Ukraine (Mod Note & Threadbanned Users in OP)

Is there any proof that these numbers are actually conscripted? Just because Putin says so does not mean that these numbers are actually achieved.

Also, There was an ex army / university ‘war’ expert interviewed a day or two ago on a TV news programme and was asked how did he think the war was going. He based some of his comments on the ‘FACT’ that Prikogen’s/(Wagner leader) communications line has been cut off, is not getting a sufficient supply of arms from the Moscovy army, etc, etc. I have a very strong feeling that Wagner could be spoofing so I was very surprised that he swallowed the Wagner line ‘hook, line and sinker

That could also be the case but trying to compare now to when millions were conscripted by Moscovy in previous wars is not on for the following reason. Telecommunications was non existent in previous wars so one ‘state’ within the USSR did not know what the other ‘state’ was being subjected to re numbers conscripted, no body bags being returned, no lost in action, etc, etc. on top of that all ‘ states ‘ within the USSR were 100% subjected to whatever the USSR wanted to to tell the Moscovy population.

It is TOTALLY different now as at least some % of the population in each ‘state’ have a mobile phone - so there is a real possibility the information from the field/frontline is instant re videos, photos, actual conversations, etc. So all ‘ states must be aware of what is happening in the overall picture - as word of mouth spreads like wildfire starting from those with mob phones.

What will be crucial is if China gives substantial military aid to Russia. This will change the balance and mean that Russia can prolong this war indefinately..

Less psycho rather than more careful I would say.

Xi doesn't seem to have the same level of pure vain madness as Putin (maybe someday though as it gets to them all)

Because it is more of a PR stunt than any meaningful help. There was no receipt, MIG's are still in Slovakia and will remain there for some time since logistics needs to be tackled somehow as planes are not airworthy. There is also interesting fact at the play that they were maintained by russian company which left after fighting started. As far as I know, there are some issues that some rather critical parts in them jets are actually russian property and only leased. These particular parts must be either dismantled or their export needs to be OK'yed by russians and I somehow doubt they will be willing to do it.

It is rather sort of a test case to see what russian response might be before someone will try to give ukrainians some real planes. It was first pompous announcements about jets for ukraine but when reports about their state started coming out it was sort of downgraded that they can at least use them for spare parts.

And you are spot on on the part of Slovakians being happy. There was talk about selling the load of them few years back for 300 millions but nobody wanted them for that price yet Slovakia is going to receive up to 900 millions in cash and equipment as replacement now. That is some business deal. (I think it was 200M euro from the EU and 700M $ worth of military equipment from uncle Sam, sorry uncle Joe).

This isnt any special source of info but various articles, politicians comments and parliamentary debates from out there. They are not desired sort of a news so not many of them get picked by international press and translated. Few were but are stuck behind paywalls.

I am not going to debate who is in the right but proprietary stuff is being closely guarded and despite everything what was or is being said even Germans, US and some other countries outright refused help Ukraine with certain weapons and other weapons systems were stripped of some parts before sent there.

Thing with Russian company maintaining Slovakian fleet of MIG's (even though it was grounded some time ago) was that they were still providing services and government refused to reveal exact amount they paid them due to confidentiality. There is speculation that it was in excess of 50 million euro a year. Nice junket if you maintaining planes which cant fly anyway. Those planes while technically Slovak property were fitted with parts which were only leased and are property of that Russian company. Nobody want to say if the parts are still there or if thy were taken away or made unusable. A lot of speculation about that but the fact that said planes can not fly suggests they may not be there or working.

You only need to look at Russo/Ukro grain deal which is happily functioning despite them killing each other just a couple hundred kilometers away. This war is buusiness like every other war and kept alive by powerful business entities which are making tons of money in the process. All that on expense of people who are losing their life there and on the dime of taxpayer of every country involved in it because of sanctions and "donations".

True, Russia confiscated planes and bunch of other stuff but other part of the conflict did pretty much the same. Confiscated properties, yachts, businesses and money all over the world...

Am a long time reader/poster and I think I know your opinion on these matters (as regards who is "in the right" in this war) anyway.

I would not have said that grain agreement is "happily" functioning on either side + Russia and Ukraine are all brotherly about it from what I have read (in that international press). Ukraine wants it of course, Russia is not that pleased about it I would judge and would prefer to be sinking Ukrainian shipping.

However Erdogan/Turkey have thrown weight behind it and want it to succeed. Russia badly need Turkey for many things, the "list of alllies" (well to be more exact powerful countries that can offer them meaningful, serious help sustaining this assault on Ukraine such as maintaining export earnings and busting the Western sanctions) "grows thin" of late.

Shítting all over the Turkish efforts and angering Erdogan is probably not a sensible strategy for Russia but given the massive arrogance the Russian leadership seem to have, the whole thing collapsing (due to some act of violence) is certainly possible

This war was started and is being kept alive by Russia, not desires of some shadowy evil "business interests" or Soros, or free masons, or the jews or whatever else! I guess you mean "Western" business interests when you say that of course, not Russia's business interests like benefits from resources and new land some of the top leadership & oligarchs may secure for their personal enrichment if/when Russia's military can conquer Ukraine.

It is not quite the same (Russian and Western "confiscations" of the others property). I think Russia signed all those aircraft over to its own carriers immediately and they are busy flying in Russia now (I don't think they can leave it, am unsure if even likes of China really want to handle them at their airports??). Just bald faced theft or maybe piracy.

The Russian assets in the West are in limbo now, they have unfortunately not been expropriated/liquidated yet. That may never happen, or may vary in different countries depending on legal and political systems etc. as well as (possibly) the outcome of the war. It will be a slow process anyway vs Russia and its efficient system eh!

@patnor1011 have you a link to that story about the Slovakian mig 29s

Please, kindly refrain from nonchalantly tossing around terms like "shadowy evil "business interests" or Soros, or free masons, or the jews or whatever else". These are your own words and honestly if that is your try to discredit simple fact nobody can dispute that war means business then you need to try harder.

For the record, this is what I said. I never mentioned anything you said in any of my posts.

In regard to your long time reader/poster instincts and subsequent try to label people in some pro or anti camps I hate that I am going to disappoint you. I do not care about Ukraine or Russia and their real or imaginary grievances. Every war is idiotic exercise and watching this latest one is even more sad. Mainly when you see how people are easily duped like with this MIG wonder story.

A pro russian leaders personal media outlet posts an article about Poland you know it's completely biased and highly likely fake news.

Orban is a putin puppet ,