An idiot’s guide to...

[CheesusWept]

Can someone please explain to me, as if you were explaining to a 5 year old, the ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine?

My young DD has picked up some bits and pieces and is worrying about it, and I’m ashamed to say that I don’t know (a) enough about it (b) how to explain it in child friendly terms.

(My DD is older than 5 by the way, but I’ll need it in those very simple terms).

Russia is the big kid. The Ukraine is a really little kid and Russia thinks it should have the little kid's pocket money. The Ukraine has a big cousin (NATO) and Russia doesn't want the big cousin to deal with so it's threatening to punch The Ukraine unless the big cousin promises not to get involved.

Somebody will be along with a better geopolitical understanding soon

@PastMyBestBeforeDate

Russia is the big kid. The Ukraine is a really little kid and Russia thinks it should have the little kid's pocket money. The Ukraine has a big cousin (NATO) and Russia doesn't want the big cousin to deal with so it's threatening to punch The Ukraine unless the big cousin promises not to get involved.

That's quite a good analogy

How old is DD?
Russia is a bully. She wants to tell Ukraine what to do and what games Ukraine can play. Russia doesn’t want Ukraine to play with anyone else but only with Russia. Russia wants that Ukrainian toys were available for Russia to play with. Ukraine wants to be a friend with others but Russia threatens to beat Ukraine because of that.

Thank you!
DD is 10 (but she’s very sensitive - she tells me this is because she’s a Pisces... I know, I know - she’s one of those kids!)

If things do kick off, will Britain send troops over? I know I’m woefully ignorant on this.

Britain does not intend to send troops over to the Ukraine as they are not part of Nato. (other than the small training force that is there already. )

UK is sending support. (some weapons , training)
UK is threatening sanctions on Russia. (may cause further gas price rises)

Nato is sending trops to it's easternmost members. Various members are also sending support in various forms. (germany is being ultra cautious as a result of it's history and sending field hospitals and defensive items such as helmets)