Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62996212

Am I the only one finding themselves short on sympathy for Russians fleeing conscription now the consequences of passively supporting Putin are coming home to roost? Similarly, I’m not inclined to celebrate the ‘bravery’ of those who are demonstrating against conscription today, having been content to say and do nothing about the genocide being waged by their brothers, fathers and sons in Ukraine since February.

The ones protesting, and the ones fleeing, are scared of getting caught up in the war because they *know* what’s been happening. And only now it’s getting a little close to home are they bothered by it.

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

Thing is though they are ruled by an oppressive regime and the consequences of speaking out would likely be severe. They are now seeing the consequences of running/protesting less than the consequences of being forced into uniform and having to fight in Ukraine

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

Yes, I get that there are risks to protesting the regime. But it’s telling that they’re only willing to protest to save their own skins when the utter horror of genocide has been wrought in their name since February.

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

That is human nature though isn't it. Very easy to say "I would stand up against them" when sat in an ivory tower in a country that is mostly free

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

A bit.

But we should remember it's likely that these initial recruits are likely those with the lowest social/political power. Ethnic minorities in more rural regions, political opponents and the poorest members of Russian society.

I might be wrong but I suspect the middle to upper-class residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg will be the lower down the priority list.

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

I remember full well in the 1st Iraq war thinking to myself I hope they do not start conscripting then went back to watching TV and smoking pot without protesting about us waging war in a foreign land

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

Now we know how Russia treats POW's. Before capture and after release photos of Ukrainian Soldier.

Reminds me of Japenese POW's after WWII.

https://www.cableforum.uk/board/atta...7&d=1663965909

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

Well, now it's horror facing them either way, so they haven't got much to lose.

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

Newly mobilized Russian men are showing the rusted AK's they were given. If this is the outside what are the inner components going to be like?

https://www.cableforum.uk/board/atta...9&d=1664033806

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

Thats as likely to kill its operator as anyone else.

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

Yeah I wholeheartedly believe they are sending out conscripts with weapons like that. It is not like weapons in that condition would have been disposed of or recycled by the army and you would never ever find a weapon like that buried on some old battle field would you

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

BREAKING: Putin grants Former U.S Citizen and Intelligence Contractor, Edward Snowden, Russian citizenship after going in to exile in the country in 2013. - AFP News Agency

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

I wonder if he'll get called up? ;)

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

Unlikely, they're very simply built and generally highly reliable regardless of condition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUCeRCozXgY

Re: Russia has invaded Ukraine
 

Nordstream 1 & 2 have both sprung major leaks this morning. Why both should start leaking simultaneously is still officially unexplained, however Swedish news sources are now reporting that seismologists recorded significant seabed explosions at the leak sites this morning.

BBC report, although it’s already out of date: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-63044747

So, qui bono? Is Russia proving it’s willing to sabotage other infrastructure, or is Poland trying to prevent Germany backsliding on its commitment to sever its dependence on Russian gas? Or something else?