Russia, Russia, Russia

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Originally Posted by Rjk

now do Putin?

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The characterization of Vladimir Putin as a dictator is a subject of considerable debate and depends largely on one's definition of "dictator" as well as the political context one considers. Here are some key points to consider:

Centralization of Power: Putin has significantly centralized power around himself, particularly through roles like President and Prime Minister, and through control over key governmental and security institutions. He has also influenced or controlled the legislative process in Russia to a large extent.

Control Over Media and Elections: Critics argue that under Putin, there's been a significant erosion of media freedom, with many outlets either directly or indirectly controlled by the state or pro-government business interests. Similarly, there are allegations of election manipulation, though Putin's support in elections is also attributed to genuine public approval due to various factors like nationalism, stability, and international standing.

Political Opposition: Opposition leaders and critics often face legal challenges, harassment, or worse, like imprisonment or assassination. This has led to accusations that Putin stifles political opposition, a hallmark of dictatorial regimes.

Legal and Constitutional Changes: Changes to the Russian constitution, especially those allowing Putin to potentially remain in power until 2036, are seen by some as moves towards authoritarianism.

International Perspective: Various international bodies and human rights organizations have criticized Putin's governance for what they see as authoritarian tendencies, but these criticisms are sometimes countered by arguments about cultural differences in political systems or the need for strong leadership in Russia's context.

Support Base: Putin retains significant support within Russia for his policies, particularly those related to national security, stability, and international prestige. This complicates the narrative of him simply being a dictator since a portion of the populace supports his governance style.

Comparative Analysis: While Putin's rule shows authoritarian traits, comparing him directly to historical dictators might miss nuances like the complexity of modern governance, economic policies, or international relations where Russia plays a significant role.

In conclusion, labelling Putin as a "dictator" is controversial and depends on one's criteria for dictatorship. Some see him as an autocrat or strongman leader, others view him within the spectrum of modern authoritarianism, while his supporters might argue he's a necessary leader for Russia's stability and international positioning. Each perspective has its arguments, and the term "dictator" will be applied or rejected based on these varied interpretations.

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Originally Posted by Wales-Bales

Because he won't hold an election?

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No because he's a ****ing absolute nutcase

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Originally Posted by SLUDGE FACTORY

No because he's a ****ing absolute nutcase

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Looks like you don’t have the intellect or emotional intelligence to reply , yet again.

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Originally Posted by TWGL1

Looks like you don’t have the intellect or emotional intelligence to reply , yet again.

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I know you want to be a yank and you fancy Donald because he's big and tough and a real man

But he's a complete cttt

I am sorry if you don't like your hero being called nasty names but that's exactly what he is

And farage , your other poster boy for your bedroom wall , is the same

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Originally Posted by SLUDGE FACTORY

I know you want to be a yank and you fancy Donald because he's big and tough and a real man

But he's a complete cttt

I am sorry if you don't like your hero being called nasty names but that's exactly what he is

And farage , your other poster boy for your bedroom wall , is the same

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I don’t care for American politics, and certainly wouldn’t vote for Farage especially from a work perspective

But , it’s hilarious seeing you act such a child in every situation.

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Originally Posted by Heathblue

I'll do Starmer, he's a dictator

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in what way?

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Originally Posted by TWGL1

Can’t you just be quiet for once rather than stoking the fire �� You really do fit the typical definition of an on line troll

Stirs the pot and starts crying when called out.

Shhhhhhhhh !

As an aside only one side wants to continue the war , you putting boots on when the conscription draft is ordered ?

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'Stirs the pot then cries when called out'

What are you even talking about?

You don't believe the international space station exists... so you're a complete joke. You know that right?

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Originally Posted by Doucas

'Stirs the pot then cries when called out'

What are you even talking about?

You don't believe the international space station exists... so you're a complete joke. You know that right?

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Get your facts right …. I said it may do , it may not , and some of the footage looks Computer Generated

If it does , great , if it doesn’t, great
You’re a fool and an annoying worm you know that right?

Be quiet!

I love how Trump doesn’t mention what Putin has done ever, where to begin I guess, what with any opponents being killed or falling out of 10th floor windows or just poisoned somehow….no elections, media controlled….

