sharksy

Here is a map for you https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russians_in_Ukraine It is from 2001, which I guess was the last time a census was done, maybe there is more "blue" areas since then.

Good article, I've read similar to this recently too. There was a Guardian article(can't find it) I read that residents in Bakhmut did not welcome Ukrainian troops, unlike, for example Kherson. This is not general knowledge, maybe the article was later pulled as it was not what people want to read?

Absolutely! - In an ideal world. Unfortunately, we don't live in that.

I usually enjoy reading your posts, but you are labelling me wrongly. I'm actually surprised you are quoting Aljazeera who are slightly pro-russian. Regarding the shelling: "On Friday, 11 July, two days before the shelling, 36–37 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in a Grad rocket bombardment.[5][6] In response, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced that for "every soldier's life, the militants will pay with dozens and hundreds of their own."[1]" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelling_of_Donetsk,_Russia You do realise that there were 2 Minsk agreements (different dates). Minsk1 was about peace between the Ukraine Government and the 2 separitist groups - but much wasn't implimented, hence a Minsk2 was necessary. Minsk2 was about withdrawing any heavy weapons, Russia claimed it didn't have any, so the agreement didn't apply to them.

Not an RT watcher here. Don't shoot the messenger, I'm simply flagging up that it's never really 100% one sides fault, 0% the other. The Minsk agreement failed because of the separatists:- "In late October, DPR prime minister and Minsk Protocol signatory Alexander Zakharchenko said that his forces would retake the territory they had lost to Ukrainian forces during a July 2014 offensive, and that DPR forces would be willing to wage "heavy battles" to do so" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minsk_agreements#:~:text=The Minsk agreements were a,forces playing a central part. https://historica.fandom.com/wiki/Donbas_War

Not at all, my own words. I'm unaware of what you mention above.

It's a funny old world. Isn't there a similarlity between Israel and Russia both stealing land? When one does it, nothing gets done about it, but the other.....

Do you realise that the war in the Donbas didn't start last year? It started many years ago. You do realise that Ukraine were shelling their own people in the Donbas region going back many years, closing down local TV stations etc. Just sayin

I feel like you are trolling me somewhat here - I already stated I do not support Russia. I suppose I should have posted a link in my original post referring to the fact to which I was trying to convey, in as much as nothing is really black + white. I can't find the Guardian article i read recently, but read the wikipedia entry under "Background" section to illustrate what I was alluding to. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bakhmut

Edward Snowden?

Whilst what you state is correct, the fact is areas of Ukraine would rather be ruled by Russia than Ukraine. Democracy is surely what the people want, not what the rules want. People of Scotland were given the vote the leave the UK, for example. The world would be a happier place if people were ruled by people whom they want to be ruled by.

When Ukraine liberated Kherson, the locals welcomed the troops as heros. This isn't neccessary happening everywhere, such as the current big battleground at Bakhmut. The war is a lot more complicated than many think. BTW, I'm not supporting Russia, just making a point.

Did get trapped in a bungalow with no other way out, other than up the steps. What a beatiful creature. Girlfriend was terrified so had to call hotel staff. I hope they released it safely, made my day!

I'm generally not overly impressed with Italian Pizzas. Unless in Naples. Best pizzas ever. Something in part to do with the local tomatoes

And Phuket. Flew there recently from KK with AirAsia

Judd Fairs in Hauy Kwang is a great place for a date!

I used to occasionally watch RT English, it showed stuff happening in Europe that wasn't in the mainstream news, however, it was only shown in order to be a "negative" slant to the west. Interestingly, in my recent one month's travels around Thailand, RT was blocked on all hotel channels - Except the Waldorf Hotel in Bangkok. That did surprise me. Having said that, breakfast was certainly aimed at the Chinese.

I ended up chatting to a young Russian and his GF about a month ago on a beach nr Sarasin bridge. He said Johnson and Truss Crazy, Putin good and Ukraine used to be Russian anyway. I quickly realised trying to have a sensible conversation would be a waste of time with this guy. Apparently, many Russian believe what Putin is doing is right (presumable, so long as they don't have to fight)

I recently did all the Hiltons (3) in Phuket, travelling around. First night or 2 I booked with Expedia, but Hilton Honors was always cheaper and claimed to refund double the difference if cheaper elsewhere. Other hotels, sometimes it was cheaper on Expedia, other times cheaper telephoning them. Don't think there is a hard and fast rule.

Couldn't tell you where it was in Phuket town, opposite a school I believe on the way to a outside car park, there was a sign advertising a blind masseur. I'd been suffering from neck and shoulder pains, and he certainly helped on that occasion. He seemed to know his stuff, not the same as your average massage. Not too far from "The Charm" restaurant if that helps.