Well, it's started. Guess we'll see how far Putin wants to push and how far the West will let him go without a response. I firmly believe sanctions won't do anything to stop Putin.
He'll probably be satisfied with the DNR and LNR. Won't try to take the whole place at once. He's playing the long game. Not like he's got to worry about any upcoming elections.
He'll probably be satisfied with the DNR and LNR. Won't try to take the whole place at once. He's playing the long game. Not like he's got to worry about any upcoming elections.
I'd agree with that but, it really depends on how far he pushes into Ukraine. Will the Ukraine accept the loss of this ground or will they fight to get it back? Knowing Biden has said no US Troops will fight for Ukraine, I suspect Putin will get to keep whatever he takes.
Not much to worry about here. If dem Russkies start to move on Kyiv, the "Z man" (Zelensky) will just fork over that big incriminating dossier on Hunter Biden, and a U.S. military task force will be on its way pronto to Ukraine. Zelensky's been saving this for a "rainy day." He can just FedEx it to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Oh, wait...
[This message has been edited by rinselberg (edited 02-22-2022).]
He'll probably be satisfied with the DNR and LNR. Won't try to take the whole place at once. He's playing the long game. Not like he's got to worry about any upcoming elections.
Well, looks like THIS idiot was wrong about that.
And the world will sit by and do nothing.
quote
In closing words of UN Security Council meeting, Ukrainian ambassador stares at the Russian Ambassador: “There is no purgatory for war criminals. They go straight to hell, ambassador.” In a final humiliation for the UN, the whole session had been chaired by Russia.
[This message has been edited by Zeb (edited 02-24-2022).]
We'll see. Perhaps he's just taking out the military structure that's been targeting civilian populations in the 2 newly recognized provinces. I mean, they have to be supplying and attacking FROM other regions into those Russian majority ones.
We'll see. Perhaps he's just taking out the military structure that's been targeting civilian populations in the 2 newly recognized provinces. I mean, they have to be supplying and attacking FROM other regions into those Russian majority ones.
Thank God Russia is destroying the political structure of a sick, occupied Ukraine. I have hope that a stable, rational alternative will grow for Western nations to follow the lead of instead of the putrid decadence of our media lead, controlled rulers.
I kind of get why people are supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia for this action. As we understand Russia can be quite the formidable chess player in global politics and they aren't above to use some stretchy crap and are human rights violators.
But I'm actually going to take a bit of a wait and see approach to understanding what is exactly going on. Because although Russia is Russia, we cannot forget that the Ukraine Government is a very corrupt government that is even more so than Russia.
Case in point, even after the reforms of the Orange Revolution in the early 2000's, which did help the people of Ukraine somewhat, they are still experiencing a 45% poverty rate. Yes, it was more like 58% in the early 2000's.
Russia's poverty rate is 13%. So economically, Ukraine hasn't really helped its people and they are much worse of an oligarch than Russia could be. Remember, they gave Hunter Biden hooker and blow money for much of Obama's Presidency and made no qualms for bribing other people around the world. Russia isn't as bad.
So I'm taking a step back and not going to throw my support for Ukraine at all. I've seen the left and it's cohorts in the media support people like the Castro, Ho Chi Minn, Pol Pot, Sandinistas, Mujahideen (later Al Qaeda), and a whole host of others that turn to be actually the wrong side, though they will never admit it.
Russia may just be a blessing to the Ukrainian people.
Originally posted by Wichita: Case in point, even after the reforms of the Orange Revolution in the early 2000's, which did help the people of Ukraine somewhat, they are still experiencing a 45% poverty rate. Yes, it was more like 58% in the early 2000's. [In sharp contrast] Russia's poverty rate is [only] 13%.
Curious where those numbers (percentages) are coming from...
I wonder if Covid is going to become part of the coverage. I did a very small look online, and I have the impression that when this started a couple of days ago, Ukraine was at or near the bottom among the European nations, in terms of how much of its population has been fully vaccinated. You see so many people crowded together in the underground stations being used as air raid shelters. I think they were mostly unmasked. Not that I would look for much benefit from masks under those circumstances.
So far, I haven't seen or heard the word "Covid" in the coverage of Ukraine that I've encountered.
