Forum Topic

Honest at least

"A Ukrainian broke down in tears as she made an emotional plea directly to Boris Johnson for the UK to help establish a no-fly zone above the skies of her homeland.Daria Kaleniuk confronted the prime minister at a news conference, in Poland's capital Warsaw, as she explained how her family and work colleagues remained at threat from the Russian invasion.She called for a no-fly zone over Ukraine but Mr Johnson said that could not happen as it would have to involve NATO shooting down Russian planes, which would trigger a wider war with Russia.""In response, the PM told Ms Kaleniuk he was "acutely conscious that there is not enough that we can do, as the UK government, to help in the way that you want"."I've got to be honest about that," Mr Johnson, as he reiterated his opposition to NATO forces trying to establish air control over Russia above Ukraine."When you talk about the no fly zone, as I said to [Ukrainian president] Volodymyr Zelenskyy... unfortunately the implication of that is the UK will be engaged in shooting down Russian planes, would be engaged in direct combat with Russia."That is not something that we can do or that we've envisaged. I think the consequences of that will be truly very, very difficult to control."" (Sky)Difficult for me to say, but Johnson deserves some credit for admitting it.What do others think?

David Ainsworth ● 1201d15 Comments

Me, a Chelsea fan??? I assure you that i have absolutely zero interest in football, the most boring game ever in my view. There is one member of the family who is a Chelsea supporter, but he's only 8 so can be excused on age grounds alone.

Richard Carter ● 1200d

Yes a rare moment of honestly and a cool head from Mr Johnson.Interesting that Starmer appeared to support a no fly zone but it has now been clarified (with hindsight) that Labour do not.If things do escalate we're as safe as houses according to the Mayor or was it Del Boy?“London has a resilient and well-established system in place to ensure key agencies work closely and effectively together to keep us all safe – this includes keeping Londoners fully informed about any emergencies.” https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/johnson-starmer-no-fly-zone-ukraine-b2026329.html

Ed Robinson ● 1201d

Ah a Chelsea fan Mr Carter ? They still have the LEG END banners around the stadium and still revere the man. Yet applaud their players when taking the knee.Personally I have no problem with taking the knee for inequality. My problem is the hypocrisy of those who say they abhor racism etc but  still support Mr Terry. Past or present.

Andy Pike ● 1201d

As you say, FORMER captain, so the relevance is tenuous (and tendentious)  at best.

Richard Carter ● 1201d

My point about BLM was regarding Chelsea players taking the knee when their great LEG END and former captain was/is clearly a racist.

Andy Pike ● 1201d

Congratulations on shoehorning in a specious, totally irrelevant reference to Black Lives Matter. Can't you also find somehow the inclusion of a sneer at the London Mayor (I'm tempting fate there, obviously)?

Richard Carter ● 1201d

Not MBE  Stole his moneyGod I hate predictive txt

Andy Pike ● 1201d

Another sleight of hand in the hope he can collect the cash from any sale. One of Putins pals who stole his MBE from the Russian people now wants the west to trust him to do the right thing.Will be interesting to see how many if the woke season ticket holders return their tickets. Probable answer zero. Same as ths number who support BLM/ taking the knee but also supported and still support Mr Terry.

Andy Pike ● 1201d

Abromavich to sell Chelsea and donate proceeds to a charitable foundation for the benefit of Ukrainians

Adam Tripp ● 1201d

Yes that seems to be the unanimous view anyway but one can only empathise with the young woman’s desperation.

Jane Carter ● 1201d

"supplying missiles to the mujaheddin helped turn the tide against the Russians in 1980's Afghanistan, hopefully it will work in Ukraine too."True, although it seems likely that it was more anti-Soviet than pro-Afghani. It also had unexpected consequences.

David Ainsworth ● 1201d

supplying missiles to the mujaheddin helped turn the tide against the Russians in 1980's Afghanistan, hopefully it will work in Ukraine too. A no-fly zone would be catastrophic for Europe as it would spiral out of control within hours, plus Putin may be desperate enough to use battlefield nukes if cornered. If he had no nukes I have no doubt the West would be strafing convoys and downing aircraft. We have to do our best to support Ukrainian forces while the western border remains open.

Adam Tripp ● 1201d

Yes, I watched that and wondered how he was going to answer. For once he was honest and directly answered the question. Tragically, an impossible situation; it wouldn't just be the UK but would involve all NATO countries. One wonders if Russia will be able to ride out sanctions? On BBC news this morning they were suggesting there were family divisions between young and old with older people getting the Russian propaganda view from state media while younger people are still managing to get a wider range of views from social media.

Michael Ixer ● 1201d

Yes I agree, the minute we get involved, we could end up in the war as well. We aren't that big and would not take much. I don't put anything on here about politics as I don't know that much just what I read. But listened in my childhood as my dad was in the Royal Navy and my Uncle in the Air Force who got shot a couple of times. I think we should just shut everything off from Russia.

Barbara Stevens ● 1201d

I agree, it's a tragic situation and he deserves credit for being honest. All we can do is arm the Ukrainians to the teeth and hope they give Putin enough of a kicking he withdraws. Doesn't seem too likely i guess though :(

Matt Palmer ● 1201d