Actually after I posted they said it was an accident by a fishing trawler however the next day they suggested it was a Russian fishing trawler.

I doubt we will ever know the truth.

One more point

There is a world of difference between NATO countries ensuring the security of the systems they have provided in support of Ukraine, or in providing intel, and active involvement in the war.

There is a clear line between the two and so long as it is very carefully not crossed I don't see a problem, other than in Putin upping the rhetoric. We just need to keep pushing back on the rhetoric and make sure the truth is known.

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.

To say some words on recent battlefield events in this war I and many others were expecting a major offensive by the Ukraine in the Kherson region. While the Ukraine have been continually attacking the lines remain stable. We await to see if they will attempt to take Kherson but if they were going to attempt that before Biden's 8th November midterms time is running out for it.

Elsewhere Russia appear to be taking a little ground in the Donetsk region, while in the North the Ukraine appear to be on an offensive but again the lines generally appear stable.

It all feels like the calm before the storm, though you have to wonder just how much ground can be taken once all the leaves fall and the snow appears..and that's probably a month away...but we will see.

Edited by Stirlingsays (01 Nov 2022 11.06pm)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

2022 and trench warfare is just as effective as it was at the Somme, Russia has been digging in & fortifying for close to a month now whilst the way to Kherson is flat with little cover, it's easy for artillery on both sides.

Russian assault of Bakhmut is clearly tying Ukrainian resources up whilst russia will soon have mobilised their reserves & whatever you think of the first wave of 300,000 troops it gives Russia alot of options.

It's gonna be slow grind this winter.

Sex Panther 60% of the time it works every time

Having little direct knowledge is the condition of everyone posting here.

Having some common sense is the condition of just a handful.

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.

I still believe a military invasion of Taiwan is incredibly remote. I continue to travel there often and the general feeling of the many people I K now there is that the sabre rattling is a nuisance as it leads to economic shivers and to a degree flight of capital.

I don't remember scoffing at anything.

The people of Taiwan are pragmatic enough to know that they can expect no military assistance from anywhere.

Responsibility Deficit Disorder is a medical condition. Symptoms include inability to be corrected when wrong, false sense of superiority, desire to share personal info no else cares about, general hubris. It's a medical issue rather than pure arrogance.