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Russia invading Ukraine (NEWS/UPDATES)

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I was countering the "win hearts and minds" argument which could take years

What are the options? WW3?
Without understanding this SWIFT system this seems to be key but with EU members like Germany not willing to stop the Russians using it will add to how long this will continue.
They should immediately stop all travel to and from Russia around the world. Seize all assets around the world. Throw out all Russian embassy staff around the world.
Fannying around the edges by various countries still protecting their interests will simply prolong the agony
 
I can't even imagine what that must be like for them. Horrendous situation to face.
Friend I thought was in Qatar working with them on the WC is actually in Kyiv too. Gutted.

One of the most intelligent guys I know and now he's found himself defending his country as he went home for a month for a break.

Worried about him. Met him through a football conference at work and when we visited Kyiv he spent a full day being our tour guide. He was so proud of his country and to be Ukrainian. After we watched his team, Dynamo Kyiv defeat Shakhtar. Precious memories looking back.

I hope to god he doesn't perish and gets through this.
 
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When they poured across the border
I was cautioned to surrender
This I could not do
I took my gun and vanished.

I have changed my name so often
I've lost my wife and children
But I have many friends
And some of them are with me

An old woman gave us shelter
Kept us hidden in the garret
Then the soldiers came
She died without a whisper

There were three of us this morning
I'm the only one this evening
But I must go on
The frontiers are my prison

Oh, the wind, the wind is blowing
Through the graves the wind is blowing
Freedom soon will come
Then we'll come from the shadows

Les Allemands étaient chez moi
Ils me dirent, "résigne toi"
Mais je n'ai pas peur
J'ai repris mon âme
J'ai changé cent fois de nom
J'ai perdu femme et enfants
Mais j'ai tant d'amis
J'ai la France entière
Un vieil homme dans un grenier
Pour la nuit nous a caché
Les Allemands l'ont pris
Il est mort sans surprise

Oh, the wind, the wind is blowing
Through the graves the wind is blowing
Freedom soon will come
Then we'll come from the shadows
 
Anyone heading that way on their holidays this year?
I have to admit that my geography of the area isn’t great but when I looked I was surprised how many popular U.K. destinations are very close geographically to Ukraine.
I bet the travel industry loves Putine as much as they love covid
The Cosmic family fly to Asia in April but we're transiting in Dubai this time - shouldn't be an issue.

3 years ago it was all change in Helsinki which would have left us with a lengthy detour.

It was bad enough on the way back as India and Pakistan were still at it.
 
Yes, many a time when you make an international transaction. Its a very common thing and I think it would be harmful to many Russians. One of the drivers for Putin is the potential of unrest at home. He is worried about Ukraine being a democracy on his doorstep and Russian asking the obvious question of why can't they have democracy. There have already been mass demonstrations against Putin in Moscow. If the Russian people see their lives being made harder or high Russian troop casualties then he will worry about the people turning. He knows change can come quickly in Russia. Reading more about it one of the worries if they are denied SWIFT is that they may use a Chinese alternative.

No, I get that and that was my point. At times like these and also when vaccines becaime available you can see some drawbacks with the EU and their inability to make swift decisions.

I understand all that now and maybe I was just the odd one out but if you’d asked me what SWIFT was 2 weeks ago I’d of said a bird, I’m not being funny just saying how it is

like many I make use of the internet but have no idea of how things happen when I do
 
They've both had no sleep. Constant warning sirens ringing and blasts through the night. Crazy to think I was there just 2 months ago.
My mate lived there for years. Loved the place. Lives and works in Nigeria now but has lots of friends there. He said all along that Putin would invade parts of Ukraine but never expected a full scale attack like this.
 
How abandoned must you feel if you’re Ukraine or any other bordering country to Russia knowing the west will just slap them on the wrist and hit them with sanctions they clearly don’t care about, some won’t even do that, Germany and Italy should be ashamed and we aren’t far behind with our pathetic placebo threats and ‘willing them on’ stuff that Boris is doing.

The UN is a failure, I doubt they’d have done anything if Ukraine had actually joined them either.
 
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How abandoned must you fee if you’re Ukraine or any other bordering country to Russia knowing the west will just slap them on the wrist and hit them with sanctions they clearly don’t care about, some won’t even do that, Germany and Italy should be ashamed and we aren’t far behind with our pathetic placebo threats and ‘willing them on’ stuff that Boris is doing.

The UN is a failure, I doubt they’d have done anything if Ukraine had actually joined them either.
We're a disgrace.
 
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