If you think leaving the EU was a bad idea, what are you doing about it?

[Woj]

Change doesn't just happen, it's made...

Russia has no issue with the UK?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy5dz0kkn0wo

Russia would not have issue with the UK if they had kept their noses out of the Ukraine war.

If the EU is considering to grant membership to the Ukraine, that’s their choice. All be it a bad one as it is further encirclement of Russia which is what prompted the war.

If Ukraine does become an EU member, WWIII will begin. Russia’s first target will be the EU.

Do you think the UK should keep 'their noses out'? @EEexpat

Most definitely. UK is as supposed to have left the EU. So, why are they supporting the EU?

The EU continues to buy energy from Russia and at the same time supports Ukraine. Hence, the war has entered its fifth year.

This is perfect for Russia as the EU is effectively bleeding itself dry. Classic long term strategy by Russia - win by attrition.

You must be disappointed that it is unlikely that Bulgaria will become Putin’s new proxy within the European Union then.

Bulgarian support for Russia has declined since the war began, but it’s estimated that 20% of the population approve of Putins actions.

UK is as supposed to have left the EU. So, why are they supporting the EU

I am not sure what point you are making here. The UK is supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. The fact that the EU share this view is irrelevant, UK support for the Ukraine is exactly the right thing to do.

If both Russia and Ukraine are being funded, how will the war ever end?

With Russia retreating, they are the invaders in case you have forgotten.

Either one will overpower the other, or one will withdraw. Pretty much the same as any war really. I think a negotiated outcome seems unlikely as Putin doesn't believe he has done anything wrong.

Fortunately, Ukraine's targeted strikes over the last few days have really impacted Russia who are now having to buy fuel in from outside. This is impacting the ability to wage war, pay for war, and the support of the Russian people (if there is any). There are impacts to the logistics with the hits on the Wildberries network too.

NATO and EU encroachment towards Russia was interpreted as encirclement.

Warnings about NATO expansion go back to the early 90s, but not heeded.

Take a look at:

https://theconversation.com/ukraine-war-follows-decades-of-warnings-that-nato-expansion-into-eastern-europe-could-provoke-russia-177999

Russia invaded Ukraine.

Russia invaded Ukraine

but why?

According to you because of the EU and NATO

I am unsure if you think that justifies the killing of civilians, Bucha, kidnappings etc. But you have made it very clear that you think the UK should not support Ukraine.

I movedto an eu country so I have at least some of the benefits

@Maddy70

Which country did you move to?

I have residency in Bulgaria since 2003?

I am not sure what your point is. Are you saying that this explains why Putin has invaded Ukraine, or that you agree with him doing so, or both?

I get that there is a view that this is why, however I don't think it is. Putin's objective is recreating the USSR or at least Moscow's geopolitical influence from that time, so the whole encirclement thing is a convenient excuse. Ukraine were unlikely to have ever joined NATO until Russia invaded. EU encirclement is laughable really, why would anyone be bothered about being encircled by a trading bloc that they trade with?

@HappiestSleeping

I would say it was more to do with NATO weapons getting closer via the expansion of the EU into Eastern Europe rather than trade. Russia will be happy that EU is buying their energy as it funds their war.

Countries who sell oil will also be happy that the war is going on as it keeps prices high.

The expansion of NATO is not related to people joining the EU though. This is why Putin is using NATO as an excuse as it would never have included Ukraine. That discussion has only started since Putin annexed Crimea.

Yes, agreed about the oil producing countries. Along with Trump's debacle with Iran, they must be rubbing their hands.

I don’t really care whether we stay put or rejoin. What I do care about is fixing the problems we have, many of which stem directly from Brexit. The main issue is, those who championed leaving refuse to accept it has caused us problems and therefore are unwilling to address any issues to be resolved.

I want a cross party group who says “look, leaving really messed us up, and here is what we want to do to resolve it” Then just bloody do it, regardless of what impact it has on vote share or politics or party popularity.

The first step is re-building closer ties with Europe. They won’t want to do us any favours, but a lot of the problems we face could be resolved to benefit both sides.

There isn’t much I can do other than voting for a party that has the same idea.

@BoredZelda

Then just bloody do it, regardless of what impact it has on vote share or politics or party popularity.

Good luck with that idea. Look how Labour flip flopped from supporting leave to remain after the 2017 general election in the hope they could force and win a general election.

Cameron is credited for offering a referendum, not because the public was demanding one, but to quell some conservative MPs fears they would lose their seats (big salary, expenses and pensions).

Cameron teamed up with Clegg in 2010 to get into power. Theresa May teamed up with the DUP to get a majority in 2017.

MPs will act as weather Vanessa and change direction if they think it will get them elected.

Cameron is credited for offering a referendum, not because the public was demanding one, but to quell some conservative MPs fears they would lose their seats

Blamed probably a better word than credited, and he did it to get a majority and lose the coalition.

Agree with them being weather vanes.

@HappiestSleeping

and he did it to get a majority and lose the coalition.

Perfect example of being in it for themselves.

In 2010 it was,

“Please Mr Clegg left me be your friend because I like you”

In 2015 it was,

“I don’t need you anymore. So, get lost”

Yup, exactly the point I made previously in the thread. They're all in it for themselves. At least most of them are. I can count on the fingers of one hand the PMs in my life who I actually thought cared about the country.