I kind of get why people are supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia for this action. As we understand Russia can be quite the formidable chess player in global politics and they aren't above to use some stretchy crap and are human rights violators.
But I'm actually going to take a bit of a wait and see approach to understanding what is exactly going on. Because although Russia is Russia, we cannot forget that the Ukraine Government is a very corrupt government that is even more so than Russia.
Case in point, even after the reforms of the Orange Revolution in the early 2000's, which did help the people of Ukraine somewhat, they are still experiencing a 45% poverty rate. Yes, it was more like 58% in the early 2000's.
Russia's poverty rate is 13%. So economically, Ukraine hasn't really helped its people and they are much worse of an oligarch than Russia could be. Remember, they gave Hunter Biden hooker and blow money for much of Obama's Presidency and made no qualms for bribing other people around the world. Russia isn't as bad.
So I'm taking a step back and not going to throw my support for Ukraine at all. I've seen the left and it's cohorts in the media support people like the Castro, Ho Chi Minn, Pol Pot, Sandinistas, Mujahideen (later Al Qaeda), and a whole host of others that turn to be actually the wrong side, though they will never admit it.
Russia may just be a blessing to the Ukrainian people.
Pretty on point as a I see it too.
I'm not supporting either. I think Putin is a POS, but Ukraine is also a POS...
This is sort of the equivalent of two gangs fighting to me.
My only concern is that our Brandon in Chief will use this as a way to distract from the horrible job he's doing... Hey, war raises your rating as a President.
Passing out guns while the enemy is invading is too little too late. You might slow them down, but ultimately anyone found holding a gun will be killed, even those that surrender. Civilians aren't going to be familiar with their operation or be especially effective at using them. Another great justification for the 2nd Amendment, people that have and know how to use guns are a great deterrent to both a tyrannical government and any would-be invading force.
Ukraine has no chance at winning without first attaining air superiority, and the only way they could do that would be to drag the US into the fight, the Ukrainian air force bases and airports were likely the first targets. The F-22 and F-35 would absolutely decimate any SU-X and MIG fighters. And at this point who knows where the Russians have strategically planted anti-aircraft guns and missile systems inside the Ukraine as they've advanced into the country.
It is admiring that President of Ukraine Zelenksyy and the Mayor of Kyiv Klitschko are fighting with boots on the ground side-by-side with their fellow people.
In contrast to Trudeau who flees as a coward from peaceful farmers and truckers.
Zelensky is a sock puppet of the globalists and degenerates who steer American culture and relevance into the ditch. His actions are largely why Russia is in the Ukraine.
When I first saw this, I thought it was a Saturday Night Live-style skit. More "edgy" than Saturday Night Live (which I haven't seen in ages.) But I thought it was a skit. This 53-second video clip on Twitter, posted to Twiiter by Ben Lorber @BenLorber8.
Be sure to Unmute...
Nick Fuentes cheerleading for Vladimir Putin at America First Political Action Conference in Orlando last night. Republican U.S. Congress(wo)men Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar attended. Greene was the "surprise guest" and spoke on stage.Click to show
Zelensky is a sock puppet of the globalists and degenerates who steer American culture and relevance into the ditch. His actions are largely why Russia is in the Ukraine.
Go Russia! Defeat the globalist megalomaniacs.
There is something to that.
I notice how the left and the media along with the usual virtue signaling crowd throw their support to Ukraine and perpetuate the propaganda.
Little do they probably know, I didn't either in all fairness, but I found out that the Ukraine has a large contingent of Neo-Nazi's known as the Azov Battalion. The weird thing is that they have a powerful faction in the Ukrainian parliament.
So if you support Ukraine, you support Neo-Nazis.
Want to get a glimpsed of Putin's mind and reasoning behind this? I actually read (translated) version of his Putin's Address to the Russian Citizens from Feb 24th.
(Bloomberg) -- The European Union is getting closer to supporting the expulsion of Russia from the SWIFT financial messaging system over the invasion of Ukraine, with Germany throwing its weight behind the move.
“We are working flat out on how to limit the collateral damage of decoupling from SWIFT in such a way that it affects the right people,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said in a statement on Saturday. “What we need is a targeted and functional restriction of SWIFT.”
