I see it differently. I think that is intended to be an unequivocal message to both Putin and Zelensky, as well as the Nato partners. To Putin it says, "anything that's done won't be by us directly". To Zelenski it says "we won't be providing a no fly zone". To Nato members it says, "provide assistance with equipment and intelligence, but intervene in your own name, and without us".

We need this over. We need to see this as a battle in a wider war. Ukraine have won our hearts, but now their suffering must stop, and for a while they are going to live under the Russians again. Once the war is won, which it will be as in time the sanctions will force a new leader to adopt a different strategy, we will remember Ukraine and pay our debts. I won't live to see it, but my children might and my grandchildren surely will.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

Well said. A honest, decent appraisal of a terrible situation.

You may well be right that there tough compromises are possibly ahead. A difficult needle to thread.

Lots of rumours abound in the press.

Mercenaries being hired by Russia, potential for Chemical or nuclear attacks. Ukrainian militia high on morale and getting hold of increased quantities of advanced weaponry. Putin hiding from assassins, and ?China wanting some involvement. Truth is getting ever more distant.

On a positive side, Mrs Hillbilly suggested giving a room to a Ukrainian mother and daughter, in a really selfless act. I was assuming the daughter was over 21years, so was thinking it would be such a kind act of Mrs Hillbilly for once, thinking of my needs, and not just her own

"The facts have changed", Rishi Sunak

I'd imagine Belarus will get involved at some point, most likely they will head for the city of Lviv (a 6 hour drive from my house) the aim will be to cut off supplies from the West into Kyiv and elsewhere.
I cannot see this happening until Russian forces manage to fix their logistical problems on the outskirts of Kyiv which continues to be a disaster - its also important to note that the majority of Russian forces within Ukraine have not even seen combat yet & remain bogged down due to the above.

If things escalate and I remain convinced they will, short term expect Grid down cyber attacks on Poland who are regarded as Ukraine's closest ally.
The West will do nothing except issue threats.

A little further down the line I can see Kaliningrad & Belarus cutting off the Balkans, Moldova will be invaded which will connect pro Russian forces of Transnistria with those occupying Ukraine.
Of course this all hinges on a few things, Russian willingness to fight, Russian Air superiority which they do not have & having something resembling half competent logistics.

The mountains are calling & I must go.

Parkinsons. Paranoia. Familiar?

Now's not the time for us to revisit Brexit. This crisis needs full concentration, but after it is over we can anticipate some seismic changes to just about everything. For me, this means nothing will be off the table. Anyone that allows themselves to be fixated on what happened in 2016 and determined to fix it in stone, is being as unrealistic as Putin imagining the world stopped in December 1991.

We'll see.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.