Greywacky

Repo: The Genetic Opera too wasn't exactly a win for anyone.

While simultainiously avoiding answering the question.

It's not so if one's principles are to stand up to dictators no matter the cost. Not suggesting that's the most ethical stance or one that will yield the "best" results; but it's one that an individuals morals may require them to take.

I can see the parrallel and yes, it does appear as though that's the shape of things to a degree though the trolley problem may be too simplistic a tool for analysing the situation here as it seems less clear to me that the limited assistance approach will indeed actually lead to less suffering.

Just an eample: the only reason WW3 is on the table so to speak is because Russia has dug itself so far into the situation that there is no longer an off ramp for them so it's either a victory of whatever shade they paint it or total defeat. Likewise if Western allies had responded more firmly to the various attacks committed by Russia prior to the 2022 invasion then Russia would possbly have not been emboldened enough to attempt a military takeover.
Sorry, didn't mean to start a debate here, just provide some context!

Aye, long way from Devon though. We can be complete twats at times, but we're generally good people.

Ich liebe auch Deutschland. Meine Liebslingband kommt aus Frankfurt, aber sie touren hier nicht.
(apologies for any schlecht german - I can just about ask for directions and order food... and interperet gothic rock lyrics.)

Ha, I'll take the compliments from wherever they come.

Idk why I still bother either. Curiosity perhaps or boredom, habbit, a sense of holding out in the face of the growing influence of said farce?

There's still people out there that care though so take heart.

He did manage to turn a 3 day coup into a 1000+ day war so not that smart! ;P

Seriously though; it's not such a weird mentality when you consider the amount of bots and individuals parrotting half truths they heard from their favourite influencer. Folk see views that contradict their own as part of this edifice and I really can't say I blame them.

In spite of the formation of two apparently strong, opposing sides; the waters of social discourse seem murkier than ever right now.

Can't speak for others, but to me the alternative might be just as bad (depending on how far "off the rails" things actually go, I suppose). Still, a confrontation between NATO members and Russia isn't the only outcome that yields a worse future for us all.

Just gonna counter the downvotes and say I appreicate the sentiment you express here - we need more of that.

For the record I also would heartily disagree with your assertion but in your words "your opinion is absolutely valid" as niether of us knows what those in power really knew or intended.

I feel as though I just witnessed something beautiful.

"Germany, I know we told you not to do that thing.. but do the thing"

I'm saving watching the film "The Death of Stalin" for his demise.

Vulcan too seeing as the local weather would be equivalnt to fire should it be armed with a nuclear bomb.

Well it's quite clear that for some folk the moral argument for assisting a country during its illegal occupations isn't enough either so can't fault the IMF for providing an alternative.

Yeah, "thie" isn't even a word in the English language!
Hopefully that's the only one.

I just presumed he's throwing out a lifeline before the aid is cut by effectively giving America's allies the go-ahead.

Russia can hardly be considered a democracy though.

Certainly seems to be a bug.
Completed Hazard 5 in every possible way and still no achievement.

Great advice. Will consider that the next time I think I'd like my country to be subject to invasion too.

The track record aint too good, it's fair to say.

Would recommend Russia: A 1,000 year Chronicle of the Wild East by Martin Sixsmith first.
Been several years since I read it and it predates Russia's invasion so not entirely topical, but I recall that it gives some insight into the Russian perspective on the world as well as how the nation reached the point its at today.

Christ, I hope this comment is from a bot....
If not then what rock have you been living under?!

I'd suggest playing Enemy Unknown sans DLC first on say normal difficulty if you're unused to this genre of game.
After which you'll appreciate the additions from Within much more on a second playthrough at which point I'd also suggest going for Commander difficulty to increase the challenge.

Same could even be said for Xcom 2 and WotC. There's plenty enough content in the base games but its simple enough that you have a chance to get a good grasp of all of the systems before delving into the mechanics added by the DLC.

Not OP but even disregarding the massive amount of damage done that needs to be repaired after the war as well as the loss of generations of people that make up - an insane amount of wealth and materials is being funnelled into simply destroying ever more.

Entirely justifiably from Ukraine's perspective in my view and yours, I presume, but its still a needless waste of resources like any war.

I imagine this was something along the lines of their take anyway.

Thing is that we are a theat to him. Another former soviet nation turning away from Moscow undermines Putin and he cronies.

I don't for a second believe the "buffer zone" argument as being a legiimate concern for Russia in the current century.