[Acura604]

so what is actually going to happen over there? these 2 have been back and forth for years... are the Russians really going to invade and for what purpose?


https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-biden-predicts-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-warns-it-will-pay-high/

WWIII?



U.S. President Joe Biden predicted on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a move into Ukraine and said Russia would pay dearly for a full-scale invasion, with its businesses possibly losing access to the U.S. dollar.

“My guess is he will move in,” Biden told a news conference. “He has to do something.”

The Kremlin has massed some 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s borders, a buildup that the West says is preparation for a war to prevent Ukraine from ever joining the NATO Western security alliance. Russia denies planning an invasion.

Biden told reporters he believed Putin would test Western leaders and he said that the response to any Russian invasion would depend on the scale of Moscow’s actions and whether U.S. allies squabbled over how to react.

“Russia will be held accountable if it invades - and it depends on what it does. It’s one thing if it’s a minor incursion and we end up having to fight about what to do and what to not do, et cetera,” Biden said.

“But if they actually do what they’re capable of doing ... it is going to be a disaster for Russia if they further invade Ukraine,” Biden added.

Biden and his team have prepared a broad set of sanctions and other economic penalties to impose on Russia in the event of an invasion.

Biden, pressed on what he meant by “minor incursion,” said NATO allies are not united on how to respond depending on what exactly Putin does, saying “there are differences” among them and that he was trying to make sure that “everybody’s on the same page.”

“Big nations can’t bluff, number one. Number two, the idea that we would do anything to split NATO ... would be a big mistake. So the question is, if it’s something significantly short of a significant invasion or ... just major military forces coming across. For example, it’s one thing to determine if they continue to use cyber efforts; well, we can respond the same way,” he said.

U.S. officials reject limiting NATO expansion as a non-starter, but Biden suggested there could be a deal under which the West might not station nuclear forces in Ukraine.

[JDMDreams]

In Soviet Russia vaccine invades you! Does it even matter? It's not like US can afford to do anything about it. Not their problem.

[StylinRed]

Ukraines payments to Bidens son sure seems to be paying off though :lol


It doesn't seem like Russia wants to attack, they just don't want NATO in Ukraine

Just like the US doesn't like the idea of Russian forces in Cuba (a point they reiterated last week) they'd literally go ballistic if that happened

[donk.]

I'm from Ukraine, and ever since 2014 when this "war" started, it's all blown out of proportion

My grandparents are still there, nothing has changed in the last 8 years

Yes there's tanks rolling thru some streets, and militia groups protecting certain areas. But overall, it's just clickbait news articles

The major change is the grivna (currency) drop, but I don't know if thats related to the "war"

They also spelled Putin wrong in the article, it's Putler

[El Bastardo]

nothing has changed in the last 8 years


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annexation_of_Crimea_by_the_Russian_Federation

Not since the last BIG thing that happened

[EmperorIS]

Obligatory Hell March
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE1v3bm8-mk

[Hondaracer]

I'm from Ukraine, and ever since 2014 when this "war" started, it's all blown out of proportion

My grandparents are still there, nothing has changed in the last 8 years

Yes there's tanks rolling thru some streets, and militia groups protecting certain areas. But overall, it's just clickbait news articles

The major change is the grivna (currency) drop, but I don't know if thats related to the "war"
:rukidding:
They also spelled Putin wrong in the article, it's Putler

I watch a couple YouTubers based in Ukraine and that seems to have been the sentiment there. They have even gone to the streets and interviewed people on the situation and most just shrug their shoulders

Then global news runs some interview of a guy who’s “on the front lines” looking like he’s in a different country saying everyone is scared of the next move etc.

[StylinRed]

I know a couple guys who just came back from vacation in Ukraine, the atmosphere in the country is completely normal, they didn't even know there was this "impending doom" until they got back here

But that doesn't change the fact that theres issues going on

[Blueboy222]

I'm from Ukraine, and ever since 2014 when this "war" started, it's all blown out of proportion

My grandparents are still there, nothing has changed in the last 8 years

Yes there's tanks rolling thru some streets, and militia groups protecting certain areas. But overall, it's just clickbait news articles

The major change is the grivna (currency) drop, but I don't know if thats related to the "war"

They also spelled Putin wrong in the article, it's Putler

Could you explain why their currency has dropped?

[SkinnyPupp]

Average everyday people are going to live their lives like normal, it's always like that. Even during active conflicts, unless their homes are actually being destroyed, people will still work, get groceries, try to find entertainment, etc.

So no matter what is going on at the border, interviewing random people won't tell you anything other than "it's not yet an utter catastrophe"

[Traum]

At this point, I think Russia / Putin is neither planning to go to war nor posturing. Instead, it is gauging the international community -- well, mostly the Western World -- 's reaction to its Ukraine ambitions, and trying to determine what their best next step would be. If they think they can "successfully pull the stunt off", then they will take up more drastic action. If the Western World comes back with an over-the-top threat, they will look for some underhanded way to still spin a propaganda / political victory out of a military stay of action.

IMO, Russia will not be deterred if they only get slapped with sanctions. Sanctions and condemnations have been thrown at Russia for the Crimea annexation, but obviously that did not change the annexation plans one bit.

[donk.]

Could you explain why their currency has dropped?

I'm not smart enough for economics politics etc, ask my CCCP grandparents

[pastarocket]

https://globalnews.ca/news/8517110/canada-special-forces-ukraine-russia/amp/


JTF2, Joint Task Force 2 is Canada’s Special Forces. Although it is a small contingent of our best soldiers, they are in Ukraine now to provide additional support to the Ukraine army.

In fact, our soldiers have been training the Ukrainian army in the art of war since 2020.

-from the article:

The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command) is part of the broader Armed Forces’ efforts to support Ukraine’s Security Forces,” wrote Maj. Amber Bineau, a spokesperson for special operations command, in a statement to Global News.

Bineau noted that Canadian special forces have been providing training, as well as “instructor and leadership expertise,” to Ukrainian counterparts since 2020 — although sources told Global News the latest special forces contingent, which left for Ukraine around Jan. 9, is not conducting training.

The unit has also been tasked with helping to develop evacuation plans for Canadian diplomatic personnel in the event of a full-scale invasion, sources said.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bouncing Bettys]

Just like corporate media and covid, sponsored by Pfizer, or the media war drum for the Iraq war pt. 2, don't take establishment media at face value. Follow the money. Question everything.

https://twitter.com/Conqy/status/1484276186041700353

[highfive]

Nothing is going to happen. Majority of the European Nato countries need Russian gas. Look at how they're having trouble heating their homes this winter.

[pastarocket]

Nothing is going to happen. Majority of the European Nato countries need Russian gas. Look at how they're having trouble heating their homes this winter.

I hope that you are right about a war that is not going to happen.

Things can change really quickly with geopolitical threats these days.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60077776

Several European nations have now moved to bolster Nato's military deployment in eastern Europe. Spain is sending warships to join Nato naval forces in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and Denmark also said it would send a frigate to the Baltic Sea.

French President Emmanuel Macron has offered to send troops to Romania.

Earlier this week, Britain announced it was supplying Ukraine with extra troops for training and defensive weapons.

[Infiniti]

https://globalnews.ca/news/8517110/canada-special-forces-ukraine-russia/amp/


JTF2, Joint Task Force 2 is Canada’s Special Forces. Although it is a small contingent of our best soldiers, they are in Ukraine now to provide additional support to the Ukraine army.

In fact, our soldiers have been training the Ukrainian army in the art of war since 2020.

-from the article:

The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command) is part of the broader Armed Forces’ efforts to support Ukraine’s Security Forces,” wrote Maj. Amber Bineau, a spokesperson for special operations command, in a statement to Global News.

Bineau noted that Canadian special forces have been providing training, as well as “instructor and leadership expertise,” to Ukrainian counterparts since 2020 — although sources told Global News the latest special forces contingent, which left for Ukraine around Jan. 9, is not conducting training.

The unit has also been tasked with helping to develop evacuation plans for Canadian diplomatic personnel in the event of a full-scale invasion, sources said.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Small correction, but it is CSOR units that are deployed to Ukraine not JTF2.

[Hondaracer]

What better way to rebound an economy out of Covid than a war effort?

[Traum]

What better way to rebound an economy out of Covid than a war effort?
and to divert the Russian public's attention away from Putin's sagging public approval

[StylinRed]

Covid recovery and diversion from the source of covid being revealed

Oh damn I thought we had a tinfoil emoji? :/

[Acura604]

https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/23/politics/us-embassy-ukraine-reduce-staff/index.html

Somethings gonna happen !!!

[danned]

https://i.imgflip.com/5xvn9h.jpg

[inv4zn]

While I do hope nothing happens, just to give some perspective, nobody thought the North Koreans would actually invade South Korea in 1950, until they did.

Obviously different political/geographical scenarios, but there are similarities with local people ignoring a lot of signs shrugging it off.

Also interesting, Seoul is separated by a river much like Vancouver and the Fraser River. The first president of Korea was retreating south of the river, and he blew up the only bridge (with refugees still on it trying to flee) essentially stranding everyone who was not able to cross the river including civilians and soldiers.

[Acura604]

https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/23/politics/us-embassy-ukraine-reduce-staff/index.html

Somethings gonna happen !!!



https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-russia-tension-1.6326392

Nothings gonna happen !!!









Ukraine's leaders sought to reassure the nation that a feared invasion from neighbouring Russia was not imminent, even as they acknowledged the threat is real and prepared to accept a shipment of American military equipment Tuesday to shore up the country's defences.

Russia has denied it is planning an assault, but it has massed an estimated 100,000 troops near Ukraine in recent weeks, leading the United States and its NATO allies to rush to prepare for a possible war.

Several rounds of high stakes diplomacy have failed to yield any breakthroughs, and this week tensions escalated further. NATO said it was bolstering its deterrence in the Baltic Sea region, and the U.S. ordered 8,500 troops on higher alert to potentially deploy to Europe as part of an alliance "response force" if necessary.

