Friday Diatribe #23…Hot Topic about War

[Twokidsnosleep]

Ok a really touchy subject here, but let’s wade into the Politics of war and see what people are thinking.
Many say “this is my hobby and I want no political topics in it” Fine, jog on if that is you, but I say F that, this affects us all, our world AND our hobby, behaviours and mental state. So let’s talk.
1. A post mentioned the kit manufacture ICM being based in Ukraine. More than likely the facility will not survive the invasion and many who worked there be there families as well. Thoughts?Any other modelling companies like this in Russia or Ukraine that will be affected by this war?
2. Will you boycott Russian model companies or Russian products?
3. Thoughts on Ukraine’s ability to withstand
4. Do you have family or friends at risk in Ukraine right now?
5. Are you worried about nuclear war? Chernobyl meltdown?
6. Is this situation solvable and what can be done?

Let’s keep this civil and intelligent.
If you don’t like the topic, skip this one and read something else

[digger303]

1. A post mentioned the kit manufacture ICM being based in Ukraine. More than likely the facility will not survive the invasion and many who worked there be there families as well. Thoughts?Any other modelling companies like this in Russia or Ukraine that will be affected by this war?
Well as you said there is ICM and Roden, Miniart, Masterbox,Riich,Armory and Ace on the Ukrainian side and in Russia there is the lovely Quinta studios everyone on loves, Red Iron, Zvezda,Dnepro Model shop and hobby.dn ( Belarus)

2. Will you boycott Russian model companies or Russian products?
Not really a issue as sales aren't a issue with the sanctions in place. So I will continue to buy from whatever stocks are available outside of Russia as these are a case of shutting the gate after the horse has bolted and it would only be hurting the local hobby shop owners.

3. Thoughts on Ukraine’s ability to withstand
They have done well it is inevitable that the greater numbers will overwhelm them. However if all the populace were armed with anti tank and aircraft capability in a copious quantities then Russian forces might have another Afganistan on there hands and would eventually withdraw. Of course sanctions might see Putin being disposed of by the Oligarchs and the Generals and then a withdrawal might occur.

4. Do you have family or friends at risk in Ukraine right now?
No, but I have a friend whoose sister still resides there. A cancer patient who now can't get treated.

5. Are you worried about nuclear war? Chernobyl meltdown?
A little yes, Russians shelling a reactor doesn't inspire confidence and then you have leader threatening the use of nuclear weapons. If Putin was backed into a corner he might very well push the button he seems to have no regard for anything except his own plans. It would be safer for all if he was executed by his own people.

6. Is this situation solvable and what can be done?
Putin is the problem, erasing him will be the solution. Maybe the Yanks could drop a satellite on him.... a mere accident

[Tomcat64]

1. A post mentioned the kit manufacture ICM being based in Ukraine. More than likely the facility will not survive the invasion and many who worked there be there families as well. Thoughts?Any other modelling companies like this in Russia or Ukraine that will be affected by this war?
Digger's list was more comprehensive than mine. I only had ICM, Masterbox & Miniart for Ukraine and Zvezda for Russia. I use Masterbox & Miniart figures a lot for my dioramas, and also have several Miniart vac formed dio kits in the stash. I've got one ICM kit in the stash which is of a Russian WW2 vehicle.
2. Will you boycott Russian model companies or Russian products?
If I'm honest I'm not aware of any Russian products that I use in general although there's always a small chance that our household gas supply comes that way. The UK is nowhere near as reliant on Russian hydrocarbons as the rest of Europe appears to be but that hasn't stopped fuel prices increasing exponentially over the past couple of weeks.

In terms of modelling, I've built one Zvezda kit and it went together really well but as I'm still in "no more new kits" territory there won't be anything added to the stash.
3. Thoughts on Ukraine’s ability to withstand
So far I've been humbled & impressed by the way the Ukrainians have held off the assault. How much longer they can hold out, especially if Russia throws their massive reserve forces into the conflict remains to be seen. That being said, even if Russia overruns Kyiv and claims victory they would have to throw more and more resources into trying to maintain control.
4. Do you have family or friends at risk in Ukraine right now?
I have friends & colleagues based in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary & Romania who are all understandably concerned about the situation on their borders and what happens if Russia does overturn Ukraine. With communist rule in Slovakia ending in 1989 my friends and their parents only too clearly remember life under that regime; speaking with one of them last week he told me that they liked having Ukraine as a buffer between them and Russia, but also understood that Putin liked having a neutral buffer between Russia & NATO which is ultimately one of the factors that has precipitated this invasion.

The company I work for also has a facility in Ukraine and are doing everything they can to try and assist them, however since the majority of the staff are "fighting age" males they haven't been allowed to try & leave the country.
5. Are you worried about nuclear war? Chernobyl meltdown?
Yes, I'm probably more concerned about this now than I was during the cold war in the early eighties. Putin's character is such that he cannot be seen to lose or lose face, and in my opinion he is absolutely unhinged enough to press the button, or launch indiscriminate biological attacks either within Ukraine or wider if he perceives a threat elsewhere.

