Ukraine Mess

[Daavid63]

Yes, I heard an astonishing figure the other day, the amount I forget now for how much of our taxes are spent on private contractors and black ops mercenaries. Shocked me. It keeps going up every year. Like you say, they can get away with a lot more.

:axeman2:

Really??!!

Why don't you find this figure the UK spends on black ops and mercenaries, should be a great read. As for getting away with a lot more can you elaborate.
Ta?

 

[Daavid63]

you can hire all Army if you got the money even Air Support lol

So first of all the word "Mercenary" is always a great sell for viewing/reading numbers.

3,000 Brit volunteers fighting in Ukraine, not a chance, several hundred at the most, all in the Ukrainian military in some shape or form.

As for UKSF or other SF operating in Ukraine, who do you think does the close protection for the diplomats in Kyiv or visiting dignitaries? The SF chaps.
No doubt some are also involved in planning of certain Ukrainian SF missions. UK PLC can not afford to have dead serving SF chaps coming back from Ukraine, the Russians would have a field day with the propaganda.

3 ex SAS were killed in Lviv in the early days of the war when the base was hit, the number of dead was around 280 not the figures given in the press.

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Wagner group are what the West lump all Russian contract companies as, but Alpha group is one of the main players:

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As for France v Russia in the CAR what a load of dribble.

 

[bamberfishcake]

:axeman2:

Really??!!

Why don't you find this figure the UK spends on black ops and mercenaries, should be a great read. As for getting away with a lot more can you elaborate.
Ta?

Hi,

Because I don't have the time to verify everything I hear, and it was just one source. The conversation went that way, and I had heard similar, so talked I am sure you can find a figure yourself if you have the inclination or are that enthusiastic to counter what I say.

p.s. If I recall, it was a Russell Brand video on youtube quoting a report from Substack or similar. You could start looking there. It mentioned the amount and percentage increase compared to previous years, and I was astonished.

 

[justdoit]

So first of all the word "Mercenary" is always a great sell for viewing/reading numbers.

3,000 Brit volunteers fighting in Ukraine, not a chance, several hundred at the most, all in the Ukrainian military in some shape or form.

As for UKSF or other SF operating in Ukraine, who do you think does the close protection for the diplomats in Kyiv or visiting dignitaries? The SF chaps.
No doubt some are also involved in planning of certain Ukrainian SF missions. UK PLC can not afford to have dead serving SF chaps coming back from Ukraine, the Russians would have a field day with the propaganda.

3 ex SAS were killed in Lviv in the early days of the war when the base was hit, the number of dead was around 280 not the figures given in the press.

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Wagner group are what the West lump all Russian contract companies as, but Alpha group is one of the main players:

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As for France v Russia in the CAR what a load of dribble.

maybe SKY is hiding something

 

[bamberfishcake]

Anyone else see this journalist and the US Deputy Defence Secretary?



Besides the Defence Secretary's terrible attitude, which I personally believe she should lose her job for, the US defence budget for 2024 has been proposed at around 860 billion, but the Pentagon has failed its last five defence audits and is unable to explain where billions have gone.

 

[bamberfishcake]

 

[pinnit2014]

We've all been there - per my Excel Budget spreadsheet, i thought i had 20 million left at the end of the month, a few shifts of the decimal points, made it 20.

Quid

 

[bamberfishcake]

Imagine being an accountant and making such an error. You would be out of a job quicker than you can say 'Jack Robinson'.

Corruption is nothing new, but the brazen attitude of the UK and USA governments is pretty shocking right now.

 

[pinnit2014]

Imagine being an accountant and making such an error. You would be out of a job quicker than you can say 'Jack Robinson'.

Corruption is nothing new, but the brazen attitude of the UK and USA governments is pretty shocking right now.