The European Central Bank and the European Commission are assessing the impact such a move will have on the domestic economy to allow member states to make a decision on the measure. Blocking Moscow from the system would require unanimity among the 27 EU countries, but Germany had been putting up the biggest opposition.
The EU’s first two sanctions packages did little to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from continuing his aggressive actions against Ukraine, leading the bloc to start work on a third package that may include the SWIFT provision, according to an official familiar with the plans. Opposition to the move has been decreasing, with France and Italy also publicly expressing support.
In a telephone call on Saturday, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that he fully supports the EU’s line on sanctions, “including those within the SWIFT framework,” according to a statement from Draghi’s office. Separately, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said, “from what I’m hearing, it seems there’s no longer any strong opposition” to the proposal.
SWIFT, which delivers secure messages among more than 11,000 financial institutions and companies, is central to the global financial system and an inability to access it could cause significant economic damage.
‘Nuclear Option’ French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told reporters on Friday that France didn’t have reservations about blocking Russia from SWIFT, adding that it would be a “financial nuclear option.”
“Now of course when you do have a financial nuclear weapon in your hands you do think carefully before using it,” he said.
More at the attached link but, you can read that if further interested. It would seem most of the countries on this rock intend to make the Russian people pay for Putin's/Russia's ambitious goals.
Rams
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 02-26-2022).]
In a major shift, Germany will send weapons to Ukraine
VIENNA (AP) — In a significant shift, the German government said Saturday it will send weapons and other supplies directly to Ukraine, which is fighting to keep Russia from invading its capital city. Germany is also ready to also support some restrictions of the SWIFT global banking system for Russia, officials said.
Germany’s chancellery announced Saturday evening that it will send 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 “Stinger” surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine “as quickly as possible.”
“The Russian invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point. It threatens our entire post-war order,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a statement. “In this situation, it is our duty to help Ukraine, to the best of our ability, to defend itself against Vladimir Putin’s invading army.”
The news came shortly after the German economy and climate ministry said in a Saturday evening statement that Germany is allowing the Netherlands to ship 400 German-made anti-tank weapons to Ukraine. The government has also approved the shipment of 9 D-30 howitzers and ammunition originally from Estonia.
Germany had long stuck to a policy of not exporting deadly weapons to conflict zones, including Ukraine. As recently as Friday, government officials said they would abide by that policy.
But the country — which has the strongest economy in the 27-nation European Union — has faced criticism from Ukrainian officials and other allies that it has not acted decisively enough to help Ukraine fend off the Russian invasion. Previously, Germany contributed 5,000 helmets to Ukraine’s defense, a move that was mocked on Twitter.
More information in the article if one is interested. Germany and it's citizens will be greatly affected by this and not having access to the fuel that Russia sells them now and what was planned for the future. If they and the rest of the world are willing to go this route, then the Russian people will be paying a high price for Putin's aggression. Even China appears to be staying neutral on this. Hmm
Elon Musk says Starlink high speed Internet connectivity has been activated for Ukraine, and an effort to get more of the needed Starlink ground terminals into the hands of Ukrainians is underway.
Musk went on Twitter to respond to Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov.
Starlink is a network of about 2,000 satellites in low earth orbit that provide high-speed broadband internet by connecting with user terminals around the globe.
SpaceX has sent more than 2,000 Starlink satellites into space since the first 60 [satellites] were launched in 2019, with plans to have as many as 42,000 satellites in the Earth's lower orbit in the future—but the project has not been without its detractors. NASA in particular has been vocal in its criticism of SpaceX's plans, arguing earlier this month in a letter to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that more objects in space would diminish "our planet’s ability to detect and possibly redirect a potentially catastrophic impact".
Evidence that the Ukrainian defenders are popping the tops off of at least some Russian AFVs...in this case it's a T72B3 This formerly "stronk Rooshun tonk" also appears to have been hit several times as the commanders cupola on the top left is a burned, shredded, mess and the gunners "Sosna-U" main sight is also missing from the right top side of the turret.
Then there is this:
Purportedly these are two Russian POWs in Ukrainian custody. They are also said to be extremely young "Kontractniki" or conscripts that weren't told where they were going or what they were to do when they got there....and these two apparently never got there.... The one on the left is allegedly 16 years old.