As for Chernobyl, the events there in 1986 are considered one of the major factors in the final collapse of the Soviet Union so the site may well have a significant place in Putin's plans - especially if he really does intend to try & re-establish Russia's sphere of influence.
6. Is this situation solvable and what can be done?
This definitely seems to be one man's war and without Putin being personally removed from events I don't see how this isn't going to escalate before it is resolved.

The League of Nations was dissolved for being completely ineffective in its approach to Hitler in the 1930s and was replaced by the United Nations which ultimately did nothing when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and has continued to underestimate Putin's posturing since (and probably before).

[Twokidsnosleep]

Great start off guys, well done
Had no idea of the number of kit manufacturers from that area of the world

[KBF]

1. A post mentioned the kit manufacture ICM being based in Ukraine. More than likely the facility will not survive the invasion and many who worked there be there families as well. Thoughts?Any other modelling companies like this in Russia or Ukraine that will be affected by this war?

One company that comes in mind is the Ukrainian Scale Cars Production that makes alot of cool stuff.

2. Will you boycott Russian model companies or Russian products?

I will do more research before buying from Russia, they will in my book be the last choice.

3. Thoughts on Ukraine’s ability to withstand

They can withstand, but it will be at a high cost. They have the advantage that the battlefield is their own turf. They are defending and they can dig in. Russia can and will try to surround the major citys and capture them, but the amount of resistance the Russians will meet will be mind blowing. Urban warfare is hard, dangerous and de-moralizing when the Ukrainians digs inn and defend their land.

What the losses on both sides will be, is a number that will be high.

I find the fighting spirit and determination by the Ukrainians inspiring. They do show that one of the worlds most powerful armies perhaps isn´t all that powerful after all when it comes to regular combat and not the long range missile shooting. There is more boots on the ground than cruise missiles in the air.

4. Do you have family or friends at risk in Ukraine right now?

Thankfully no!

5. Are you worried about nuclear war? Chernobyl meltdown?

Im not worried about nuclear war, simply because that will affect every one in Europe in a negative way. Not just the land that is attacked but even the attacker. And I think that no leader reasonable or insane will risk this.

The thing that is worrying is the powerplants that can come in crossfire and be damaged or worse, meltdown. That is more likely in my opinion a scenario that can happen than nuclear bomb attack.

6. Is this situation solvable and what can be done?

It is solvable, every thing is. Problems are made to be solved.

Russian leaders that have started this mess must realize that the world will cut their ties with Russia and that it will affect the citizens in Russia, and if this goes to far, uprising and perhaps violent demonstrations will occur. The economical sanctions is doing the work already and I think its a great way to say "F-you Vladimir for doing this"
The messed up thing is that in the end its the people of both countrys that will suffer in the end, and that can become a crisis on its own, well it already is.
The European countrys will embrase Ukraina and help them and Russia will struggle for years to rebuild the relationship and economy. Which also can evolve into a crisis on its own, but Russia will be on their own.

But the risk of losing face and credibility for Vladimir is something he will never accept. And that is scary. If the sanction war works he will face a war in his own country facing his own people and that too will be a mess.

[RangerNeil]

Lets have a go - apologies if anything is a tad contraversial. In the words of the song " War - what is it good for? Absolutely nothing". Apart from technology advances, population control, making a small number of people very rich and a large number of people very dead.
But to the questions/responses:

1. A post mentioned the kit manufacture ICM being based in Ukraine. More than likely the facility will not survive the invasion and many who worked there be there families as well. Thoughts?Any other modelling companies like this in Russia or Ukraine that will be affected by this war?

Digger did a good job listing affected companies. I would add ACAN paints to the list. Russian based firms will obviously survive physically unscathed. Ukranian ones will very much depend on where in the country are and how far the war goes before it ends/gets ended. We can but hope it ends before too much more. But either way the damage is done both for their employees and families as housing and infrastructure have been destroyed and news tonight seems to indicate the Russians are making a slow, determined but expensive attempt at Kiev.

2. Will you boycott Russian model companies or Russian products?

Kind of a redundant question at the moment due to the sanctions. After will depend on how it all ends. A lot of Russian people oppose the war but are keeping quiet because the State takes a dim view of nay-sayers. Once its over we'll see who says what.

3. Thoughts on Ukraine’s ability to withstand

Home team always have the advantage - local knowledge, motivation. In theory the Russians have the equipment advantage - but they've squandered it by using poorly trained conscripts and a sh*te logistics train. We can laugh at Ukranian farmers towing Russian hardware away because its run out of fuel - but viewed analytically its should never have happened. And the Ukranians know this and are exploiting it. They are leaving the assault hardware alone (unless its actually assaulting something) and tearing up the resupply convoys. Particularly the fuel tankers

4k Do you have family or friends at risk in Ukraine right now?

