Hi Shadow Minister,
I don't at all think Paul's sucking up to me, he just tends to think more the way I do on this topic than the way others do.
If he disagreed I'm sure he'd say so, and I think you're just using me to try have a dig at him.
I'm sure you and I would be in agreement on many other topics even though our opinions differ on the war in Ukraine.
I'm absolutely certain Paul holds different opinions to me on many other issues.
Whilst ttbn and I hold a different opinions on this topic, we agree on many others, we probably agree more often than we disagree.
You'd be hard pressed to find ANY two people on the forum who agree on all issues.

Shadow Minister,

This reminds me of a quote from Abraham Lincoln:

"If you were given six hours to chop down a tree -
you'd spend the first four sharpening the axe."

Hi AC,

As I've said previously I'm not a supporter of war in any shape or form from any side. What I was conveying was from an interview with a European military analysts, not a Russian or a Ukrainian, he was simply giving his opinion of the upcoming situation as he viewed it. The resources needed by Ukraine on a daily basis, particularly with the severe winter conditions ahead, are in his view far greater than what their allies are capable of, or prepared to, commit to the fight. He simply believes the Russians will target Ukrainian power infrastructure and other assets, which will weaken the Ukrainian resolve, possibly to the point of collapse. It's no secret the hard line Republicans in Washington are not great supporters of the war, and see it more or less as a Biden/Democrat war. THE INNOCENT ARE LOSING THE WAR, as they always do!

Hi Paul,
I think its as reasonable an assessment as any.
Ukraine's not doing too well right now, regardless of where one may sit in regards to the war.
The counteroffensive certainly didn't achieve goals many in the west and Ukraine had hoped.

Baldrick, if the village idiot agrees with you then you seriously need to re-evaluate your opinions.

Russia invaded Crimea to maintain its Black Sea naval base. So far Russia's navy has fled from Crimea because it cannot protect its ships or aircraft. Due to Russia blowing up the dam, Ukraine has little to no fresh water and relies on fuel coming from Russia.

Russia itself is short of fuel and has put a ban on exports. Its hydrocarbon revenues are less than 50% of what it was in 2021 and it is struggling to export anything else. The Ruble is crashing and Russia's economy is now almost entirely focussed on the war.

Russia is losing the war badly.

Morning Charter Boat,
"Baldrick, if the village idiot agrees with you then you seriously need to re-evaluate your opinions."

I don't base my own opinions on the basis of opposing the opinions of others.
How stupid would that be?
I can't help your Shadow Minister mentality,
- If that's how you think then I can't help that.
My opinions are my own, as are Pauls, as are yours.

As for the rest of your ramblings, well the violin concerto is not based in fact.
The Ukrainians are freaking out the money tap will get turned off.
And by the way Nordstream 2 is now full of gas ready to supply Germany for winter.
Just the thing to get them all riled up against their US lapdog masters when freezing in their beds.

Russian economy not in tatters. German economy in tatters
http://youtu.be/biZkwTAQlDY