Off topic, but this is another reason why I'm not a fan of increasing nuclear powerplants. People say that they're now much safer than those of the past (though IMO it's a cumulative probability that something would eventually go wrong) but then you've got to factor in complete lunatics trying to sabotage them. I'm sure a few weeks ago had I written that I'd have been laughed at and told it would never happen...When Putin starts shelling nuclear facilities the stakes increase massively.
It's interesting to read that Canada has been quoted along the lines of 'nothing should be off the table', particularly in terms of no fly zones.
I'm still not sure that we should intervene militarily, but I think the point may have come where we stop saying that we definitely won't. One of the big mistakes by NATO may have been the absolute insistence that we wouldn't get involved if Ukraine was invaded, that was like leaving an open door.
I can't see how it could hurt now to put a bit of ambiguity in our approach.
What if we played Putin's game, started to build large forces in and around Ukraine, whilst publicly saying that there was no intention to attack. I doubt he'd take us at our word, so he'd need to stretch his forces further. That might bring some respite for Ukraine.
A risky strategy, I know, but so is firing at nuclear power plants in the centre of Europe.
Yup, I am the same.Off topic, but this is another reason why I'm not a fan of increasing nuclear powerplants. People say that they're now much safer than those of the past (though IMO it's a cumulative probability that something would eventually go wrong) but then you've got to factor in complete lunatics trying to sabotage them. I'm sure a few weeks ago had I written that I'd have been laughed at and told it would never happen...
I always think of it like deaths on transport. So pedestrians bikes cars buses trains aeroplanesYup, I am the same.
Leaks, disposal, accidents, attacks. All make me uncomfortable.
That for me is pretty much the only way this doesn't end badly. He has to be removed from within. But this in itself is a danger because there are probably plenty of similar minded people waiting in the wings to take over. Maybe that power vacuum would mean they'd be more concentrating on the internal power struggle rather than attacking others for a bit but it might only kick the can down the road. Even if he got toppled and the people rose up to demand a proper democracy you've almost certainly then got Russia in a civil war for who knows how long.I am still hopeful those around him will think he's losing the plot and is on course for nuclear destruction, so will somehow topple him.
I agree with the thinking. But the problem is that when it does happen chances are everyone gets killed. And the operative word there is when. Not if. And the more nuclear plants you build the more chance that has of happening sooner.I always think of it like deaths on transport. So pedestrians bikes cars buses trains aeroplanes
It feels like aeroplanes are really dangerous but it’s the safest form of travel.
I think nuclear would be the same. It’s incredibly safe
There’s a few good signs that A is more likely. Such asmy worry how does this all end, except in either
a) Putins gang being overthrown or
b) complete disaster for the world
I cant see a) happening, so really scares me shitless
The Kyiv Independent keeps a running total on itSome of the Russian military hardware losses. Unverified of course.
Attack On Europe: Documenting Equipment Losses During The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine - Oryx (oryxspioenkop.com)
There was a journalist on BBC News last night saying similar. He's now armed and ready to fight and has no issue with killing Russian invaders. These are just regular people fighting for their country.Yuriy Vernydub: Sheriff Tiraspol manager 'not afraid' as he leaves Europa League side to fight in Ukraine
Six months ago Yuriy Vernydub was winning at Real Madrid, one week ago he was managing in the Europa League. Now, he is in Ukraine and ready to fight.www.bbc.co.uk
If I did stay, I'd be the one trying to work out how to take the safety catch off, while I got a bullet through my head!Got to be honest, don't know if I could do it. We'd all like to say we would but in reality I'd probably be looking for the fastest route out.
I think it is unrealistic to assume this is all down to one madman. He wouldn't be where he was as leader if he was alone on this. We overplay the significance of individuals in history in my view. Circumstances create the environment for that person to be in charge.That for me is pretty much the only way this doesn't end badly. He has to be removed from within. But this in itself is a danger because there are probably plenty of similar minded people waiting in the wings to take over. Maybe that power vacuum would mean they'd be more concentrating on the internal power struggle rather than attacking others for a bit but it might only kick the can down the road. Even if he got toppled and the people rose up to demand a proper democracy you've almost certainly then got Russia in a civil war for who knows how long.
Then there's the long-term problem of China to consider...
A note on the size of Russia's army.
Earlier in the thread it was discussed how Russia has 900,000 troops, but this is TOTAL military servicemen across all branches.
They have about 250,000 actual ground troops apparently, 65% of which have been committed to the invasion already.
A lot of which are conscripts.
Basically it's a bit of a ragtag outfit and not the all conquering super army that many have the impression of.
If I did stay, I'd be the one trying to work out how to take the safety catch off, while I got a bullet through my head!
In the long term I agree, but I am not sure they have the capacity to continue after Ukraine for a while. Opening up multi fronts isn't usually a good strategy. Assuming Ukraine falls, give it a few years though...It’s hard to believe that he’s just going to stop at Ukraine, sadly.
I think that's nature. To want to survive.There was a journalist on BBC News last night saying similar. He's now armed and ready to fight and has no issue with killing Russian invaders. These are just regular people fighting for their country.
Got to be honest, don't know if I could do it. We'd all like to say we would but in reality I'd probably be looking for the fastest route out.
I always think of it like deaths on transport. So pedestrians bikes cars buses trains aeroplanes
It feels like aeroplanes are really dangerous but it’s the safest form of travel.
I think nuclear would be the same. It’s incredibly safe
If I did stay, I'd be the one trying to work out how to take the safety catch off, while I got a bullet through my head!
It's still home though. There's still family, friends, loved ones to protect.I'd be gone. I don't think there is an appetite to fight like the Ukrainians have.
I don't think this is some alt-right beta male bullshit either. What's the point in fighting for a country whose elites and voting population actively treat me like shit and try to make my life worse.
You may be right but in many ways I find that scarier.I think it is unrealistic to assume this is all down to one madman. He wouldn't be where he was as leader if he was alone on this. We overplay the significance of individuals in history in my view. Circumstances create the environment for that person to be in charge.
Have to watch out for Grendel, the internal mercenary and saboteur.I'd probably get the safety catch off just before shooting my toes off.
If they wanted a row on the internet instead though, our elite SBT forces could tear 'em a new one double quick.
As long as Nick's server works I'm sound.It's still home though. There's still family, friends, loved ones to protect.
Not just that. there seem to be some obvious "old" flaws.In the long term I agree, but I am not sure they have the capacity to continue after Ukraine for a while. Opening up multi fronts isn't usually a good strategy. Assuming Ukraine falls, give it a few years though...
The Kyiv Independent keeps a running total on it
Difficult to verify under the circumstances but Putin is without doubt taking a big hit on military hardware. Military hardware they don’t have the resources to replace. Especially if the sanctions last past the end of hostilities.
Yeah renewables trumps all the others for me tooI'd politely differ here, just going on the evidence from previous accidents (not least of which was Chernobyl, which bad as it was, was very nearly much, much worse).
Regardless of safety and environmental concerns, there's also a strong commercial argument that says investing in renewables is actually cheaper and more effective.
Nuclear energy too slow, too expensive to save climate: report
Nuclear power is losing ground to renewables in terms of both cost and capacity as its reactors are increasingly seen as less economical and slower to reverse carbon emissions, an industry report said.www.reuters.com
I do not want a renewable Trump, or even a cryogenically frozen one thankyou very much!Yeah renewables trumps all the others for me too
China apparently not going to show Premier League games in case there's anything mentioning Ukraine.
I do not want a renewable Trump, or even a cryogenically frozen one thankyou very much!
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