Yes sadly. The Living History scene is quite tight-knit and the Cold War Soviet group I am in has members in both Russia and Ukraine. We haven't heard from some of the guys for a while now.

5. Are you worried about nuclear war? Chernobyl meltdown?

I spent 7 years living under the threat of nuclear war. Far too often I got the phone call at work when things got too tense and had to walk out of home or work without daying anything, not knowing if all would still be there in 24 hours. So I was relieved when the threat receeded following Glasnost and Perestroika. Not happy we are being dragged back to those days. That said I feel the West is doing its best to keep tensions low. The question then becomes the "Why" of Putins actions Was it a cold calculated gamble? Or are the reports true about Putin being unwell.and affected by medication. If the latter all bets are off and we have to hope there are a few more V. A. Arkapov's in the Russian military.

Chernobyl won't another melt down but the Russians have cut the power to the Chernobyl plant so thereis arisk of leakage from fuel rods. Not as bad as the big bang but still not good.

6. Is this situation solvable and what can be done?

All problems are solvable given the will to do so and the preparedness to actually negotiate rather than issue ultimatums. Russia is haemorrhaging men and material,the Ukranians are smowly kosing land. At what point they will actually negotiate is anyones guess.

[digger303]

Great start off guys, well done
Had no idea of the number of kit manufacturers from that area of the world

There is a heap of smaller manufacturers from that part of the world I didn't bother to mention as they aren't very popular due to the low quality product and not widely stocked in hobby shops......eg Eastern Express, Mpm, Mir,Aim,Avis, Msd and more

[Pacman9a]

1. A post mentioned the kit manufacture ICM being based in Ukraine. More than likely the facility will not survive the invasion and many who worked there be there families as well. Thoughts?Any other modelling companies like this in Russia or Ukraine that will be affected by this war?
I think the list has been well covered already, quite a few companies already listed that I wasn’t aware of.

2. Will you boycott Russian model companies or Russian products?
Yes is the short answer but as I don’t think I have knowingly bought anything from Russia previously it’s not a major sacrifice on my part.

3. Thoughts on Ukraine’s ability to withstand
I hope they can hold out. As others have said they have home advantage and have passion and determination to defend their homes and country. I’ve been impressed by their President in both his actions and words.

4. Do you have family or friends at risk in Ukraine right now?
Thankfully no one I know is at risk. It is heartbreaking to see the women, children and old people being forced to flee their homes and cities and wonder at what they will return to if they ever make it home again.

5. Are you worried about nuclear war? Chernobyl meltdown?
I don’t think a full scale nuclear war will happen but I think Putin is more than capable of using smaller localised nuclear weapons as well as chemical and nerve agents against both civilian and military targets. There are other active nuclear power plants across Ukraine which may be a greater risk than Chernobyl if they are attacked.

6. Is this situation solvable and what can be done?
As the others have said, all problems are solvable but at what cost? And to who? Ukraine faces years of rebuilding once this war is ended even if it ended today. Responsibility starts and ends with Putin and his cronies but it is doubtful that they will pay the price.

I don’t know if anyone else has been affected like this but I had, before the invasion happened, been making a street scene with a ruined house and had been merrily added bricks and wood to make rubble piles. This has now been put away and I have lost my appetite for even looking at it. I know a loss of mojo is a very small thing in these awful times but it was striking how quickly it went away.

Paul

[Stokesy44]

Fascinating reading. Its good to know we're still capable of being articulate and analytical about this without the good old internet factor turning all into squabbling babies!!

I agree with pretty much everything that's been said.

As for sanctions, the goal has to be to make Russia a global pariah with zero outside trade and nowhere for their super rich to buy their fancy stuff and send their kids to posh western schools. Cut these people off from their money and how long will they support the guy in charge? I have my doubts about the possibility of a coup though.

My concern is Putin is like every Russian leader since 1917, he a product of The State. The individual does not matter, only the survival of the state (and by state I mean the tiny group of people at the very top). He will not care about losses provided objectives are taken and he doesnt lose face (Stalin 1941-45). The farce of saying this is about uniting the Ukrainians back to the fold of Mother Russia does not bare scrutiny given the attacks on civilians. Putin will keep going until he gets what he wants. Occupation. He'll then have to deal with an insurgency that could bleed the Red Army for years. Ukraine has a huge border with friendly western states so the west arming an insurgency will be a huge problem for him.

Sadly I cant see this ending any time soon, there's just no scenario that points to an early cessation of hostilities. Ukraine cant win because however successful they are (and they have been amazing) Putin will just throw more resources in and become even more indiscriminate in targeting civilians to get what he wants.

Nukes? He's an egotist and a narcissist, death does not appeal to him so I dont think Nukes are the issue. Other types of WMD are another story though, especially given the latest BS coming out of Russia about The West using Ukraine for chemical weapons development. A pretense for a chemical attack if ever there was one.

