So Russia has done what Western intelligence agencies have been saying he'd do for weeks and launched a full invasion of Ukraine. Putin continues to prove he's an imperialist fascist (this word is overused nowadays, but I feel it's an accurate depiction of Putin) dictator with a warped view of history. Yet, apologists on both sides still make excuses for his actions.

Our politicians talk a big game, but will they be willing to go further and put the squeeze on the UK based Russian oligarchs and their assets?

Either way, let's just hope it doesn't descend into full nuclear extinction.

Putin's greatest single asset (well apart from useful morons like Trump and Johnson) is the knowledge that the Wests doesn't want war. We believe in peace. For a psychopath like him that's incredibly useful. The only answer, short of military action, is to sanction them to hell. Eventually the Russian people or military will grow tired of even more grinding poverty. The Tories need to cast aside their devotion to Russian money and the Russians who own half of London and, for once, do the right thing.

It's harder for countries who rely more directly on Russian gas but it looks like Germany are biting the bullet.

There is so much fear of an escalation that, nobody will make a move against Putin and he knows it.
Until someone actually stands up against him, why would he retreat ?

Mind you, if/when someone does stand up, it could be full scale war.

Never have the threats of "retaliation" by the UK sounded so hollow.

Unbelievable
Lyin Boris and Lizzard Liz have sleepwalked us into another conflict

Still the oil price and armaments likes it, and it’s gonna make a load more UK millionaires and Billionaires

There are people on this board make valid points irrespective of whether anybody agrees with the opinions they portray, you unfortunately are not one of them, one simple question to a simple soul, when you come on here you just seem to criticise the Tory party and certain individuals, I personally don't give a flying one and can accept that, but what I can't get me head round is your use of the smiling/laughing emoji's every time you criticise them, the only thing I can say is that what's in your head belongs to you.

Just as I was looking forward to a normal life again post-covid, we get this bloody crap kick off. It's totally ridiculous. At least someone finally used 'fascist' correctly though, for the first time in about 6 years

Hopefully, the nuclear umbrella will still continue to keep a lid on all out war like it has for the last 70 years. We don't need to see inside Pandora's Box & hopefully Putin feels the same.

Don’t forget the bigger game . This is as much about the Americans and china . Russia and china have really close ties . Ukraine today Taiwan tomorrow. America cannot look both ways which is what they are banking on and Europe is too weak and divided . Hence why the Russians were happy to bankroll brexit.

Pity the poor Ukrainians who will be likely to get little in tangible support. However there will now be a big expansion of NATO.
Keep an eye on what Finland does .

We know from history that Finland can give Russia a good slapping

I'm not sure how close Russia and China are, to be honest. I think China needs 'the west' more than it needs Russia, so I think they're playing both sides and will soon distance themselves from Russia if it looks like the west may sanction their exports