Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #13

[LibraStarr]

It is indeed “‘ JUST YOUR OPINION’” & I am pleased that the majority of people on this thread do not agree with you.

I have not posted before as I tend to avoid political matters & out of my depth with ‘political debate’.

I will not enter into ‘clever’ ‘point-scoring’ dialogue here but am compelled to share my own personal experience here in the UK

1) We were all glued to our TV/Radio’s in February 2022, when Russia attacked Ukraine….in tears, watching the dreadful footage of the devastation wreaked on ordinary people. People just like ourselves.

2) Some in the UK opened up their homes to Ukrainian families evacuated from war zones.

A friend, retired & living alone in a good-sized property, did just this & took in two young ladies, each with a child of 5 or 6. They arrived with a backpack each. They had reluctantly left everything behind ( homes, belongings, elderly parents/grandparents/ extended family/pets) but most importantly their beloved husbands and Daddies to try & keep the children safe.

These beautiful people were traumatised….the children particularly unable to sleep & startled by any loud noise after spending weeks in a basement with bombs falling above.

This is something I have SEEN personally, not just read about.

The mothers spoke little English but were within weeks applying for jobs locally, to support themselves and the children enrolled in the village school.
The community rallied round, as funding from the government was typically rather slow to arrive & they had nothing.

My friend fed them, provided a safe space, helped with the necessary admin by driving them to the necessary offices ( some hundreds of miles away), clothed them from Charity shops, helped them learn English. All from her own pocket. She is by no means wealthy.

She did this out of love & compassion for fellow human beings.

3 years later, this Ukrainian family are still with her. Their menfolk are still fighting to defend their country.

They love their country & intend to return to Ukraine & reunite with their loved ones when it is safe to do so.

3) Another chilling experience….when I parked in a supermarket car park ( here in the quiet rural north of England) & realised the car parked alongside was riddled with bullet holes…..

…….In the back was a BABY SEAT…….On the dashboard a small Ukrainian flag.

4) We were again glued to our TV’s, again in tears on February 28th 2025, watching in disbelief the appalling attack on the Ukrainian President in the Oval Office.

USA is no longer a friend or ally to the UK.

We believe that the recent actions of President Trump have brought us all much closer to World War III.

This is MY OPINION

It’s deeply moving to hear personal experiences like this, reminding us that behind every headline and political debate, there are real people—individuals and families enduring unimaginable hardships. This kind of first-hand account puts a human face on the crisis and brings clarity to why we need to think beyond politics and recognize the deep, personal toll that war takes on innocent lives.

It's not just numbers on a page—they are individuals with lives, hopes, and dreams who are caught in an unthinkable situation.

Thank you for sharing this. It really helps put things into perspective and reminds us all of the importance of empathy and the human connection, especially in times of crisis.

 

[Stella123]

Zelensky is 100% responsible. Trump offered him the pathway to peace. For at least a month, US officials and European leaders warned Zelensky what would happen. The day of the famous Oval office stunt, Congressional Representatives warned him that morning, not to try to negotiate a peace deal on national TV. He's a hard head, attention seeker, with no decorum.

This is all on Zelensky. He made the choice this that day. If you go back and look at the video, his own staff bowed their heads, close their eyes and pinch their noses, in shame. The staff almost in tears, wanted to sign the economic agreement, trying to salvage the situation. His Parliament voted and approved the deal, his name was not even on the contract to be signed.

I think his Parliaments figured out the real Zelensky. He's not included in the peace negotiation in Saudi Arabia. That's a pretty strong message he doesn't have the support of his governing body any longer.

There will be apeace Ukraine and Zelensky will soon fade into the background.

Moo

Can you please stop harking back to "that video". People view these things with their own unconscious bias and Zelensky has said numerous times since then that he wants peace.

You can't possibly blame Zelensky for the actions Trump is taking now. That is solely on Trump. How he handles things. He handled the "deal" badly (it should never have been televised unless already signed) and now he is doing anything but achieving peace - he is actively helping Russia. JMO MOO

 

[sapphire blue]

Looks like Zelensky been cut off from the negotiation, thankfully. I worry he would pull another stunt like he did in the Oval office and Russia would rain fire and brimstone on Ukraine. Putin is clearly not as understanding as Trump.
Zelensky can't be trusted to security a deal. He can't be trusted to keep negotiations confidential.

The question is .....Why is he even going to Saudi Arabia, if he's not part of the negotiation? What's he going to do run around and try to sabotage the deal? He should be staying in Ukraine and supporting his troops, instead of his "world tour".
Zelensky it's going to do everything he can to sabotage a peace of agreement.
Moo

Zelensky hopes for 'meaningful' US-Ukraine talks next week

The talks in Saudi Arabia come as both sides seek to heal a rift after presidents Zelensky and Trump clashed in public.

www.bbc.com

US-Ukraine talks will be held in Saudi Arabia next week, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said, expressing hopes that it will be "a meaningful meeting".

