Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine started in border with Belarus. But it's difficult to expect results from it. Russia doesn't seem to be open for talk because they already went too far. Wagner group fighters are in Kyiv now. It's private fighters from Russia who were in Syria war previously. Their task here - kill Zelensky. Imagine (hypothetically) there is a preparation for Canada to ally with Russia what would you think US would do. Just allow Canada to give Canadian land for Russian troops and make America vulnerable? The world leaders need power, they are power hungry and your precedent is just a bait for them.
@suchmoon already said one point why it's wrong comparison. I'll add another one. Poland and Baltic states have joined NATO long time ago. We have American troops there, but did it made Russia vulnerable or created danger for them? I think Ukraine should have decide themselves what they want to do with their country future. There are people who did not vote for Putin, are against his politics and were not able to leave Russian, but not suffer from sanctions and etc. Is whole world is going to help them? Maybe collect donations for them? Or help them to leave?Or it is their problem that they were born in Russia? Or we have double standards? Bunch of people cant agree on something, due to that nations now suffer, but call for help is only for one side.
I'm sorry for innocent Russian people who will have to suffer, but what you're offering? How to prove that someone is anti-Putin? Or they shouldn't make sanctions to Russia? I don't know, maybe when people in Russia will start to suffer from sanctions, maybe they won't be silent anymore. |
|
|
|
Offcourse he is patriot. He got offered help from US to leave country, but Zelensky refused. He sta in Ukraine, standing as true leader, doing everything for his country. When he was elected, I saw him only as popular comedian from TV shows, but now it's obvious that Ukraine didn't made mistake when they chose their president. But that request to citizens to make Mlotov cocktails and attack occupants, I don't know... Ukraine army have limited resources and this request looks desperate attempt to hlp them. But I'm afraid that non-combatant with molotov can't do much damage to professional army and it will end with more deaths of civil people. ...
You're not wrong. At least it is voluntary compliance and not a draft system, but I do see your point. Untrained soldiers going against the trained Russian military with better weaponry and tactics, it's asking for a death sentence. As pessimistic as it may be, Ukraine is better off conceding to Russia. They don't stand any chance against the Russian army without help from other countries, and they've received nothing. I don't get what Zelenskyy's end goal is here - how many Ukrainians need to die while Russia inevitably takes over the country. Oddly seeing insurmountable pile of propaganda clips, some perhaps not even from the current events, with what appears to be Ukrainian forces either killing or displaying dead Russian soldiers. Gives the impression that the Ukrainians will not get slaughtered if this continues on. Well, finally some Eurpean countries starting sending weapons, fuel and other aid to Ukraine, so, it's not true that they received nothing. Unfortunately, it's not enough. And yeah, there is lot of fake news and old videos spreading, but I saw many fresh made videos with dead Russian tropps and their destroyed tanks, cars and BTR's. Ukraine have victims too... BTW, I think he might be able to overrun and occupy the country, but for how long? Ukrainians will be killing them every chance they get a clean shot.
I think he started an unwinnable war.
Yes, Ukraine isn't going to give up. Maybe they will occupy Ukraine, but people will still resist. |
|
|
|
Ukraine government started accepting Bitcoin, Ehtereum and USDT donations. If you want to help, here is information: https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1497594592438497282I'm also proud that people in my country donated over €4 million just in few days to Blue-Yellow organisation which supply aid to Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en/I know it's spot in the sea, but I think it's biggest donation campaign in my country history. The most damaging thing the West could do without putting boots on the ground would probably be to confiscate Russia's central bank reserves like the US did with Afghanistan's central bank.
If you wanted to get rid of Putin ASAP, I think the most effective thing that could be done would be to put a $1 billion bounty on Putin's head, plus a promise of immunity for any past misdeeds. You have to imagine that many of Putin's close associates would rather this nutcase be dead. The West was more-or-less fine with Russia's internal authoritarianism, and Russia's oligarchs had a good thing going, but now Putin has screwed it all up for them. All of these sanctions are clearly designed to eventually make Russians angry enough to get Putin toppled, but a bounty+immunity would be a lot more effective. (I think that issuing this sort of bounty would be considered an act of war, though.)
Well, actually, it's happening. US is considering to freeze reserves of Central Bank of Russia - over $643 billion: https://gazettengr.com/u-s-considers-freezing-650-billion-reserve-of-russian-central-bank/It's easy to tell ask for Putin's head. But c'mon, this guy have nuclear weapon button and considering from his recent actions, he completely lost his mind. Nobody is going to risk that much. Won't that cause an increase in oil prices in Europe though? Russia is one of the largest exporters of CNG, while Europe also imports oil, at a decent percentage. The war itself already skyrocketed oil and gas prices, however, wouldn't these sanctions lead to a further increase in prices, in the near future?
