Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-25

[Sheilbh]

I've been very, very surprised that he still hasn't gone to Kyiv. I think that was Sunak's first foreign trip as PM - I think some were already penciled in for Starmer but I'm surprised it's still not happened.

I think Starmer got a little burned by saying that the UK support Ukraine using missiles for strikes in Russia and then having to walk that back immediately following pressure from the US.

[Josquius]

I think the problem is we've already given them what we can. We don't really have any excess to spare. And as said in the article pointless for starmer to be a tourist, he has to bring something.

[Admiral Yi]

I think the problem is we've already given them what we can. We don't really have any excess to spare. And as said in the article pointless for starmer to be a tourist, he has to bring something.

You can send more money.  You can build more stuff to send.

[mongers]

Seems Russia has gained a big morale boost from their victory in the US and has launched a big offensive. Ukrainian front line has possibly collapsed.

What, for sure?

[Josquius]

A big offensive seems pretty much certain.
Ukraine crumbling.... That's obscured. Some commentators mentioning they've heard it but nothing certain yet.

I think the problem is we've already given them what we can. We don't really have any excess to spare. And as said in the article pointless for starmer to be a tourist, he has to bring something.

You can send more money.  You can build more stuff to send.

Even if that decision was definitely made and put into action with all obstacles disappearing in a puff of smoke this minute it'd be years before Ukraine gets anything.
America has the supplies to hand. Europe doesn't

[Syt]

Meanwhile: https://www.politico.eu/article/pentagon-north-korean-troops-pornography-vladimir-putin-russia-war-in-ukraine/

US can't confirm Putin's North Koreans are 'gorging on pornography'

Report about soldiers' extracurricular activities in Russia received a Pentagon response.

The Pentagon late Tuesday said it was unable to confirm reports that North Korean troops are taking advantage of their more expansive internet access in Russia to consume copious amounts of online pornography.

U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson Maj. Charlie Dietz said he couldn't verify "any North Korean internet habits or virtual 'extracurriculars'" taking place in Russia, saying the Pentagon is only concerned with the "more serious" aspects of the North Korean military relationship with Russia as it wages war on Ukraine.

"As for internet access, that's a question best directed to Moscow. Right now, our attention remains on supporting Ukraine and addressing the more significant regional security concerns," Dietz said.

His comments came in response to a report, first posted to social media by Financial Times commentator Gideon Rachman, that North Korean troops are "gorging on pornography" thanks to their newfound online freedom.

While internet access is not unfettered in Russia, it is freer than in North Korea, one of the world's most restrictive countries.

North Korean troops deployed to assist in Russian President Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine toward the end of October, sparking global concern about the escalation of Russia's all-out assault.