War in Ukraine (Previously - Will there be War?)

Evidence would suggest there arent many Ukrainians you could level that against.

Here's a BBC report of some going for a stroll

Subtle support on today's Worldle map outline

Dangerous times now. The Russian army did not settle matters within a few days means and this means they are about to face monumental push back as thousands of ex-service Poles, Latvians, Europeans, and most of all, highly motivated Ukranians assemble and push to the front. This wave of admiration is going to translate into action. Russia has already failed.

As Russian forces bog down and are forced back, the question of what orders the Russian soldiers will obey from the dictator comes into view. Russia can fire a nuclear weapon, but at whom? Central Kyiv? Would anyone obey such an order? And using a nuclear weapon would see the end of the Russian regime as that oversteps the line.

This is an interesting angle. Fingers crossed it's true.


(et seq - I like that it goes to 8/7)

I'm just cynical enough to believe that, with the logistical problems the Russians are having, they have been ordered not to waste ammo on civilians.

Yes, I am very cynical.

I know I am receiving incredibly one sided information that is massively pro-Ukraine and anti-Russia, but it's remarkable how badly some of Russia's newest kit has performed eg T-90s being knocked out by NLAWs.

It doesn't necessarily mean that Ukraine will "win" (can anybody "win" in a situation like this?), but it does mean the price Russia is paying is going up by the minute.  It also gives me much greater confidence that NATO could handle Russia robustly should the need arise.

Of course Putin's comments about raising Russia's nuclear alert level (good job Liz!) are... pretty bloody sccary.

How can he back down?  What's his way out?