Talking about the financial repercussions is the least important thing when people are literally dying, however, it was a question I wanted to ask, since Russia is one of the largest exporters in that industry.
No doubts that it will increase oil and gas price in Europe. But I think it's simply not acceptable to feed country which literally started war. Sanctions against Russia will hurt Europe too, but every decision have it's price and priorities should be chosen. As some others have said already, banning Russia from SWIFT isn't very useful, and may in fact be counterproductive long-term. Banning them from SWIFT is like this: Imagine that most of Russia's exports were sent to the outside world via UPS, and you ban Russia from using UPS. It's very disruptive short-term (for both sides of the trade), but they're just going to switch to Fedex or whatever. Banning Russia from SWIFT is like that: it's short-term very disruptive, but it's not that hard for Russia to find an alternative, and long-term the ban weakens SWIFT. Banning Russia from SWIFT sounds like you're banning sending money to Russia by any means, but it's not. The West could ban sending money to Russia by any means, but Europe is highly dependent on Russian imports, so they're just going to pretend to "completely cut off Russia" by banning them from SWIFT.
The most damaging thing the West could do without putting boots on the ground would probably be to confiscate Russia's central bank reserves like the US did with Afghanistan's central bank.
If you wanted to get rid of Putin ASAP, I think the most effective thing that could be done would be to put a $1 billion bounty on Putin's head, plus a promise of immunity for any past misdeeds. You have to imagine that many of Putin's close associates would rather this nutcase be dead. The West was more-or-less fine with Russia's internal authoritarianism, and Russia's oligarchs had a good thing going, but now Putin has screwed it all up for them. All of these sanctions are clearly designed to eventually make Russians angry enough to get Putin toppled, but a bounty+immunity would be a lot more effective. (I think that issuing this sort of bounty would be considered an act of war, though.)
I was surprised that Kyiv didn't fall last night, and I keep hoping that the Russians are somehow fought off, but it's almost unimaginable that Kyiv isn't going to fall eventually. The force differential is just too large. If Zelenskyy is dedicated to the idea of Ukraine fighting a protracted resistance in the same vein as Afghanistan or Vietnam, he should record a really good speech to broadcast after he is inevitably killed by the Russians, so that he can become an ideal martyr.
Kyiv did not fall because of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14gVDF2b1vAIf you know Russian, you will be pissing your pants. I did. Hilarious clip. Looks like Russians are not very well prepared. Lack of communication. They don't know where they are going, or what the current situation is. Russian POWs said that some troops are dumping fuel from their tanks not to advance into Ukrainian territory, to avoid being killed. Putin must be furious. It's simply hilarious. But I'm very surprised that Russian army is so poorly prepared. From what I read, they never had so many victims in such short time in any other war since WW2. But I have bad feeling that they don't show their real potential. |
|
|
|
I just want to say that's good that Ukraine have true leader, which is their president Volodymyr Zelenskyy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0-Yeqh4PFYHe isn't hiding anywhere or didn't ruined away from country. He is doing for his country everything what he can, despite that he now is target no. 1 for Russia. There is unofficial information that today in talks with Western leaders he said that it may be last time when they see him alive. Also, former president, billionaire Petro Poroshenko also didn't run away like many oligarchs. Today he was on Kyiv streets with riffle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEemYjYRYsgNot only that. They should be confiscating all assets of Russian nationals and companies outside of Russia, period.
Western multinational companies have to leave Russia or be banned from doing business outside of Russia.
Arrest all Russian government officials outside of Russia. UN convoy, Russian diplomats. Confiscate their assets.
Impose a travel ban on all Russian citizens. Freeze assets of all financial institutions that use the SPFS payment system.
Cancel all flights to/from Russia. Issue an international arrest warrant for Putin, his family, and his associates.
You're right, thanks for expanding my point. But considering how things are developping, it won't happen. Europe rather will buy more gas from Russia, rather than imposing serious sanctions. Russian Grand Prix cancelled!
Russia stripped of Champions League final, which will now be played in Paris!
How'd ya like that, Putin?
The west stands with you, Ukraine (albeit several thousand miles away, in absolute safety).
This is the about the extent of the response so far, which highlights the powerlessness of the west. Nothing to stop Putin, nor even to encourage him to slow down.
They also banned Russia from Eurovision song contest.It definitely will stop Putin. Ukraine were left alone. But West don't understand that Ukraine may be not final destination for Russia. The Ukraine government has asked its citizens to make Molotov cocktails. If citizens make these (and use them against the Russian military) in large enough numbers, the invasion would quickly get expensive for Russia in terms of soldiers and military equipment.
I don't think so. I think that it may end with more deaths of civil people. People wth Molotov cocktails in hands and no war experience can't do much damage to professional army. While Russian army may start not to pay attention whether it's Ukrainian soldiers or civil people and attack them. Why does every war always involve America in it and act like a 'hero' for an oppressed and weak country? Is it true that America wants to help Ukraine to avoid war? Or is it America that wants this war to happen so that its influence can expand and it can bring down Russia without sacrificing its own people by 'choosing' the location of the war in Ukraine? Brilliant Scenario supported by Media that is easy to pay, perfect!
Offcourse, US started war in Ukraine, who else... Russia simply had no choice other than invasion of Ukraine. What a bulshit... |
|
|
|
|
Europa league round of 16 draw has been made:
Barcelona vs. Galatasaray. As Barca fan, I'm very happy about draw, after Napoli it's great great opponent.
Rangers vs. Crvena Zvezda Belgrade. Rangers made surprise by kicking out Borussia. Zvezda is good them, but Rangers shouldn't be unhappy about draw.
Braga vs. AS Monaco - Bragga struggled against Sheriff, even n ot best looking Monaco is favorite against them.
FC Porto vs. Lyon - Porto look very strong this season, they're favorites here.
Atalanta vs. Bayer Leverkusen -it definitely going to be fun, but I'm not going to predict something here.
Sevilla vs. West Ham United - most interesting pair for em.
RB Leipzig vs. Spartak Moscow - Leipzig coach Tedesco against his former team, interesting stuff.
Real Betis vs. Eintracht Frankfurt - Betis is definitely favorite here, though, I don't understimate Eintracht too much despite poor results in Bundesliga.
|
|
|
|
Barca is back! What a win away against solid Napoli team. It was pure joy to watch our game today. Happy to see Zenit getting kicked out from competition by Betis. Dinamo Zagreb made upset by beating Sevilla, but minimal win wasn't enough after loss 1:3 in first leg. Didn't expected comeback from Braga, they send game to extra time which is in action now. It's completely on side game. Rangers - Borussia was fun game, but Dortmund didn't even managed to win and they're eliminated. When they will do the draws?
Tomorrow. |
|
|
|
|
Russian forces took control of Chernobyl. This vis very concerning thing and danger not just for Ukraine, but for whole Europe. And they probably are going to use Chernobyl card to blackmail Europe.
Where is sanctions? These things made by EU and USA isn't sanctions, it's just attempt to show that they're doing something. And Putin probably is laughing from it. It's time to isolate Russia from world. Block them from SWIFT system, stop import to Russia, remove them from all international organizations, stop all flights to Russia. But they don't have balls for it. Best what they could is tell that they're "deeply concerned"
Слава Україні!
|
|
|
|
|
Can't wait for Napoli - Barca game. I'm a bit worriedbut recently Barca playing well, even first leg was good, we just wasted so many chances. I think that chances is 50/50
I really wish Betis win today against Zenit. I think that after Russia startedwar in Ukraine, their clubs shouldn't be playing in international competitions.
Real Sociedad - Leipzig is unpredictable game, though, I would say that Leipzig is slightly favored. I bet on BTTS hyere @1.65.
Lazio - Porto - I take BTTS here too.
Rangers - Borussia. I expect that Dortmund will win, but it wopn't be enough to go further.