The Ukrainian leader, who will be in the Gulf kingdom but not take part in the talks, said Kyiv was working to reach a "fast and lasting" peace.

US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said the American team wanted to discuss a "framework" for peace to try to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Last Friday, Zelensky and Trump were involved in a public clash at the White House - during which Trump said Zelensky was not ready to end the fighting. The US proceeded to pause military aid to Ukraine and stop sharing intelligence.

You seem very anti Ukraine/zelensky which I find at odds with the vast majority of people around the world. Zelensky has every right to be a part of any peace negotiations for his country - to exclude him is beyond odd, it’s highly suspicious - who is hiding what and why…. Putin has already reneged on agreements, why does trump think he won’t if an agreement is made now?

What trump dislikes is that Zelensky has the strength to stand up to the bullying by Putin trump and Vance (tag team abusers, Gang stalking). Zelensky knows exactly who and what Putin, trump and Vance are and that’s why they try to belittle and bully him. They are lower than snakes bellies, they aren’t men of honour.

 

[Stella123]

French-made Mirage 2000 jets join Ukraine's defense against Russian strike for the first time.

Ukraine's air defenses intercepted 34 Russian missiles and 100 drones overnight on March 7, the Air Force said. Fighter jets, including F-16s and French Mirage 2000s, were deployed to intercept the strike.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1897943581647606078

Twenty-six EU member states denounced Russian aggression and pledged continued support for Ukraine in a joint resolution issued at an emergency summit on March 6, despite Hungary dissenting.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1897912369780597172

EU members pledge $16 billion in support for Ukraine, Costa says."Today, we have also tasked the Council to work urgently on further initiatives to address Ukraine’s pressing military and defense needs," European Council President Antonio Costa said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1897952666103194082

France is protecting while Trump allows Ukraine to be hammered by Russia. But it is also somewhat scary. Will Putin see this as France having entered the war? Trump was accusing Zelensky of trying to start WW3. It is Trump who is leading things to WW3 by stepping back and leaving Ukraine vulnerable. JMO MOO.

 

[Simply Southern]

Zelensky is being forced to negotiate with the world, given Trump's behaviours influencing Ukraine's entire future.

And people find fault he is travelling? Amazing to me.

Can we really see any American administration people putting their lives in the battlezone and working 24/7 to save their country?

moo, forever.

He's not being forced. The UK and many European countries are stepping up to the plate with billions of dollars. He can continue the war. The US made the decision we're no longer going to contribute.

He's not working 24/7 for his country? If he was, he'd be trying to figure out how to restore their mapping communication system. He's out jetting all over the world, being entertained by Nation leaders. He's eating really good food, sleeping in a soft warm bed, he's getting hugs, pats on the back, having meaningful conversation. All while his people are on the front line, souls being lost every day.

There is no doubt, DOD Secretary Hegseth would slap on a uniform and pick up a weapon to defend our country. I bet VP Vance would be right by his side, armed and ready. They have defended our country before and willing to do it again.

Moo...

 

[UK Girl]

President Trump is the reason why we are becoming a great nation again. He's only been in office for about six weeks. We, the people, are looking forward to all the things he will accomplish over the next four years.

It doesnt feel like America is becoming a great nation to be honest.

 

[JennieM]

Trump says he's considering fresh sanctions and tariffs on Russia
​

Donald Trump says he's considering new sanctions and tariffs on Russia, following a wave of overnight strikes on Ukraine.

He writes: "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.

"To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!"

Wave of Russian strikes kill at least 20 and injures dozens, officials say

Ukraine's President Zelensky urges more sanctions against Russia as he says the strikes show the Kremlin's goals "are unchanged".

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[LibraStarr]

It doesnt feel like America is becoming a great nation to be honest.

I totally agree with you.

 

[sapphire blue]

Poland must be very very worried IMO. They border Ukraine.

The Poles have long memories and they know what’s coming if Russia isn’t stopped.

 

[PommyMommy]

10 hours ago

Zelensky hopes for 'meaningful' US-Ukraine talks next week

The talks in Saudi Arabia come as both sides seek to heal a rift after presidents Zelensky and Trump clashed in public.

www.bbc.com

Zelensky announced the US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia in a series of posts on social media, after attending Thursday's crisis summit in Brussels where European Union leaders endorsed plans for a boost in defence spending.