History teaches us that war is irrational, the one who starts it very rarely wins, its juts a question of how much blood and treasure is spent before its over. And that is what makes me sad/angry/helpless/hopeless about what will happen in the short to medium term in Ukraine.

I am sorry I have not answered all the original questions, I just wanted to get the above down in print.
David

[RangerNeil]

Was looking at a map last night after posting. In terms of a solution one leaps out that would - possibly - save face for Putin. Kiev sits on the major river, the Dnieper. Were Putin to take Kiev and secure the land East of the river he could issue a revised mission statement (be about the 4th or 5th so far so precedent exists) to say he had secured his "buffer zone" AND gained a land corridor to the Crimea. Whether the Ukranians would buy that is anyones guess. If they do I suspect any bridge over that river won't last very long.
The big issue for the Russians currently is the leadership has lied its collective a*r*es off to the front line troops. They've been told:
* It was a part of the exercise they were called up for.

* They were supporting the Ukranian people against an evil Gov't.

* They were fighting to de-Nazify the Ukrane as their forefathers did in the Great Patriotic War (WW2 to the rest of us)

* They were fighting Western "Imperialist" forces trying to take over Ukraine.

Unfortunately the troops being used are part of the reserve forces and tend on the whole to be smarter than the Professional Russian Army. The Ukranians have televised interviews with school teachers and lecturers who put 2+2 together the moment the so called friendly inhabitants started trying to blow their heads off and surrendered first chance they got. End result is the Russian forces are totally demotivated from junior NCO's down at least whereas the Ukranian military is VERY motivated. This can be seen in the lack of progress made thus far. Lets face it - the Soviet army - all conscript apart from the officers would be halfway across the Ukraine by now whereas the Russian Federation equivalent made up of conscripts with a core of hardened NCO's has't achieved much in the way of strategic objectives.
The British Army has a well earnt reputation for professionalism but I can safely say - in my day - had we been lied to as much as the Russians have today you could forget any major actions, we'd have been dug in saying "s*d this for a game of soldiers" waiting for the politicians to sort their clusterf*ck out.

Tomcat raised a valid point about the UN. The great fear in NATO states is if they intervene directly in anyway it could escalate into WW3. No one in power has suggested doing anything UN sanctioned though. I fail to see why, in the air at least, a UN force could not enforce a no fly zone using the airforces of non-NATO countries to remove that threat.

[digger303]

Was looking at a map last night after posting. In terms of a solution one leaps out that would - possibly - save face for Putin. Kiev sits on the major river, the Dnieper. Were Putin to take Kiev and secure the land East of the river he could issue a revised mission statement (be about the 4th or 5th so far so precedent exists) to say he had secured his "buffer zone" AND gained a land corridor to the Crimea. Whether the Ukranians would buy that is anyones guess. If they do I suspect any bridge over that river won't last very long.
The big issue for the Russians currently is the leadership has lied its collective a*r*es off to the front line troops. They've been told:
* It was a part of the exercise they were called up for.

* They were supporting the Ukranian people against an evil Gov't.

* They were fighting to de-Nazify the Ukrane as their forefathers did in the Great Patriotic War (WW2 to the rest of us)

* They were fighting Western "Imperialist" forces trying to take over Ukraine.

Unfortunately the troops being used are part of the reserve forces and tend on the whole to be smarter than the Professional Russian Army. The Ukranians have televised interviews with school teachers and lecturers who put 2+2 together the moment the so called friendly inhabitants started trying to blow their heads off and surrendered first chance they got. End result is the Russian forces are totally demotivated from junior NCO's down at least whereas the Ukranian military is VERY motivated. This can be seen in the lack of progress made thus far. Lets face it - the Soviet army - all conscript apart from the officers would be halfway across the Ukraine by now whereas the Russian Federation equivalent made up of conscripts with a core of hardened NCO's has't achieved much in the way of strategic objectives.
The British Army has a well earnt reputation for professionalism but I can safely say - in my day - had we been lied to as much as the Russians have today you could forget any major actions, we'd have been dug in saying "s*d this for a game of soldiers" waiting for the politicians to sort their clusterf*ck out.

Tomcat raised a valid point about the UN. The great fear in NATO states is if they intervene directly in anyway it could escalate into WW3. No one in power has suggested doing anything UN sanctioned though. I fail to see why, in the air at least, a UN force could not enforce a no fly zone using the airforces of non-NATO countries to remove that threat.

I believe Neil the problem with a no fly zone which would be located over the Ukraine how do you enforce it. The sticking point is the Ukraine isn't a NATO member. The minute the UN you starts shooting down Russian planes it's on for one and all. As it is if any Nato member sends troops in. It is no different and it has the potential to grow into a true world war lasting many years and desperate men do desperate acts. Of course Putin is playing on this too, but your comment refers to the UN.