[CivicBlues]

Remember when the US was definitely going to war with Iran in 2020?

Remember when China was definitely going to invade Taiwan every other year in the 90s, 2000s?

Remember when Russia was definitely going to take over Georgia in 2008? and Ukraine in 2014?



Yeah, no one remembers.

[EmperorIS]

Remember when the US was definitely going to war with Iran in 2020?

Remember when China was definitely going to invade Taiwan every other year in the 90s, 2000s?

Remember when Russia was definitely going to take over Georgia in 2008? and Ukraine in 2014?



Yeah, no one remembers.

Imagine forgetting about Crimea?

[Hehe]

I don't think Russia is going to do anything other than trying to get some more bargain power with NATO.

NATO has made it clear that it's not backing down. Because if Russia can get to influence the decision on NATO's membership, NATO is done. So, the chance of NATO agreeing to bargain on membership is none... not even slim, just plain none for discussion.

And if Russia is crazy enough to do it anyway... TBH, I think we might be looking at a WWIII lite, at least in that region.

But I guess the problem would be if Ukraine becomes part of NATO, Russia would strategically be cut off from Europe. As Denmark, Norway, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are all NATO members and Belarus and Finland are NATO partners that can become member one day.

[CivicBlues]

Imagine forgetting about Crimea?

not a full scale invasion/overthrow of government

[Hondaracer]

https://youtu.be/WCZuDdmNLlc?t=959

[SnK1800]

https://youtu.be/WCZuDdmNLlc?t=959

Sorry but this guy is an idiot, of cause it will affect every part of the world in every level if the war does go down

[StylinRed]

https://youtu.be/pM0lEbCzvWc


Yikes :lol

[El Bastardo]

I take anything RT does with a big grain of salt but it was entertaining

[6793026]

Biden wnated to play nice, but russia is a snake. Biden is not getting his end of the bargain of the stake.. duhh u're playing with mother russia.

VP Kamala Harris in my opinion hasn't done shit and her hype is burning down. Let's see if she gets her shit done.

[pastarocket]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220214/5fcd4816e8b0a974539a28db6b6e8d01.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220214/402929418c5f0cbef91dd30d96c75860.jpg

A war is definitely gonna happen. Biden or Harris cannot do anything about it. The Ukrainian president had this to say about his country’s army and the Russian date of invasion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[StylinRed]

Biden wnated to play nice, but russia is a snake. Biden is not getting his end of the bargain of the stake.. duhh u're playing with mother russia.

VP Kamala Harris in my opinion hasn't done shit and her hype is burning down. Let's see if she gets her shit done.

America n Nato keep loading Ukraine up with weapons and training, kind of forcing Russians hand

Could you imagine if Russia did that to Cuba what would happen?

[68style]

??? Ukraine isn’t a hostile country or providing shelter for anti NATO interests and is being forcibly invaded

[Mr.Money]

China's gonna join the party.


they just want to see what is where first than go striking in as a show of power to show other nations.

[6793026]

Ukraine keeps saying "please provide valid proof on data of actual plans for attack"
US response "they are most definitely have the possibility of plans of maybe having an attack"

ahahahahhaahha

[StylinRed]

https://youtu.be/ENAxvQwhNiM

https://youtu.be/JrMiSQAGOS4

This is an interesting lecture back during Crimea

[whitev70r]

Shitz is getting real ... Poutine is going into 'Independence of Donetsk and Luhansk'.

[ilovebacon]

http://www.tiktok.com/@militaryclip/video/7065788222948805894?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7040977373931521541

[Traum]

Shitz is getting real ... Poutine is going into 'Independence of Donetsk and Luhansk'.
The first thing I thought of when I learned about the news is how eerily similar it is to Hitler annexing Sudetenland, or how Japan claimed they have lost a soldier in Manchuria.

And then I start wishing we'd still have world leaders that have the guts, resolve, and vision of Churchill and Roosevelt, but instead, all I see are Chamberlain's shadows...

[StylinRed]

The first thing I thought of when I learned about the news is how eerily similar it is to Hitler annexing Sudetenland, or how Japan claimed they have lost a soldier in Manchuria.

And then I start wishing we'd still have world leaders that have the guts, resolve, and vision of Churchill and Roosevelt, but instead, all I see are Chamberlain's shadows...

Gulf of Tonkin (us excuse to go into Vietnam)

USS Liberty (Israels failed attempt by sinking a US navy ship to draw more support from the US)

All countries like to set off a fake incident as an excuse to go in /receive help

With Ukraine though, even the UN reported that shelling/attacks with separatists has been going on for years

The US supports independence movements when it suits em, like how they supported Chechens and the Taliban, and its A Okay, but when Russia supports independence movements its bad and the world are cowards for allowing it to happen? :suspicious:

[whitev70r]

^ I see your point ... sometimes who the villain is depends on which side of the battle line you are standing on.

[El Bastardo]

"I went in yesterday and there was a television screen, and I said, 'This is genius.' Putin declares a big portion ... of Ukraine, Putin declares it as independent," Trump said in an interview Tuesday on the conservative Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show.

...

"So, Putin is now saying, 'It's independent,' a large section of Ukraine. I said, 'How smart is that?' And he's gonna go in and be a peacekeeper. That's [the] strongest peace force," Trump said, adding that that was the kind of show of force the United States could use on its Southern border.


...

Trump, who has cozied up to Putin in the past, continued: "Had I been in office, not even thinkable. This would never have happened. But here's a guy that says, you know, 'I'm gonna declare a big portion of Ukraine independent,' he used the word 'independent,' 'and we're gonna go out and we're gonna go in and we're gonna help keep peace.' You gotta say that's pretty savvy. And you know what the response was from Biden? There was no response. They didn't have one for that. No, it's very sad."



https://www.npr.org/2022/02/22/1082478790/trump-praises-putin-as-savvy-amid-new-escalations-on-russia-ukraine-border

[HonestTea]

I'm from Ukraine, and ever since 2014 when this "war" started, it's all blown out of proportion

My grandparents are still there, nothing has changed in the last 8 years

Yes there's tanks rolling thru some streets, and militia groups protecting certain areas. But overall, it's just clickbait news articles

The major change is the grivna (currency) drop, but I don't know if thats related to the "war"

They also spelled Putin wrong in the article, it's Putler

Curious about your thoughts now that things have escalated much more.

[Traum]

Shit just got real. (And oil prices are already shooting up.) FailFish

[whitev70r]

And stock market will be very jittery.

[StylinRed]

It's interesting watching how RT news reports on this, they talk about how Ukraine hasn't upheld its obligations to the Minsk agreement. They show how refugees are rushing into Russia, and how the people in Donetsk etc feel like they can finally have peace now that Russia is saving them lol

[ilovebacon]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/ukraine-crisis-russia-declares-war-on-ukraine-reports-of-explosions-in-kyiv-putin-sends-warning-about-interference/NMAHHIPL6GMCRQT74YCSHSNP34/

so it begins??

[Durrann]

Unprecedented times

[eclipseman]

Shit...

[G]

wtf....

[SkinnyPupp]

https://dynaimage.cdn.cnn.com/cnn/digital-images/org/ff9b6f04-7c35-474d-9442-56c7ec5968c6.JPG

[Alpine]

I fear that Taiwan is next :/

[Midnitez]

Just follow the money trail :shrug:

[whitev70r]

Russia to China ...if you support our invasion of Ukraine, we got your back when you invade Taiwan. Deal?

Damn ..first a pandemic, now a WWIII.

[SkinnyPupp]

https://twitter.com/ASLuhn/status/1496734064593674240

[Traum]

I fear that Taiwan is next :/
Supposedly, not in at least another 5 - 6 years. But you can be 1000% that China is keeping a close eye on how things are playing out now.

[GS8]

Oh shit...

I guess we have to remove 'posturing?' from the thread title.

[Teriyaki]

Supposedly, not in at least another 5 - 6 years. But you can be 1000% that China is keeping a close eye on how things are playing out now.

Depending on how the world reacts to this, will shape how China will act on their own "historical ownership" issue.

Over and over again, we prove that humans biggest enemy is humans themselves.

[JDMDreams]

Well Canada has the finest of freedom truckers that we can send to Ukraine, they will honk the Russians back home. :accepted:

On a side note, all in on oil and enbridge tomorrow?

[SkinnyPupp]

https://twitter.com/michaelh992/status/1496747952395763714

[Vansterdam]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTlYyxvwOJE

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

putin would be very good at the board game risk.

"why u moving there?"
"I aint doing nothing, really."
"ok"
"you're moving closer, are u sure youre doing nothing?"
"yes im doing nothing"
"ok"
"jk i won"

he's going to capture ukraine before the west can even mobilize. i bet the west wont even do anything other than impose sanctions lol. we wont fire a bullet.

[SkinnyPupp]

putin would be very good at the board game risk.

"why u moving there?"
"I aint doing nothing, really."
"ok"
"you're moving closer, are u sure youre doing nothing?"
"yes im doing nothing"
"ok"
"jk i won"

he's going to capture ukraine before the west can even mobilize. i bet the west wont even do anything other than impose sanctions lol. we wont fire a bullet.
They knew what he's been up to since long before this thread was started. US has been telling everyone every day that invasion is imminent, but people kept say "blah blah they're just trying to distract from their own problems"

There's not much they can do pre-emptively though, it's not like he's invading a NATO or EU country.

Edit; from last November, which Russia said was "empty and unfounded":

https://twitter.com/JenniferJJacobs/status/1458849396133613574

[SnK1800]

They knew what he's been up to since long before this thread was started. US has been telling everyone every day that invasion is imminent, but people kept say "blah blah they're just trying to distract from their own problems"

There's not much they can do pre-emptively though, it's not like he's invading a NATO or EU country.

Cant agree more, just like that idiot in the video last page

[El Bastardo]

China, seemingly surprised by sudden Ukraine incursion, denies backing Russian attacks


China on Thursday denied backing Russia’s military assault in Ukraine as it trod a cautious line in response to a conflict that many Chinese analysts just days before were predicting wouldn’t happen.