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Originally Posted by Rjk

in what way?

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Cancelled elections
The Labour Party's 2024 manifesto outlined plans for local government reorganization, including the establishment of unitary authorities and directly elected mayors. However, it did not explicitly mention the postponement of local elections as part of this restructuring. The decision to delay elections in nine council areas was announced post-election by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, aiming to facilitate the planned reorganization

What a journey from McCarthyism to Trump

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Originally Posted by TWGL1

I don’t care for American politics, and certainly wouldn’t vote for Farage especially from a work perspective

But , it’s hilarious seeing you act such a child in every situation.

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The irony 😆

Grown man , wife , kids , great job apparently

Spends his time posting cobblers about conspiracies on a football website that very few people read , arguing with students, tramps and the feckless

And gets upset when he's wrong

But you're not childish

It's the others ! Them outside the wall !

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Originally Posted by caerkid

What a journey from McCarthyism to Trump

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God Bless America ����

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Originally Posted by Heathblue

Cancelled elections
The Labour Party's 2024 manifesto outlined plans for local government reorganization, including the establishment of unitary authorities and directly elected mayors. However, it did not explicitly mention the postponement of local elections as part of this restructuring. The decision to delay elections in nine council areas was announced post-election by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, aiming to facilitate the planned reorganization

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Is this one up there with the moon landings ?

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Originally Posted by SLUDGE FACTORY

Is this one up there with the moon landings ?

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Moon landings ? you dont believe that nonsense do you ?

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Originally Posted by SLUDGE FACTORY

The irony ��

Grown man , wife , kids , great job apparently

Spends his time posting cobblers about conspiracies on a football website that very few people read , arguing with students, tramps and the feckless

And gets upset when he's wrong

But you're not childish

It's the others ! Them outside the wall !

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Sounds like you’re a tad envious, and still very very odd despite getting banned ( imagine being such a low life to have a ban from a football messageboard and crawling back being worse than before )

You couldn’t make it up.

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Originally Posted by SLUDGE FACTORY

Is this one up there with the moon landings ?

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Originally Posted by Heathblue

Moon landings ? you dont believe that nonsense do you ?

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:hehe:

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Originally Posted by Heathblue

Cancelled elections
The Labour Party's 2024 manifesto outlined plans for local government reorganization, including the establishment of unitary authorities and directly elected mayors. However, it did not explicitly mention the postponement of local elections as part of this restructuring. The decision to delay elections in nine council areas was announced post-election by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, aiming to facilitate the planned reorganization

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yes, truly a dictator

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Originally Posted by TWGL1

Sounds like you’re a tad envious, and still very very odd despite getting banned ( imagine being such a low life to have a ban from a football messageboard and crawling back being worse than before )

You couldn’t make it up.

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I am not envious of you or your imaginary wife , kids and job

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Originally Posted by Doucas

I'm sure the right wingers in here will find a way to justify what he's said, they do it every single time no matter what.

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Exhibit A: post #37

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Originally Posted by TWGL1

Looks like you don’t have the intellect or emotional intelligence to reply , yet again.

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At least he doesn’t rely on ChatGTP to write his replies unlike some on here.

Exhibit A: post #37

Exhibit B: post #41

"dictator without elections"

"better move fast or he is not going to have a country left."

Trump further claimed that Zelensky had persuaded the U.S. to spend $350 billion on a war that "couldn't be won" and implied that Zelensky preferred to prolong the conflict to continue receiving U.S. financial support.

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Originally Posted by North Cardiff Blue

"dictator without elections"

"better move fast or he is not going to have a country left."

Trump further claimed that Zelensky had persuaded the U.S. to spend $350 billion on a war that "couldn't be won" and implied that Zelensky preferred to prolong the conflict to continue receiving U.S. financial support.

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the most worrying thing is all of these points seem to have come directly from the Kremlin.

many people disputing the $350 billion figure now also (except in Moscow)

Remember when questioning the Ukraine narrative made you a Putin puppet followed by instant cancellation? How swiftly the winds of propaganda change.

As Trump and Putin edge toward peace, the architects of this costly adventure—Biden, NATO, and the military-industrial complex—find their carefully constructed house of cards collapsing.