|
|
|
|
Benfica were way better than I expected, especially in 2nd half. Draw is well deserved result, but Ajax is still favorite. I had Ajax ML, but at least over 2.5 goals bet went easy. Anotony tried to make Zidane, but Darwin Nunez deserves Oscar for best acting  . Had Atletico - MU on second screen, so, can't full comment game. From what I saw, result reflect game more or less. Had BTTS here. |
|
|
|
It's very interesting to watch photos from testing day. Design of cars looks so much different. Just look at sidepods - all look different, but design of Red Bull is something radical. Front wings design and it's angles interesting too, for me Aston Martin front wing looks most interesting. And rear wing with open DRS - it's such massive. Never been so interested in pre season testing like this year. Pity that in Barcelona there is no tv coverage and live timing. |
|
|
|
I think that this is a first complete round that I finished without any points
cannot say that all results were unexpected, but obviously were not "my cup of tea"
on the other hand, had been solid with both-to-score on bookings, seems as 1:1 now a favorite score in Calcio
I think for me it's also first time when I got 0 points from full round. And it wasn't enough to get wooden spoon . You'fe right that not all games were big upsets, some just were 50/50 games. But it's difficult to remember similar story from top 5 league when all first 7 teams on table fail to win their games. |
|
|
|
As long as they can plant pro-Russian politicians it makes things easier because it will be under the guise of a sovereign nation making its own foreign policy decisions. It won't look like an invasion, it will just look like what Viktor Yanukovych did and his attempts to establish closer ties with Russia. Of course, he was oust after riots and fled to Russia so things did not work out, but Putin is a very evil and sadistic man that is willing to risk global conflicts to restore Russia's reputation, so the bar is set very low.
Latvia and Lithuania is bit different thing than Ukraine. As said above, it's a bit difficult to imagine invasion of Russia into NATO country. You have a point about pro-Russian politics in these countries. But at least in Lithuania they don't have much chances to get elected. Usually they get something like 1% of votes in elections. Latvia is a bit different story because 24% of their population is Russian people. But still, it would be very difficult for pro-Russian politics to get majority in elections. |
|
|
|
|
That super early Vlahovic goal was shock for Villarreal. But it didn't broke team and they managed to make score 1:1. I think this result reflect game very well and draw away isn't bad result for Juve.
Didn't watched Chelsea game, but result is more or less expected. 2:0 win at home is serious staement before 2nd leg game.
|
|
|
|
All because your expectations are based on your nationalist mentality, and on far-right statements about an ideal society. If your foggy mind would see the difference between expectation and reality, you would understand that the current lines of demarcation and the historical administrative-territorial division used in the USSR, which was later used in Ukraine, are two different things. Therefore, claiming or trying to seize that part of the Donetsk region that is under the control of Ukraine is tantamount to full-scale military operations.
Nope, this things isn't based on my mentality or something else. It was said by Putin. They recognize Donbass and Luhansk border line which is written in their constitution. And in constitution it's not front line. They are using border line which is made by Ukraine long time ago, way before all conflicts and it's whole teritorry of Donbass and Luhansk. How they are going to take control of it, it's open question. Putin mentioned negotation. |
|
|
|
Well, I think it should be obvious. If you know that language, I don't see any reasons why you shouldn't be allowed to post in local board. It's not that you're asked to show passport to prove that you're citizen of that country to get petmission to post. Offcourse,if you decide to post there, it would be good to be familiar with local stuff like regulations, news, some services and etc. What I would like us to put into consideration is the purpose of creating different local boards in the forum. The reason I think is not to show who is an expert in languages. I also think that it is not a dating sub section where you meet partners and friends. It is advisable that you stick to a particular local board, familiarise there rather than involving in multi lingual contest. Since there are no laid down rules about this, maybe it is allowed and not with the aid of translators.
Wouldn't agree that's not dating sub section. I'm not talking about Tinder stuff. But if you have business and want to expand it to foreign countries, look for business partners, or simply post localised version of ANN thread - local boards may be very useful for you. From the forum side, there is no prevention except using Google transactions translate.
FTFY  |
|
|
|
So who else thinks Juventus 3/1 ML is great value?
Sure, Villareal's done really, really well, to reach this stage after finishing 7th in La Liga last season (and in 6th now actually so we know they're not really a different or better outfit than they were last).
Just to remember, this is the team that forced a draw to United and won their CL ticket on penalties.
That good enough to take them to UCL Qs? I don't think so.
I know that you like such big value bets, but it's not for me. No way that I would back Juve today. They're not looking much better than Villarreal. I think will be not most exciting and low scoring game, so, I go with 2.5 under. I expect confident Chelsea win today. They're in good run now, while Lille, with all respect is just mediacore Ligue 1 team. Over 2.5 @1.90 isn't bad value, right? |
|
|
|
Ahem... wasn't Lithuania technically "part of another country" when it was recognized by Iceland in 1991?  Well technically Lithuania announced indpendence in 1990, while Iceland and other more than 40 countries recognized our indpendence in 1991. But I doubt that these things can be compared. Lithuania were independent country before Soviet occupation. While Donbass and Luhansk basically has no history, it's not separate nation. It's just a region filled with Russian and Ukrainian nationality people. If the disputed territories had mostly Ukrainian nationalists, I don't think that Russia could hold it long-term (even if they could win every single battle fought). But the issue is that a sizable percentage of the population in those regions supports Russia. And if Ukraine is too weak to retain the territory, Russia is willing to exert force to take it, and many more residents are willing to fight for Russia than against Russia, then it seems inevitable that the territories will go to Russia.