At a regular briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying downplayed the suggestion that Beijing was supporting Moscow behind the scenes.

“As for American hints that Russia had China backing it up, I’m sure Russia would be pleased to hear it,” Hua said. “We won’t be like America and provide Ukraine a large amount of military equipment. Russia as a powerful nation also does not need China or other countries to provide [military assistance].”

Hua added that “China did not wish to see what happened in Ukraine today.”

...

On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for a return to dialogue in a call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. China both respects every country’s territorial integrity and understands the Kremlin’s “reasonable security concerns."

Despite the outward show of mutual support between the two countries, there have been indications that China was caught flat-footed by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of military action.

...

In recent weeks, Chinese experts have argued that de-escalation was possible even as they adopted Russia’s view of the conflict. Wang Yiwei, director of the Center for European Studies at Renmin University, wrote in late January that only the actions of Ukraine or the United States could bring about a war, but because the former lacked “gall” and the latter lacked strength for a direct conflict with Russia, tensions could be dispelled.

...

“A key question here is what role the U.S., the culprit of current tensions surrounding Ukraine, has played,” Hua, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said Wednesday. “If someone keeps pouring oil on the flame while accusing others of not doing their best to put out the fire, such kind of behavior is clearly irresponsible and immoral.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/ukraine-china-russia-invasion-reaction/

[bcrdukes]

"Seemingly surprised"

Oh, China. :fuckthatshit:

[Acura604]

so..... questions to keep the thread alive....


1. Russia has an overwhelming military force going into Ukraine - how long can Ukraine hold out?

2. are there any 'allies' Ukraine can call upon to help in this fight? (my guess - NO)

3. is there really a 'genocide' going on in those separatist regions that Putin is claiming and thus his reasoning for this attack?

4. Sanctions - where is the proof that this concept works?


https://youtu.be/teSXcJlpMl8

https://i.imgur.com/iD7xV4l.jpg

[68style]

One of the main problems in dealing with countries like Russia or, even worse, China… is that they don’t care what happens to their average citizens and, since they’re not democracies fearing elections, they REALLY don’t care what happens to their average citizens.

As long as their elite has enough wealth and interests to sustain themselves, sanctions are kind of meaningless. USA is at least getting creative attacking their banking industry (if assumptions are correct).

[pastarocket]

-watching CNN video of a reporter at a Russian border town. -crazy to see a Russian battery of tanks rolling past the reporter, to enter Ukraine.

Russian missiles are soaring in the sky during the reporter's live coverage of what is happening on the ground.

Putin has gone mad!

[Hondaracer]

Peeps gon be switching from virologists to geo-political analysts real quick

[SkinnyPupp]

-watching CNN video of a reporter at a Russian border town. -crazy to see a Russian battery of tanks rolling past the reporter, to enter Ukraine.

Russian missiles are soaring in the sky during the reporter's live coverage of what is happening on the ground.

Putin has gone mad!
There's rumors that he actually has gone mad, and IIRC a few years ago rumors that he has Parkinson's

He is going to ruin his country because he thinks there's nazis in Ukraine. (yes, their president is Jewish)

Trump, Putin, Xi, Kim, it's just amazing.

And people want to include Trudeau in that group EleGiggle

Think of how stupid you need to be to think like that.

[Hondaracer]

Turd can ruin a country without Parkinson’s

[Acura604]

https://i.imgur.com/IKqgfXJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2sAD1pT.jpg

[El Bastardo]

1. Russia has an overwhelming military force going into Ukraine - how long can Ukraine hold out?


On their own, not long. Plus, Russia has been strategizing this for a long time and understands the military infrastructure of Ukraine because 30 years ago, it was their own military infrastructure too. Surveillance and espionage has only gotten better since then.

I'd be surprised if they last to March.


2. are there any 'allies' Ukraine can call upon to help in this fight? (my guess - NO)


No. Thats the whole reason for the fight. This is a long answer that I'll cut down because otherwise I'll sperg out and write a book. I'm REALLY cutting a lot out of a complicated situation. Like, a lot.

In the early 50s an agreement between a bunch of countries in Europe as well as the US and Canada was created to address the concerns that the Soviet Union would use their recently acquired infrastructure (German war reparation) and battle-seasoned troops to take some shit over. This was called NATO. Turkey became a member which was a big problem for Russia because the US could position missiles to hit Moscow from Turkey. More on the impact about this from later.

In the 1960s there was the Cuban missile crisis. We all know this story. A methed up JFK keeps missiles out of Cuba while clapping Marilyn Munroe's cheeks. Things remain tense with Russia.

In the 1970s the escalating fear of nuclear annihilation had the USSR and the US sign an agreement called SALT to keep advanced nuclear technology from glassing the planet. Subsequent agreements were signed because they needed to be updated and the agreements came with built-in expiry dates.

In the 1980s and 1990s the political landscape of the Eastern Bloc (USSR and their allies) changed. Ukraine emerged independent when the USSR broke up and signaled they wanted to have a better relationship with the west/Europe. Ukraine was NOT a fan of Russia because of many reasons, including a genocide (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holodomor)
This was a big problem for Russia but they were too disorganized and too poor to do anything about it. They famously had to sell submarines to Pepsi because they needed the money. They weren't doing shit about Ukraine but Ukraine wasn't doing shit either because they were dealing with their own problems.

Putin becomes the leader in the early 2000s, spends time building up the country like a mob boss (making a lot of people rich in the process), and in 2014 takes a strategically unique part of Ukraine (part as a flex, part as a test of the world's reaction. He succeeds and shit is tense.

The Trump presidency happens. Long story short; it was a very good time for Putin.

And this is where we really answer your question:

Russia has spent a lot of time isolating Ukraine from the people who would be able to support them. They have kept them out of the EU (which would have helped Europe and Ukraine immensely) and have kept them out of NATO (which would have helped NATO and hurt Russia). Had NATO brought Ukraine on board, Russia would have had a serious issue. Instead of being "adjacent" like Turkey was, Ukraine was a road trip away from Moscow. NATO would end any sort of Russian ambitions to attack anyone.

Russia has signaled, hinted, and all but promised they would nuke anyone who helped Ukraine. The SALT agreements I mentioned earlier have evolved and the current agreement (expiring in 2026) is called New START. This limits the amount of nuclear-capable weaponry to around 3000. There are probably more secret nukes but, hell, all you need is one. The desire to help Ukraine is there, but people really believe Putin would launch nukes so they're not gonna force his hand. This isn't like North Korea. Putin's shit works.


3. is there really a 'genocide' going on in those separatist regions that Putin is claiming and thus his reasoning for this attack?


No. That part of Ukraine is unique in the way that their loyalty leans to Russia. I'm over-over-over-over simplifying this in a very inaccurate way, but think of that part of Ukraine as being Quebec. Their loyalties are a little different than the rest of the country, but they're still "forced" to be Ukrainian. This is where Putin's statement of "genocide" comes from. It gets more complicated because of some military stuff, but the answer is no.


4. Sanctions - where is the proof that this concept works?


Simple answer: Kinda
Specific to Russia answer: Better than you might expect.
Russia's economy isn't great and its largely propped up by gas. They exert control over Europe using their pipelines which run through Ukraine. Shut off the payments and replace the gas sources, Russia gets rekt. Sidebar on the pipeline thing: check out "Occupied" on Netflix to get a taste of what might be in the future for Europe if Ukraine is taken without much resistance.

Its hard though, and would take a lot of time and effort. For now the things that can being done (wealth seizures of rich/influential Russians who may have Putin's ear as well as cutting Russia off from global banking infrastructure) are starting to be done. Russia will hurt in the short term but if they can rally, thats a problem. Complicated answer but its the best chance to minimize harm and prevent a large scale war.




I haven't even mentioned China, Belarus, Poland, and Hungary which are moving parts in this thing. Shit has gotten complicated. World War 1-level complicated which was its own clusterfuck.




tl;dr - shits fucked yo

[68style]

Peeps gon be switching from virologists to geo-political analysts real quick

Well it’s a discussion forum dude.

Should we just put up the article and say “Okay guys this is happening, let’s wait for the experts to weigh in and read… don’t speak unless you have a degree in political science. Thanks.”

[westopher]

Hondaracers PHD in poli-sci getting heavy use on the forum though.

[320icar]

Turd can ruin a country without Parkinson’s

Holy fuck dude a broken record would call you a broken record. We fucking get it

[westopher]

I mean yeah Putin is starting a war that will cause mass casualties of innocent humans but have you heard about SNC lavalin? Bro that’s real dictator.

[Hondaracer]

https://i.imgur.com/0A71SOz.png

[Euro7r]

Putin warned foreigners that intervene will see consequences. Literally the world does not condone their actions, what makes them think they even stand a chance if countries combined their military power against Russia. Maybe I'm missing something here?

This shit is stupid as we are in the 21st century and still war....

[AzNightmare]

https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraina/comments/t0cn7r/airstrike/

damn.... Scary


Saw this thread yesterday too.

https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueOffMyChest/comments/t037ne/probably_my_last_post_from_ukraine/

[GGnoRE]

Literally the world does not condone their actions, what makes them think they even stand a chance if countries combined their military power against Russia. Maybe I'm missing something here?

https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-expected-to-detail-harsh-sanctions-on-russia-after-putin-attacks-ukraine-11645711417
"Mr. Biden has said he has no intention of sending U.S. troops into Ukraine to fight."

Who's going to stop them? You ready to join the army? Russia knows western allies are not going to sacrifice lives to save Ukraine.

[68style]

I think like El Bastardo already said… it’s pretty obvious Putin intends to go nuclear if the outside interferes directly.

That said, I still feel ashamed at the response.

Understandable… but also shameful.

