I may have misread, I thought you had also referenced it in previous conversations. I was just surprised that you would seem to conflate sanctions and military action, whereas I thought that the ability to implement sanctions would be if anything more important if someone wanted to avoid military intervention but still be able to influence outcomes. Apologies for my misunderstanding on that though.
Don't get me wrong I think sanctions are generally a much better route than war. But it's still a form of conflict which has consequences on many innocent people and can indirectly lead to loss of life.
I can't remember the original post you quoted but I believe I was simply making reference to the fact that despite sanctions and military intervention we're still no closer to a resolution.
I'm aware you are being asked to come up with answers to hypothetical situations here but I think Ukraine is one area where Corbyn would have been absolutely hammered in the media, and in this instance, I think that his position does run contrary to the stance of the voting public as well.
He's not a dictator though and I disagree when people say he's unable to look past his own views/principles.
I think just like with brexit, to his failure, where he took a more neutral stance despite historically being a euro sceptic. In terms of Ukraine I think he'd have been diplomatic and followed the parties views too. Many of his closest allies support the prolonged military support, and the original quotes I provided doesn't say he opposes it. Just that he worries it will prolong war and that more focus should have been put on peace.
And I agree the media would slaughter him simply because they see his political views as a threat to the elite. So they'll always find a way to attack him just like they did in 2019.
I don't necessarily agree with your views on the conflict in terms of providing weapons or the effectiveness of sanctions (I would be interested in a separate discussion about your views on the potential impact of BDS with regards to Israel/Palestine) however this is a thread about Jeremy Corbyn and I assume a hypothetical about general electability is fair. So how do you think he would have positioned things to the media and the public? Do you think this could have been an area of weakness in terms of getting votes? What tools would be available if we took 'sending materiel that could be used for an invasion of Russia' off the table. Do you think he would have supported sanctions (this was more your one off quote, so I wouldn't want to attribute a position to him)? What kind of tools would he have had available to bring people to the negotiating table?
I think he would have tabled his views in parliament but ultimately a democratic vote would have taken place as well as bills going through the lord's. And as a result I believe our initial reaction would likely have been similar to what we've already seen. An international one. I don't think he'd oppose the majority of his parties or members views. Just like he took a neutral stance on brexit despite historically being a eurosceptic.
With the above said though, I think he would have pushed for more talks and discussions with Putin and would have possibly even met him in person. Something I think is essential to finding a peaceful resolution. And something I'd support from any western leader.
I think given his parliamentary record and views on previous conflicts that he would be much better positioned to negotiate and have progressive talks with pro/neutral Russia countries such as China/Pakistan/India/Russia/NKorea/Oraq/Brazil (?) etc.. And I think they'd be more open to dialogue with him too than the historic old guard.
I think the cost of living crisis is an indirect effect of both covid and Ukraine and I think alot of the things on corbyns 2019 manifesto would have indirectly improced this such as his pledge to bring energy under public ownership again.
I think instead of energy price caps which effectively universally discount the rate of energy for all, that more targeted support would be provided. I don't think we'd have the same large companies making windfalls off the back of this conflict and for those which are I believe a proper fair tax would be applied.
As Ukraine is seen as an international issue and conflict, it's not Corbyns responsibility to resolve it. In the same sense that neither tory leader has done much in terms of finding a solution so far.
Again though looking at indirect effects, another one is unions and pay strikes. Again I expect corbyn would have been much more pro active in this space and I imagine he'd have more negotiating power and respect from the unions and resolutions would have been found rather than the recurring cycles of strikes were currently experiencing.
I think giving Americas and Bidens special relationship with Ireland, and corbyns positive effect on bringing peace to NI that this would help to strengthen relationships with America. I also think we'd have Stormont up and running and operating rather than the current stalemate where Sunak has changed legislation basically extending the time required for an election after one party doesn't nominate a minister.
But despite all the above the media is and always will be a huge problem for him to tackle. However actions speak louder than words and with time I think his actions would silence his critics.