The United Nations Security Council is charged with preserving world peace as one of it's duties. However the 5 permanent members all have the right to use there veto power.

"The veto power is controversial. Supporters regard it as a promoter of international stability, a check against military interventions, and a critical safeguard against United States domination. Critics say that the veto is the most undemocratic element of the UN, as well as the main cause of inaction on war crimes and crimes against humanity, as it effectively prevents UN action against the permanent members and their allies"

So Russia uses it's right to veto rendering the UN impotent.

[digger303]

Was looking at a map last night after posting. In terms of a solution one leaps out that would - possibly - save face for Putin. Kiev sits on the major river, the Dnieper. Were Putin to take Kiev and secure the land East of the river he could issue a revised mission statement (be about the 4th or 5th so far so precedent exists) to say he had secured his "buffer zone" AND gained a land corridor to the Crimea. Whether the Ukranians would buy that is anyones guess. If they do I suspect any bridge over that river won't last very long.
The big issue for the Russians currently is the leadership has lied its collective a*r*es off to the front line troops. They've been told:
* It was a part of the exercise they were called up for.

* They were supporting the Ukranian people against an evil Gov't.

* They were fighting to de-Nazify the Ukrane as their forefathers did in the Great Patriotic War (WW2 to the rest of us)

* They were fighting Western "Imperialist" forces trying to take over Ukraine.

Unfortunately the troops being used are part of the reserve forces and tend on the whole to be smarter than the Professional Russian Army. The Ukranians have televised interviews with school teachers and lecturers who put 2+2 together the moment the so called friendly inhabitants started trying to blow their heads off and surrendered first chance they got. End result is the Russian forces are totally demotivated from junior NCO's down at least whereas the Ukranian military is VERY motivated. This can be seen in the lack of progress made thus far. Lets face it - the Soviet army - all conscript apart from the officers would be halfway across the Ukraine by now whereas the Russian Federation equivalent made up of conscripts with a core of hardened NCO's has't achieved much in the way of strategic objectives.
The British Army has a well earnt reputation for professionalism but I can safely say - in my day - had we been lied to as much as the Russians have today you could forget any major actions, we'd have been dug in saying "s*d this for a game of soldiers" waiting for the politicians to sort their clusterf*ck out.

Tomcat raised a valid point about the UN. The great fear in NATO states is if they intervene directly in anyway it could escalate into WW3. No one in power has suggested doing anything UN sanctioned though. I fail to see why, in the air at least, a UN force could not enforce a no fly zone using the airforces of non-NATO countries to remove that threat.

I believe Neil the problem with a no fly zone which would be located over the Ukraine how do you enforce it. The sticking point is the Ukraine isn't a NATO member. The minute the UN you starts shooting down Russian planes it's on for one and all. As it is if any Nato member sends troops in. It is no different and it has the potential to grow into a true world war lasting many years and desperate men do desperate acts. Of course Putin is playing on this too, but your comment refers to the UN.

The United Nations Security Council is charged with preserving world peace as one of it's duties. However the 5 permanent members all have the right to use there veto power.

"The veto power is controversial. Supporters regard it as a promoter of international stability, a check against military interventions, and a critical safeguard against United States domination. Critics say that the veto is the most undemocratic element of the UN, as well as the main cause of inaction on war crimes and crimes against humanity, as it effectively prevents UN action against the permanent members and their allies"

So Russia uses it's right to veto rendering the UN impotent.

Wouldn't Harriers be in their element in this type of war......

[DRUMS01]

1. A post mentioned the kit manufacture ICM being based in Ukraine. More than likely the facility will not survive the invasion and many who worked there be there families as well. Thoughts? Any other modelling companies like this in Russia or Ukraine that will be affected by this war?

The only modeling company I have purchased from in either country has been Quinta. IMHO, this war will indeed impact all scale modeling companies in both countries, either by destruction of by crazy import sanctions and tariffs.

2. Will you boycott Russian model companies or Russian products?

Before I answer this I would need to find out if the sale by individual small companies provides any monies toward the military effort. I would like to keep in mind that the majority of the average people in Russia are minions jut like you and me. They are either brainwashed my the propaganda machine, against the war, or just trying to survive Putin's oppression. So I guess I would say that if a single ruble of any purchase goes towards the Russian military machine, I will not purchase anything. However, if small purchases from smaller manufacturers, like Quinta, have no bearing or profit for the Russian Government, than I would consider it.

3. Thoughts on Ukraine’s ability to withstand?

As an American military veteran and father of four (one deployed to the middle east sand box in the early 2000's), I am grateful for all of you who have taken the time to post here. I read information from every source available every day and it is a shame that most EVERYTHING we have available to read or view through mainstream news media is censored (CNN, CBS, ABC, BBC, Reuters, The Guardian, and many more) . One thing I have identified through this war is that the citizens and military (professional and voluntary) of the Ukraine are amazing people and I pray every day for a solution to end this war.

This is the first war that is being transmitted with this much world wide real time video/film exposure. It is also the first with this much open information as well as miss-information available to the free world. I say "free world" because as I understand it, one country has jailed thousands of its civilians if they speak their mind or protest against this war. They have also shut down all media that does not spout the countries official propaganda. As a matter of fact, their self impose dictator has also used his cronies to pass a law to jail anyone (read news agency or influencer) for 15 years minimum who speaks or broadcasts information that has not been approved by his dictatorship, specifically about the war, casualties, etc. For that reason any legitimate or reputable news or information agency has left that country.

Regardless of the spin or lies that country tries to tell the world, facts are facts, history is history, and evidence is above dispute. I ask myself, what would the USA do if it was attacked by a stronger military force with a scorched earth medieval invasion policy? I surely would hope we would look at the example being set by the people of the Ukraine as how to resist and endure. The world as a whole pours out their compassion and support to those who have and are still fighting and suffering in the Ukraine.

4. Do you have family or friends at risk in Ukraine right now?

Family?.. no, Friends?... just modeling associates in the Ukraine and near the border in Poland. My friend in the Ukraine is a very prolific modeler with near super human modeling skills. Around a week into the war The string about his latest build was cut short when he said "it is all gone". His home and property has been raised to the ground my the shelling. All he was able to take with him was the clothes off his back. Here is what we had to say about modelers in the Ukraine during the war, "Friends, He-111 building its over... Modells lost - Russians pigs destroyed my house. To be continued after victory! Thank you, comrades! Family evacuated, I've been in the army since the 24th. So when the house was bombed we were unharmed. But we need to explain to the Russians that civilized people in the 21st century don't shoot and bomb civilians. We will stand up and win!".

5. Are you worried about nuclear war? Chernobyl meltdown?

Worry is like sitting in a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere.

6. Is this situation solvable and what can be done?

I question the word "solvable". If you ask those who have lost loved ones or literally everything in the Ukraine, I would bet their answer is NO. If you ask all the dead military on both sides if it is solvable, they will say no. If you ask those still standing up and fighting for Ukrainian independence, they will say YES, but only if Russia retreats back to their border. I could keep going but I think I made my point. Every group of people in any country should have the freedom and ability to determine how they live their lives and want to be governed.

It is a very sad place when some of the upper 2% wealthiest of our world can say and do whatever they desire to impose their will on the majority because the remainder of the 2% don't have the will, spine, or fortitude to defend those less fortunate. Anyone who has had to experience war as a soldier or civilian know that there are no real winners, only survivors and those who are dead, unless of course your talking big business or politicians... they will always find ways to win.

Remember Ukraine, the free world is with you in spirit, hope, and support!

[BigWall]

I was going to enter my reply in the normal way of answering each question but decided not to. I'm in agreement with pretty much everything that has been said above. It's kind of amazing how like minded we all are here.

My thoughts are with the good people in both countries.

[RangerNeil]

I believe Neil the problem with a no fly zone which would be located over the Ukraine how do you enforce it. The sticking point is the Ukraine isn't a NATO member. The minute the UN you starts shooting down Russian planes it's on for one and all. As it is if any Nato member sends troops in. It is no different and it has the potential to grow into a true world war lasting many years and desperate men do desperate acts. Of course Putin is playing on this too, but your comment refers to the UN.

The United Nations Security Council is charged with preserving world peace as one of it's duties. However the 5 permanent members all have the right to use there veto power.

"The veto power is controversial. Supporters regard it as a promoter of international stability, a check against military interventions, and a critical safeguard against United States domination. Critics say that the veto is the most undemocratic element of the UN, as well as the main cause of inaction on war crimes and crimes against humanity, as it effectively prevents UN action against the permanent members and their allies"

So Russia uses it's right to veto rendering the UN impotent.

Good points Digger. I highlight the section in red as that seems to be the flaw in the whole deal. What is the point in an organisation that is toothless. The UN code should have been written/should be rewritten such that a nation that is the target of sanctions losing their vote where applicable. Doesn't help the Ukranians now and doesn't address the issue of nukes but it would, perhaps, be a step in the right direction to prevent a recurrence.

[digger303]

I believe Neil the problem with a no fly zone which would be located over the Ukraine how do you enforce it. The sticking point is the Ukraine isn't a NATO member. The minute the UN you starts shooting down Russian planes it's on for one and all. As it is if any Nato member sends troops in. It is no different and it has the potential to grow into a true world war lasting many years and desperate men do desperate acts. Of course Putin is playing on this too, but your comment refers to the UN.

The United Nations Security Council is charged with preserving world peace as one of it's duties. However the 5 permanent members all have the right to use there veto power.

"The veto power is controversial. Supporters regard it as a promoter of international stability, a check against military interventions, and a critical safeguard against United States domination. Critics say that the veto is the most undemocratic element of the UN, as well as the main cause of inaction on war crimes and crimes against humanity, as it effectively prevents UN action against the permanent members and their allies"

So Russia uses it's right to veto rendering the UN impotent.

