Russia - threadbanned users in OP

On the west/US's foot this person will disappear off the media's radar.

Now imagine if this was the other way around. They'd be paraded through Red Square and on national television singing the Russian national anthem.

Hopefully not prempting anything but the above would show the maturity in countries and the likelihood of pilots defecting which way.

What new government in Slovakia?

Haven't they just elected a pro Putin guy that is likely to lead a government that might be a problem .

A coalition with similar interests groups gives them close to 80 seats , I don't see any discussions on it won't happen, other than some guessing it might be difficult it might be easier than people realise

The new Prime Minister is on his third appointment if I'm correct, leader of a similar party previously served as his deputy prime Minister, i get the feeling this isn't going to be a SF effort,it was well documented exactly what would happen if they did win nobody wanted to share a bed with them ,

Fico has 23% of the votes and probably a similar proportion of seats. A long way to go to get a parliamentary majority. And the President Zuzana Čaputová is distinctly liberal, pro-Western, unfortunately not running for re-election. She seems quite popular, and I am sure she will stand no nonsense from Fico.

Slovakia isn't exactly a military powerhouse, so if their support wanes, it's not going to have a significant effect on the overall support Ukraine receives.

It is the support from USA and Europe that is most critical.

Slovakia has shown that it is home to a segment of the population that seems happy to acquiesce in a flagrant breach of the UN Charter.

I would not be surprised that ,if they continue down that path their chickens will return to roost at some stage in the future.

Are we ,in this and neighbouring countries perhaps unaware of the animosities festering between the countries in Eastern (and other parts of) Europe?

I had no idea till recently there were border disputes (or apparent tensions ) between Hungary and its neighbours.

Is there any end to this madness?

I recall (following the Ukraine invasion news over past few months) the govt. there provided an air defence system and about a dozen Mig fighters, which is quite impressive (imo).

So hopefully the departing govt. already supplied most of the big things they could spare, and the new one (if of a less pro Ukraine bent) can whistle if they want to try asking for these back now!

I suppose the main problem is if a cluster of these "spoiler" countries can cooperate to block further EU support to Ukraine and increased trade sanctions on Russia in the European Council (but situation there wasn't maybe great anyway, with Hungary alone being enough to throw a monkey wrench if a decision needs unanimity).

The financial support (at EU level) will come from contributor member states ultimately. I don't think Slovakia is one, and I don't think/expect their bilateral aid would be that large. As have mentioned before, the weapons donations I think would be part-financed by the EU (through Peace facility).

While talking about legal action etc. was a poor move, I am not so sure you are correct on effect of that grain stuff...

Admit I don't know the country so cannot say for sure, but it is almost always domestic trends that drive voting patterns everywhere, like unhapiness with the government party for specific policies at home, or pinning of blame on them for a weak economy etc.

"Simple question why didn't the counter offensive not begin in winter,"

The fact it didn't start until June makes it blindingly obvious that factors besides weather were at play.

"No reason for modern armies to pause in winter but more than likely that's exactly what happens in any conflict as documented by many failed military offensives during winter"

What about the ones that suceeded or failed because of non weather related issues, oh.. lets ignore them, just like you ignore the fact that Russia continued to attack over last winter, taking Soledar and pushing into Bakhmut.

No point in trying to have an honest discussion with you, too many strawmen and refusals to engage with relevant points, bye.

You can be sure the Ukrainian high command are smiling at that. If they keep up the tempo of their attacks on logistics and command, I think we can expect to see Ukrainian lads and lassies dancing over some very cold, damp and unmotivated Russians this year.

Great fighting in bakmuth and Soledar was going on for months like best part of a year,but yet slowed over the winter months which turned into artillery duels we watched it nightly on here .

As for the last paragraph looking for a reaction for whatever reason very disengenious

Bit of light reading, unfortunatly the people who should read this are the ones who won't.

"Putin has long tried to accomplish two distinct objectives: breaking up NATO and seizing full control over Ukraine. Putin’s core objectives from the start of his rule have been preserving his regime, establishing an iron grip on Russia domestically, reestablishing Russia as a great power, and forming a multipolar world order in which Russia has a veto over key global events.[1] Establishing control over Ukraine and eroding US influence have always been essential to these core objectives."

"There is no path to real peace other than helping Ukraine inflict an unequivocal military defeat on Russia and then helping to rebuild Ukraine into a military and society so strong and resilient that no future Russian leader sees an opportunity like the ones Putin misperceived in 2014 and 2022.

This path is achievable if the West commits to supporting Ukraine in the prolonged effort likely needed to walk down it. If the West is instead lured by the illusion of some compromise, it may end the pain for now, but only at the cost of much greater pain later. Putin has shown that he views compromise as surrender, and surrender emboldens him to reattack. This war can only end not when Putin feels that he can save face, but rather when he knows that he cannot win."

One of the rare people for whom the term 'His Excellency' is fitting.