Russian build up along Ukraine

Irish weapons are not going to be sent, clearly.

However, the incongruity of that position with the reality of 'there but for the Grace of God goes any smaller independent State', is all excellent fodder for the debate on Ireland's defence policy that must now happen.

I should be very interested in any Sunday paper opinion poll over the next few weeks on the topic. I suspect the preaching of RBB and Mick Wallace and the like is totally and utterly out of step with the silent majority of this Country, who would gladly put our entire Army fleet on some Ferries and send the lot to Odessa.

Medical supplies more likely...and probably badly needed.

Taking off from Rzeszow now, wonder was it a collection of some of the infants and family?

Coming into the same airport behind her is the Luxembourg A400… But yeah small nations can’t fund equipment..

That's the spirit...Anything constructive to add to the thread?

Now now, talk like that makes Eamon wake up unhappy...

So keep going.

From the FR24 thread. Its carrying back an Irish couples surrogate baby.

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Most of Ukraine East of Odessa is in Ru hands or control. The next Ru move is to take ODESSA Ukraine's main import/export harbour. There are Russian troop carriers offshore ready for beach landings to augment any attack from Crimea direction. It beats me that the leader of the free world has remained mostly silent and not issued some redline warnings to Putin, including denying Passage through the Bosporus and preempting landings from the sea.

The Tanaiste has implied that our Defence Forces are to be made more fit for purpose by upgrading. I believe we may need expert guidance to achieve the Training, Skills, and Weapon levels required for Defence and participation on joint exercises and EU required tasks.

The US along with the rest of NATO have been clear, they are not going to get into a direct confrontation with Russia. Moreover it's not anything to do with the US in regards to the Bosporus, Turkey has legal responsibility for that and has already moved to block non Black Sea ships from entering the Black Sea, however they can do nothing about ships already there or permanently based in the Black Sea. And sending any NATO surface force into the Black Sea is a disaster waiting to happen.

Ukraine will get arms and support from the West, the West is not getting involved directly.

Turkey controls the Bosporus, Not the USA. They have closed it to all warships. Whats in is in. They were prevented from acting earlier due to a clause that allows warships to navigate the passage when returning to their home port. For now though nobody else is getting in or out.

Directly East of Odessa is Crimea , Mariupol, and the areas seized in 2014. All in RU control. To control access to Odessa harbour is the next obvious Ru objective, especially with troop ships offshore. I didn't say most of Ukraine, just the portion east of Odessa. My other point is that while Turkey has put some controls on the Bosporos it doesn't seem to be at the advice of the US, who seem very tardy and dragging behind EU action such as closing airspaces a week after everyone else. We need leadership from those capable of the biggest response. The US State seem silent and leaving the initiative to Political and Defence organisations in Europe. Are we on our own?

In Slovakia it is now compulsory that they take the people into their home

When Ukraine's sea coast in the Black Sea is under RU control. it will mean loss of ability to use Port facilities for major cargoes in and out of Ukraine. It will also cause demise of their navy, and loss of control of their seas. Whatever happens in a future Peace Time must include a full restoration of Ukraine's original territory.