Don’t get me wrong appeasement of Hitler was a complete failure, it was a cowardly and inept policy. There are some who still argue it was justified because it gave the West time to prepare for the war, the results up until 1944 suggest otherwise.
But not all those proposing appeasement were even using the policy to buy time for higher defence spending to take effect. Some were pacifists, some communists playing to Moscow’s tune and then there were the out and out Nazis supporting racists and bigots. Pure traitors. To this day some of them still argue that the UK fought the wrong enemy in 1939 and should have joined Hitler in fighting the Soviets.
After all the holocaust and the conquest of Europe from Greece to the North of Norway, was no concern of ours.
Which brings us to Nigel Farage, who last night claimed that the invasion of Ukraine was caused because "We provoked this war.” His previous praise for V. Putin is also on the record, apparently he dislikes the man but admires the way he has taken power in Russia. I hope he doesn’t plan to do the same here and make himself PM for life.
But what Mr. Farage has done is let the cat out of the bag. How can anyone in the Tory party suggest that they merge with Reform now? Who could claim to want him in the party that poses as the patriotic, flag waving, strong on defence and not be forced to explain why they want to sell us out to Moscow?
Mr Farage and his ilk have been far too close to Russia for far too long.
They now seek to appease Putin when he has already invaded a peaceful neighbour, when the West is united against him, when his troops are murdering raping and torturing their way across Ukraine and would do the same elsewhere if given half a chance.
Why do they think Sweden and Finland joined NATO asap? Do they think that has provoked the Kremlin again?
As I said appeasement takes many forms.
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.
By Jonty Bloom Media
The ugliness of Farage should not prevent us from critical consideration of the diplomacy leading up to the Ukraine war. Lets be clear, western policy is not responsible for the war. Putin runs a neo feudal oligarchy with an historically paranoid perception of external threats. But that paranoia is not wholly without justification since it was invaded by Napoleon and Hitler, suffered a western sponsored counter revolution after 1917 and was involved in a cold war during much of the 20th century.
Russia is right in thinking that western nations have sought to encircle it. Having regard to its political character, we say that is self defence. But we should know better than to think that is how Russia will see it.
Ukraine is a sovereign state which is entitled to apply to join the EU and NATO if it wishes. But neither is required to accept it. And whilst Putin might have swallowed EU membership, it was always going to be highly risky for Ukraine to join NATO. With hindsight, the push for NATO membership looks like a mistake that cost Ukraine dear. This is not to defend Putin. But it is to recognise that there are limits to the right to self determination. It always sits within a web of sometimes beligerent international relationships.
It is ironic that the nationalist Farage of all people should be pro Putin over Ukraine given his emphasis on national sovereignty. But he gave his game away when he said he admires Putin's control of the country.
The unfortunate reality facing Ukraine is a military and political stalemate which will compromise it in multiple spheres for many years to come. Trump may even sell it out completely. So much for the right to self determination.