Ukraine (Mod Note & Threadbanned Users in OP)

Fully agree and with all due respect to those who fought for freedom in this country but the maidan revolution made Easter week in this country in 1916 look like a picnic. This current war makes our war of independence look like a skirmish. That’s not to belittle the bravery of our own struggle btw. Different situation different scale of conflict. Ukraine are being put through the wringer for their independence every bit as much and more than most countries in the EU have gone through for the same independence. They have proven themselves in ways that can’t be measured by technocratic , bureaucratic and economic markers. And if they weren’t putting up the fight they are we would be much closer to a 1939 situation with a rampant fascist army buoyed by massive territorial gains.

Mass graves still being found West of Kyiv

In fairness the Russians are currently trying to squeeze them out of existence and out of their own country far more brutally than any economic disparity ever would.

I realise Ukraine is under martial law but if they are willing to stand and fight so viruently for their country I’d imagine they are hardly going to flock to leave it if they ever do join the EU. They clearly are very attached to their homeland and way of life.

Macron's meetings were often used to evaluate Putin's mental health as well as gauge other factors. European needs one key leader to keep the channel open, stopping dialogue with Putin "would mean leaving the negotiations to other powers, such as “the Turkish president [Recep Tayyip Erdoğan], the Chinese president [Xi Jinping] or others." It's the Real Politik of the situation.

Ireland has Russian money, are we assisting them? It's not black/white.

Prior to the invasion, Tories can be accused of being far too relaxed with Russian money entering the country (despite efforts with the unexplained wealth orders and so on), however post-invasion, like most European countries, the UK gov aren't actively and systematically assisting Russian Oligarchs, quite the opposite.

Fully agree and with all due respect to those who fought for freedom in this country but the maidan revolution made Easter week in this country in 1916 look like a picnic. This current war makes our war of independence look like a skirmish. That’s not to belittle the bravery of our own struggle btw. Different situation different scale of conflict.

Different times too.

Our civil was was a Skirmish and what did it solve in the end nothing came of it. Them people who died in the Ciivil War died for no reason except for there belief that the treaty was not a good one or it was the best we could achieve which it was at the time but that's for another thread not hear.

It’s a whole other topic and I know very little of Hungary. But yes it is incredible that a country that was so recently brutally oppressed by the Soviets is now so favourable to the Putin regime. A country that also went with the Axis in world war 2 before switching sides. Often on the wrong side of History. There is of course the faded imperial factor there as well.

Macron is bullshítting with his waffle about "don't humiliate Putin" speech.

The speech started off very well but I was waiting for the "but". And of course it came. But this, but that. Need to build peace - bollox. Only total defeat of fascist Russia achieves anything, there is never going to be normal relations with Russia until then and unless Russia becomes a democracy respecting international law order. It's like trying to build peace with North Korea, it's simply futile and stupid. Ukrainians know this - they will accept only a complete defeat and withdrawal of Russian forces from their territory.

Macron is apologetist at worst and trying to play a big statesman (which he isn't) at best.

If this is supposed to be some sort of an unofficial leader of the EU after Merkel's retirement then God be with us...

The Finns have decided,pragmatically ✌🏻❤️

Sweden follows shortly with 95% likelihood.

Democracy and freedom need to be defended by effort, money and actions (cough cough Ireland).

Vladimir Vladimirovich - you're a geopolitical genius, the Baltic and the Arctic is fully NATO controlled now and you increased the border with nato countries from 700 kms to 2000 kms, brillant 😎

Does it really increase tension though?

I don't think Russia really cares what Finland do; let alone Sweden. Indeed I don't think they really cared about Ukraine joining NATO either; it was just a convenient excuse which gets some extra mileage out of the ol' propaganda.