[twitchyzero]

putin declaring war as UN security council meets is about as facepalm as mussolini invading ethiopia when the league told him to reconsider

first thing out of biden's mouth was thoughts & prayers..can someone elaborate what else can be done without angering kremlin to consider nulcear options?

thank freaking god taiwan is an island or Xi would've greenlit an invasion years ago

[pastarocket]

Well, I believe that Turd is a little puppy compared to the crazy Russian bear in Putin.

News reports of Russians risking their lives by protesting in Pushkin Square in Moscow. Russians who are protesting against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Protesters who are getting dragged from the streets during their arrests.

https://www.joe.co.uk/news/russians-protesting-against-ukraine-invasion-dragged-from-the-streets-319351

PoliticsJOE
@PoliticsJOE_UK
Fearless Russians defy secret police to protest invasion of Ukraine.

They face certain imprisonment and possible felony charges.

These people are willing to risk their lives against a dictator who ordered 170 thousand soldiers, and Russian military hardware to invade Ukraine.

The Flu Trucks Klan have it much easier in Canada in terms of their right and freedom to protest against the Covid mandate. They got to protest for over three weeks in Ottawa and any part of Canada. -bring in fuel to their trucks. -soak in saunas, hot tubs, and bring bouncy castles to protest sites for their kids. LUL

Russian protesters against Putin's war on Ukraine? -not even close to what the Karen Convoy had in terms of rights to protest against our federal government.

[El Bastardo]

I think like El Bastardo already said… it’s pretty obvious Putin intends to go nuclear if the outside interferes directly.



I took so many classes on the Cold War era and the USSR that I got a second minor in government completely unintentionally. This is kind of like seeing the sequel airing live on CNN.


This book, in particular, is about to be very popular. It was written in 1997 but has been called "Putin's Playbook" because of how much it has shaped the Russian foreign policy over the last couple of decades.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundations_of_Geopolitics

On Ukraine in particular -

"Ukraine should be annexed by Russia because "Ukraine as a state has no geopolitical meaning, no particular cultural import or universal significance, no geographic uniqueness, no ethnic exclusiveness, its certain territorial ambitions represents an enormous danger for all of Eurasia and, without resolving the Ukrainian problem, it is in general senseless to speak about continental politics". Ukraine should not be allowed to remain independent, unless it is cordon sanitaire, which would be inadmissible"

[Acura604]

Source: AP NEWS


KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensnkyy has urged Moscow to end hostilities, adding that Russian airborne troops have been checked outside Kyiv.

“It wasn’t Ukraine that chose the path of war, but Ukraine is offering to go back to the path of peace,” he said Thursday.

He said a Russian airborne force in Hostomel airport outside Kyiv, which has a big runway, has been stopped and is being destroyed.

The Ukrainian leader said many Russian warplanes and armored vehicles were destroyed but didn’t give numbers. He also said an unspecified number of Russian troops was captured.

He said a difficult situation is developing in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city just over 20 kilometers from the Russian border. In the north the Russians are slowly advancing toward Chernihiv, Zelenskyy said.

He appealed to global leaders, saying that “if you don’t help us now, if you fail to offer strong assistance to Ukraine, tomorrow the war will knock on your door.”




MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin says he was “forced” to order a military action in Ukraine because of the Western refusal to heed Russian security demands.

Speaking at a Kremlin meeting with businesspeople Thursday, Putin said the military action was a “forced measure” that stemmed from rising security risks for Russia.

He said that he was surprised by the West’s “intransigence” regarding Moscow’s security demands. “I was surprised that didn’t move a millimeter on any issue,” he said. “They have left us no chance to act differently.”

Turning to Western sanctions, he said “Russia remains part of the global economy and isn’t going to hurt the system that it is part of as long as it remains there.”

“Our partners should realize that and not set a goal to push us out of the system,” he said in an apparent warning to the West.



https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-latest-updates-0224-303b0bfdc6148c8738d6ac0ca78142fd

[murd0c]

Russia now has full control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant... This is going from bad to worse, Putin is a loose cannon right now and it seems anything is possible.

[ImportPsycho]

can we just have one normal year...

[murd0c]

My family is originally from Ukraine and I still have extended family on the Ukraine/Russian border. I'm super scared and worried for them right now. I swear the world has gone to hell in a handbasket and it's never going to go back to normal :(

[nabs]

Russia now has full control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant... This is going from bad to worse, Putin is a loose cannon right now and it seems anything is possible.

I just read that, they won't do anything to the site to harm it, I think its just the fact that thats how far they have reached. Its a pretty large area and its fairly close to Kiev.

[StylinRed]

https://youtu.be/JrMiSQAGOS4

This is an interesting lecture back during Crimea

This would answer most of all y'alls questions, you just gotta sit thru it, but first 10mins answers like half the questions on here

[StylinRed]

Russia is still connected to the swift banking system, and no sanctions on Putins personal financials, energy trade and payments with Russia aren't being affected, so basically the world doesn't care that Ukraine is being taken back, they're just putting on a TV show

[bcrdukes]

Hondaracers PHD in poli-sci getting heavy use on the forum though.

Hard to argue with the guy who ranks within the (technically) top 2 posters. :troll:

[68style]

Powerful speech by President Zelensky

https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraine/comments/t0cmak/president_zelenskyys_heartbreaking_defiant_speech/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

[320icar]

Putin warned foreigners that intervene will see consequences. Literally the world does not condone their actions, what makes them think they even stand a chance if countries combined their military power against Russia. Maybe I'm missing something here?

This shit is stupid as we are in the 21st century and still war....

In case you missed it.

According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia leads the world with 6,200 nuclear weapons. The U.S. has 5,600. The weapons of mass destruction can kill hundreds of thousands of people at once.18 hours ago

[El Bastardo]

https://www.state.gov/new-start/

Strategic Offensive Limits: The New START Treaty entered into force on February 5, 2011. Under the treaty, the United States and the Russian Federation had seven years to meet the treaty’s central limits on strategic offensive arms (by February 5, 2018) and are then obligated to maintain those limits for as long as the treaty remains in force.

Aggregate limits:

Both the United States and the Russian Federation met the central limits of the New START Treaty by February 5, 2018, and have stayed at or below them ever since. Those limits are:

700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), deployed submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and deployed heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments;
1,550 nuclear warheads on deployed ICBMs, deployed SLBMs, and deployed heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments (each such heavy bomber is counted as one warhead toward this limit);
800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers, and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments.




Thats what is SUPPOSED to be. But I have no doubt they're lying.

[AzNightmare]

I just read that, they won't do anything to the site to harm it, I think its just the fact that thats how far they have reached. Its a pretty large area and its fairly close to Kiev.

Did they invade that far in just overnight??




I saw this in a reddit thread, indicating all the explosions and major airports got bombed to disable transportation.
https://i.imgur.com/YV4jgWX.jpeg

Can't confirm the source though. That's a lot of areas hit in short time if so...

[Hondaracer]

CaXWydhDdGc

[Teriyaki]

Did they invade that far in just overnight??




I saw this in a reddit thread, indicating all the explosions and major airports got bombed to disable transportation.
https://i.imgur.com/YV4jgWX.jpeg

Can't confirm the source though. That's a lot of areas hit in short time if so...

I'd believe it. Modern day missiles range is massive and the size of Ukraine is not huge. Maybe just an extra few seconds between hitting targets on the border and on the other side of the country.

[murd0c]

https://www.state.gov/new-start/

Strategic Offensive Limits: The New START Treaty entered into force on February 5, 2011. Under the treaty, the United States and the Russian Federation had seven years to meet the treaty’s central limits on strategic offensive arms (by February 5, 2018) and are then obligated to maintain those limits for as long as the treaty remains in force.

Aggregate limits:

Both the United States and the Russian Federation met the central limits of the New START Treaty by February 5, 2018, and have stayed at or below them ever since. Those limits are:

700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), deployed submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and deployed heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments;
1,550 nuclear warheads on deployed ICBMs, deployed SLBMs, and deployed heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments (each such heavy bomber is counted as one warhead toward this limit);
800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers, and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments.




Thats what is SUPPOSED to be. But I have no doubt they're lying.

The US needs to finally bring out the TR3B to really shut down anything Russia has, go for a little cruise across Ukraine's airspace :fullofwin:

[mikemhg]

This will definitely hurt Russia.

-Talk about kicking them off the SWIFT system
-Nord Stream 2 getting scrapped

This won't end well for them.

It's pretty wild some of the posts I'm seeing on Facebook by ACTUAL Canadians. It still blows my mind how strong the QAnon is up here. Comments I've seen from doof-troop Langley rednecks:

"Putin is strong, just like Trump, good for him"
"We need to mind our business, Ukraine should be part of Russia anyways"
"Putin is going to Ukraine to unearth all the drugs and child porn that Biden has been hiding there, the wave is coming"

Holy fuck.

[Manic!]

I have a buddy who is from Sask. One of his friends from Sask moved to the Ukraine 2 years ago. He posted this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tnljfa9b630

[Traum]

The problem is exactly what has already been said before -- Russia has previously said that they will consider expulsion from SWIFT as an act of declaring war on Russia. The natural implication to that is once again their threat to go nuclear on the countries endorsing the SWIFT expulsion.

I'd 100% expect Nord Stream 2 to fall apart now. With the war happening, it would be suicidal for Germany to follow through with it, and I trust they couldn't allow themselves to continue with it either. But one problem is -- Russia is cunning, and has already hedged against this by signing some sort of major gas / petroleum deal with China. So even though Nord Stream 2 is dead, the petroleum revenue stream isn't.

So what can be done against a bully that continues to wield that nuclear card?

Russia is still connected to the swift banking system, and no sanctions on Putins personal financials, energy trade and payments with Russia aren't being affected, so basically the world doesn't care that Ukraine is being taken back, they're just putting on a TV show

This will definitely hurt Russia.

-Talk about kicking them off the SWIFT system
-Nord Stream 2 getting scrapped

This won't end well for them.

[Teriyaki]

"Putin is going to Ukraine to unearth all the drugs and child porn that Biden has been hiding there, the wave is coming"

Holy fuck.

