[Politics] Russia invades Ukraine (24/02/2022)

[Sirnormangall]

Bill Browder Interview with Times Radio.
After discussion of WHY hasn't Trump followed through on any of his threats to Putin? Why doesn't he implement (or allow Congress to implement) the sanctions increase proposed by Lindsey Graham?...etc etc
Browder: "There's something going on with Putin and Trump and only those two know what it is".

Meantime, Zelensky continues to play a great innings and lets the negative spotlight remain on Putin and Trump

 

[A1X]

Browder: "There's something going on with Putin and Trump and only those two know what it is".

 

[raymondo]

BABUSHKA RAYMONDO ESCAPES OCCUPATION!
"Wiltshire branch of SAS extricates granny"
Not quite as exciting as the headline (who knew!) but here's our little positive story...if you'll indulge me.
- Two weeks ago Babushka took a 60 hour bus journey from occupied Ukraine to Warsaw (via Moscow and Belarus)
- Met by sister-in-law Raymondo who'd flown in
- Interview at Warsaw visa centre for a UK Ukrainian Family Visa (thanks gov.uk).
- Then they took the night train to Zaporizhzhia to visit number 1 grandchild and family. Babushka hadn't seen any family for over three years (and husband died in October). So, 80 hours of bus/train to get to 40 miles from where she started...
- Back in Warsaw now for visa finalisation
- Mrs Raymondo flew to Warsaw yesterday and will return with Babushka this Monday
- Garage converted for accommodation, we passed DBS checks (yep, seriously )
- Babushka can stay as long as she wants. (She may even return to Ukraine later ... that's a 'story' for another time)
- It took a helluva lot of logistics planning and discussion (mainly from Mrs Raymondo ) but turned out to be doable.
- Now she can be a Babushka for a while: cook us Ukrainian pancakes, varenyki , and tell me I'm BBQ-ing the shashlik wrong!
- We remind ourselves, we are one of the lucky families
- I will keep you updated on how I survive living with three female generations of the same family (niece Raymondo here for 3 years now)
- Thanks

 

[SouthSaxon]

BABUSHKA RAYMONDO ESCAPES OCCUPATION!
"Wiltshire branch of SAS extricates granny"
Not quite as exciting as the headline (who knew!) but here's our little positive story...if you'll indulge me.
- Two weeks ago Babushka took a 60 hour bus journey from occupied Ukraine to Warsaw (via Moscow and Belarus)
- Met by sister-in-law Raymondo who'd flown in
- Interview at Warsaw visa centre for a UK Ukrainian Family Visa (thanks gov.uk).
- Then they took the night train to Zaporizhzhia to visit number 1 grandchild and family. Babushka hadn't seen any family for over three years (and husband died in October). So, 80 hours of bus/train to get to 40 miles from where she started...
- Back in Warsaw now for visa finalisation
- Mrs Raymondo flew to Warsaw yesterday and will return with Babushka this Monday
- Garage converted for accommodation, we passed DBS checks (yep, seriously )
- Babushka can stay as long as she wants. (She may even return to Ukraine later ... that's a 'story' for another time)
- It took a helluva lot of logistics planning and discussion (mainly from Mrs Raymondo ) but turned out to be doable.
- Now she can be a Babushka for a while: cook us Ukrainian pancakes, varenyki , and tell me I'm BBQ-ing the shashlik wrong!
- We remind ourselves, we are one of the lucky families
- I will keep you updated on how I survive living with three female generations of the same family (niece Raymondo here for 3 years now)
- Thanks

That's awesome, kudos to you and Mrs Raymondo. And to Babushka for enduring such an arduous and no-doubt nerve-wracking journey. Good luck with the new living arrangements (and the shashlik!)

Yes, I believe that. I know there's lots of debate but I believe it now. Trump's 'threats' on Russia are all hollow...he never follows up.
The shenanigans in Istanbul... Trump 'justifying' after event that Putin wouldn't go because he didn't ...nice one, well I hope Zelenskiy and Erdogan had a good meeting of minds at least.

So, what could the kompromat be
- Russian election interference pro Trump?
- Russian finance used for Trump family to prevent bankruptcy, for Musk to buy Twitter? Maybe that's all known and not illegal
- Epstein stuff?
No idea - but if it's not kompromat then I don't know how to explain Trump's one-sided stance. As you say he's not stupid - lazy with details, yes, but not stupid.

I've put my thoughts across on this before, including earlier this week, so I won't post them again here. Genuine question - what form of kompromat could you see as being powerful enough to sufficiently coerce Trump, given he won a second terms despite 34 felony convictions and openly inciting a coup attempt? How do you do that with someone who believes they are untouchable?