Such errors, intentional or otherwise, make me a commodity to such businesses

Or my lack of ethics, who knows

As geeky as it sounds there's actually a European Group on Spreadsheets, highlighting the risks of poor controls (M and S had a simple error that lead to a 3m overstatement of profit) - the site is kinda like X Hamster for virgins

 

[Webzcas]

A recap on what went down last weekend.

 

[bamberfishcake]

After the USA condemned Russia for using cluster bombs, they are about to send a bucket load to Ukraine.

In other news, Ukraine cannot join NATO until the war is over. But fear not! Countries from the G7 group are putting together a plan to arm and support Ukraine financially.

 

[Crimebuster]

America will fight this war till the last Ukrainian if they have to.

Wild the amount of people who now support using cluster bombs, if Uncle Joe announced he was gassing Jews Democratic Party types would fall in line no doubt.

 

[Webzcas]

War is war and Russia have laid so many landmines across a front in excess of 1,000kms, the use of Cluster munitions will in turn help de-mine the area. As well as hit Russian soldiers dug in.

War is barbaric, but lets not forget, Ukraine are the ones that have been subjected to an illegal invasion and a genocidal campaign by Putin's Russia.

 

[Webzcas]

Looks like there has been a 'smoking' incident on the Kersch Bridge this morning. Those careless drivers lobbing lit cigarettes out of their vehicles windows

 

[bamberfishcake]

War is war and Russia have laid so many landmines across a front in excess of 1,000kms, the use of Cluster munitions will in turn help de-mine the area. As well as hit Russian soldiers dug in.

War is barbaric, but lets not forget, Ukraine are the ones that have been subjected to an illegal invasion and a genocidal campaign by Putin's Russia.

Given that mode of thinking, would you advocate for biological warfare and torture?

The use of cluster bombs is banned under the Geneva Convention. Therefore, it's a war crime.

Just like mandatory vaccinations are a crime against humanity, these rules have been laid down by our forefathers for very good reasons. Largely, to protect humanity and the innocent people who are not conscripts, soldiers or enlisted.

 

[dealer wins]

Spot on Bamber.

Funny how the Geneva Convention, human rights etc are tossed away by the "good side" when its for their perceived "the greater good"

Those laws and treaties were put in place for exactly these situations, and any violation should see all those involved go to prison for life.

 

[TheAddict]

 

[Webzcas]

Given that mode of thinking, would you advocate for biological warfare and torture?

The use of cluster bombs is banned under the Geneva Convention. Therefore, it's a war crime.

Just like mandatory vaccinations are a crime against humanity, these rules have been laid down by our forefathers for very good reasons. Largely, to protect humanity and the innocent people who are not conscripts, soldiers or enlisted.

Of course not, nor would I advocate war full stop, or a genocidal campaign being waged by Russia on Ukraine. However, without the ability to provide a no fly zone courtesy of NATO, the Ukrainian counter offensive is moving incredibly slowly due to lack of air support. As a result of the thousands of mines placed by Russia. Cluster munitions will help provide a path through these minefields and in turn remove troops dug into the trenches on the Russian defensive lines.

As for the Geneva Convention, Russia does not respect it re Bucha.

 

[Webzcas]

Spot on Bamber.

Funny how the Geneva Convention, human rights etc are tossed away by the "good side" when its for their perceived "the greater good"

Those laws and treaties were put in place for exactly these situations, and any violation should see all those involved go to prison for life.

You are misinformed. Nothing in the Geneva Convention concerning the use of Cluster Munitions. Whilst this is a moot point, I need to clarify.

You mean the Convention on Cluster Munitions banning the use of Cluster bombs, which over 100 countries are signed up to. Russia, the USA and Ukraine are not signatories to this.

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.

 

[bamberfishcake]

You are misinformed. Nothing in the Geneva Convention concerning the use of Cluster Munitions. Whilst this is a moot point, I need to clarify.

You mean the Convention on Cluster Munitions banning the use of Cluster bombs, which over 100 countries are signed up to. Russia, the USA and Ukraine are not signatories to this.

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.

