the Americans.

"And so when they themselves deploy chemical weapons, as I fear they may, they have a sort of maskirovka - a fake story - ready to go.

"You've seen it in Syria. You saw it even in the UK. That's what they're already doing. It is a cynical, barbaric government."

On Wednesday, Moscow said it had uncovered a military biological weapons programme in Ukraine involving deadly pathogens such as plague and anthrax and called on the US to explain the "Ukrainian biological weapons lab".

A US official dismissed the claim as "absurd propaganda" and accused Russia of seeking retroactive pretexts for the war.

But on Thursday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said of the Kremlin: "They have the capacity and the capability."

Asked about Mr Johnson's warning, former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele told Sky News: "I certainly think if you look at what's happened in Syria and Chechnya and of course, what happened on our own streets in Salisbury, I wouldn't rule it out at all.

"I think as the Russian army becomes bogged down and clearly not realising its objectives militarily you are likely to see more indiscriminate killing and bombardment and possibly the use of a chemical weapons."

SKY

 

[Jadz]

The first point is true, the second, a skewing of Assad being a butcher of his people

According to who? The US and its European/Arab vassals? Western/Arab corporate media?

Suddenly, Bashar al-Assad wakes up one fine morning in his beautiful secular country - with Sunnis, Shi'as, Christians, Druze, etc., all living in relative harmony - and decides: 'I know, why don't I butcher thousands of Syrians because I'm in a homicidal maniacal mood.' Is that it?

I don't think so. The US, Saudi, Israel - their vassals - wanted regime change. Why? Well, let's step back a bit and examine the geopolitical state of the ME: Syria is aligned with Russia, Iran, Lebanon, Hezbu-Llah - the latter kicked Israel out of Lebanon when it invaded and tried to occupy the country.

The real target of the US, Saudi, Israel - and their vassals - is Iran. They want regime change and will try to break every country aligned with it in order to advance their agendas. This is one reason Yemen is being destroyed, because Houthis are aligned with Iran. Once Syria falls, the next is Lebanon, Yemen and then, Iran - like a domino effect.

But, the imperial US and its lackeys did not count on the fierce resistance from the Syrian Arab Army, Iranian forces, Hezbu-Llah and Russia, collectively they prevented regime change, even though Syria was flooded with terrorists and mercenaries, all proxies of the US and the Saudi tribe.

The US and Israel continue to bomb Syria. Saudi bin Satan and his oil-rich Arab allies continue to slaughter impoverished Yemenis. None of this has anything to do with a young president 'butchering his people' - just as the destruction of the most prosperous country in Africa, Libya, had anything to do with Ghaddafi 'butchering his people' or Saddam Hussein 'butchering' his.

Wars will never end if people continue to believe the lies, propaganda and disinformation of the warmongering, global cartel intent upon control and domination at any cost.

 

[James]

<b>Ukraine: Private militias recruiting former British soldiers</b>

Some military veterans have received cold call approaches about fighting in Ukraine, the BBC understands.

Private militias have reportedly been scouring social media to recruit ex-soldiers.

Ukraine has previously asked for volunteers to join its International Legion.

But the Foreign Office has said anyone who travels unlawfully to Ukraine for combat will be investigated on their return to the UK.

Afghanistan veteran Steve, not his real name, told the BBC Wales Live programme he had received at least 10 approaches, including one which offered him money.

"Whenever there's conflict the chatter starts up, but there was a different tone to this, a more deliberate tone," he said.

"There are private militias who've been scouring social media for veterans, so these private militias have been trying to recruit."

Steve said he believed the offer of money wasn't genuine, but many of the other contacts he'd received were from other veterans looking to organise groups in the UK before travelling to Ukraine.

"I did very well on my second tour of Afghanistan and obviously when you're over there you make a lot of contacts," he said.

"The more serious guys are trying to organise it here and go as a group of people that are people you've deployed with, served with, people who know each other's skill set."

'Some have no military experience'
However, Steve said he was increasingly concerned for the welfare of both veterans and civilian volunteers.

"A lot of guys want to go out and help, but some are jumping on the bandwagon and have no military experience. Some are veterans, but they've never deployed, so they've never been in combat," he said.

"Veterans with mental health issues, physical issues, and people that go over there that can't fight, that's not actually a help that's more of a hindrance.

"Who are you meeting at the border? Will you get good weapons systems? Will you get medical care? There are too many moving parts."

Despite doing his best to warn others of the dangers, Steve said many veterans would be vulnerable to offers, and the constant talk about going to fight had left his own mind racing.

"I did take myself off down to the beach early hours one morning," he said.

"I needed to get some de-sensitisation away from radio, away from social media, and to just think it through.

"If I think with my brain and not emotion then that tells me I've fought - I've been somewhere and done something - and my priority now is my family."

BBC Wales Live has heard from veteran support staff concerned that more vulnerable members of the community could be tempted by approaches.

Mark, not his real name, is an agricultural worker with no military experience. But he feels he can contribute to Ukraine's war effort.

"I've spoken to a few people, but not many," the 26-year-old said.

"They've all been telling me not to go, that I'm a bit crazy for wanting to go and there are different ways to help, but it feels like the best way to help is by being on the ground.

"I'm ready to book a flight, I've just got bits and bobs to get now and then I'll be over there."

Kirsty, who works in an Army surplus store, said it had almost sold out of its entire stock of combat helmets and vests.

"We've had people ringing up with lists, asking can we donate items. Things like helmets, plate carriers, any proper military protective gear," she said.

"We're a very small business, the things people want, we can't just give them away."

Robert McCartney, from charity Beyond the Battlefield, said he'd heard of veterans approaching each other about going out to Ukraine.

"Social media is full of it," he said. "A lot of these guys are saying 'right, I'm on my way - does anybody want to be there?'

"They see themselves as being able to go out there and recreate themselves as soldiers.

"They are approaching the guys who are in responsible positions, who are in relationships."

Mr McCartney raised concerns for some vulnerable veterans.

"One of them came in here last week telling me that he was going on Sunday," he said.

"I was able to talk him out of it. He's got an eight-week-old baby and that was his biggest worry, so I was able to play on those worries."

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said:

“We advise against travel to Ukraine and anyone who travels to conflict zones to engage in unlawful activity, should expect to be investigated upon their return to the UK."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-60676720

 

[PakLFC]

A bit off topic but any Indian soldiers are in Ukraine too.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Man charged with helping Russian intelligence in UK​

A man has been charged with assisting Russian intelligence after being arrested by UK counter-terror police.

Howard Michael Phillips, 64, from Harlow in Essex, was arrested in central London and is due at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday afternoon.

Investigators have also searched addresses in Hertfordshire and Essex.

There is not believed to be any threat to the wider public, the Metropolitan Police have said.

Mr Phillips was arrested under new National Security Act powers, which mean people can be detained without a warrant if police "reasonably" suspect they are involved "in foreign power threat activity".

Police have not disclosed details about the activities he is alleged to have engaged in.

The charge covers actions which "materially assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities".

Man charged with helping Russian intelligence in UK

Howard Michael Phillips, 64, was arrested in central London and is due in court on Thursday.

www.bbc.com