 

[fly high]

BABUSHKA RAYMONDO ESCAPES OCCUPATION!
"Wiltshire branch of SAS extricates granny"
Not quite as exciting as the headline (who knew!) but here's our little positive story...if you'll indulge me.
- Two weeks ago Babushka took a 60 hour bus journey from occupied Ukraine to Warsaw (via Moscow and Belarus)
- Met by sister-in-law Raymondo who'd flown in
- Interview at Warsaw visa centre for a UK Ukrainian Family Visa (thanks gov.uk).
- Then they took the night train to Zaporizhzhia to visit number 1 grandchild and family. Babushka hadn't seen any family for over three years (and husband died in October). So, 80 hours of bus/train to get to 40 miles from where she started...
- Back in Warsaw now for visa finalisation
- Mrs Raymondo flew to Warsaw yesterday and will return with Babushka this Monday
- Garage converted for accommodation, we passed DBS checks (yep, seriously )
- Babushka can stay as long as she wants. (She may even return to Ukraine later ... that's a 'story' for another time)
- It took a helluva lot of logistics planning and discussion (mainly from Mrs Raymondo ) but turned out to be doable.
- Now she can be a Babushka for a while: cook us Ukrainian pancakes, varenyki , and tell me I'm BBQ-ing the shashlik wrong!
- We remind ourselves, we are one of the lucky families
- I will keep you updated on how I survive living with three female generations of the same family (niece Raymondo here for 3 years now)
- Thanks

Remarkable woman not only for making that journey on her own but also surviving orc occupation. Must stop chopping onions when I catch up on here.

 

[raymondo]

That's awesome, kudos to you and Mrs Raymondo. And to Babushka for enduring such an arduous and no-doubt nerve-wracking journey. Good luck with the new living arrangements (and the shashlik!)



I've put my thoughts across on this before, including earlier this week, so I won't go through it again. Genuine question - what form of kompromat could you see as being powerful enough to sufficiently coerce Trump, given he won a second terms despite 34 felony convictions and openly inciting a coup attempt? How do you do that with someone who believes they are untouchable?

Many thanks! Yes, she even took some persuading (that may surprise some people) as she's lived in the farming village her whole life, and it is actually safe there for now (no shelling in that area). But we could tell on the phone she was depressed, missing family contact and convinced her to make the trip.

Re any kompromat...yeah I know! I've switched opinions on this many times. It's just as time goes on I don't know how Trump's behaviour can be explained in any other way - maybe he'll prove this wrong in the next week or two. What type?...I don't know, and I agree he seems untouchable.

 

[raymondo]

Remarkable woman not only for making that journey on her own but also surviving orc occupation. Must stop chopping onions when I catch up on here.

Yeah thanks, she's VERY strong and we'll give her a good break at least.

 

[SouthSaxon]

Many thanks! Yes, she even took some persuading (that may surprise some people) as she's lived in the farming village her whole life, and it is actually safe there for now (no shelling in that area). But we could tell on the phone she was depressed, missing family contact and convinced her to make the trip.

Re any kompromat...yeah I know! I've switched opinions on this many times. It's just as time goes on I don't know how Trump's behaviour can be explained in any other way - maybe he'll prove this wrong in the next week or two. What type?...I don't know, and I agree he seems untouchable.

Great to hear she's safe and even been able to visit family in Ukraine on her odyssey. Appreciate you sharing here - it's none of our business, of course, but a positive story is a great way to start the weekend.

 

[Binney on acid]

Your life is in the balance when do as much as cross the street in Ukraine. I have just read a BBC report about 9 being killed in a drone attack on a civilian bus in Sumy. I live for the day that I can watch Mr Genocide's funeral on the box.

 

[papachris]

BABUSHKA RAYMONDO ESCAPES OCCUPATION!
"Wiltshire branch of SAS extricates granny"
Not quite as exciting as the headline (who knew!) but here's our little positive story...if you'll indulge me.
- Two weeks ago Babushka took a 60 hour bus journey from occupied Ukraine to Warsaw (via Moscow and Belarus)
- Met by sister-in-law Raymondo who'd flown in
- Interview at Warsaw visa centre for a UK Ukrainian Family Visa (thanks gov.uk).
- Then they took the night train to Zaporizhzhia to visit number 1 grandchild and family. Babushka hadn't seen any family for over three years (and husband died in October). So, 80 hours of bus/train to get to 40 miles from where she started...
- Back in Warsaw now for visa finalisation
- Mrs Raymondo flew to Warsaw yesterday and will return with Babushka this Monday
- Garage converted for accommodation, we passed DBS checks (yep, seriously )
- Babushka can stay as long as she wants. (She may even return to Ukraine later ... that's a 'story' for another time)
- It took a helluva lot of logistics planning and discussion (mainly from Mrs Raymondo ) but turned out to be doable.
- Now she can be a Babushka for a while: cook us Ukrainian pancakes, varenyki , and tell me I'm BBQ-ing the shashlik wrong!
- We remind ourselves, we are one of the lucky families
- I will keep you updated on how I survive living with three female generations of the same family (niece Raymondo here for 3 years now)
- Thanks

I'm so pleased for you and your family. Now you can be together again.

 

[raymondo]

I'm so pleased for you and your family. Now you can be together again.

Many thanks!! The queue for the bathroom will increase...but we'll manage

 

[raymondo]

Your life is in the balance when do as much as cross the street in Ukraine. I have just read a BBC report about 9 being killed in a drone attack on a civilian bus in Sumy. I live for the day that I can watch Mr Genocide's funeral on the box.