I stand corrected. As you say, they are not banned under the Geneva Convention. I noticed Russia also refused to sign the CCM. I wonder if they have been using them now. Couldn't find any evidence of them using them yet, but plenty to suggest they have a good stockpile. Will the Ukrainians use prompt theirs, I wonder?

Still a barbaric weapon that increases the risk of civilian death due to its 'carpet-bombing' effect, which is against the Geneva Convention and is a war crime:

The carpet bombing of cities, towns, villages, or other areas containing a concentration of civilians is considered a

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as of Article 51 of the 1977

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of the

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.

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So, guessing a war crime would be defined by where they are used, and we will have to wait and see what effect they have on both countries.

p.s. Have been looking (briefly) to see if a cluster bomb is classed as having a 'carpet-bombing' effect. Funnily enough, references to the USA's operations to carpet-bomb Vietnam, in particular, 'Operation Thunder', mention cluster bombs as the ammunition type. ?

 

[Webzcas]

So Russia have limited the travel of staff working for the UK Embassy in Moscow. Seems they are upset with the UK's supposed involvement with Ukraine and their alleged attack on the Kersch Bridge in Crimea earlier this week.

Apart from the fact that Crimea is internationally recognised as part of the sovereign state of Ukraine, which Russia have illegally occupied since 2014. Even if the UK was somehow involved, so what. Remember Salisbury...

Hopefully it won't be long before Stormshadows are within range of it...

 

[Webzcas]

Now it would seem Prighozin has fallen out of a window, although this one happens to be in his private plane...

 

[goatwack]

Yes, he appears a dab hand at faking his own death, that guy. Who the hell knows!

Other rumours are of him getting smuggled out in a banana crate. Now that would be slippery

 

[Webzcas]

So yesterday it was confirmed that a British Challenger 2 tank was destroyed by the Russians, near the front line south of Zaporizhzhia, whereby it struck a mine, then was taken out by a drone or artillery once immobilised.

This is the first ever Challenger 2 tank taken out by enemy fire, with the only other one taken out was by another Challenger 2 in a blue on blue incident during the Iraq 2003 invasion.

However, unlike their Soviet T x equivalents, that decide to enter the Tank Turret launching competition when hit, killing all crew inside of them. Thanks to the Chobham armour of the Challenger 2 tank, all four Ukrainian crew survived and got out unscathed after it was immobilised by the mine.

Personally my view is, we should send all of our stock of Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. Not like that we need them with the UK being surrounded by the best tank trap in the world, ie the sea.

 

[Webzcas]

For anyone who wants to keep abreast and up to date with what is going on in Ukraine and also to weed out the vast swathes of disinformation about the current situation there, Jake Broe on YouTube provides quality updates every two days or so.

Jake is a former USAF veteran who served as a Nuclear and Missiles Operations Officer. He provides sources and links to all the information he discusses in his video, the good and the bad. He is also very pro Ukraine, but he does not hide that fact.

Below is Jake's latest video that dropped in the early hours of this morning, well worth a watch IMO

 

[The Dude]

Just to chime in - I have first hand experience with cluster bombs - seen them deployed a number of times. And it's not so much the usage of them, it is the fact that many don't explode if they are deployed from too low of an altitude. But they'll explode if you kick one. The ones I've dealt with are the ones from the 80s which look like small green metallic balls like grenades. We had to clear a tomato field near Basra where some kids had come across them - something I'll never forget.

 

[Webzcas]

Yeah, can only begin to imagine :-(.

However, with regards the US giving Ukraine cluster munitions, sadly I am all for it. If anything for them to use them to help clear the minefields in their way - what with Ukraine being the most mined country in the world thanks to the asshole that sits in the Kremlin.

 

[Webzcas]

This is also a great watch, not normally do I applaud the Telegraph, but their daily coverage on what is happening in Ukraine is second to none. The information concerning the war crimes committed which is touched upon is also appalling.

