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I did not apply my usual stringent research standards but it seems perhaps they are better off six feet under.Grrrrrr…..!!!!!
Leaked photo reveals gutted Taipan helicopters destined for the dirt
A leaked photo of dismantled Taipan helicopters slated for burial has reignited frustrations over a decision not to send the aircraft to Ukraine, but one army association says doing so would have been gifting the nation a "poisoned chalice".www.abc.net.au
I have to say that it's a scary thought, unlikely but getting more possible by the day.I'm becoming increasingly worried that on 21 Jan 2025, Putin invades Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and the response from the US is not that us others in NATO hoped for or at one time expected. It's like we're back to the interwar League of Nations with an increasingly isolationist US.
We have troops there now, but, then we had troops in Ukraine before they were withdrawn during Putin's sabre rattling prior to the invasion. One phrase that has gathered some cache in political circles over the past couple decades is "What's our exit strategy?" Which is loosely translated: When do we cut and run?I have to say that it's a scary thought, unlikely but getting more possible by the day.
I'm not. By Jan 2025 Poland will have more tanks and a more advanced air force than Putin, but the three Baltic Republics have little to stop Russia, nor does Bulgaria or Romania. And heck, Hungary may well simply avert their eyes as Russia marches through on their way to Romania. And if we believe NATO is still safe even with a disinterested and disengaging US, what about the Moldovans and Georgians? They're likely screwed if Putin feels he can hold the Ukrainians behind the Suvorkin Line while a neutered or uncertain NATO looks away as Putin storms through his non-allied neighbours in the name of protecting ethnic Russians.I'm fairly certain that Europe is quite capable of confronting Russia without the U.S. - considering how Ukraine neutered Russia's initial assault, attacking any NATO country means Russia has to fight them all and that will not end well for Putin.
Going out on a limb here, but if Russia drags NATO into the mix, I'm pretty sure that driving Russia back to their borders would most likely include any Russian elements in Ukraine.Just on a technical point as to the NATO powers, would such a stupid move by Russia then allow
NATO to gain permission from Ukraine to enter their territory to 'ensure the safety of the southern flank' ?
Some such thing anyway.
The other factor in this is Russia marches through - with what ?
Just on a technical point as to the NATO powers, would such a stupid move by Russia then allow
NATO to gain permission from Ukraine to enter their territory to 'ensure the safety of the southern flank' ?
Some such thing anyway.
This is leaving out the U.S. (and Canada), since the subject was that Europe could engage Russia on their own if need be.
This also exludes Turkey and Hungary for obvious reasons.
Turkey does not like Russiare
Short answer is Yes.
Not quite so short answer is yes, as long as it does not undermine/contradict the basic tenets of the NATO charter.
re
Turkey does not like Russia - do not forget that Turkey joined NATO (and has remained a member) largely because of the fear of Russian aggression in the Black Sea in general, and re the Bosphorus in particular. They are trying to sit on the fence a bit for political purposes (justified or otherwise) and due to their main supplier for oil and natural gas being Russia.
Also, for those who might not be aware, Turkey effectively has the 2nd or 3rd most powerful military of the European NATO members. They could clean the Russians out of the Black Sea and Crimea pretty much by themselves - if they wanted/had to. Short of using nukes there is little Russia could do to stop Turkey in their area of responsibility - although they could be seriously hurt if the Russian forces were allowed to concentrate on the Crimea/Black Sea front.
Obviously there is no guarantee, but I do not think there is much reason to worry about Turkey's allegiance.
"List of active Turkish Air Force aircraft - Wikipedia"
"Turkish Naval Forces - Wikipedia"
"List of equipment of the Turkish Land Forces - Wikipedia"
PS: Also, Turkey is 'steadily' becoming a country of 'haves', ie their economy is growing and they are merging more and more with the world of higher standards of living. They do not wish to lose that.
"Economy of Turkey - Wikipedia."
Ukraine was only able to with a lot of external support…something that remains the case today.I'm fairly certain that Europe is quite capable of confronting Russia without the U.S. - considering how Ukraine neutered Russia's initial assault, attacking any NATO country means Russia has to fight them all and that will not end well for Putin.
Don't confuse one man (Erdoğan) with the entire countryTurkey does not like Russia
That did not prevent them to acquire S-400 missiles.