Ukraine Watch...

[clv101]

They could never be China, no one can, China is unique. But they could have been a bigger, richer Germany. Russia in 1991 was in a better place than Germany in 1945. There was potential, which now seems lost for at least a generation.

[Ralphw2]

Not much to report on the battlefront. The North Koreans appear to have been withdrawn from direct fighting after reportedly suffering an estimated 50% killed or injured. Even die hard fanatics have their limits. Rumours that they are regrouping and retraining. Russia still making slow advances in the south east. The drone arms race continues apace, with Ukrainians learning to intercept slower fibre optic controlled drones with faster fpv drones, and adding fibre optic control to their own larger 'baba yaga' drones, which have a significant moralle sapping effect on Russian infantry. Both sides are struggling with recruitment and people shortages.

Ukraine is continuing its attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure, having hit pumping stations on one of Russia's remaining gas export pipelines. Also continuing attacks on many refineries, with indications that Russian exports are being effectively reduced.

No clear message from Trump or his team on their approach to the war. There seems no immediate prospect of any meaningful talks, and Trump has distracted himself by verbally and economicly attacking his largest trading partners and nominal military allies. His tariffs on Canada in particular are completely out of proportion to their relative problems.

[Ralphw2]

Although not widely reported in the UK media, Trump is reported as linking future aid to Ukraine with access to Ukraine's mineral resources.

Trump wants the USA to be a global empire, with Trump as it's first emperor.

The world needs its 14th March moment.

[adam2]

Although not widely reported in the UK media, Trump is reported as linking future aid to Ukraine with access to Ukraine's mineral resources.

Trump wants the USA to be a global empire, with Trump as it's first emperor.

The world needs its 14th March moment.

That in my view would be less bad than Ukraine becoming part of an enlarged russia, not ideal but perhaps the best that we can hope for.

[BritDownUnder]

I think it is a good idea to link aid to future business. As I posted at the start of the war the UK may very well end up being the sceond largest aid contributor to Ukraine with nothing more than a quick thank you at the end of it while France, Germany and Italy, and probably China end up getting all the rebuilding business. Apparently there are very good mineral resources in Ukraine.

Maybe the UK should send some refugees to Ukraine. Maybe they will help to fight Russia too.