^ That last line. Shirley you can't be serious. That is just absolutely nuts.
How do these people function in normal life.

[Hondaracer]

Crisis averted

https://i.imgur.com/x8PEo3r.jpg

[inv4zn]

Crisis averted

https://i.imgur.com/x8PEo3r.jpg

Haha this is kind of in poor taste man. Even for you.

[AzNightmare]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqHu0kkad9s

I wasn't able to embed this earlier, but found a youtube source.

Crazy to see the civilians so close to these attacks. Child crying in the background. fk

[pastarocket]

-horrific photos of Ukraine after the beginning of the Russian invasion:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/photos/civilians-hide-flee-in-ukraine-as-cities-fall-under-attack-by-russia-1.6362604

[SkinnyPupp]

can we just have one normal year...
It's going to get worse and worse until the climate is so bad we can no longer sustain life. Or a nuke goes off, whichever comes first. Give it 10 years

[Hondaracer]

Love this timeline

[Manic!]

https://twitter.com/SBF_FTX/status/1496980981617946624?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

[mikemhg]

To think the 80's/90's were our peak golden years, affordability, relative peace, less polarization and no internet bullshit :lol

It's interesting how this timeline has the best technology, access to goods, ease of life (in general), and yet we're all more miserable then ever.

[Manic!]

https://theathletic.com/news/hall-of-fame-boxer-kyiv-mayor-vitali-klitschko-intends-to-fight-for-ukraine-with-brother-wladimir/OAcLquCFF2cq/

Hall of Fame boxer, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko intends to fight for Ukraine with brother, Wladimir

Vitali Klitschko, a Hall of Fame boxer and mayor of Ukraine's capital of Kyiv, intends to fight for his native country of Ukraine as it faces an invasion from Russia. Attacks on Ukraine, including one on Kyiv, began in the early morning on Thursday.

"I don't have another choice," Klitschko said when asked by ITV's Good Morning Britain if he would take up arms to defend the country. "I have to do that. I would fight."

Klitschko, a former heavyweight champion, became mayor of Kyiv in 2014. His brother, Wladimir, who is also a former heavyweight champion, is also expected to help defend Ukraine after enlisting in the nation's reserve army earlier this month.

"We will defend ourselves with all our might and fight for freedom and democracy," Wladimir wrote on LinkedIn on Thursday.

[westopher]

To think the 80's/90's were our peak golden years, affordability, relative peace, less polarization and no internet bullshit :lol

It's interesting how this timeline has the best technology, access to goods, ease of life (in general), and yet we're all more miserable then ever.

Cars were cooler then too.

[SkinnyPupp]

Cars were cooler then too.
And hip hop

[AzNightmare]

To think the 80's/90's were our peak golden years, affordability, relative peace, less polarization and no internet bullshit :lol

It's interesting how this timeline has the best technology, access to goods, ease of life (in general), and yet we're all more miserable then ever.

Cars were cooler then too.

And hip hop


Sounds like the attitude my grandpa had, then my dad when he got older...

[SkinnyPupp]

Sounds like the attitude my grandpa had, then my dad when he got older...
Me and wes were being subjective playing around, but what mike said is objectively true... Maybe Sept 10, 2001 was the peak of humanity :ahwow:

[MarkyMark]

Yeah just a bunch of out of touch 30 and 40 year olds lol...

[SkinnyPupp]

https://twitter.com/BNONews/status/1497066090727456768

[Manic!]

All 18 to 60 year old males have been banned from leaving the country. I guess they will be given guns and told to fight.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/z3ng45/males-banned-from-leaving-ukraine

[SkinnyPupp]

Most of them will be more than happy to fight for their country. There was a clip of a guy saying goodbye to his daughter and it killed me

[AzNightmare]

https://twitter.com/WW3updated/status/1496993036479389707

[Traum]

Most of them will be more than happy to fight for their country. There was a clip of a guy saying goodbye to his daughter and it killed me
If you're referring to this, it didn't just kill you -- I was bawling as soon as I started realizing what was going on in the video... :tears:

https://twitter.com/UkraineNews0/status/1496845105428193286

[StylinRed]

All 18 to 60 year old males have been banned from leaving the country. I guess they will be given guns and told to fight.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/z3ng45/males-banned-from-leaving-ukraine

That's fucked up

[Manic!]

I think putin miscalculated. Ukrainians are fighting for freedom and their country. What are the Ruasians fighting for? Have already seen a video of an abandoned Russian vehicle with Russian uniforms on the ground. With the average Ukrainian willing to fight this could turn into another Afghanistan for the Russians.

[teggy604]

All 18 to 60 year old males have been banned from leaving the country. I guess they will be given guns and told to fight.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/z3ng45/males-banned-from-leaving-ukraine

Damn now I see why USA Second Amendment is there. Cuz when shit hits the fan its time to fight. So you got the military, and you got civilians that knows how to operate a firearm. Makes for a deadly combo.

[WD-40]

I wonder how stupid the freedom convoy participants feel right now after witnessing what is unfolding in Ukraine. Freedom is not a word to take lightly. I bet most of them would be the first to run and hide if Canada ever went to war or got invaded. My heart goes out to the Ukrainian people.

[underscore]

A Russian platoon surrendered as well

https://thehill.com/policy/international/595728-ukrainian-ambassador-says-russian-platoon-surrendered-to-ukrainian

Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova said Thursday that a platoon of Russian soldiers surrendered to the Ukrainian military, saying they "didn't know that they were brought to Ukraine to kill Ukrainians."

At a press briefing, Markarova said, "Just before I came here, we got information from our chief commander that one of the platoons of the 74th motorized brigade from Kemerovo Oblast surrendered."

"They didn't know that they were brought to Ukraine to kill Ukrainians. They thought they were doing something else there," she added.

Markarova was unable to say how many troops were in the platoon and did not say whether they were being detained by Ukraine.

Markarova said that the "combat spirit" of the Ukrainian military is "high."

The ambassador called on leaders of the free world to form an "anti-Putin coalition" to stop Russia's attack against Ukraine.

"Ukraine is defending our home. We will defend our home and it's time for all free and democratic nations who value the principles and the territorial integrity and the right of any country for peace to stand together with us, but not only stand together with us, act together with us to stop the war in Europe," said Markarova.

When asked if she expected U.S. troops to be sent into Ukraine, Markarova noted that her country is not a part of European or Atlantic security alliances such as NATO and said Ukraine does not expect any countries to fight on its behalf, though she said any help and peacekeeping operations would be welcome.

[68style]

Watch Putin rush like crazy to take Kiev now and assassinate/kill the president.

I think just reading various streams of news that he's made a grave miscalculation as well... they said Russia's army is 150,000 strong surrounding Ukraine... but Ukraine has 300,000 fighters just from one region's war alone that are on standby... nevermind conscription now... and that's just ONE region. They may not have the tech, but you can't ignore the numbers.

[Hondaracer]

If you think some civs are gonna be enough to dissuade Russia you’re crazy. The Russian army is big enough and powerful enough and I’m certain has enough die-hard loyalists in its ranks to take over most countries on this globe, regardless of a handful of their ranks feelings towards the politics of it

[westopher]

I wonder how stupid the freedom convoy participants feel right now after witnessing what is unfolding in Ukraine. Freedom is not a word to take lightly. I bet most of them would be the first to run and hide if Canada ever went to war or got invaded. My heart goes out to the Ukrainian people.
These people are delusional about what freedom entails, at best, so I imagine the majority will still believe they are oppressed.

[Acura604]

so once the Russians take Kyiv - it'll be a regime change.

The current President - could be arrested...he may flee...or be executed on site.

then we have a regime change and a 'buffer' state for Russia from NATO .


regime change...where have we heard that before?


in any case, all the bravery of the Ukranians aside - they are overmatched by superior Russian military technology and sheer numbers.

make no mistake - the siege of Kyiv is happening now and all we (and the rest of the world) can do is sit and watch.

RE: sanctions.... as per Biden's quote "Wait Another Month or So to See if Sanctions Are Working" - .... Ukraine does not have a month...but that says it all... 'no fucks given'

https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2022/02/kyiv-under-siege-russian-forces-move-ukrainian-capital/362434/

[GGnoRE]

I mean Russia's been under sanctions since 2014 and that has achieved...? Has sanctions ever really dissuaded dictatorial regimes? (Iran, North Korea etc.) At best, sanctions work over a long period of time and the brunt of economic harm will be borne on the average citizen.

EU doesn't even want to kick Russia off of SWIFT. Apparently there are also reports that Mario Draghi (former head of European Central Banks) carved out Italian luxury goods from EU's package of economic sanctions to shield their economy and Belgium's diamond industry is also not included in the package of sanctions. So yea... Putin must be really impressed at our resolve in deterring him. https://twitter.com/Barnes_Joe/status/1497194009038626842

[Acura604]

https://www.firstpost.com/world/ukraine-to-surrender-ready-to-discuss-neutrality-says-volodymyr-zelenskyy-after-suffering-losses-on-day-1-of-russian-invasion-10407741.html

Day 1 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine ended with the East European country suffering mass casualties — 137 Ukrainians, both military personnel and civilians — and another 300 people being wounded.

In a late night video address, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “We have been left alone to defend our state. Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don't see anyone.”

"Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don't see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid," he added.

Zelenskyy also said that Russian “sabotage groups” had entered the capital Kyiv, and urged the city's citizens to remain vigilant and observe a curfew.

The president added that he and his family remained in Ukraine, despite Russia identifying him as "target number one".

"They want to destroy Ukraine politically by taking down the head of state," Zelenskyy said.

The tone of the Ukrainian president’s address at night was very different from the one that he had delivered earlier in the day, just after Vladimir Putin had announced a ‘military operation’ against Ukraine.

In the previous address in which he introduced martial law, Zelenskyy said, “This is a completely groundless, cynical invasion. We, the citizens of Ukraine, have been determining our own future since 1991. But now, what is being decided is not only our country’s future, but also the future of how Europe will live.

