Russia - worrying?

[Steve_uk]

Zelenski has said Ukraine can never be part of NATO. It looks like they're heading for some kind of agreement?

I think this will have to be the compromise to avoid World War Three. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/zelensky-ukraine-conflict-nato-russia-b2036280.html

[guest29835]

This is from back in 2014:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS8QH2eG6uk

Not the first time I find myself in agreement with Mr Corbyn.

[Roch]

I really hope that we have not just witnessed about 10,000 lives lost, destruction of homes and infrastructure, plus 3 million refugees, for a deal that could have been struck beforehand.

[killingeve]

I was wondering whether the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anousheh Ashouri has anything to do with events in Ukraine?  Maybe UK gov talking with Iran over Russia-Ukraine and negotiated some sort of package which includes the releases?  Maybe just a coincidence.   

[Roch]

I was wondering whether the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anousheh Ashouri has anything to do with events in Ukraine?  Maybe UK gov talking with Iran over Russia-Ukraine and negotiated some sort of package which includes the releases?  Maybe just a coincidence.

What did you make of the claim, that we have paid Iran a 400M debt from 1979?

[killingeve]

What did you make of the claim, that we have paid Iran a 400M debt from 1979?

Nothing official on that front but if true it begs the question why now especially given the UK's historic stance on the outstanding debt?  Maybe the UK has negotiated some overall settlement including securing oil and lifting of sanctions? 

[Roch]

Nothing official on that front but if true it begs the question why now especially given the UK's historic stance on the outstanding debt?  Maybe the UK has negotiated some overall settlement including securing oil and lifting of sanctions?

Securing oil crossed my mind. But also the historic ties between Russia and Iran?

[Roch]

I'm on the edge of the sea too---the little bit that juts out on the map across from where you are.

Getting back in the off topic grim north theme, this pub is 15 mins walk from our house..

[Jane]

Getting back in the off topic grim north theme, this pub is 15 mins walk from our house..

The very height of grimness, that, Roch.

[lookout]

I was wondering whether the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anousheh Ashouri has anything to do with events in Ukraine?  Maybe UK gov talking with Iran over Russia-Ukraine and negotiated some sort of package which includes the releases?  Maybe just a coincidence.

 
Neutrality is the key in the answer to all this with Russia and Ukraine---such as that with Sweden and Austria.
I somehow doubt that Zelensky would agree though, I don't know.

[lookout]

Getting back in the off topic grim north theme, this pub is 15 mins walk from our house..

There are a few such places near me which are close to the water's edge but caution has to prevail during gales 

[Roch]

The very height of grimness, that, Roch.

  There's worse places to live - but my home town is hardly a desirable location. We are 25 mins on the train to Newcastle city centre. It's not a bad little city.  Tbh, I think the market towns in North Yorkshire are probably some of best places to live in the north. Richmond is only one hour down the A1, it's a different world.

[Jane]

There's worse places to live - but my home town is hardly a desirable location. We are 25 mins on the train to Newcastle city centre. It's not a bad little city.  Tbh, I think the market towns in North Yorkshire are probably some of best places to live in the north. Richmond is only one hour down the A1, it's a different world.

We can all list run down areas within our own vicinities, Roch. Believe me, they're plentiful enough, here in the South. They're not the sort of places I'd take visitors to see, as they're neither interesting nor attractive. I live within spitting distance of the oldest town in England, but various councils seem to have lost direction regarding it. I've been North on several occasions, but I've only seen breath taking rural scenery and places of interest in well kept urban areas.

[killingeve]

Getting back in the off topic grim north theme, this pub is 15 mins walk from our house..

If I ever need any encouragement to visit a pub...!!!  What's the beer like?

Its not all bad up north.  NE based Zinsser paint specialist came to my rescue last year with a DIY project.  The Geordie in the customer services dept was very helpful.

[Roch]

If I ever need any encouragement to visit a pub...!!!  What's the beer like?

Its not all bad up north.  NE based Zinsser paint specialist came to my rescue last year with a DIY project.  The Geordie in the customer services dept was very helpful.

The beer is nothing special unfortunately. Passable but not a draw. As for Zinsser, I have used a few tins myself, due to water staining. Didn't know they were NE based.