Good points Digger. I highlight the section in red as that seems to be the flaw in the whole deal. What is the point in an organisation that is toothless. The UN code should have been written/should be rewritten such that a nation that is the target of sanctions losing their vote where applicable. Doesn't help the Ukranians now and doesn't address the issue of nukes but it would, perhaps, be a step in the right direction to prevent a recurrence.

Can a country be removed from the UN Security Council?
"A Member of the United Nations which has persistently violated the Principles contained in the present Charter may be expelled from the Organization by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council." This has never happened.

[Stokesy44]

Setting up a No-Fly looks like a quick way to a short career to me. It doesn't work without air superiority and there's nothing stopping the Russians from shooting down aircraft attempting it, either by AA or air to air.

On a more human level I saw some footage on the news of what it's like in the areas where the fighting is going on. The reporter was talking about how the civilians are trapped and I saw this kid in a red snow suit (couldn't have been more than 5 years old) being ushered into shelter by Ukraine troops and I just said, 'Jesus!'. I'm a religious man and it takes a lot for me to speak the lord's name like that but my heart just broke for these people.

I have to be careful because compassion all to quickly turns to rage in me and thinking of the one responsible for this, my next thought was 'someone really needs to off this F****r. Not exactly the prescribed Christian response but hey, nobody's perfect.

[digger303]

Setting up a No-Fly looks like a quick way to a short career to me. It doesn't work without air superiority and there's nothing stopping the Russians from shooting down aircraft attempting it, either by AA or air to air.

On a more human level I saw some footage on the news of what it's like in the areas where the fighting is going on. The reporter was talking about how the civilians are trapped and I saw this kid in a red snow suit (couldn't have been more than 5 years old) being ushered into shelter by Ukraine troops and I just said, 'Jesus!'. I'm a religious man and it takes a lot for me to speak the lord's name like that but my heart just broke for these people.

I have to be careful because compassion all to quickly turns to rage in me and thinking of the one responsible for this, my next thought was 'someone really needs to off this F****r. Not exactly the prescribed Christian response but hey, nobody's perfect.

I agree......a tricky problem to try to solve with bulk troops. A surgical removal is a better solution.

[RangerNeil]

Setting up a No-Fly looks like a quick way to a short career to me. It doesn't work without air superiority and there's nothing stopping the Russians from shooting down aircraft attempting it, either by AA or air to air.

On a more human level I saw some footage on the news of what it's like in the areas where the fighting is going on. The reporter was talking about how the civilians are trapped and I saw this kid in a red snow suit (couldn't have been more than 5 years old) being ushered into shelter by Ukraine troops and I just said, 'Jesus!'. I'm a religious man and it takes a lot for me to speak the lord's name like that but my heart just broke for these people.

I have to be careful because compassion all to quickly turns to rage in me and thinking of the one responsible for this, my next thought was 'someone really needs to off this F****r. Not exactly the prescribed Christian response but hey, nobody's perfect.

I tend to go through the compassion and rage phases fairly quickly settling into what my wife chooses to term the "Ice" stage where words go out the window and the calculating ways to achieve a desired result start churning over. And over... Required end result here is the application of Rule 7.62 to Putin and Medvedev. Preferably for the sake of irony with an SVD. And being able to walk away afterwards....

Air superiority is an interesting point. On paper NATO has both numerical and technical superiority over the Russian air force in terms of fighters and ground attack and, thanks to Syria, a good working knowledge of Russian SAM systems radar. Won't stop the use of thermobaric warheads as they come from ground based launchers nor will it stop the indiscriminate Grad strikes. But the skies over Ukraine can become clear albeit at a cost. The drawback is the moment a NATO plane takes out a Russian plane or missile battery its tantamount to a declaration of war. After which it will be very hard to stop those expensive missiles in the crafty SSBN'S being used by both sides. I suspect Putin knows this and is relying on the MAD philosophy to keep NATO out of the equation. Can't really see a way around that without, as has been said, a surgical removal of the crazies running the bad guy operations. It was interesting to note the head of the FSB, his deputy and a number of military commanders were arrested this week so all is not sunshine and roses on the Russian side.

* A point worth noting as to how things are progressing is it is reported the Ukranians managed to sink one of the Russian Navys latest ships by decoying it into a certain position and plastering it with Grad strikes from captured BM-21 launchers. No matter how strong a military is - if they abandon kit in working order for the other side to use their losses are going to mount.

[Panzón]

Apparently, Master Box is still up and running (it's in Dnipro, about 225 miles SE of Kyiv), and has announced its first figure kits celebrating the Ukrainians defending their country from the russians:
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2022/0 ... .html#more

[RangerNeil]

Looks a nicely moulded figure. Be tempted to try one myself when released.