"We are working. The army is working. Don’t panic. We are strong. We are ready for everything. We will defeat everyone. Because we are Ukraine."

In his night speech, Zelenskyy also hinted that he was ready to drop Ukraine’s push for NATO membership and maintain neutral status.

He said that he wasn’t afraid of negotiations with Moscow on issues including Ukraine's neutral status and security guarantees.

For the unversed, Ukraine has long been demanding membership in NATO and the country had even made a constitutional commitment to the same in 2019.

How Russia reacted?

Following his speech and the attacks, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was prepared to negotiate terms of surrender.

According to RT.com, Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin wanted Ukraine to promise to be neutral and not aspire to be a NATO member and not keep any Western weaponry on its territory, adding that those are conditions for Russia to sit on the negotiating table.

The terms will enable “demilitarisation and denazification” of Ukraine, Peskov alleged.

[pastarocket]

Unfortunately, the US and its NATO allies will not use military action to put soldiers and weapons in Ukraine to push back the Russians.

Why would they? The Russians have thousands of nuclear warheads.

You have political leaders like Biden who have American support as president at around 35 percent. Sleepy Joe is not in a position of strong political support now.

The American public has very low support for military action against Russia.

If the US and its allies escalate this war by sending in their military into Ukraine, who knows what Putin will do?

This evil piece of shit has nuclear launch codes.

Escalating this war by providing military support for Ukraine can turn this Russia and Ukraine war in World War 3.

If the US and its allies remove Russia from the SWIFT system for fund transfers for banks, then the US and German economies would suffer. Banks across the world need SWIFT in order to do business. Companies depend on the SWIFT system in order to do fund transfers for their operations.

Biden and his European allies have weak hands in this high stakes poker game now. Russia has the upper hand at the poker table.

[whitev70r]

Send in MI6?

[GS8]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xcfJY6QwnY&ab_channel=TheSun

The driver survived (not sure why his face is blurred) and was moving around just fine. He even has his mask just in case.

[pastarocket]

Send in MI6?

A colleague told me "Send in couple hundred thousand RAMBOs, guerilla warfare experts, Jason Bourne to take out Putin with a sniper bullet, and maybe, just maybe, Russia will lose this war with Ukraine." :lawl:

[JDMDreams]

^^ and what? Have a garden party? Every country has their hands and pockets tied with COVID. If they did a better job of containment rather than learning to co exist maybe they will have better economic outlooks and can afford a war.

Who's Ukraine? how much will the down fall effect other countries, sadly they aren't important enough to have ww3 over. And what politician will want to be the one that started ww3. China is just laughing right now at the West, bunch of pussies that's just all talk no show. :lawl:

[MarkyMark]

^^ and what? Have a garden party? Every country has their hands and pockets tied with COVID. If they did a better job of containment rather than learning to co exist maybe they will have better economic outlooks and can afford a war.


Yeah nothing booms the economy like constant lockdowns to contain a virus you can't contain. Look at how great that worked out for Hong Kong.

[EvoFire]

If you're referring to this, it didn't just kill you -- I was bawling as soon as I started realizing what was going on in the video... :tears:

https://twitter.com/UkraineNews0/status/1496845105428193286

I saw this video yesterday morning. Absolutely ruined my day. I was contemplating on posting it here. It doesn't really matter who's right or wrong because it's the families that bear the suffering.

I am so glad that my parents chose Canada as a place to call home, but unfortunately we have a bunch of people who have nothing better to do than to "fight for their freedom". This is what you call a fight for freedom.

[Traum]

I agree with everything you've said in your post except for this SWIFT bit.

Russia has indicated before that they will treat getting dropped from SWIFT as the equivalent of declaring war on Russia. I don't see how the US economy would suffer all that much since the US doesn't have strong economic ties with Russia. In fact, if the US can somehow increase its shale oil production, it can capitalize on the opportunity on a Russia oil and gas boycott.

Germany is going to hurt a lot if they cannot easily conduct business with Russia. I think it would be in their long term interest to shift away from their energy dependence on Russia, but that will certainly bring about some serious short and medium term pain.

If Russia can be cut off from SWIFT, I think it will weaken their country dramatically, although its normal citizens will also suffer. But the difficult part is how Russia wouldn't go nuclear ballistic if it happens.

If the US and its allies remove Russia from the SWIFT system for fund transfers for banks, then the US and German economies would suffer. Banks across the world need SWIFT in order to do business. Companies depend on the SWIFT system in order to do fund transfers for their operations.

Biden and his European allies have weak hands in this high stakes poker game now. Russia has the upper hand at the poker table.

[pastarocket]

^^ and what? Have a garden party? Every country has their hands and pockets tied with COVID. If they did a better job of containment rather than learning to co exist maybe they will have better economic outlooks and can afford a war.

Who's Ukraine? how much will the down fall effect other countries, sadly they aren't important enough to have ww3 over. And what politician will want to be the one that started ww3. China is just laughing right now at the West, bunch of pussies that's just all talk no show. :lawl:

Kung Fu Panda China is buying wheat from the Russian bear. I guarantee you that China is buying more natural gas from the Russians now that Germany is not certifying the Nordstream 2 gas pipeline.

China signed a 30 year agreement with Russia to receive natural gas shipments from them via pipeline.

China is basically the banker that is helping out Russia on the poker table. The sneaky Panda that is a big ally of the Russian bear.

The Chinese government is in a delicate position, because they cannot openly support Russia with military equipment. Why is that?

Western countries like the US, Australia, are monitoring the Chinese navy in terms of their aggressive movement in the South China Sea.

Western nations like the US are rethinking their supply chains with more American companies importing more manufactured goods from South East Asian countries.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2020/04/07/new-data-shows-us-companies-are-definitely-leaving-china/?sh=1d1d621f40fe

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/china-russia-ukraine-sanctions-politics-1.6363217

More western countries are standing up economically against China now, not to mention the ongoing U.S. government tariffs against China.

China can laugh all they want at western countries now with those nations just using sanctions to condemn Russia. The Chinese economy would be under more stress if China dared to support Russia through military hardware.

China is dependent on global trade. Their economy is much more dependent on the West for access for trade markets for their manufactured goods compared to Russia.

If anything, China is facing a very awkward moment now. -quietly supporting Russia without angering Western countries with open public support of Russia.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/china-russia-ukraine-sanctions-politics-1.6363217

[EvoFire]

I think putin miscalculated. Ukrainians are fighting for freedom and their country. What are the Ruasians fighting for? Have already seen a video of an abandoned Russian vehicle with Russian uniforms on the ground. With the average Ukrainian willing to fight this could turn into another Afghanistan for the Russians.

I don't think he expected the level of resistance, but there's no doubt Ukraine can't put up much of a fight, Russia can smother them with just manpower.

[Manic!]

If you think some civs are gonna be enough to dissuade Russia you’re crazy. The Russian army is big enough and powerful enough and I’m certain has enough die-hard loyalists in its ranks to take over most countries on this globe, regardless of a handful of their ranks feelings towards the politics of it

I know you are a trump nut hugger but you forget Afghanistan and Iraq? How can any Russian soldier feel safe when ever citizen hates you. One goes down the wrong street he is dead.

Idiot russian soldiers already trying to pick up chicks on tinder.

https://nypost.com/2022/02/24/ukrainian-women-say-russian-troops-are-flirting-with-them-on-tinder/

https://www.history.com/news/dutch-resistance-teenager-killed-nazis-freddie-oversteegen

Freddie Oversteegen was only 14 when she joined the Dutch resistance during World War II, and only a couple of years older when she became one of its armed assassins. Together with her sister—and later, a young woman named Hannie Schaft—the trio lured, ambushed and killed German Nazis and their Dutch collaborators.

[inv4zn]

I understand the reasons why NATO/US can't interfere militarily, but this meme sums it up pretty well.

https://i.redd.it/wqzub0y830k81.jpg

That said, Ukrainians are badass. I had a Ukrainian physics teacher in high school, and she had a photo of herself on her desk, facing the students, of her in full military uniform holding an AK. Nobody fucked around in her class, ever.

[Hondaracer]

Ukraine isn’t Afghanistan. These people live normal lives not holed up in some rat cage somewhere.

An AK isn’t much of a match for tanks rolling through town with shells the size of your thigh when push comes to shove.

[JDMDreams]

This already says it Gucci gang > Ukraine. What are you gonna do? fill your gas tank with water? The Western gov already has to deal with the rising fuel prices. = Inflation on everything. Cancelling all those pipelines sure was a good idea wasn't it? :ahwow:


I mean Russia's been under sanctions since 2014 and that has achieved...? Has sanctions ever really dissuaded dictatorial regimes? (Iran, North Korea etc.) At best, sanctions work over a long period of time and the brunt of economic harm will be borne on the average citizen.

EU doesn't even want to kick Russia off of SWIFT. Apparently there are also reports that Mario Draghi (former head of European Central Banks) carved out Italian luxury goods from EU's package of economic sanctions to shield their economy and Belgium's diamond industry is also not included in the package of sanctions. So yea... Putin must be really impressed at our resolve in deterring him. https://twitter.com/Barnes_Joe/status/1497194009038626842

[inv4zn]

Ukraine isn’t Afghanistan. These people live normal lives not holed up in some rat cage somewhere.

An AK isn’t much of a match for tanks rolling through town with shells the size of your thigh when push comes to shove.

Should tell that to the 'muricans.

Also, real life isn't call of duty either. the 20 year olds driving those tanks are human beings, and when they realize they're part of waging a war by an egomaniac lunatic with nuclear launch codes, they start having fundamental doubts. Some are surrendering.

You can sit there and analyze firepower all you want, but the reality is a majority of Ukrainians have seen and lived through war, and they are a relatively young nation - and they will fight.

If Trudeau asked you to send your family away while you fight off an American invasion, what would you do?

[pastarocket]

What are your thoughts on this article?

