AndreasHG

Democracy has never been questioned in Ukraine. And the Ukrainians are brave soldiers, who sacrificed themselves for the territorial integrity of their country. But just like the Finns in the Winter War against Stalin's murderous armies, the Ukrainians also have to deal with the fact that the enemy is vastly larger and willing to sacrifice many more humans to add land to the landmass they already control. And just like Finland after the Winter War, Ukraine will eventually prosper, with a growing economy, close ties with the EU and a robust democracy. Russia, on the other hand, will remain the cesspool it has always been. Only a little bigger this time, and depopulated by a few hundred thousand young people sent as cannon fodder to the front.

We should collectively care. In 1991 Ukraine had the world third nuclear arsenal stationed on its territory. Giving in to international pressure, Ukraine agreed to renounce its nuclear power status, and to join the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, in exchange for assurances regarding the respect for its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Co-signatories of the agreement (Budapest Memorandum) were the United States, Russia and Great Britain, with endorsement from France and China. Of the three signatories, only the United Kingdom has supported Ukraine with consistency and admirable courage, through several conservative premierships and a labor one. France also has bravely supported Ukraine, despite not being a signatory of the Memorandum. The Biden administration, on the other hand (and it's my opinion), has been too hesitant and duplicitous in supporting Ukraine, despite the USA clearly accepted the role of being the main guarantor of Ukraine sovereignty against any Russian pretense or aggression. Please note that the Budapest Memorandum provided Ukraine with assurances with regards, among the others, to: 1. Respect the signatory's independence and sovereignty in the existing borders. 2. Refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of the signatories. 3. Refrain from economic coercion designed to subordinate to their own interest the exercise by Ukraine of the rights inherent in its sovereignty and thus to secure advantages of any kind. Nowhere was agreed that Ukraine shall never join NATO or be part of the EU. In fact, being independent and sovereign gives Ukraine the right to choose its place on the international stage. Russia had no right to object nor to start its criminal war against a sovereign nation.

Here is Marco Rubio's 2016 press release on the topic: Rubio Campaign Press Release - Donald Trump Proudly Outsources Jobs To China, Mexico & Other Countries | The American Presidency Project And yes, also Trump's 'God bless the USA' Holy Bible was printed in China, according to a number of sources including Fox61 Yes, Trump-branded ‘God Bless the USA’ Bibles were made in China | fox61.com

Trump is just a poor, unlucky president. Possibly the most misunderstood president of all times. His first term was characterized by COVID. The Chinese virus that took the United States by surprise and caused confusion and immense damage to the nation. For his second term, only God knows what the Chinese have in store. Let's hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Be fair: Jimmy Savile was not Egyptian, and sexual harassment is a major public threat against women in the whole of North Africa, not only in Egypt.

Poor Vlad. His conventional weapons have proven such a disappointment on the battlefield that all he has left is to brag about his nuclear arsenal, in the hope the world takes him seriously.

He came to the wrong country. Thailand has zero tolerance for sex crimes committed against women and minors. Mohamed Al-Fayed and Jimmy Savile were much wiser when choosing where to commit their crimes.

Two years ago, I opened my bank account with Bangkok Bank. I was in Thailand on a 90 days "O" non-immigrant VISA. I went to the branch located in the basement of the Exchange Tower in Asok. The documents required were: 1. A photocopy of my passport page with the picture, stamped and signed by my embassy consulate (I believe the purpose was to make sure my embassy knew I was in Thailand. They don't want to open bank accounts to people listed on the FBI "Most Wanted Fugitive" list). 2. The original of my passport and a second document (driving license or ID card, as proof of identity). 3. My apartment lease contract (as proof I planned to stay in Thailand for at least one year. They don't want to open bank accounts to tourists trying to save a few bucks in fees, by using a local bank account for payments while on holidays in Thailand). To open the bank account, I also had to deposit a small amount of money and in cash only (no transfer from another bank, no credit card, etc.). No, you don't. Why overcomplicating your task? I am a happy Bangkok Bank customer since then. I use the Bank app and I only visited their branch once in two years, to change my debit card from one issued on the JCB circuit (the one they issue by default) to a Mastercard one, plus twice for the retirement VISA renewal. For the VISA, Bangkok Bank has a branch conveniently located in the Immigration Division 1 Government Office in Bangkok. With regards to the App, it's at least on par with the apps offered by other banks I dealt with in Western countries.

The risk with this approach is that you see the trees but miss the forest. Every politician has, or had at some point, some good ideas. That's the reason Stalin, Mao, Hitler, Mussolini, Franco, Pinochet, Saddam Hussein, etc. still have fans today.

If you don't mind, I take the fifth. After all, Trump took it over 450 times to avoid self incrimination...

Jan 6, 2021 is evidence that yours is just wishful thinking. Another indication is the unusual high number of admitted and investigated drug users and abusers among his top picks. And yet another is Trump's first term, when the federal fiscal deficit exploded, and the seeds of inflation were firmly planted in the American economy. Don't get me wrong: I wish you and the USA the best. And I appreciate exchanging opinions with people whose optimism triumphs over experience and evidence.

LOL: your incurable optimism made my day 😁

I understand. For Putin and the Russians, anything short than handing over the Ukrainians unarmed, with their hands tied behind their backs and chains on their feet to prevent them from becoming dangerous, only makes things worse. Well, get over it: Things are set to be getting much worse for Russia... ..."drill baby drill" will suffocate your economy and make your aggression in Ukraine much easier to repel for the US NATO allies.

Also Ukraine isn't fighting Russia alone. It is fighting against the whole Axis of Evil (Russia, North Korea, Iran, China, Cuba, Venezuela, etc.). And yet, the Axis of Evil, has proved to be a paper tiger together with russia.

Germany to supply Ukraine with 4,000 AI powered Mini-Taurus, extended-range drones. Europe alone is enough to undermine Putin's imperialist goals. Germany to provide Ukraine with 4,000 AI-powered 'Mini-Taurus' drones, Bild reports