1 Don't poke the bear. No good every came of it. Russia is too big, and Russians are proud.2 I don't think that the Russians give a cuss about what the UK says. They achieved their objective a few years ago (weakening the UK to the point of insignificance by promoting it's seperation from the EU and so its allies - a long established Russian geo-political tactic).3 Truss's belligerent noises are not going to impress the Russians (or anyone else).4 The Russians are upset because NATO has moved up to its border. If the Russians were establishing a military bases in, say, Ireland, I think that the UK government would be upset (remember Cuba?).5 If we impose sanctions, they will cut off our gas (and sell it to China instead). A double whammy - which will be a massive self-inflicted wound.6 The Russians know that they got away with it once before, very recently (Crimea), and so will probably get away with it again if they do invade Ukraine (or more likely promote an insurgency - as they have done in Donetsk and Luhansk (not to be confused with Voronezh and Rostov, unless of course you are Liz Truss)).7 Truss also humiliated herself when she started talking at the press conference whilst Lavrov's translator was still speaking (which was crass and rude). Lavrov had to tell her to shut up, which was humilitating (for Truss, and therefore for the UK who she is supposed to be representing). 7 The Russia / Ukraine situation is delicate and fragile. We need leaders capable of serious diplomacy - not leaders who are only interested in photo-ops, and foot-stamping posturing for their home audience.Which is why we need a serious government, and not this bunch of clowns and half-wits currently in office.And it is perfectly legitimate for anyone to criticise them, whether on social media or elsewhere. What are these new Tory tropes? "I can lie, but you can't call me a liar": "I can commit a crime, but the police cannot fine me because then I would have to resign, which would mean that the police would choosing the prime minister": "Children mustn’t criticise the prime minister": What perverted logic. And now a new one: - "We mustn't criticise our prime minister because then the rest of the World will also do so" (too late on that one).The sooner Johnson and his third-rate half wits go, the better.
T P Howell ● 1685d