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/wolff-ukraine-invasion-what-the-west-needs-to-do-now/ar-AAUgxM4?ocid=entnewsntp

What is needed now is a policy of containment and the reassurance of NATO and EU members. Russia needs to feel real deterrence against any further military escalation which brings home to Putin the cost of sustaining this adventurism. The latter would involve further increasing sanctions on Russia — including on Putin and his inner circle and their wider families — and everything that will support Ukraine militarily, but, for now at least, short of actual troop deployments by western countries.

It will also be important to co-operate, as much as possible, with China as part of this process. Relations between China and the West may not be at their warmest, but both sides share an interest in stability in the region where China has made significant investments through its Belt and Road Initiative over the past decade. China has repeatedly balanced its support for Russian demands for a new European security order with an emphasis on the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Thus, it is by no means inevitable that China will offer a potential “lifeline” to Russia in terms of economic and financial support once western sanctions begin to bite, as well as by offering Putin political and diplomatic backing at the UN and in other regional and international forums. While it is unlikely that China will openly side with the West against Russia, it could play a vital role of pushing Russia towards a return to diplomacy out of self-interest, given its substantial investments in Ukraine.

[nabs]

It may be me getting older or what not.. but this war has kept me up at night two nights in a row already.

One thing is sorrow for Ukraine people, then another feeling of dread.

[westopher]

There’s a lot of Canadian connection to Ukraine. Lots of my friends and my wife’s family are from Ukraine. I believe we have the highest Ukrainian population in the world outside Ukraine and Russia.

[whitev70r]

It may be me getting older or what not.. but this war has kept me up at night two nights in a row already.

One thing is sorrow for Ukraine people, then another feeling of dread.

I can feel something as well ... a sense of despair and overall pessimism for the how the world is turning out. I think for many, this International crisis will raise the already heightened stress on our mental and emotional health.

[Manic!]

Ukraine isn’t Afghanistan. These people live normal lives not holed up in some rat cage somewhere.

An AK isn’t much of a match for tanks rolling through town with shells the size of your thigh when push comes to shove.

Afghanistan only became a shithole after russia attacked. This is before Russia.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f3/5e/7c/f35e7c1b381da608cb413374c443f63a.jpg

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/19554522_1565101280205409_738530144761667959_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=cdbe9c&_nc_ohc=iGbOACNYAzwAX8UvOqX&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=00_AT_IjPR8UulKi1TNdsqYNlbZeYZJjSdoV8bh-qmtkoyGYA&oe=6240354F

https://cdn.theatlantic.com/media/img/photo/2013/07/afghanistan-in-the-1950s-and-60s/a01_51953148/main_1200.jpg


https://policyoptions.irpp.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/Afghanistan-graveyard-of-empires-was-once-beautiful-vibrant-and-safe.jpg

Should tell that to the 'muricans.

Also, real life isn't call of duty either. the 20 year olds driving those tanks are human beings, and when they realize they're part of waging a war by an egomaniac lunatic with nuclear launch codes, they start having fundamental doubts. Some are surrendering.

You can sit there and analyze firepower all you want, but the reality is a majority of Ukrainians have seen and lived through war, and they are a relatively young nation - and they will fight.

If Trudeau asked you to send your family away while you fight off an American invasion, what would you do?

Fight LOL!!!. Honda would be one of the first to help the americans. "I'm so glad you are here now we can get rid of that commie JT and get are freeedumbs back".

[Mikoyan]

https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/1496866811110834176?t=CmNSUj-91ac7vPeCVfar6A&s=19

Ukrainian woman confronts Russian soldiers in Henychesk, Kherson region. Asks them why they came to our land and urges to put sunflower seeds in their pockets [so that flowers would grow when they die on the Ukrainian land]

[StylinRed]

More than half of Ukraine considers themselves to be Russian, and Russia Considers all Ukrainians to be Russian, they're not going to fk up the people, just the govt.

Zelensky knows he's already lost but now he's trying to drag Ukrainians down with him by forcing them to stay and asking for foreign nationals to come in and fight a dirty urban war, it's chilling that anyone can see Zelensky as brave/heroic, he isn't fighting for his people, he's fighting for himself

Edited for presidents name fk up :lol

[inv4zn]

More than half of Ukraine considers themselves to be Russian, and Russia Considers all Ukrainians to be Russian, they're not going to fk up the people, just the govt.

Yushchenko knows he's already lost but now he's trying to drag Ukrainians down with him by forcing them to stay and asking for foreign nationals to come in and fight a dirty urban war, it's chilling that anyone can see Yushchenko as brave/heroic, he isn't fighting for his people, he's fighting for himself

Uh, so Russians troops are hitting civilian targets (whether ordered to or not, is unknown), so you're wrong there.

Also "more than half of Ukraine...", source? Because literally everything else says otherwise.

Lastly, Yushchenko isn't the president...so not sure where that came from.

[68style]

Uhm... in 1991, a full 92.3% of Ukrainians voted for the declaration of independence from Russia... now you're saying more than half the population is sympathetic to Russian interests? I very much doubt that.

[Traum]

I obviously harbour no warm feelings towards Communist China, but that is borne out of an understanding of their lying ways.

Communist China is a snake that will back out on their word as soon as it is no longer convenient or beneficial for them to continue with it. Partnering with them now to contain Russia will be identical to the Western Allies back in WW2 to partner with Soviet Union to fight Nazi Germany. Just as USSR's aim was to seek gains for itself back then, Communist China would only have its own interests in mind. Even now, it is establishing more ties with Russia only because China needs them to protect itself against Western isolation.

What are your thoughts on this article?

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/wolff-ukraine-invasion-what-the-west-needs-to-do-now/ar-AAUgxM4?ocid=entnewsntp

What is needed now is a policy of containment and the reassurance of NATO and EU members. Russia needs to feel real deterrence against any further military escalation which brings home to Putin the cost of sustaining this adventurism. The latter would involve further increasing sanctions on Russia — including on Putin and his inner circle and their wider families — and everything that will support Ukraine militarily, but, for now at least, short of actual troop deployments by western countries.

It will also be important to co-operate, as much as possible, with China as part of this process. Relations between China and the West may not be at their warmest, but both sides share an interest in stability in the region where China has made significant investments through its Belt and Road Initiative over the past decade. China has repeatedly balanced its support for Russian demands for a new European security order with an emphasis on the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Thus, it is by no means inevitable that China will offer a potential “lifeline” to Russia in terms of economic and financial support once western sanctions begin to bite, as well as by offering Putin political and diplomatic backing at the UN and in other regional and international forums. While it is unlikely that China will openly side with the West against Russia, it could play a vital role of pushing Russia towards a return to diplomacy out of self-interest, given its substantial investments in Ukraine.

[bcrdukes]

Re: Ukrainians who consider themselves Russian

This is mostly anecdotal but there are a number of Ukrainians who grew up under the Soviet Ukraine and there will often be a split/divide of those who consider themselves Russian first, then Ukrainian. I live in a community with a dominant Ukrainian population and "most" of them declare themselves as Russian first and when you peel back the onion, they will say they are Ukrainian. We've had some interesting chats over the past few days, so to say the least.

[320icar]

Ukraine isn’t Afghanistan. These people live normal lives not holed up in some rat cage somewhere.

Wow.

[nabs]

I keep hearing random news stories of Russian military troops not fighting, and submitting to Ukraine soldiers.

I guess a lot are realizing they are fighting their own brothers. It's sickening in this day and age.

[StylinRed]

Uh, so Russians troops are hitting civilian targets (whether ordered to or not, is unknown), so you're wrong there.

Also "more than half of Ukraine...", source? Because literally everything else says otherwise.

Lastly, Yushchenko isn't the president...so not sure where that came from.

I've posted the source a few times in here it's in the lecture vid, it's covered at the very beginning of the lecture video, slight majority identify as Russian, and even vote/poll on subjects aligned to Russia

Civilian sites aren't being targeted though we see that, sure some may get hit during the battle, as with any invasion

Lmao I don't know why I thought Yushchenko was still president lmao, fucked up there, imma pass it off as morning grogginess tho :lol

[Manic!]

LCBO banning all russian products.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8645861/ontario-liberals-lcbo-russian-alcohol-vodka/

[El Bastardo]

https://cdn2.opendemocracy.net/media/images/RIAN_02447191.LR_.ru__unPXTQ7.width-800.jpg

Guess whos coming to dinner?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmLLIQu13HA

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10551327/Chechen-special-forces-hunters-unleashed-Ukraine-detain-kill-Kyiv-officials.html

https://twitter.com/MuradGazdiev/status/1497178182113546240?s=20&t=vdzsDVQyHNY_K_S3QTNKpA



Some strange, conflicting information. I doubt Kadyrov can be trusted here tho.

[EvoFire]

It may be me getting older or what not.. but this war has kept me up at night two nights in a row already.

One thing is sorrow for Ukraine people, then another feeling of dread.

I think it's the same feeling as people had during the Cold War, a feeling of uncertainty. We are heading into the second Cold War right now, with a guy at the helm in Russia who might just be crazy enough to fire one off.

[inv4zn]

Genuine question, because my knowledge of nuclear weapons is limited to what's seen in movies.

If Putin really wants to fire a nuke, he can order it, but are there not human beings between him and the actual launch that could say no? Or does he have his own special button under his desk?

[CivicBlues]

https://cdn2.opendemocracy.net/media/images/RIAN_02447191.LR_.ru__unPXTQ7.width-800.jpg

Guess whos coming to dinner?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmLLIQu13HA

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10551327/Chechen-special-forces-hunters-unleashed-Ukraine-detain-kill-Kyiv-officials.html

https://twitter.com/MuradGazdiev/status/1497178182113546240?s=20&t=vdzsDVQyHNY_K_S3QTNKpA


Some strange, conflicting information. I doubt Kadyrov can be trusted here tho.