 

[bamberfishcake]

While I agree there are one or two assholes in the Kremlin, let's not forget just how corrupt Ukraine is/was.

The two have been at war for some time. Putin didn't just wake up one day and attack a neighbouring country for the sheer hell of it, and since Ukraine regained its independence from Russia, it was largely considered the most corrupt and disjointed country in Europe, by the countries now supporting it. Funny how loyalty sways so easily when opportunity presents itself.

There are plenty more points to discuss when considering whether Ukraine is/was a peace-loving nation that would/will welcome all comers and love thy neighbour.

I don't think I would mind as much if there had been decisive and swift retaliation from an Allied force, but I don't think our involvement is about anything more than money and power.

 

[Webzcas]

Oh I cannot disagree with you, it was corrupt as ****. However, I never thought I would see in my lifetime atrocities happening on the European continent that hadn't been seen since the second world war. Bucha, Irpin, etc etc

Millions of people displaced, innocent women and children raped, mutilated, kidnapped and murdered.

Regardless of the politics, money and power, I am glad we are finally standing up to the murderous gangster regime that is Putin's Russia. I live only 30 miles away from Salisbury.

Personally I am of the view we should give Ukraine everything we have so as they are able to liberate their country.

I won't post the video which is available online to see, of this Ukrainian soldier, unarmed and having surrendered to Russian forces, murdered in cold blood. This is a still taken from the video, seconds later he was gunned down.

 

[bamberfishcake]

Those images are very sad.

At least we agree on a swift resolution. People are dying on both sides. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening, nor any of the warped and corrupt regimes around the world being taken down any time soon. War is big business for a few unaffected and unbothered.

Wonder what the total bill is so far, and how better spent that could have been, not just elsewhere. If you're going to get involved, then get involved, don't sit on the peripheral fanning the flames as a glorified arms dealer.

 

[Webzcas]

Latest update video from Jake Broe dropped in the early hours this morning:

 

[Webzcas]

Just prior to flying out New York where he is due to speak at the UN General Assembly, CBSNews 6o minutes program sat down with President Zelensky, where he makes a very compelling why the world needs to help Ukraine defend themselves against Putin's Russia.

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[goatwack]

Thing is, that's been espoused since the beginning of the conflict, and yet Western Allies have already been 'marked' since the onset.

$70 Billion later and counting, we're all but fighting this war, with Zelensky's gratitude the same it's ever been, i.e "Do it or you're all complicit".

Fact is, Western nations are going to be under constant nuclear threat from Putin, whether he wins or loses. The question is whether Putin'd be more likely to launch nukes after peace talks, or from a humiliating Russian climbdown.

However necessary financial and military support seems to be for Ukraine, I'd imagine an apocalyptic WWIII scenario to be more likely with our involvement, than not....

 

[LaurieJim]

I totally agree, the freedom loving world leaders of each country needs to stand up to this axis of evil dictator ran nations and lower the damned boom, whether money, arms, sanctions don't seem to ever work. The first two world wars started in Europe and spread, pray not to see a third but as we all know it takes one madman with an itchy finger to end all as we know it!

I admire Zelenskyy and the freedom fighter from Ukraine and those from all over who are helping this nations peoples!

 

[Webzcas]

Thing is, that's been espoused since the beginning of the conflict, and yet Western Allies have already been 'marked' since the onset.

$70 Billion later and counting, we're all but fighting this war, with Zelensky's gratitude the same it's ever been, i.e "Do it or you're all complicit".

Fact is, Western nations are going to be under constant nuclear threat from Putin, whether he wins or loses. The question is whether Putin'd be more likely to launch nukes after peace talks, or from a humiliating Russian climbdown.

However necessary financial and military support seems to be for Ukraine, I'd imagine an apocalyptic WWIII scenario to be more likely with our involvement, than not....

My dad was just shy of 7 years old on 3rd September 1939. My gran and grandad saw first hand what turning the other cheek and appeasement caused. Russia as you say will always sabre rattle and bring out the old nuclear weapon threats.