It's good point. Fact that big part of population there is pro-Russian people is one of main problems for Ukraine and why they can't do much. And this is why I think that Russia won't go more far into West because there is much more pro-Ukrainian nationalist. The question is how much further will Putin move into Ukraine. It's possible that he will play tough for a few months and "negotiate" to get Luhansk/Donetsk/Crimea recognized as part of Russia by the West in exchange for a peace deal. But in a sort of macabre way, it would probably be better for Ukraine in the long run if Putin tried to move further. This could bankrupt Russia and end up with a complete withdrawal like Afghanistan in 1980s. At a huge cost to both sides.
As I understand, Russia recognize whole Donbass and Luhanks as independent state. But actually, separatists have basically half of region under their control. If you will look at map and frontline, remaining part of region is controlled by Ukraine: https://www.polgeonow.com/2020/09/ukraine-war-2020-map.html. So, I expect that Russia will try to take remaining part of Donbass and Luhansk with cities like Mariupol or Kramatorsk. I don't believe that West would recognize these regions in exchange for a peace. Actually, it was big surprise for me that Germany put sanctions connected with Nord Stream 2. I expected just tradional phrases that they're ''deeply concerned. And complete bankrup for Russia sound like uthopia for me. As for Putin’s rating, it’s too early to talk about it, but it’s safe to say that he will receive real support from the population on the eve of the elections in 2024, but not earlier. The population of any country likes high-profile victories, especially if there are no victims in these victories, so I won’t be surprised if Donetsk and Lugansk turn to Putin with a request to be included in Russia through a referendum, and most importantly ... Putin will go for meeting.
I beleive that Putin is a hero for Russian people, same like when he took Crimea. But is it really win for Russia? What is cost of it. Falling ruble, sanctions - if these sanctions with Nord Stream 2 will really happen, it will be big thing. How much money they will have to put into destroyed region and it's economy. And no victims, I wouldn't say so when during conflict thousand of separatists and Russian soldier were killed. And Donetsk and Luhanks request to join Russia - it's just matter of time. |
|
|
|
So, Putin today officially recognised Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics as independent stats. It's something unbeleavable how president of one country can simply decide that part of another country will be independent state. With this action he probably will find reason to justify sending Russian troops to Donetsk and Luhansk to protect people from "regime" of Ukraine. And later simply accept these states into Russia like they did with Crimea. In Putin speach there was lot of shit said, like threat from Ukraine to make nuclear weapon. The problem is that Ukraine likely cannot win a war against Russia if Russia is willing to continue any war it is fighting. Ukraine can possibly make the war too bloody for Russia to continue, and eventually win when Russia withdraws. Even if Ukraine did win this way, they would still incur heavy losses themselves. So trying to avoid an invasion is in Ukraine's best interest.
Yeah, Ukraine can't win war against Russia. But now Russia is spreading agenda that Ukraine will attack Eastern region which is under control of separatists. How stupid it would be when there probably 170k or more Russian troops dislocated by the border. Avoiding invasion is best interest for Ukraine, but they don't have many tools in their hands when they have such neighbour. |
|
|
|
four goals in the end, and Bilbao trashed Sociedad, who would see that coming after 60 minutes
they were a bit better whole match, but scored almost all opportunities after first goal, nevertheless missing penalty in first half
Celta is closing this round tonight, should be an easy home win, but Levante won in Madrid, and maybe they could repeat the upset
It was difficult to expect such result, especially after 60 minutes, maybe result don't fully reflect game. IMO, Inaki Williams is one of the most underrated players in league. Don't believe in Levante today, but already on first minutes they had crazy open miss. |
|
|
|
|
And I'm yet to get first point in this round. I thought about changing Cagliari - Napoli result to draw, considering all these upsets in this round. But then decided to go with Napoli win because it can't be so many surprises in single round. Yeah...
@Trofo, BTTS in Napoli game was difficult one, Napoli didn't looked good and scored just in the end. But congrats. Personally, this season I fail to make such good decisions most of time like never before. Probably I need to make short break in betting.
|
|
|
|
|
Show Posts