[Panzón]

Valery Grygorenko, a model artist for Roden models, was killed in a russian attack near Kyiv yesterday:

https://www.themodellingnews.com/2022/0 ... .html#more

[Twokidsnosleep]

Been some great answers and opinions so far. I am impressed by all of your responses and civility.
It is amazing and horrifying how fast things are changing in this war...and it is far from over.
Saw a video of a CNN reporter show her humanity helping a scared and confused old man and woman who had just traversed a makeshift river crossing to escape their home after a week of straight shelling. Horrible

[Stokesy44]

Been some great answers and opinions so far. I am impressed by all of your responses and civility.
It is amazing and horrifying how fast things are changing in this war...and it is far from over.
Saw a video of a CNN reporter show her humanity helping a scared and confused old man and woman who had just traversed a makeshift river crossing to escape their home after a week of straight shelling. Horrible

Completely agree. Its those kind of images that really hit home. The sufferings of the ordinary people.

[Tomcat64]

I spoke to one of my colleagues in Slovakia earlier this week and whilst he's based in Bratislava which is in the west of the country he headed out east with a colleague to assist with the refugees - specifically those from our facility in Ukraine but also to help in general where they could.

He said the haunted look on the faces of the women & children was something he would never forget - you could hear from his voice that the experience just helping with the people forced to flee had left him shaken.

Going back to the UN conversation with @digger303 and @RangerNeil my criticism of the UN really stems from the apparent lack of activity in the lead up to the invasion; once the attack was under way it was probably too late for the UN/NATO to respond in any way other than they have done. But surely given Putin's form in annexing Crimea eight years ago and with the situation escalating in the months prior to this attack it wouldn't have been beyond the realms of possibility to have a legitimate "training" exercise requiring UN/NATO troops in Ukraine which may (or may not) have made him think twice.

I appreciate that world diplomacy is far more complex, but I for one don't feel that we've got value for money out of what we've been paying the various ambassadors etc when faced with a real crisis.

[ForbesHutton]

RasPutin has really done it to himself and his country.
What we have seen so far shows that NATO could deal with Russia, far more easily than was believed, and with the state and morale of the Russians just now, it would be even easier now than a month ago. He has weakened an already weak military, and if the Russian public finds out...
Also, he "invaded to stop Ukraine from joining NATO" well, when the dust clears and the war crimes trials are under way, Ukraine will be more determined than ever to join and it's joining to be hard for NATO to come up with good reason why they shouldn't be admitted.
His own generals have to be nervous that he'll fix blame on them and disappear them, his rich cronies aren't so rich right now, and if the whole Russian public were to know the truth there would be outrage. Add in Ukrainians looking to end things, Poland and other former Bloc countries deciding to pre-empt his next move, the US and NATO looking for some peace and quiet, his days are numbered. Someone will make sure that he doesn't die of old age and I don't think he will be with use to ring in the new year.

[digger303]

RasPutin has really done it to himself and his country.
What we have seen so far shows that NATO could deal with Russia, far more easily than was believed, and with the state and morale of the Russians just now, it would be even easier now than a month ago. He has weakened an already weak military, and if the Russian public finds out...
Also, he "invaded to stop Ukraine from joining NATO" well, when the dust clears and the war crimes trials are under way, Ukraine will be more determined than ever to join and it's joining to be hard for NATO to come up with good reason why they shouldn't be admitted.
His own generals have to be nervous that he'll fix blame on them and disappear them, his rich cronies aren't so rich right now, and if the whole Russian public were to know the truth there would be outrage. Add in Ukrainians looking to end things, Poland and other former Bloc countries deciding to pre-empt his next move, the US and NATO looking for some peace and quiet, his days are numbered. Someone will make sure that he doesn't die of old age and I don't think he will be with use to ring in the new year.

Yes I agree this conflict has shown just how unprepared they are for this type of conflict. It also has shown what a low state of actual readiness the Russian armed forces are in. Imagine asking china for Meals for his troops and don't they have there own drones.
Getting back to this type of conflict it has shown that portable shoulder mounted missiles have changed the dynamics so much so that Tanks and armored APC's and the like are at a severe disadvantage and tactics have to be changed to cope with this. Whether this brings forth another element in time to lessen the vulnerabilities of these big weapon platforms. Perhaps a swarm of small drones circling searching for infantry or something along those lines.

I did hear a few days ago that he had locked up a couple of higher ranking FSB types....sounds like desperation. It might just be a rumor I'm not sure. As to the Russian public yes I do believe they aren't in favour and that would be why those new dragoon-en laws were introduced to lock people up for 15yrs if they in anyway went against ( protests) his wishes...well it is a dictatorship.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Valery Grygorenko, a model artist for Roden models, was killed in a russian attack near Kyiv yesterday:

https://www.themodellingnews.com/2022/0 ... .html#more

I saw that with Ammo announcement on FB
He was very talented, very sad