Just watching those swivel eyed mentalists on Russia 1 that Julia Davis does a great job translating, will show that among many things, they want the UK under a radioactive tidal wave thanks to Poseidon.

Like in all walks of life, bullies only respect one thing and that is strength.

 

[LaurieJim]

Like in all walks of life, bullies only respect one thing and that is strength.

My dad was just shy of 7 years old on 3rd September 1939. My gran and grandad saw first hand what turning the other cheek and appeasement caused. Russia as you say will always sabre rattle and bring out the old nuclear weapon threats.

Just watching those swivel eyed mentalists on Russia 1 that Julia Davis does a great job translating, will show that among many things, they want the UK under a radioactive tidal wave thanks to Poseidon.

Like in all walks of life, bullies only respect one thing and that is strength.

Like in all walks of life, bullies only respect one thing and that is strength. That pretty much sums it up !

 

[Webzcas]

Zelensky's address to the UN General Assembly which took place a couple of hours ago

 

[Webzcas]

Zelensky has just finished addressing the UN Security Council, although Russia’s slug of an ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya, made a last minute objection to him addressing the council.

Albania who currently hold the Presidency of the council, put him firmly and squarely back in his box though.



Slava Ukraini! ????

 

[Smithyy]

Russia’s slug of an ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya, made a last minute objection to him addressing the council.

He raised concerns Zelensky would "hit him with a hammer" during the UN SC meeting in an attempt to prevent his participation. And no, I'm not joking.

 

[Webzcas]

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At least some good news. Just need that Trump and Russian stooge who is the Speaker Mike Johnson put the Ukraine funding bill that was passed by the Senate, on the floor of the house for a vote.

 

[slot_zombie]

So.... whither now, since the Russians are making strong gains and look like winning the war in the not too distant future?

Seems.we've chosen the worst of all worlds - pouring billions into backing Ukraine to a point, but still only delaying the inevitable.

Now we in the West are left with the choice of either massive loss of reputation and respect, a powerful Russia threatening our borders - or escalating and joining the war directly - with all the horrors that would entail.

There is no good outcome from all this and we probably should just have kept out of it with the benefit of hindsight, while bolstering NATO's own defences and combat readiness.

 

[Webzcas]

No disagree completely with you there. Russia is a very clear and present danger to all of our ways of life. If we had kept out of European affairs in 1939, likely many of us would not be here now...

 

[Webzcas]

Help Jake Broe celebrate his 40th Birthday and raise funds for NAFO



Nearly $1m raised for NAFO in just a matter of days. Which will equip frontline forces in Ukraine with Medivac vehicles and $100k worth of FPV drones.

Jake's channel is superb. He disseminates all the information coming out of Ukraine, presenting it in a video every 2 days.

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Slava Ukraini

 

[mack341]

What the UK is doing to itself is the biggest danger to our way of life, letting every foreign tom, dick and harry, of dubious merit, settle here.

Historically, when it comes to war if the russians are committed to fighting, as Napoleon and Hitler learnt, they are no walkover, certainly too much for Ukraine to overcome.

'A bad peace is better than a good war'

All those brave men lost trying to get through minefields and artillery; and the promoters in the media and politics will just move on, as they did with covid.

 

[Guntis]

If the UK had wanted, they could’ve stepped in and assisted in negotiations to stop the war right from the start. And the money that was sent would’ve been kept to sort itself out. Can't say about elsewhere, but look at some places in London. It's 2024 but they look similar to those gypsy slums in Romania. And how about the crazy food prices in shops now?

 

[Webzcas]

This

 

[TheAddict]

Take all the money we don't have so White people can kill each other while my Country gets slowly overtaken and destroyed. Please, take it all, until the the last White man falls, you coked up *snip*..

 

[L&L-Jan]

meanwhile on the news:

 

[Webzcas]