REACH 324 - What are your views on Singapore’s stance in the Russia-Ukraine crisis? What important lessons can Singapore draw from Russia's invasion of Ukraine?
(SK)
04 Mar 2022 (10am - 7pm)
REACH
[9:41 am, 04/03/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
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[9:58 am, 04/03/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a "clear and gross" violation of international norms and sets a completely unacceptable precedent, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Feb 28), Dr Balakrishnan said the invasion goes to the heart of the fundamental norms of international law, with the United Nations Charter prohibiting the use of force and acts of aggression against another sovereign state.
💬 What are your views on Singapore’s stance in the Russia-Ukraine crisis? What important lessons can Singapore draw from Russia's invasion of Ukraine?
Dr Balakrishnan reiterated that Singapore does not take sides, but upholds principles. "And in this case, the principles at stake are independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity." The Republic's foreign policy is consistent, coherent, and "almost always predictable", he added, noting that since he became foreign minister seven years ago, he has had to say no on occasion to every superpower.
"We cannot accept one country attacking another without justification, arguing that its independence was the result of 'historical errors and crazy decisions'. Such a rationale would go against the internationally recognised legitimacy and territorial integrity of many countries, including Singapore."
The ongoing crisis demonstrates how quickly a vulnerable country can be overrun, especially when confronting a larger and more powerful opponent, he said. “This is the acute reality for all small countries, and Singapore is no exception.”
Singapore cannot depend on others for protection and must never lose the ability to defend and look after itself, added Dr Balakrishnan. The country has thus invested consistently in defence to build up the strength and credibility of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and maintained national service as a fundamental element.
👉🏻https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-will-impose-export-controls-on-items-that-can-be-used-as-weapons-in-ukraine-vivian
👉🏻https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/russias-invasion-of-ukraine-a-clear-and-gross-violation-of-international-norms-vivian-balakrishnan
👉🏻https://www.straitstimes.com/world/uns-historic-vote-to-deplore-russian-invasion-this-is-how-the-countries-voted
👉🏻https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/eastern-europeans-in-spore-fret-over-loved-ones-back-home-offer-financial-help-to-ukraine-amid-war
👉🏻https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/ukrainians-say-they-are-fighting-on-in-kherson-biggest-city-yet-claimed-by-russia
[10:02 am, 04/03/2022] +Smiley face: Russian troops are shelling Europe’s largest nuclear power station in Ukraine, officials say
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/03/russia-ukraine-live-updates.html?__source=androidappshare
----
[10:04 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: In terms of size… Ukraine is so much bigger..
In comparison, Singapore is really just too small.
No natural resource, just people. Even if any country were to attack Singapore, the damage done will be so much that nothing they gain from it.
The deterrence is there so that it makes it hard for them to just pluck us down when they want.
Those that serve however small role, do agreed it is a must to have NS. Or Atleast among my peers.
[10:13 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Most of our assets are soft assets. Cannot be touch or stolen. And only be worth if the country is stable without any conflict. Rebuilding takes time so annex is also not possible.
Hard assets like gold are really min. To retain certain value. We hold mainly overseas assets that are globalised. Bound by contracts and shares.
It is really interesting as we have a deep dive into our core and how we remain competitive and relevant at the same time. While making ourselves less attractive to be taken over.
[10:17 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Russia fully Invasion of Ukraine it's was only a matter of time if without the troops from NATO & US should already send millions of troops to Ukraine from emergency instead all this Alliance just punish the Russia Economy it wasn't good enough ,
The common people of Russian Wil suffering the economic pinch day after day
I urge the Singapore MFA could do even more not just sanction on Russia but as well Belarus the country whom support War more then Dialogue should join Russia to get Sanction from the global world community's
Stop this two countries Governor from visiting Singapore as well rest of the world
Which we could send this strong messages at the UN assembly meeting
Nobody would welcome all this War maniac
Act now MFA
[10:19 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Already done..
[10:20 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Not harsh enough
[10:22 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Err we are giving our stand, but we can’t totally make enemies with them😅
[10:24 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Singapore should tell Asean counterpart pls do more to condemn all this War Maniac
It's was a shame
[10:26 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Otherwise Japan might follow them if no countries in the world see this seriously
Japan may think it's all right to have another ✌️War ✌️
[10:30 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Our future generations wil starting counting the days 三年八个月
Just like our grandpa generation
Here we go again
[10:42 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Right move
[10:44 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Russia can claim this is domestic territory as Ukraine did not ratify nor sought approval from various international bodies when the USSR broke off in pieces in 1991.
[10:49 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: This could be happens to Singapore too ,if Malaysia like Russia said Singapore part of Malaysia even after Independence🤦♂️🤦♂️🙅♂️🙅♂️
[10:50 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Never ending story
[10:50 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Yes
[10:50 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Agree
[10:51 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: We have to be thankfully Tunku Adult Rahman, for his mature point of view
[10:52 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: So, Singapore support unilateral but non UN sanctions against Russia settling their own internal conflicts!?
[10:52 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Yes
[10:52 am, 04/03/2022] +JC: As long as the politicians from all our neighbouring countries, both incumbent and opposition, are hiding their $$$ in Singapore.... I think we'll be pretty safe 😅
[10:53 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: They too much $$
[10:53 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: 🤣🤣
[10:54 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: The world is standing for a non sovereign country defined borders
[10:56 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: I was worry Putin wanted to taking back all ex Soviet state from Europe to Asian
[10:58 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: I wondering LHL did he talk to Putin before when ahh🤔🤔
[11:26 am, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
1. Singapore cannot depend on others for our protection - we must have a strong armed forces based on national service - so that numerically we have a large armed forces. And a well trained armed forces.
2. We should also invest in cutting edge military technology to stay ahead - and the military technologies should help us to prevent the war as deterrence and win the war if we need to fight it.
3. Most important, our people must have the will to defend our Country like the Ukrainians.
4. Most important, we must have a strong Economy before we can have a strong armed forces.
5. Pick the right capable government in every elections.
6. And Singapore must do well in foreign diplomacy - maintaining good relationship with our 2 closest neighbors as well as with the rest of the world.
7. And finally uphold the principles as defined in the UN charter - to ensure sovereign countries like us must not be invaded by whatever pretext.
[11:29 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Read his mind
[11:29 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: No point
[11:30 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Totally agree and think thus is already happening
[11:30 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Singapore has come a long way…
From poison shrimp to porcupine now dolphins.
[11:30 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Yes
[11:30 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Hope that we don’t need to deploy
[11:31 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Hence the tons of money on Air Force
[11:31 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Yes
[11:32 am, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Putin won't stop after Ukraine.
He is too absorb in the USSR dream.
Some analysts feel that his ambition will keep him going - and the whole global situation can turn nasty.
[11:32 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: If Singapore cannot broker a ceasefire for the Myanmar conflict, don't try for Ukraine
[11:33 am, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
And Putin backup of his ambition is his big nuclear arsenal.
Biden has lost the psychological initiative to stop him.
[11:34 am, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Biden didn't learn from the lesson of the Cuban crisis that have stop USSR cold war ambition.
[11:34 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: If dotard is a joke, Biden is a clown
[11:37 am, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/cuban-missile-crisis
[11:37 am, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
If Biden take the right approach what Kennedy has taken - Ukraine crisis won't happen.
[11:37 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Anything learn from this?
[11:38 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Don’t think is broker anything… but to give our stand. Cause if it happens to Singapore, we would want someone out there that can ensure our safety.
Is a ground for us to work with. If something similar happens in future.
[11:38 am, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
You need a master strategist.
Putin outclass Biden.
[11:38 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Onset possibly of partial dementia and or alzeimer
[11:39 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Yes
[11:39 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: If there is a community that can ensure it is painful enough for no countries to try it. We will support the clause it is at our best interest to ensure it comes possible
[11:40 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Agree but is there!?
[11:40 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: There is no interest for US to be involved… hence the approach. Unless Putin wants to force US hands to get them involved easy just hit any NATO countries
[11:40 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Haha got sound no teeth 🤣🤣
[11:42 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: One thing for sure Putin the dictator of the year
[11:42 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: So, if the nordic/Scandinavian countries can broker a peace between Arabs and Jews, will they he able between Russia and Ukraine!?
[11:42 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Cover picture of of all major prints and online news.
[11:42 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: UN is the new version of treaty of Versailles… got sound no teeth.
It will only work when there is a big brother. But if there is no interest to the big brother why they even bother to be involved for the sake of freedom? 🤣
[11:43 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Is about Putin Big Soviet Union dream nothing to do with races & religion
[11:43 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Exactly
[11:44 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Nothing to do with the right government except 爱国的心
[11:45 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Any country that wants to grow strong will go that approach…
Ukraine just too tasty and strategically good for Russia.
They have weight the pros and cons of WAR. And Putin thinks is overall good for the country.
[11:46 am, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Ukraine is like Cuba.
Cuba is not a NATO state .
But strategically vitally important to stop USSR ambition.
Ukraine is right at the doorstep of NATO like Cuba to US.
Once this initiative is lost, Putin ambition will grow and become unstoppable.
[11:46 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: China on the side line to enjoy the spoils
[11:47 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: But for US, like in WW2, till they determine it is the right time for them to go in…
[11:47 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Almost the whole Europe was gone when Germany go to WAR
[11:47 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: China just a cat & not tiger
[11:48 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: China and India just observing… they didn’t agree but also not condemn
[11:48 am, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Cause they might want to use same excuse 😅
[11:48 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Means WW3 nearby future liao
[11:48 am, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Not go to war, is how US position themselves and the will to act to stop a war.
Now the initiative is gone - and the war is unstoppable.
[11:48 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: I thought it is referred as a woken sleeping dragon
[11:49 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Possibly
[11:50 am, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Try WP or PSP - and Singapore will go downhill very quickly.
[11:51 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: In your world, maybe😅😅
[11:51 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: But to me nothing to do with the party👍👍
[11:53 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: UN should arrest Putin as War Criminal by now
[11:53 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: We won't go to WW3
[11:57 am, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: So many idiots countries supporting Putin ,
That why the world turning upside down
[11:58 am, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Yeah!
[0:00 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Investigation just started so have to Wait
[0:01 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: When come to Eat nothing to do with the Party anymore,
It's about the Wil the weapon the tactical strategy to win a WAR
[0:02 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Yup
[0:03 pm, 04/03/2022] +KSFoong: Who can do it?
[0:08 pm, 04/03/2022] +Timothy Low: I beg to differ
[0:08 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: Singapore is at risk from Economic War rather than Military War. We are at Risk from being drawn into taking Sides. It's important to remain largely neutral as we are quite vulnerable actually, not physically, but economically partly because we have limited natural resources
[0:09 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: ICC or ICJ!?
[0:09 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Yes
[0:10 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: I oppose, strongly, Russians actions. Regardless of their reasons, taking offensive military action is never justified without being attacked first. Ukraine is a democracy and talking about Nato and the EU doesn't justify invasion.
[0:10 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: The corner stone of our foreign policy is neutrality
[0:10 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: We are not being Neutral in this case, and rightly so. This is not a 'normal' case in my view.
[0:11 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Agree
[0:12 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: Good to stand united with our Allies and make clear our position that Offensive Military Action against a Nation that didn't not attack, nor suggest attack, is wrong and cannot be ignored.
[0:13 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: It's important that all nations see that the World can unite in the face of such Tyranny.
[0:13 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: Russia is very, but not completely, isolated.
[0:15 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Also for China to take note on our agreement with
[0:16 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Also for China to take note on our agreement of the unclos ruling supporting Philippines claim to part of the South China Sea.
[0:17 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Unity seems to be selective if arab/Israeli conflict is debated.
[0:20 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Or of china's treatment of urghuys in xinjiang.
[0:20 pm, 04/03/2022] +Timothy Low: In order to stop the war, Russia’s
requests have to be met as well.
[0:21 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: Yes, it is interested that Ukraine's case is being handled differently, presumably through individual country's self interest. There are many unprovoked wars around the world, and no one else gets involved.
[0:21 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: This will involve lengthy negotiations
[0:22 pm, 04/03/2022] +Poh Seng Lim: The war may affect ALL of us. So look what’s happening here.
Fire breaks out at nuclear plant in Ukraine after Russia attacks facility
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russian-troops-are-firing-europes-largest-nuclear-power-plant-ukrainia-rcna18668
[0:25 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Prepare for the worst!
[0:36 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/zelenky-ukraine-russia-end-of-the-world-180049216.html?ncid=other_sgnewstele_ecrrmd5rec8
[0:36 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/frances-macron-thinks-worst-yet-153003084.html?ncid=other_sgnewstele_ecrrmd5rec8
[0:49 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/world/europe/a-war-the-kremlin-tried-to-disguise-becomes-a-hard-reality-for-russians.html
A War the Kremlin Tried to Disguise Becomes a Hard Reality for Russians.
[0:51 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Now only Russia domestic pressure can stop Russia ambition.
[0:57 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Guess the if they WAR drag will be a problem for Putin
[0:57 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Some soldiers are confuse according to reports.. they thought were going to drills
[1:00 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Some are deserting
https://www.forbes.com/sites/craighooper/2022/03/01/shaken-russian-army-conscripts-make-perfect-targets-for-morale-crushing-operations/amp/
According to Forbes
[1:02 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Some are sabotaging their military equipment in an attempt to be court martial and be sent home. Their families thought the children were on exercise in crime but shocking to find out, attacking a neighbour!
[1:03 pm, 04/03/2022] +REACH: Singapore to co-sponsor resolution on human rights situation in Ukraine
👉🏼 https://str.sg/ws2h
Lessons from Ukraine and questions on succession: What politicians are talking about
👉🏼 https://str.sg/ws2i
[1:03 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Stand up for Singapore
[1:05 pm, 04/03/2022] +Noraini: I care about our neighbour. Felt sad that time when Ukraine shot down Malaysia MH370
[1:05 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Likewise
[1:06 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Most people know war means to kill or being killed.
Peace time for long.. not many will want to go war.
[1:06 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Unless force to
[1:19 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: Do you mean met or discussed? Is it right to negotiate while being bombed and your citizens killed and your cities destroyed?
[1:19 pm, 04/03/2022] +Poh Seng Lim: It is obvious that Putin lied to his citizens and continue to lie to them. The media is controlled by him, and he just shut down any media that criticises his actions
[1:19 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Hope SFA is monitoring our food imports from that part of the world for possible contamination from any kind.
[1:20 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: Yes, this can be seen as double standards. Quite a mess in many parts of the world. It does not justify Russias attack though.
[1:22 pm, 04/03/2022] +Timothy Low: Need to hear Russia’s side as well. Russia seems to think that NATO has been extending their influence in Eastern Europe and threaten their stability, and thus feel threaten. Even though Ukraine is a Democratic country and has the right to decide their own fate, and Russia is wrong to invade another country unprovoked, but if Russia’s requests are not met and reassured that it’s stability won’t be threaten, it’s hard to end the war now
[1:23 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: Ukraine? Maybe check before writing that. https://www.britannica.com/event/Malaysia-Airlines-flight-370-disappearance
[1:24 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Think wrong plane.. 🤣🤣 but I do remember something got shot down on the same year
[1:25 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: Yes, agreed. It's complicated, and agreements were not kept to. Unfortunately for Russia, and Ukrainians a bloody invasion was a terrible judgment call in response.
[1:25 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Right plane but unofficially Russia supplied the missile.
[1:26 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: 🤷🏻♂️ oh hit by rebels?
[1:27 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: Yes, it was shot down over Ukraine. We don’t know who by. Seems unlikely it was the Ukraine Gov. "determined to be a Russian-made missile launcher fired by Russian-backed rebels"
[1:27 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Pro Russia rebels
[1:27 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Seems something on the plane cargo manifest is the culprit
[1:27 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: It was MH17, not MH370
[1:28 pm, 04/03/2022] +Timothy Low: Need to re examine US’ role on this as well. Need to see what role they are playing - are they adding oil to fire?
[1:28 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: Inevitably. That's the sad fact of international politics.
[1:30 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: OK
[1:31 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: So, in politics, no such thing as a friend. Today, we scratch each others back. Tomorrow if you back stab me, likewise.
[1:42 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/ukraines-un-ambassador-tweets-majulah-singapura-thanks-singapores-support-russia-conflict
[1:45 pm, 04/03/2022] +Eunice Chia: brave as a lion lar! 😄
[1:45 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: China buying up US corn, soybeans as Ukraine war roils trade
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/china-buying-up-us-corn-soybeans-as-ukraine-war-roils-trade
[1:46 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: 👍🤟👏👌🙏
[2:01 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心: https://www.ft.com/cms/s/5cdc910e-7a8a-4a3b-8c37-b831a0699cfb,s01=1.html?ftcamp=traffic/partner/feed_headline/us_yahoo/auddev
China-based AIIB freezes lending to Russia and Belarus over Ukraine war.
[2:01 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/former-cia-chief-says-russia-163918399.html
Former CIA chief says Russia’s economy could collapse and Moscow scared of even opening stock exchange.
[2:07 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Middle-class Russians banned from fleeing with their wealth as sanctions start to bite. Russia Economy collapsing. https://sg.yahoo.com/news/vladimir-putin-bans-middle-class-184720767.html
[2:09 pm, 04/03/2022] +~typing: This is a quite good article which gives an explanation of the history and has a bit more depth of perspective than most articles have.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/28/nato-expansion-war-russia-ukraine
[2:10 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
1. Only domestic pressure anti-war.
2. Collapsing Economy.
3. Financial sanctions.
4. International isolation
Can stop Putin ambition.
[2:12 pm, 04/03/2022] +Thomas: Problem is that if Russia push to limit and no where to go. They might trigger WW3 as they have nothing to lose. If I die, I bring u along
[2:13 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: Can't see the Generals going along with that.
[2:16 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/04/ex-nato-head-says-putin-wanted-to-join-alliance-early-on-in-his-rule
Ex NATO head says Putin wanted to join NATO but was rejected.
[2:16 pm, 04/03/2022] +Thomas: All he needs is to fire a nuclear warhead to a NATO country and it will start it off. All you need a compliant General and they have nothing to lose. If all Russians feel they have nothing to lose as they lost alot. That’s why the West didn’t completely shut the oil
[2:18 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: I think they kept the oil flowing to prevent their own economies running out of control. If Russia was invaded he might resort to Nukes. Putting them on standby was a warning to everyone not to attack Russia.
[2:21 pm, 04/03/2022] +Thomas: We r living in a dangerous time and it is right that Singapore take a stand or else our neighbour can just attack without warning and justification. Fortunately we have strong army and we are on our own. Remember Mahathir almost trigger a conflict with Singapore when he send a ship into our waters? So don’t reduce NS or training of our army
[2:24 pm, 04/03/2022] +Thomas: Mahathir only back down when he realised his army not strong
[2:25 pm, 04/03/2022] +Smiley face: Nobody should have any illusion about the possibility of gaining military superiority over Russia. We will never allow this to happen.
- - Vladimir Putin
[2:26 pm, 04/03/2022] +Smiley face: "The United Nations' founders understood that decisions affecting war and peace should happen only by consensus, and with America's consent, the veto by Security Council permanent members was enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The profound wisdom of this has underpinned the stability of international relations for decades."
- - Vladimir Putin
[2:33 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Indranee tests positive for Covid-19: 'Hope to be back in Parliament next week'
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/minister-indranee-rajah-tests-positive-for-covid-19-has-to-skip-sakura-floral-display-launch
[2:34 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Mahabharata was never a match for LKY
[2:35 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
There are only 4 options to counter Putin ambition:-
1. Gain psychological posture to prevent the war from taking place.
2. Economic sanctions and international isolation.
3. Do nothing and let Putin ambition grow and do further damage.
4. Western force join the fight to stop the aggression.
Since option 1 initiative is lost - which is the best option.
The west is weak and no stomach to join the fight and stop the aggression - and this eliminate option 4.
Then option 2 is the next best option.
Else by default it will fall into option 3 - like Hitler unstoppable force to completely take over Europe.
[2:36 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: How prepared is our civilian and military medical community to handle a fallout from biological, chemical and unclear weapons!?
[2:37 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Possible with a euro defence command without America
[2:38 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
This is exactly the reason why US and the West have lose their initiative to prevent the war from taking place - because of psychological fear - what if he fire the nuclear missile.
[2:38 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Just like America lost a intelligence goldmine when sleeper agents in China was massacred.
[2:45 pm, 04/03/2022] +Smiley face: "The United States and Russian security services regularly exchange information."
- - Vladimir Putin
[2:51 pm, 04/03/2022] +Smiley face: https://youtu.be/Yw5lzKVn3sc
The real ex 007, listen to what he said...
[2:55 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Racism during conflict!😵💫🤦♂️😔
[3:19 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
The US and the West fail to seize 6 lessons. And Putin exploited their inertia.
And now US and the West have to respond with 2nd best option.
[3:20 pm, 04/03/2022] +BL: very interesting! thanks for sharing
[3:37 pm, 04/03/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: 💬 What are your views on Singapore’s stance in the Russia-Ukraine crisis? Our government and diplomats are making the right responses and navigating this terrible time well. I think it is important for them to continue to distinguish between the actions of the Russian government, and the Russian people. It would be disheartening to see the zenophobia which is consuming the West vis a vis Russians come to Singapore. The 20th century is full of examples of how punishing entire populations during and after wars has been ineffective at regime change in the short-term and has had long-term detrimental consequences globally – our government should bear these history lessons in mind.
[3:38 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: I support the Singapore government in its neutral approach on the international stage to address the situation.
[3:54 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Ukraine says Russian forces seize Europe's largest nuclear power plant https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russian-column-heads-towards-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-says-local-mayor
[3:54 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
If they accidentally hit the nuclear plant and lead to nuclear leak - then Europe and Russia will subject to nuclear radiation.
[3:56 pm, 04/03/2022] +Poh Seng Lim: Maybe Putin will live in a bunker hardened against radiation?
[3:57 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: What's making Putin to go all out for WAR which bring the whole world upside down,
Now if the situation goes beyond to uncharted territories
What wil happened it may triggered down to nuclear war. Putin & Kim Jong un become a Tag Team to haunt the world with Nuclear Bomb
We will heading to unprecedented future
[3:59 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: +1 agree that punishing Russian citizens would not b right. They didn't sign up for this craziness.
[4:02 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Maybe we have another summit like the Trump & Kim few years ago
Which Putin & Zenisky summit in SG
LHL can invite them
However don't spend our taxpayer money ask hotel to volunteer the accommodation & F&B🤣🤣
[4:05 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: EU & Western World should accept the Russian to move aboard no status or background required as long individual like freedom of speech & have a heart to do well in their second home country
[4:31 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Yes
[4:34 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Met her over zoom meeting last week.
Thought she looks alright.
[4:39 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: 🤷♂️
[4:41 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Russia’s Ukraine invasion could push US and China to mend ties.
The Ukraine invasion has put China on the spot.
ut China does need to hedge its bets, and that means working on its relationship with the US, says Bo Zhiyue.
Even President Xi is wary of Putin who is looking dangerous.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/us-china-improve-bilateral-ties-xi-biden-collaboration-ukraine-invasion-2535326
[4:42 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: So, xi jin ping seems to have misunderstood putin!?
[4:42 pm, 04/03/2022] +Angelica: Not Russia's Ukraine invasion encourage China to take over taiwan?'
[4:43 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: I believe the thought did criss xi jin ping mind
[4:45 pm, 04/03/2022] +Smiley face: https://youtu.be/ZtFp7Vj3fh8
[4:45 pm, 04/03/2022] +Smiley face: https://youtu.be/FbkZq8klAlE
[4:46 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Not surprising from India!
[4:46 pm, 04/03/2022] +Angelica: Idk what lessons can be learned since SGP and UKR are in very differnt situations. UKR and RUS share very close cultural ties and UKR historically was part of RUS. UKR angered RUS by wanting to join NATO/more western. How would SGP anger MY?
Also while SGP did join MY for a short while SGP was never really belonged to MY.
[4:46 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: "Could". Maybe. maybe not. Sound and fury, signifying nothing 🌝
[4:47 pm, 04/03/2022] +Angelica: i heard that its hard for some countries to act out against RUS as well since RUS supplys them with power/electricity etc..
[4:48 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: We were never really welcome in the federation due to our Chinese majority population, lky believe everyone will be given an equal opportunity and no race based policy.
[4:48 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: That's the catch!
[4:49 pm, 04/03/2022] +Smiley face: https://youtu.be/Xnogig4JCUg
[4:55 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: On the news.. this morning on pressure from the QUAD group
[4:55 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Keep the pressure!
[4:55 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: But India relayed on Russia for their weapons 😅
[4:55 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: So they also hands tie
[4:56 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Friendship has been for decades
[4:56 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: So not so easy to break
[4:57 pm, 04/03/2022] +Dan: Is sanctions sufficient to stop Russia?
From the looks of it, nothing is gg to stop Russia until their objective is achieved. If their attack on nuclear reactor is successful, the radiation damage will be catastrophic for the whole world.
Are the rest of the world gg to sit back and let it happen and rely on sanctions to curb Russia?
No matter what Russia say, about defending their rights, the damage done to the environment and the deaths of these innocent people is irreversible.
[4:58 pm, 04/03/2022] +Vivian: stop quoting us already... lol
[4:59 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: When Russia turn back to us 😂
[4:59 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Catch 22 situation
[4:59 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: No
[4:59 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Leader made collectively right decision,
tension during 1963-1965 MY & SG was consider bad
However Dato Tungku Adul Rahman see that Singapore shouldn't be in Malaysia it will escalate more tension
Dato Tungku decided SG should leave MY rather become problem to MY internal issue
But unlike Putin by using force to conquer the land of Ukraine
[5:00 pm, 04/03/2022] +Vivian: As quoted, we are teeny country... Ignore us please~
[5:03 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Why not we having referendum to see our national want to sanction Russia for me of course must punish Russia unkind & inhumanity
+10
[5:04 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: For China diplomacy is sickening
[5:04 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: No right or wrong except Grey🤦♂️🤦♂️
[5:08 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Small countries also must acknowledge what is right & what's wrongdoing
For Russia case absolutely nuisance
Of course we stand together with the people of Ukraine
Size doesn't matter
Rightfulness come first
[5:16 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Right move by MY made us what we are today
[5:17 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: I hope our LHL cannot afraid of Putin revenge back to SG
If we afraid of Russia we wasn't a country anymore
[5:18 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Agree
[5:19 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: A country must adopt the rightfulness decision which the happening in Ukraine it was outrageous
[5:22 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: UN should knock Russia out of UN until Putin adminstration members who involved in Ukraine massacre all being arrest for Warcrime
[5:23 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: If no veto in unsc and general assembly, simple majority should be enough
[5:23 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Government 'will not hesitate' to roll out more measures if needed to support consumers as electricity prices rise: Tan See Leng
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/government-more-measures-support-consumers-high-electricity-prices-2538466
[5:25 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: But already feeling the pinch for quite some time
[5:25 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Every single little thing costly then few months ago
[5:28 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: eh govt "will not hesitate" wor... are you saying they are hesitating? 😅
[5:30 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: A lot of increase for consumers since bus fare started the ball rolling 261221!
[5:30 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: Hesitate to subsidy
[5:30 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: OR maybe the key words in that article are "if needed"... now that's a very subjective statement.
[5:30 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: With conditions
[5:30 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Akan datang
[5:30 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: I will not hesitate to buy roses for my wife on valentine's day... if needed.
[5:30 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: lol
[5:31 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: 999!?
[5:33 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/covid-19-art-self-test-kits-fda-warns-against-use-sd-biosensor-flowflex-2530591
Side note is HSA gonna reply on this? 😅
[5:34 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: All my kids are from SD biosensor 😅
[5:34 pm, 04/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Kits”
[5:34 pm, 04/03/2022] +Anthony: We being use this for almost a year ,We all become blacklisted in US🤔🤔
[5:37 pm, 04/03/2022] +Caleb: I prefer abbott brand, the swab is more comfortable
[5:47 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/central-bank-russia-launches-swift-154004953.html
Central Bank of Russia Launches SWIFT Replacement With 399 Users.
[5:50 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-billionaires-wealth-lose-84-billion-dollars-under-a-week-2022-3
Russian billionaires' losses, now totaling $84 billion this year, have more than doubled since Russia invaded Ukraine less than a week ago.
[5:50 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心: https://sg.yahoo.com/finance/news/isolated-russians-scramble-hard-currency-154359931.html
Isolated Russians scramble for hard currency, fear worse is yet to come.
[5:50 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/panicked-russians-flee-west-fall-185554481.html
Panicked Russians flee to the West before fall of new Iron Curtain.
[5:50 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Analysis: China’s CIPS Won’t Rescue Russian Banks From SWIFT Ban.
https://www.caixinglobal.com/2022-03-02/analysis-chinas-cips-wont-rescue-russian-banks-from-swift-ban-101849104.html
[5:50 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心: https://sg.yahoo.com/finance/news/430billion-wipeout-russian-stocks-crash-151847691.html
£430billion wipeout: Russian stocks crash 98% on London indexes as sanctions bite.
[5:52 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Russia economy and financial system collapsing very quickly.
[5:53 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Putin unfazed!?
[5:54 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Run on banks in Russia.
Soon Russian people can no longer tolerate.
[5:55 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Civil unrest leading to unseat of government!?
[5:55 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Putin may have to rely on marital law - using army to put down home unrest.
[5:57 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Most probably but what about desertion amongst the rank and file!?
[5:58 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Will have to see if Ukrainian can drag out the war long enough.
And the west sanctions go hard enough.
[5:58 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Yes
[6:00 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Time is not on the side of Russia.
They can't go on without business, jobs, money, food, and international isolation for too long.
[6:02 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Putin might be played out by China!
[6:03 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: I tot Putin is master strategist that outclass Biden? hmmmmmmm
[6:03 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: 🤔
[6:04 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Russian troops in Ukraine morale will continue to dip - if Ukrainian troops continue to harass them, wear them out using guerilla tactics, cut off their logistics supply and play propaganda to the Russia people how Russia troops suffer in Ukraine.
The tide could turn against Putin.
[6:05 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Take chess for example, a child prodigy beats his grandmaster!?
[6:05 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Exactly so putin will threatened with nuclear annihilation!?
[6:07 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: Maybe, just maybe, US is the master strategist here... lure Russia into a war they cannot win, reinvigorate NATO, put China in tough spot, distract population from inflation woes...... 🌝
[6:07 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Yes
[6:07 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: all these is done without much spending or troops.
[6:07 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: 3-D chess
[6:07 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Psychological warfare
[6:08 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Well he can threaten all he wants.
Pressing that button means he wants to kill himself and Russia as well.
Russian generals will weigh whether they want to go along with him.
[6:09 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Hope for a mutiny!
[6:09 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: US pre-emptively informed the whole world about the invasion, and highlighted all the potential "false flag" approach that Russia may use to confuse the world.
[6:09 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Right on the money!
[6:10 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: So that when Russia invasion starts, the whole world is ready to condemn and psychological primed to ignore fake news from Russia.
[6:10 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: that is a grandmaster move right there....
[6:10 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
If US is so smart, the world won't have to clean up the current mess.
[6:10 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Working so far
[6:11 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: yep, US don't have great minds like you to help them... can't be too smart 🤣
[6:12 pm, 04/03/2022] +JC: the only people that are cleaning up the mess are Ukrainians and Russians... and Europeans who will need to diversify their energy supply by buying US oil.... 🌝
[6:14 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Middle Eastern and South American too
[6:21 pm, 04/03/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:
Soviet submarine officer who averted nuclear war honoured with prize.
Previous military officer defy order to launch nuclear missile.
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/oct/27/vasili-arkhipov-soviet-submarine-captain-who-averted-nuclear-war-awarded-future-of-life-prize
[6:22 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Mutiny on the high seas!
[6:37 pm, 04/03/2022] +En: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/banks-remove-clickable-links-emails-sms-sent-customers-part-new-security-measures-1794446
Have y’all seen this? What do u think?
[6:45 pm, 04/03/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan
[6:50 pm, 04/03/2022] +Rama: Will be taxing to do multiple transactions but what is the realistic alternative!?
[6:58 pm, 04/03/2022] +Smiley face: 4 March, 2022
To: All Our Distinguished and All Our Honorables
"Who's luring who, The Hunt For Red October Has Started...? "
It just started, this extended play of power and survival! The Russians threat escalating to a new high as the fight for Europe latest nuclear power plant is unfolding!
In Ukraine, now, as the world's waking up to an even bigger N day threat that is the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar, Europe's largest nuclear power plant.. “if it blows up, it will be 10 times larger than Chernobyl!” This is a military strategic asset for the Russians pitch and strike towards having an upper hand, fact is, in this war NOBODY wins! A peace time power generator becoming a wartime threats!
Unknowns:
In Bering sea, the Russia's latest nuclear class submarines are hidden under the sea no deeper than 500m for launching of N bombs. Each of these subs (3 or more? ) are designed to arm up to 80 N warheads. These subs bomb has an effective range covering the entire Europe continent. Are there Russian N Subs in the Pacific ocean? The Hollywood movie 'The Hunt For Red October' may have long gone, this time this REAL Red alert, hopefully will be a happy ending?
In the snowy forest of Siberia, known and hidden, the Russians have mobile ICBMs ready aiming at the entire0plll Pacific ocean up to the continent of North America.
Unorthodox Moves:
As the Ukraine conflict unfolding, one starts wondering why the Russians pitstops and struggles along each city its set foot onto, especially Kiev?
For one, there is an underlying electronics and intelligences warfare in play by outside/within forces not origin from Ukraine.
Two, is smart phones carry by the Russians soldiers may have (early stage) unintentionally been tracked by these electronics warfare and signal interferences that positioned more than 80% of these conquering troops and their communications too. It's more than military GPS, maybe this time is DARPA and Starlink (Star Gate project)?
Three, do not be fooled by the grandma posing with her AK47 or a nobody firing a handheld rocket launcher! It is known that the SAS elite force has been training in Ukraine a decade or more with the Ukrainians own elite Alpha force? How about the Delta force?
Finally, images of Russians military assets lining in several kms long may be a decoy setup by the Ukraine or the Russians and/or a possibility of a shortage of (money) oil & foods supply line. It may not be a pictured sitting ducks in wait to be slaughtered? Where are all the air exhibits such as SU, MIG and F15 to F35 dogfighting each other for air supremacy?
D Day:
What if the Russians starts RETREATING its army? Next imminent threat is a Nuclear warfare and/or Biological Warfare will be on the execution table! Simply in the Russians mindset, the conflict of Ukraine is to stop the EU or/and NATO to extend their "membership drive" to Ukraine and a few other European countries such as Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway?
Perhaps, one of the possible outcomes is to turn Ukraine into a Nuclear/Bio Hazard (like Chernobyl) country so much so for the next 3 decades, no country will enter nor mention it, this place called Ukraine. For the Russians, one less threat to its border dispute and EU or NATO shall stop its membership effort too. Is this a breathing space for the Russians, the Chinese and the world?
Should the Ukrainians farm belt is contaminated, it will be a big problem for over 600 million people whom are dependents on these naturally furtile lands for food security. The immediate consequence is a big jump in foods across the world for a long haul ! Something needs to happen to deescalate any larger damages and deaths from happening, that's real!
Summary:
In short, this Ukraine experiences so far, briefly -
1) Psychological warfare using propaganda through news, videos, global diplomacy and leadership.
2) Electronics warfare gaining enemy's live positions, distorting signals, decoding communications and airspace command.
3) An internally strong and willing civil & military defence to counter insurgency.
4) Use of military experts and consultants already in existence inland and especially in strategic cities and critical infrastructures.
5) A well prepared defence plan, infrastructures and international interventions.
6) Please don't bring smart phones to the battlefield, use paper maps and analog compass, please.
7) Where is that sizzling Omicron?
Latest:
https://www.foxnews.com/world/russia-troops-ukraine-nuclear-plant
Sir John Sawers
https://youtu.be/Yw5lzKVn3sc
Afterwords:
"Two Is Accompany, Three Is Too Crowded!"
Satire of A Village:
Recalling the last decade of the two big fights, eversince, for the last seven years, the Big village has three separate chief A, B and C. It has aways been these arrangements of things, businesses and arguments of yours and mine. Of late, the last 3 years, there were territorial disputes that led to some fencing collapsed and tore into many pieces, this big village.
Now the latest argument has started in the small town named kiln, this time, it is about kicking one of the chiefs out of the big village and into retirement. Of lately, it is coming to clear that perhaps two is a company!
The longer these arguments persist, the more painful it will be for the thousands of villagers whom are beginning to complaint over the expensive foods and cooking oil. Some will soon distance their ties with each other and quarrels, tightening their waist belts and breaking their piggybanks to buy these necessities of life.
Meantime these two old chiefs have silently fight it out for the SPOT, that's the last mohican standing shall be the ONE! It will be a long argument because it is more than 7 years of cumulated hatred and betrayal, that's for sure!
After all is over, this time, perhaps the sole chief with the help of his trusted handymen will tear all old defences and refence the big village into one big circle leaving the villagers to wonder if it is real that only ONE chief left?
Quotations:
"Nobody should have any illusion about the possibility of gaining military superiority over Russia. We will never allow this to happen."
- - Vladimir Putin
"The United Nations' founders understood that decisions affecting war and peace should happen only by consensus, and with America's consent, the veto by Security Council permanent members was enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The profound wisdom of this has underpinned the stability of international relations for decades."
- - Vladimir Putin
"The United States and Russian security services regularly exchange information."
- - Vladimir Putin
- - END - -
[7:00 pm, 04/03/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
[8:41 pm, 04/03/2022] +REACH: No changes to Safe Management Measures for now but govt monitoring situation closely: MOH
There will be no changes to Safe Management Measures (SMMs) for now given the high number of daily local Covid-19 cases in the past week, but the authorities are monitoring the situation.
The Ministry of Health (MOH), in a statement on Friday (March 4), said the number of hospitalised cases remain high, and healthcare workers are still under significant pressure.
More: https://str.sg/wsLd
=======
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