The Bear Awakens

Reminiscent of the Cold War, Russia sends long-range bombers to threaten British airspace. It sends bombers to the American military base of Guam. Agents are sent to London to murder British citizens The head of the Russian armed forces warns the Czech Republic that they would be making a huge mistake if they participate the America’s missile defence plans. It is now clear that Russia is slowly reverting to the same disgusting country it was during the Soviet era. Vladimir Putin and his government have revealed themselves to be reconstituted, authoritative Soviet style nationalists, one step removed from dictators who would threaten western freedom. They are emboldened by their oil and gas reserves and by embarking on a huge military rearmament program are thinking that the West should once again be cowering under their goose-stepping jackboot.

It is outrageous that Russia is now sending bombers to threaten British airspace. It is a completely unprovoked and intimidating act of terror. The West must be strong and resolute. The Russian threat must once again be faced down. If necessary defence budgets and armed forces must be expanded to counter the Russian military. The West must not yield. The reality, however, is that Russia is a comparatively poor country with a relatively small and declining population. Its ageing armed forces are decrepit and out of date, and the military-industrial complex is of a size, which is way out of proportion to the wealth of the state. It is striking that the planes, which are once again threatening Britain are the same ‘Bear’ turbo-prop bombers designed in the 1950s, deployed during the Cold War and hardly upgraded since. They are though, now met by brand new Typhoon fighter aircraft. Russia is proving itself to be nothing more than a pathetic bully. Bullies should always be slapped down, back to their previous position of no importance.