Yes, these attacks on civilians are daily now - each is a war crime.

 

[peterward]

Trump back on Fox, going out to bat in support of Putin, and again talking out of his arse on Ukraine.



His question about why he hasn't yet sanctioned Russia is revealing. Doesn't answer but instead goes into a rant about Zelenskyy and starts telling lies that they've been sending cash and not old equipment stocks.

I really hope we one day find out what Putin has on him.

 

[raymondo]

I hope they can get this ratio across the front line

 

[raymondo]

Trump back on Fox, going out to bat in support of Putin, and again talking out of his arse on Ukraine.



His question about why he hasn't yet sanctioned Russia is revealing. Doesn't answer but instead goes into a rant about Zelenskyy and starts telling lies that they've been sending cash and not old equipment stocks.

I really hope we one day find out what Putin has on him.

Blimey he never stops his bs and lies.

I'm also fairly sure it's something: can't only be a bromance; can't only be an 'aluminum' deal; can't only be promise of Trump towers across russian cities; can't only be Musk and Tesla in Russia; can't only be trillions paid to Trump and his family?
Well maybe it could be, or something else.

 

[Eric the meek]

BABUSHKA RAYMONDO ESCAPES OCCUPATION!
"Wiltshire branch of SAS extricates granny"
Not quite as exciting as the headline (who knew!) but here's our little positive story...if you'll indulge me.
- Two weeks ago Babushka took a 60 hour bus journey from occupied Ukraine to Warsaw (via Moscow and Belarus)
- Met by sister-in-law Raymondo who'd flown in
- Interview at Warsaw visa centre for a UK Ukrainian Family Visa (thanks gov.uk).
- Then they took the night train to Zaporizhzhia to visit number 1 grandchild and family. Babushka hadn't seen any family for over three years (and husband died in October). So, 80 hours of bus/train to get to 40 miles from where she started...
- Back in Warsaw now for visa finalisation
- Mrs Raymondo flew to Warsaw yesterday and will return with Babushka this Monday
- Garage converted for accommodation, we passed DBS checks (yep, seriously )
- Babushka can stay as long as she wants. (She may even return to Ukraine later ... that's a 'story' for another time)
- It took a helluva lot of logistics planning and discussion (mainly from Mrs Raymondo ) but turned out to be doable.
- Now she can be a Babushka for a while: cook us Ukrainian pancakes, varenyki , and tell me I'm BBQ-ing the shashlik wrong!
- We remind ourselves, we are one of the lucky families
- I will keep you updated on how I survive living with three female generations of the same family (niece Raymondo here for 3 years now)
- Thanks

I thought you had been a bit quiet on here recently. Many, many congratulations. What a story to start the day !
I never knew that being married to a Ukrainian was like signing an Ecuadorian wonderkid. You end up feeding an entire Ecuadorian village.

Enjoy the pancakes. 20 stone here we come.

 

[raymondo]

I thought you had been a bit quiet on here recently. Many, many congratulations. What a story to start the day !
I never knew that being married to a Ukrainian was like signing an Ecuadorian wonderkid. You end up feeding an entire Ecuadorian village.

Enjoy the pancakes. 20 stone here we come.

Thank you . Yes, I have a very determined wife who takes after her mum. For a long while we didn't think it would be possible at all(for a few reasons) but we kept asking questions, bashing away, and got there in the end.
Here are some Ukrainian pancakes (made with cottage cheese!). Now I have to get back to decorating and prepping for an IKEA (oh joy) delivery!

Google Image Result for https://ohsweetbasil.com/wp-content/uploads/oladis-ukrainian-pancakes-with-yeast-recipe-16.jpg

 

[GT49er]

His question about why he hasn't yet sanctioned Russia is revealing. Doesn't answer but instead goes into a rant about Zelenskyy and starts telling lies that they've been sending cash and not old equipment stocks.

Yep, the Twaddlemeister in full waffling egocentric flow of verbal diarrhoea. Disgrace of a President, horrible human being.

 

[Eric the meek]

This might be interesting.

Putin had the chance to meet Zelensky and ducked out of it. So why is he now saying a meeting is possible?
To further delay, distract, obfuscate? Yes, but there may be more to this. Something has changed. He failed to turn up to his own talks. And Zelensky has capitalised on it.

That's bad optics.
It could be that he realises he made a strategic mistake, and is seeking to put it right, to keep Trump onside. Keep the charade going.

But now that Trump and Rubio are making noises of a Trump/Putin meeting, he may be seeking to delay even more, and now swerve a meeting with Trump.

 

[Triggaaar]

This might be interesting.

Putin had the chance to meet Zelensky and ducked out of it. So why is he now saying a meeting is possible?

I just don't care whether they meet or not, it's all a charade.

Ukraine will defend themselves against Russia forever, because there's no alternative, and Putin will keep attacking until he's stopped. So what matters (IMO) is that we support Ukraine to the hilt, put the maximum possible pressure on Russia's economy, and also ostracise Russia from the world.