To be a bit worried about war with russia

[Carinattheliqorstore1]

I’m probably worrying about nothing (at least I hope I am!) but from the news re the UKraine, I’m beginning to get a wee bit worried about a possible war with Russia. Is that likely at all?

Yanbu: I think it’s likely
Yabu: nah, not going to happen

I'm not sure this is about us.

This Ukrainian situation began not long after China leased huge swathes of Ukrainian agricultural land as a response to food insecurity issues within China.

I've always felt that was a strange coincidence, and I'm not sure it was one at all. I think Putin is nervous about Chinese expansionism and imperialistic tendencies, and their potential presence on Russia's south flank.

These situations are always about resources, no matter what anyone tells you otherwise.

We are screwed, however, because Blair didn't see a problem with Gazprom. Interestingly, a Tory MP at the time brought it up in Parliament as he felt Russian gas supply lines to Britain were a national security issue. I seem to remember that some key medical and cultural sites were entirely dependent on Russian gas somehow. York Minster, weirdly, comes to mind.

Whatever you do, do NOT watch the 1980s documentary called "Threads".
This was put on at school when I was about 13. I was terrified and had nightmares about that film for years afterwards.

I seem to remember that some key medical and cultural sites were entirely dependent on Russian gas somehow. York Minster, weirdly, comes to mind.

All that happened is Gazprom bought an existing UK supplier. The gas they received was still the same gas as everyone else receives. It doesn't make us any more reliant on Russian gas supplies than me buying electricity from EDF makes me reliant on nuclear power stations in France.

I don't know what to think, it's unnerving not knowing

I still think it's unlikely. It's not in keeping with the perception Russians have about their country and themselves as a people. Their psychological self perception is them being invaded, and they are the defending their Motherland. It's all a very martyr type of identity.

But, I've started doubting myself here.

@ChardonnaysPetDragon I think you are right. In fact I think that is what all aggressors and bullies have in common. They see themselves as victims with no option but to defend themselves. This is true in personal relationships as much as wars. It was true of Germany in the 2nd WW.

If there is a war it will be because Russia convinced itself it ‘has no choice to defend itself’ If necessary it will instigate a false flag attack against themselves that they are ‘forced’ to defend themselves against.

Putin has officially recognised Ukraine's eastern regions as independent states which means he can send in his troops to "defend them" and start his war

@ChardonnaysPetDragon

I still think it's unlikely. It's not in keeping with the perception Russians have about their country and themselves as a people. Their psychological self perception is them being invaded, and they are the defending their Motherland. It's all a very martyr type of identity.

But, I've started doubting myself here.

Putin has just effectively declared Ukraine a part of their Motherland that NATO is invading. If you have listened to the hour-long speech.

Its worrying now

No, I posted just before he did.