Ukraine Invasion: Part 25

[MagicFox]

Hi all, another thread for supporting and sharing

Also Lloyd Austin has spoken to Shoigu today for the first time since before the invasion. That diplomacy at this level is happening is in itself significant.

Can't find sour d (sorry!) but I read that if they really wanted to hurt them they'd cut gas and that Finland can get most of its electricity from Sweden. Might be wrong!

Source, not sour d

Except there was nothing to report of any note (though let's hope there was good stuff and they just can't tell us)

It's not just the GF that has been sanctioned, though. Chances are the precision with which this list has been compiled is galling to Putin, to say the least. What do others suspect the advice against travelling to the UK suggests?

www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/13/new-uk-russia-sanctions-target-putin-financial-network-ex-wife

I think it's probably a veiled threat and/or a diagnosis of Russophobia that suggests Russians wouldn't be safe here

It sounds like a veiled threat to me too, @MagicFox

Of what exactly, I dread to think.

I'm not sure sanctioning his ex wife is...fair? After all, she had the balls to leave.

Indeed @DesdamonasHandkerchief

It's definitely an App issue and MNHQ have now acknowledged that there are some problems with the latest update - after initially trying to make me video/illustrate every step I went through when posting even though I'd already sent them pictures of my reply box, all nicely paragraphed, and how it appeared after posting and how another MNer's post looked

I think she's hiding assets / a shitload of money via herself and her family

@MagicFox Ah, understood. Didn't think of that one

empr.media/news/conflict-zone/evacuation-from-azovstal-will-begin-with-rescuing-seriously-wounded/

There seems to be some sort of agreement for the heavily wounded to be evacuated. Turkey and the Red Cross is mediating.

It was never likely to produce much tbf but the fact they spoke at all is significant .

CNN, amongst others, are saying “it ends a significant period when Russian senior officials refused to speak to their counterparts” - in other words Russia sees some sort of benefit to diplomacy that wasn’t there before.

Very much agree.

Amazing news!!!!

Yes ..... jsut how much hard work has gone on behind the scenes to get the agreement to let them leave Azovsteel?

When the civilians were evacuated then the Russians -still- kept firing so that's probably a risk. But it's wonderful that at least there is a chance of getting the very badly wounded people out, and maybe even some lesser wounded in the future.

Bit of background reading - Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) article on corruption in the Russian Armed Services…

rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/corruption-russian-armed-forces

Just popping in briefly, and therefore I wish you all a good evening and a happy and productive weekend.

A couple of comments from me based on the last few threads.

1. Don't ignore Turkey ever, regardless of their leader of the moment. This is one of the most pivotal states on the planet in terms of many things from geography, religion and politics. Go on Google Earth and just marvel at its location and reflect on your knowledge of history and the rest. It has been that way for centuries and we need to observe and reflect with some feet firmly on the ground. It is a state from which we can learn lessons. Erdogan has been doing the same. Remember any leader is a mere tenant of their country.

1. Greece is an independent state.

1. Lloyd Austin is one heck of a being. He has broad shoulders and has walked a thousand miles in many shoes. I can vouch for that literally.

1. @MNHQ your upgrade is still not right as each bullet point is Number 1.

1. Everything I say or prophesise could be wrong. Including number 1.

1. Last few posts, not threads. !!

Thanks Targus! Hope you have a good weekend too. Let's hope Mumsnet do some good work on the platform over the weekend and sort it all out. The app cuts off final sentences and the formatting is hideous. This is the last thing we all need right now

Have a good weekend Targus :)

Yes hope everyone has a lovely weekend. I’ve been at a picnic for nurses day in the park next to tower bridge. My dad came and joined us as he had been working in London today. It was such a lovely sunny evening and I was just watching everyone enjoying themselves in the sunshine and thinking just how lucky we all are. Got to feel blessed for these small moments we all have…and that we can happily consume Prosecco and have a laugh.

Not a big impact really, only 10% of our electricity comes from Russia, consumption is down right now anyway because winter is over (finally - still got a bit of snow in my garden!) and can be replaced from Sweden or the Baltics and its expected that Finland will be self-sufficient for electricity by next year now the new nuclear power plant is up and running. Prices will go up though, thank fuck I signed a 3 year fixed price contract two months ago.

Good to appreciate moments like that. We are all very lucky people in general comparison to the world.
I shall certainly have a nice weekend, watching Eurovision.