Three years into a conflict that was never meant to end, we face a moment of reckoning. Biden's war—and yes, it was always his war, stretching back to the 2014 Maidan coup when his son mysteriously landed on Burisma's board—is finally running out of steam. Not because of Russian might or Ukrainian weakness, but because the American puppet master has changed.

Trump's blunt warning to Zelenskyy to "move fast" or lose everything isn't just political theatre—it's an admission of what critical voices have said from the start. This was never about democracy or sovereignty. It was about power, profit, and the perpetuation of American hegemony through proxy warfare.

When this war began Labour Heartlands published Jacques Baud, essay - it first appeared (in French) at the respected Centre Français de Recherche sur le Renseignement. A literal translation appeared in The Postal (April 1, 2022).
Here we are 3 years later Bauds initial narrative is now the official version.
Jacques Baud, a former Swiss intelligence colonel and NATO expert who worked directly with Ukraine after 2014. His credentials are impeccable: UN Peace Operations Policy Chief, trained by American and British intelligence services, architect of the UN's first multidimensional intelligence unit. When he speaks, we should listen.

Baud exposes the fundamental lie at the heart of this conflict.

Now, as Europe's hawks find themselves excluded from peace talks, the truth emerges: billions wasted, thousands dead, and for what? So defence contractors could post record profits? So BlackRock could position itself to "rebuild" Ukraine? So Biden could play at being a wartime president?

The military-industrial complex's iron grip on our foreign policy is finally loosening—not through any democratic awakening, but through the cruel irony of Trump's isolationism serving peace better than liberal interventionism.
As we watch this deadly farce reach its endgame, remember: those who called for negotiation from the start were silenced, smeared, and labelled Putin apologists. Now, their warnings look like prophecy.

The question isn't whether peace will come—it will, because Trump demands it—but whether we'll learn anything from this expensive lesson in how the permanent war machine operates. When the next manufactured crisis appears on the horizon, will we remember how easily truth becomes the first casualty of war?

Read more...
https://labourheartlands.com/jacques...kraine-update/

#UkraineTruth #BidenWar #PeaceNow #WarMachine #ForeignPolicy

From facebook

4 percent of Ukraine support Zelensky according to Mr Orange

56 percent according to Polls today in Ukraine

I am siding with the far from perfect but definitely dignified Zelensky

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Originally Posted by SLUDGE FACTORY

4 percent of Ukraine support Zelensky according to Mr Orange

56 percent according to Polls today in Ukraine

I am siding with the far from perfect but definitely dignified Zelensky

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rather worryingly the 4% claim seems to have originated in Russia

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Originally Posted by Rjk

rather worryingly the 4% claim seems to have originated in Russia

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I suppose the only way to know how the population feels is when the peace process has concluded. If Zalenskyy remains in power when the next election is called then that would mean he is the right choice.

Same could be said for Putin ( if that ever happens ):sherlock:

You think they have fair, democratic elections in Russia?

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Originally Posted by SLUDGE FACTORY

4 percent of Ukraine support Zelensky according to Mr Orange

56 percent according to Polls today in Ukraine

I am siding with the far from perfect but definitely dignified Zelensky

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Which polls and who are running them?

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Originally Posted by Wales-Bales

Which polls and who are running them?

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Kyiv International Institute of Sociology is the source of the latest poll - measuring trust rather than support (although doubt there is a difference between the two):

https://www.kiis.com.ua/?lang=eng&ca...id=1496&page=1

The 4% support figure seems to have originated in an anti-Zelenskyy telegram channel where a small and hostile group of subscribers were asked if they trusted/supported him. That was picked up by Russia and amplified. It was then repeated and given the megaphone treatment by Trump.

It was like asking members of the English Defence League if they support Black Lives Matters!

Good to see Starmer at least showing some front to the orange idiot with that phone call to Zelensky

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Originally Posted by stevo

You think they have fair, democratic elections in Russia?

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Do they even have them? Surely not…what’s the point….

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Originally Posted by SLUDGE FACTORY

Good to see Starmer at least showing some front to the orange idiot with that phone call to Zelensky

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Think the ‘special relationship” has had it…..

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Originally Posted by goats

Do they even have them? Surely not…what’s the point….

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they had a presidential election last year - Putin won with 88% of the vote.

Putin got the constitution changed to allow him to stand at the election as he'd already won 2 terms previously.

Putin's major opponent Boris Nadezhdin who was standing on an anti war ticket was conveniently barred from standing due to "irregularities".

He got off lightly though as previous opponents have been arrested or killed.

Some big brain American Russian sympathisers, sound like a few people who frequent this forum.

https://x.com/highbrow_nobrow/status...77593749020826

I think part of the issue here, that we here in Europe don't fully appreciate is that the US is by far the biggest doner to Ukraine and for many Americans they simply have other priorities.

Most of us in Europe better understand the threat from Russia. Whether it's from seeing the war on our continent, greater impact on our food and fuel costs, to just having millions of people who lived under the oppression of Soviet communism, it's a threat that is far closer to home for Europeans, literally and figuratively.

Most Americans probably couldnt point to Ukraine on a map (and before we scoff, how many Europeans could point to Bolivia or Ecuador?).

We need to understand this thinking a bit more as I think it's driving a lot of the US governments thinking. Ie, "not our problem, but we are paying most for it".

Not saying that's the right way to think but I do think it's an issue and for many Americans I can see why they can think of better things to spend their money on.

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Originally Posted by jon1959

Kyiv International Institute of Sociology is the source of the latest poll - measuring trust rather than support (although doubt there is a difference between the two):

https://www.kiis.com.ua/?lang=eng&ca...id=1496&page=1

The 4% support figure seems to have originated in an anti-Zelenskyy telegram channel where a small and hostile group of subscribers were asked if they trusted/supported him. That was picked up by Russia and amplified. It was then repeated and given the megaphone treatment by Trump.

It was like asking members of the English Defence League if they support Black Lives Matters!

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There are some rumours floating about saying KIIS was funded by USAID.

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

I think part of the issue here, that we here in Europe don't fully appreciate is that the US is by far the biggest doner to Ukraine and for many Americans they simply have other priorities.

Most of us in Europe better understand the threat from Russia. Whether it's from seeing the war on our continent, greater impact on our food and fuel costs, to just having millions of people who lived under the oppression of Soviet communism, it's a threat that is far closer to home for Europeans, literally and figuratively.

Most Americans probably couldnt point to Ukraine on a map (and before we scoff, how many Europeans could point to Bolivia or Ecuador?).

We need to understand this thinking a bit more as I think it's driving a lot of the US governments thinking. Ie, "not our problem, but we are paying most for it".

Not saying that's the right way to think but I do think it's an issue and for many Americans I can see why they can think of better things to spend their money on.

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I don't think they would know where Bolivia or Ecuador are either.

The whole Sacoolas incident showed us exactly what the American government think of us. I was thinking the other day, we actually have very little in common with America as a country. Their politics is almost entirely alien to us. Lots of cultural norms don't cross over at all, society seems to be structured around a flag, an anthem and is wedded to religion/god. It feels like we have a lot in common because they speak our language and make lots of TV shows and films. We are sort of tied to them because we don't want to be tied to China.

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Originally Posted by Eric Cartman

I don't think they would know where Bolivia or Ecuador are either.

The whole Sacoolas incident showed us exactly what the American government think of us. I was thinking the other day, we actually have very little in common with America as a country. Their politics is almost entirely alien to us. Lots of cultural norms don't cross over at all, society seems to be structured around a flag, an anthem and is wedded to religion/god. It feels like we have a lot in common because they speak our language and make lots of TV shows and films. We are sort of tied to them because we don't want to be tied to China.

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You will be surprised how many brits are trump arse kissers

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Originally Posted by SLUDGE FACTORY

You will be surprised how many brits are trump arse kissers

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Yeah but I think that's just a desperation to be contrarian coupled with a lack of interest in politics/policy. If you put the filler and meandering aside the majority of what Trump says is factually incorrect but he says it with such confidence that his disciples believe it. This is precisely why I always try to shoot down the idea that politicians need charisma, that's literally the last quality you want from a politician if you want them to actually do any good.

I can't even begin to get in the head of someone who would vote for him.