Keep safe everybody
 

Ok, as we all know, the Russian Federation is currently taking military action against the Ukraine.

I don't want to cause unnecessary panic, but as we all know there is the very real possibility that the situation could escalate into a war between Russia and the EU/NATO.

There is also the possibility that this could result in a global exchange of nuclear warheads.

Although I'm only 14 years old, and have much to learn about the world, I know that in a nuclear war, there can be no winners. Everybody loses. The lucky ones die from the outset. In the weeks after a nuclear war, the land dries up, the sun will not be seen for 10 years as nuclear winter blankets the world, and life simply stops.

I just want to wish good luck to everyone here, no matter what country you're from, no matter which side you've taken. Please, everybody, stay safe.

And let's hope that I'm just being overly paranoid.

I'm also watching Threads right now. That's sure to help.

I'm copying this post to most, if not all, the forums I participate in.

Russia hasnt done anything yet. Right now its just a bunch of chest puffing.

All I can say is this. If nukes do start flying don't run around in panic. Instead try and spend as much time as possible with those you love and care for.

I wouldn't read too much into it. I've been watching this same dance since I was a young lad. Most of it is BS and bravado. All designed to sell ads in media of all stripes and sew fear in the populous. If you're close enough to a target you'll get burned into a wall as shadow art but, you won't suffer.
The leaders of the Super Powers all know that a thermonuclear war will have no winners what so ever. When you see armies massing in the valley of Armageddon, then you should start worrying.

There's not actually been any shooting, well, except up in the air as a warning, and most of that was from 'pro-Russian milita'. There's not that much in the way of Russian equipment in the Crimea, especially not compared to what they could send. It's mainly still what was originally there, perhaps some more APCs and infantry than before, but otherwise still the same.
The US has sent a warship through the Bosporus, so I don't know what they're up to, hopefully they will just sit back and watch rather than try to do something daft like trying to run the Russian blockade.

In regards to a war between Russia and NATO, not likely, not over the Ukraine, the Baltic states maybe, but not Ukraine. So no need to worry about a thermonuclear exchange just yet. :03:

Those in charge know too well what the real outcome will be with a full nuclear exchange. They don't want a war between US and Russia. Something will be done to resolve the issue. The same thing a few months ago when North Korea was saber rattling toward South Korea.

I'm with you Cybermat. I don't think it will come to ww3, but I am damned scared. My dad was Ukrainian and he lived through a revolution, a famine, and 2 invasions.

The Ukraine is a sovereign state with borders and should be left alone to sort things out. They've only been independent for about 20 years and are prey to all sorts of outside influences, some good some bad. I feel for them.

Mr Putin as a former intelligence officer undoubtedly speaks perfect English, and who knows may even visit this forum. If he does I'd like him to reflect deeply on the story of Croesus and the Delphic Oracle.

You're a good bloke Cybermat and good luck for the future.

Nice to see a 14 year old actually taking part in the world. Good on you man. Honestly, I really don't mean that in a patronising way. Too many people your age don't give a stuff.

The thing about wars is that annihilating a people doesn't achieve much. Wars are usually fought over resources. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, just that usually, despite the rhetoric used by politicians to whip the masses up into a suitable level hatred of the people that the politicians are asking them to fight, wars are predominantly about securing profitable territory, or defending it against aggressors. If you've nuked that territory, you can't occupy it. Russia sees an opportunity to win Ukraine back. Why would it nuke the former granary of the USSR? In that situation neither would win.

Don't let your fears take control of you, Cybermat. The world's been through much worse. :03:

I read today that they successfully test fired an ICBM... :hmmm:

This is true. Fear is a liar.

At the same time, it's a good idea to stay informed and prepared in case something DOES happen. I really don't see a WW3 starting...but how many times in fiction has this exact scenario or something very very similar happened?

Yeah that's fiction...but wars have started over things like this.

I don't have much of an opinion yet of what's going on. I'm waiting to see how this plays out over the next month.

I'm not precisely on my seat's edge waiting to see what happens, either.

I'd be more affraid of the mobs of hyped up sheeple than the actual crisis.
Luckily our nation is hard to get hyped about anything but alcohol.

I reckon the world is quite safe for the moment...but just in case...

http://www.leconcombre.com/gifgaller...ge/pirate1.gif

You never cease to amaze me...

Anyways, it was most likely not the first time they tested some missile.

@Cybermat
Keep your cool, nothing is going to happen. Neither side could nor would afford a hot conflict, it's all just political arm wrestling to buy time and see how things develop. For what would either side risk the end of the world... the Crimean? Not going to happen...

On the other hand, it is sad to see that cold war never ended. Is anyone naive enough to believe that? We still all play the arms race, threaten each other and "prepare".

I hate mankind. Really.

One unknown day you will not be here anymore. But the Crimean crisis now will have nothing to do with that outcome. ;) Promised. So relax, lean back, and do what is your natural right at this age of yours: enjoy life, play a good game, and hang around with your buddies talking about girls. :salute: