News: Putin named Russia's "Man of the Year" for 15th consecutive year. As usual, second place went to "Or else."

What is happening in Ukraine is interesting for the security of Europe, notably the Baltic states where there are many Russian speakers.

For those not in the know, once the USSR broke up, Ukraine had loads of nuclear weapons.  It got rid of was at the time, the third largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world.  Russia promised to respects its territory and the west promised to back it up.

Well, that has not happened.  The Crimea has been annexed by Russia and Russia, like with what happened in Georgia, has apparently been helping Russian speaking Ukrainian freedom fighters in the war for freedom (how you can call it freedom when you want a dictator is beyond me...) with many 'volunteers' entering the nation to help the battle for independence.  

The US understandably does not want to be dragged into a war there, just like it does not want to be drawn into a war in Syria (despite Syria crossing red lines set by Obama) or elsewhere.  Which means that nations like the UK have to realise that they can not rely on the US to defend them.  Which, to me, means that we have to renew Trident.

I do not like the idea of spending money on a nuclear weapons system that god willing, will never be used.  But I like the idea of speaking Russian less.  And you can not trust Putin.  I do not say that you can trust Obama, but lets face it, at least he was elected in free and fair elections.

So in short, that is why, I with a heavy heart, support spending money that can be used to help the poor or the NHS on a weapons system that I pray is never used.