Ok

I am going to leave this interesting debate .,.I genuinely think you should examine the diplomatic processes and mindset between Russia and US after the wall fell,.fully aware Putin is in essence , as you put it , a mob boss .,.horrible and dangerous …

You got me wrong .,big time .,,but that’s the way it is ..I’m no fan of Putin ..I will say it again his actions are an outrage and wrong ..,question for you ., how and why did Putin gain his power in Russia after Gorbachev and Yeltsin?

I am not diverting blame from Russia ,,I have made that abundantly clear! I fear you are unable to objectively examine critically the US led role in world affairs generally..yes Russia has acted appallingly and is directly responsible for what is happening.

I think I will leave it there.,,i reckon I’ve explained my position fairly clearly ..I have suggested some reading for you .,you might learn something,, or not .,it seems you believe that the all powerful US acts in the best interests of humanity - I don’t

Russia is clearly responsible for its actions .,.but I think you will find western powers ( US led ) routinely break their word and ride roughshod over international law and indeed Treaties ..of course that does not in any way exonerate Russia-

Fully aware of the ICJ ruling ., I think there is misinterpretation of my position-I have not said NATO expansion is directly responsible for Russia’s invasion.,I am saying the issue is complex and the historical context needs to be fully understood-Putin actions are totally wrong

Parroting? there are many false narratives in this awful conflict-my point is it is far more complex than either ‘side’ would have people believe- it is essential that complexity is understood - otherwise the freedom Ukraine seeks/deserves will be compromised-meanwhile death and suffering continues

Again ? I’ve been to Ukraine mate ,.so don’t talk to me in such an ignorant manner .,I have great respect for the Ukrainian people !! Friends of mine ! But it is you who needs to stop swallowing propaganda..and examine matters with a clearer understanding…I actually agree with you-read and learn .,

You are making a major error in thinking I would deny Ukrainian right to their own self determination/ freedom ..quite the opposite! I suggest you read ‘Hubris-the origin of Russia ‘s war with Ukraine’ by Jonathan Haslam - Cambridge and Princeton Professor..a cogent analysis

I have no illusions about the Kremlin and Russia’s capacity for propaganda..certainly not swallowing “Kremlin” propaganda” The West is not benign player ..nor is Russia ..,

I think you need a bit knowledge about the history since the wall fell .,I suggest you read a bit more ..I have no time whatsoever for Putin and his actions .. but part of Gorbachev deal was that Ukraine would not join NATO and NATO would not expand to the East ,The situation ain’t simple. !