"Ukrainian and American teams have resumed work, and we hope that next week we will have a meaningful meeting," he wrote on X.

"Ukraine has been seeking peace since the very first moment of the war, and we have always stated that the war continues solely because of Russia."

 

[sapphire blue]

It doesnt feel like America is becoming a great nation to be honest.

Agreed, a country doesn’t become great by behaving in a sociopathic or psychopathic manner.

 

[Stella123]

He presents in a military uniform, isn't he is the Commander and Chief of armed services in Ukraine? Isn't Russia bombing the heck out of his country as we speak. I would think he would be rallying his troops, providing military guidance and reassuring or relocating citizens in harms way. Does he every visit the injured? Does he visit, have meaningful conversations and support the many soldiers maimed by the war?

Are the golf courses open in Ukraine? Certainly Zelensky spending 4 days on the golf course versus four days jetting all over the world would be much less costly for Ukraine. These "meaningful conversations" are waste of time, money and counterproductive to peace negotiations.

"Isn't Russia bombing the heck out of his country as we speak."

Yes - and whose fault is that?!! It's Trump's fault for leaving Ukraine vulnerable and assisting Russia. Russia are taking full advantage of Trumps' witholding of assistance and intelligence.

He is wearing wartime clothing, not a military uniform. And he has said many times this is to show solidarity with his troops and he will not wear a suit until the war is over.

He is a President not a General! He has a team and and an army full of generals and no doubt communicates with them wherever he is.

Frankly I think those statements are ridiculous IMO. If the US was at war, would Trump be on the frontline? No blooming way! A President is needed to keep up hope and morale for the country - to be seen to be dealing with things publicly. And also to be protected! Because his role is massive to the Ukrainians - he gives them hope. Just as Churchill did in WW2.

Because he is a little man from a foreign war-torn country, wearing military clothing, does not make him any less of a President than any other President. JMO MOO

 

[JennieM]

Watch: Russian strike on Odesa sets homes on fire

Trump's latest message on his Truth Social platform talks about "the absolute 'pounding' Ukraine" is getting, and follows Russia's overnight attacks which hit residential areas and key energy infrastructure.

In the southern port city of Odesa, the regional administration says several fires broke out, bringing firefighters to the scene. Here's a clip from footage shared by the state emergency service: [video at link]

Wave of Russian strikes kill at least 20 and injures dozens, officials say

Ukraine's President Zelensky urges more sanctions against Russia as he says the strikes show the Kremlin's goals "are unchanged".

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[LibraStarr]

Frankly your statements are ridiculous IMO. If the US was at war, would Trump be on the frontline? No blooming way! A President is needed to keep up hope and morale for the country - to be seen to be dealing with things publicly. And also to be protected! Because his role is massive to the Ukrainians - he gives them hope. Just as Churchill did in WW2.

It really does seem like some people are going to criticize Zelenskyy no matter what he does. When he's not engaging with global leaders, he's accused of not seeking help or trying to negotiate peace, but when he does meet with other world leaders for support, he’s criticized for "being entertained" or not focusing on the day-to-day struggles in Ukraine.

The truth is, diplomacy takes place in these meetings. Securing international aid, weapons, and support is part of the war effort. It's not just about being on the front lines—it's about gaining the resources needed to survive and fight back. People don't seem to want Zelenskyy to rest or seek help, but if he doesn’t, they’d probably call him reckless for not protecting his own health or well-being, which would be equally unfair.

He's working nonstop, whether it’s at home or abroad, to keep Ukraine in the fight. It's not about comfort; it's about strategy, securing alliances, and making sure his people don’t lose everything. It's easy to criticize from afar, but the complexities of leading a country under siege go beyond what's visible in a news headline.

IMO

 

[sapphire blue]

"Isn't Russia bombing the heck out of his country as we speak."

Yes - and whose fault is that?!! It's Trump's fault for leaving Ukraine vulnerable and assisting Russia. Russia are taking full advantage of Trumps' witholding of assistance and intelligence.

He is wearing wartime clothing, not a military uniform. And he has said many times this is to show solidarity with his troops and he will not wear a suit until the war is over.

He is a President not a General! He has a team and and an army full of generals and no doubt communicates with them wherever he is.

Frankly your statements are ridiculous IMO. If the US was at war, would Trump be on the frontline? No blooming way! A President is needed to keep up hope and morale for the country - to be seen to be dealing with things publicly. And also to be protected! Because his role is massive to the Ukrainians - he gives them hope. Just as Churchill did in WW2.

Because he is a little man from a foreign war-torn country, wearing military clothing, does not make him any less of a President than any other President. JMO MOO

Can anyone imagine the draft dodging Trump on the front line? Remember when he called fallen military personal losers at Arlington? He’s a coward.

 

[Simply Southern]

France is protecting while Trump allows Ukraine to be hammered by Russia. But it is also somewhat scary. Will Putin see this as France having entered the war? Trump was accusing Zelensky of trying to start WW3. It is Trump who is leading things to WW3 by stepping back and leaving Ukraine vulnerable. JMO MOO.

Trump and the US are on cordial terms with Putin. Ukraine is vulnerable because Zelensky refuses to work towards a peace agreement, for a war that's going nowhere. Does anybody really believe Ukraine can win against Russia?

I do believe, France it's walking a fine line. Is France willing the fire of a couple of nuclear weapons against Russia, to give Ukraine the advantage they so dearly need?

Keep pushing Putin and he will show force. Moo, that's what got Ukraine in the war they're in now. Zelensky trying to obtain NATO membership was clearly a threat to Russia. Zelensky wants NATO to put nuclear weapons in Ukraine to use against Russia. NATO has been saying no to his membership for years, he created this war to try to force NATO intervention and guarantee him a membership.

Moo

 

[Elliot_Alderson]

He presents in a military uniform, isn't he is the Commander and Chief of armed services in Ukraine? Isn't Russia bombing the heck out of his country as we speak. I would think he would be rallying his troops, providing military guidance and reassuring or relocating citizens in harms way. Does he every visit the injured? Does he visit, have meaningful conversations and support the many soldiers maimed by the war?

Are the golf courses open in Ukraine? Certainly Zelensky spending 4 days on the golf course versus four days jetting all over the world would be much less costly for Ukraine. These "meaningful conversations" are waste of time, money and counterproductive to peace negotiations.

Do you have access to his itinerary for every day? You're on here purporting to know his entire daily schedule.

 

[sapphire blue]

Trump and the US are on cordial terms with Putin. Ukraine is vulnerable because Zelensky refuses to work towards a peace agreement, for a war that's going nowhere. Does anybody really believe Ukraine can win against Russia?

I do believe, France it's walking a fine line. Is France willing the fire of a couple of nuclear weapons against Russia, to give Ukraine the advantage they so dearly need?

Keep pushing Putin and he will show force. Moo, that's what got Ukraine in the war they're in now. Zelensky trying to obtain NATO membership was clearly a threat to Russia. Zelensky wants NATO to put nuclear weapons in Ukraine to use against Russia. NATO has been saying no to his membership for years, he created this war to try to force NATO intervention and guarantee him a membership.

Moo

Because zelensky knows full well that Putin won’t honour any peace agreement.

 

[Cedars]

It really does seem like some people are going to criticize Zelenskyy no matter what he does. When he's not engaging with global leaders, he's accused of not seeking help or trying to negotiate peace, but when he does meet with other world leaders for support, he’s criticized for "being entertained" or not focusing on the day-to-day struggles in Ukraine.

The truth is, diplomacy takes place in these meetings. Securing international aid, weapons, and support is part of the war effort. It's not just about being on the front lines—it's about gaining the resources needed to survive and fight back. People don't seem to want Zelenskyy to rest or seek help, but if he doesn’t, they’d probably call him reckless for not protecting his own health or well-being, which would be equally unfair.

He's working nonstop, whether it’s at home or abroad, to keep Ukraine in the fight. It's not about comfort; it's about strategy, securing alliances, and making sure his people don’t lose everything. It's easy to criticize from afar, but the complexities of leading a country under siege go beyond what's visible in a news headline.

IMO

It's so petty. Which IMO is a defense mechanism to avoid facing the important issues.

 

[Elliot_Alderson]

Zelensky is 100% responsible. Trump offered him the pathway to peace. For at least a month, US officials and European leaders warned Zelensky what would happen. The day of the famous Oval office stunt, Congressional Representatives warned him that morning, not to try to negotiate a peace deal on national TV. He's a hard head, attention seeker, with no decorum.

This is all on Zelensky. He made the choice this that day. If you go back and look at the video, his own staff bowed their heads, close their eyes and pinch their noses, in shame. The staff almost in tears, wanted to sign the economic agreement, trying to salvage the situation. His Parliament voted and approved the deal, his name was not even on the contract to be signed.

I think his Parliaments figured out the real Zelensky. He's not included in the peace negotiation in Saudi Arabia. That's a pretty strong message he doesn't have the support of his governing body any longer.

There will be apeace Ukraine and Zelensky will soon fade into the background.

Moo

"Let Russia take your land and you agree to an agreement with them even though they have gone back and not kept their word on previous peace agreements" is Trump offering him a pathway to peace.