EDIT: I originally misidentified the turret as coming from a T80BVM but something about the ERA blocks on it was bothering me so I double checked and it is instead a T72B3. There are 2 generations of Russian tanks newer than the T72 series which does not have night fighting (IR) or laser range finding and targeting equipment so their use of this AFV to spearhead an attack is a bit mystifying but could be revelatory as to the current (bad) state of Russian forces TO&E
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 02-28-2022).]
Comic relief in the midst of tragedy. Ukraine man driving passenger vehicle "trolls" Russian tank crew stuck in opposite lane on two-lane road. The Russians were lined up in tanks that apparently were waiting to be refueled. The video (on Twitter) is said to have gone "viral." Photo image and brief report, followed by video from The Daily Beast.
"Video Captures Bold Ukrainian Offering to Tow Stalled Tank and Troops Back to Russia [GET OUTTA HERE]" Anna Venarchik for The Daily Beast; February 26, 2022. https://www.thedailybeast.c...roops-back-to-russia
[This message has been edited by rinselberg (edited 02-27-2022).]
Comic relief in the midst of tragedy. Ukraine man driving passenger vehicle "trolls" Russian tank crew stuck in opposite lane on two-lane road. The Russians were lined up in tanks that apparently were waiting to be refueled. The video (on Twitter) is said to have gone "viral." Photo image and brief report, followed by video from The Daily Beast.
"Video Captures Bold Ukrainian Offering to Tow Stalled Tank and Troops Back to Russia [GET OUTTA HERE]" Anna Venarchik for The Daily Beast; February 26, 2022. https://www.thedailybeast.c...roops-back-to-russia
Unknown whether or not the above is accurate but, there is no doubt supply/re-supply lines have always proven to be what can stall any military force. Target those mechanized units fuel and supply lines will see them stopped and turn into "legs". I was a "leg" in the Marines. Wasn't exactly a lot of fun but much more so than if I had expected to ride into a conflict.
Unknown whether or not the above is accurate but, there is no doubt supply/re-supply lines have always proven to be what can stall any military force. Target those mechanized units fuel and supply lines will see them stopped and turn into "legs". I was a "leg" in the Marines. Wasn't exactly a lot of fun but much more so than if I had expected to ride into a conflict.
Rams
Word is that Ukrainian first line defenders allowed the AFVs spearheading the attacks to roll past without engaging them.
They have then been concentrating mostly on destroying the Russian supply trains following behind.
Second line defensive forces then worked on destroying and slowing the now cut-off AFV columns.
Its worth remembering that most of the old Ukraine military command cadre was trained by Russians and then later trained by western (US) instructors so they have the unusual benefit of being trained in their enemy's doctrine and trained in modern western defensive tactical doctrine.
The Russians are very good at offensive tactics but notoriously bad at logistics.
Stationary (stalled) targets are always easier to take out than ones that can maneuver. I honestly doubt those primary forces could have done much to stop the initial attack forces but, those supply convoys are perfect targets by smaller forces.
According to US news sources, Russia has committed about half their available units. One has to wonder why if, the Ukrainian battle is being somewhat successful. Are those units qualified to enter combat, are they up to par maintenance/Operational Readiness Rate and logistics wise? Are they on standby just in case NATO responds? One has to wonder. There is no doubt they can occupy Ukraine but, questionable whether or not they can control Ukraine. It really depends on their commitment.
Rams
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 02-27-2022).]
It's interesting how China has kept silent. I saw this morning that China is a allowing the exchange of Russian currency for Chinese currency so as to avoid sanctions. It was also reported that the sanctions imposed on Russia do not include payment for energy. So, Putin/Russia still is able to fund their invasion on Ukraine and operate as a world power. If you're buying Chinese goods, you're helping fund Communist goals.
This is what happens when a country becomes energy dependent on another country. The Greenies of the US should be paying attention. Remind me again, how much energy (oil) do we buy from Russian sources while we have our own oil within the US and Canada?
Apparently, President Putin doesn't realize he's sitting at Ground Zero. Maybe he doesn't care. Playing Russian Roulette is a dangerous game. Just a few days ago, MEM invited Russia to take Canada's leader out. Now, there's some sound thinking.