Putin will just some Interior Decorators after them

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ziap4hpYfU8

[Traum]

Holy good god... the Taliban is calling for restraint from both Russia and Ukraine to resolve the crisis through peaceful means... The fxxking Taliban... :fulloffuck:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10551037/The-TALIBAN-call-Russia-Ukraine-resolve-crisis-peaceful-means.html

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/02/25/11/54642787-10551037-image-m-3_1645787169870.jpg

[inv4zn]

China has also come out saying Ukraine's sovereignty should be respected.

Swiss banks have started to actually do something with the sanctions.

Russian officials have signed an open letter condemning the invasion.

if the three parties above have turned on you, you done fucked up.

[Manic!]

Holy good god... the Taliban is calling for restraint from both Russia and Ukraine to resolve the crisis through peaceful means... The fxxking Taliban... :fulloffuck:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10551037/The-TALIBAN-call-Russia-Ukraine-resolve-crisis-peaceful-means.html

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/02/25/11/54642787-10551037-image-m-3_1645787169870.jpg

Why is that surprising?

[SkinnyPupp]

More than half of Ukraine considers themselves to be Russian, and Russia Considers all Ukrainians to be Russian, they're not going to fk up the people, just the govt.

Zelensky knows he's already lost but now he's trying to drag Ukrainians down with him by forcing them to stay and asking for foreign nationals to come in and fight a dirty urban war, it's chilling that anyone can see Zelensky as brave/heroic, he isn't fighting for his people, he's fighting for himself

Edited for presidents name fk up :lol
Reminder that Ukrainian citizens protested for many months (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euromaidan) when their government didn't sign for closer ties with the EU, instead choosing closer ties with Russia. That evolved into a full on popular revolution (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolution_of_Dignity), and the president and his people were ousted (many committed suicide).

This is when Russia started covertly supporting the separatist movement, and then took Crimea

Also anecdotally growing up I had several Ukrainian friends and they'd be very quick to correct you if you called them Russian LUL but everyone is different with this...

I don't know where you get "more than half" whatever, but it must be a weirdly worded poll or only done in the separatist regions or something. Ukraine has spent all this time trying to get out from under Russia's thumb, they finally succeeded, and now you think they all want to go back?

[iwantaskyline]

More than half of Ukraine considers themselves to be Russian, and Russia Considers all Ukrainians to be Russian, they're not going to fk up the people, just the govt.

Zelensky knows he's already lost but now he's trying to drag Ukrainians down with him by forcing them to stay and asking for foreign nationals to come in and fight a dirty urban war, it's chilling that anyone can see Zelensky as brave/heroic, he isn't fighting for his people, he's fighting for himself

Edited for presidents name fk up :lol

Definitely one of the stupidest posts I’ve seen on this forum.

[Hehe]

China has also come out saying Ukraine's sovereignty should be respected.

Swiss banks have started to actually do something with the sanctions.

Russian officials have signed an open letter condemning the invasion.

if the three parties above have turned on you, you done fucked up.

From what I'm observing on China's internet, it seems that China is indeed against this war. Little to no censorship is occurring regardless which stance one's taking on the Russian-Ukraine situation.

I believe the reason is because of the way Russia is starting this whole thing... it's suggesting that Eastern Ukraine (a territory) supports independence from Ukraine. Even though we know it's pure BS by Russia.

This goes against China's claim on Taiwan that it doesn't matter what Taiwan thinks. Should they support Russia's way of doing things, China would look ridiculous to contradict itself to NOT let Taiwan's people decide their own fate should they somehow seek independence.

So, it's interesting how this is panning out.

[Hondaracer]

https://i.imgur.com/gPUtUZT.png

Kinda felt like that today, felt sad for people while I’m chilling at Deer Lake baked and cruising for a beer. Sucks that people have to go through shit like this

https://i.imgur.com/XlJdF9G.jpg

[SkinnyPupp]

China has restricted its banks from lending to Russia (https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/china-restrict-financing-russia-ukraina-invasion)

Trudeau and (https://www.fxstreet.com/news/german-finance-minister-we-must-step-up-sanctions-against-russia-are-open-to-cutting-russia-from-swift-202202251603) others (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italy-open-banning-russia-swift-system-foreign-minister-2022-02-25/) calling for revocation of access to SWIFT (https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ottawa-putin-sanctions-1.6365179) (international banking)

Switzerland freezing bank accounts (https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-02-25/swiss-in-solidarity-with-west-on-russia-but-wants-to-help-keep-channels-open)

Computer chip industry halting shipments (https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/02/25/ukraine-russia-chips-sanctions-tsmc/) into Russia

Kazakhstan denies Russia's request (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/russia-ukraine-live-updates-n1289976/ncrd1289985) for troops

You think it's a statement that China is denying any support of Russia - Kazakhstan is their biggest ally and even they want nothing to do with it.

Trump must be so jealous as how successful Putin is at destroying his own country.

[SkinnyPupp]

Hooooooooooly shit

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1497207999424774163

[StylinRed]

Reminder that Ukrainian citizens protested for many months (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euromaidan) when their government didn't sign for closer ties with the EU, instead choosing closer ties with Russia. That evolved into a full on popular revolution (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolution_of_Dignity), and the president and his people were ousted (many committed suicide).

This is when Russia started covertly supporting the separatist movement, and then took Crimea

Also anecdotally growing up I had several Ukrainian friends and they'd be very quick to correct you if you called them Russian LUL but everyone is different with this...

I don't know where you get "more than half" whatever, but it must be a weirdly worded poll or only done in the separatist regions or something. Ukraine has spent all this time trying to get out from under Russia's thumb, they finally succeeded, and now you think they all want to go back?

It's from the John Mearsheimer lecture posted

Yes there's a divide between nationalists and those supporting Russia, but again, Russia sees all Ukrainians as Russian so they wouldn't be targeting them en masse/directly as evidenced.

With Zelensky arming citizens and trying to get them to stay and fight he's trying to make Russia target citizens like America does (all of age males are considered enemy combatants) and that will cause the world to act out more against Russia

[SkinnyPupp]

It's from the John Mearsheimer lecture posted

Yes there's a divide between nationalists and those supporting Russia, but again, Russia sees all Ukrainians as Russian so they wouldn't be targeting them en masse/directly as evidenced.

With Zelensky arming citizens and trying to get them to stay and fight he's trying to make Russia target citizens like America does (all of age males are considered enemy combatants) and that will cause the world to act out more against Russia
You got it backwards I think

Ukraine is lasting as long as it is because people are willing to step up and fight in numbers Russia didn't expect. They are doing this without direct help from NATO or EU (but that may be coming who knows) Their president is still there decked out in military gear, and they're willing to stand with him and fight until they are overwhelmed or Russia gives up. This is an easy one to get people to fight for, because there is a clear right and wrong. This is literally an evil action done by an evil person.

And yes there are Russian backed separatists, but not "over half" obviously, or the invasion would have been over after a few hours.

Even if they do succeed, it will be almost impossible to occupy Ukraine. That's why Zelensky is arming citizens, not to "make civilians into targets".

[SkinnyPupp]

Good thread here on the actual combat tactics (tweet #8 references what I was talking about above)

https://twitter.com/RealCynicalFox/status/1497142318083805184

[EvoFire]

It's widely believed that the Russia military was not prepared for/lied to by the Russian command regarding the amount of resistance. Perhaps Russian truly believed that it was going to be a walk in the park.

With that being said it's still expected that the Ukraine military won't last more than a month as Russia held the first strike advantage, numbers advantage, and equipment advantage. In the slim slim chance that Ukraine manages to beat Russia back, what happens? Does Putin throw a fit and just nuke Kyiv instead? Or they come back for more?

[MarkyMark]

Any country that pulls the nuke card when they think they might not get their way are fucking scum. What a fucked up thing to threaten people with.

As much as I think the USA has been fucked up lately it's times like these I'm glad they blow so much money on national defence.

[SkinnyPupp]

It's widely believed that the Russia military was not prepared for/lied to by the Russian command regarding the amount of resistance. Perhaps Russian truly believed that it was going to be a walk in the park.

They believed the same propaganda as Stylin

[inv4zn]

With Zelensky arming citizens and trying to get them to stay and fight he's trying to make Russia target citizens like America does (all of age males are considered enemy combatants) and that will cause the world to act out more against Russia

Guy, this is just straight up false.

The world is already acting out against Russia, because they invaded a fucking country, not because it's president called its own citizens to defend their home.

You seem to be implying Zelensky has some personal agenda, but the guy is showing tremendous courage and leadership in something that can very well end up with him dying.

You're obviously entitled to think what you want, but your perception here seems insanely skewed.

[68style]

Nobody is acting out against Russian people anyway… pretty much the whole world hates Putin… all his political poisoning assassinations and attempts… the public crushing of gay rights with Pussy Riot… his obvious threats to families of famous athletes who don’t tow the party line even when they’re living abroad… living in Immense riches while the country suffers economically.

The guys a Grade A asshole and always has been.

People say Fuck Putin… even when they say Fuck Russia they mean Fuck Putin’s Russia.

[Mr.Money]

found a youtube channel with the latest videos coming out of the country.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXZs3e_VSlYgrUuTqm3GgVA/videos

[inv4zn]

Zelensky rejects US offer of evacuation, says he needs anti-tank munitions, not a ride.

Russia has brought mobile crematoriums to the front lines, most believe it's to burn their own who die, and to cover up civilian casualties.

Also, Ukraine has held onto Kyiv overnight, incredible.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8645150/ukraine-russia-invasion-kyiv/?utm_source=%40globalnews&utm_medium=Twitter

[Manic!]

From what I am seeing on social media Ukrainian citizens are arming up and are ready to fight. I don't think the Russians have the will to fight. I don't think this is going to end quick.

[SkinnyPupp]

You think Trudeau is cool for walking across a street? This guy held the line overnight after declining being pulled out to safety. Dude is basically Captain Ukraine. If he dies, which is quite likely, he's going to be a martyr.

https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1497450853380280320

"There's a lot of fake information online that I call on our army to lay down arms, and that there's evacuation,"

"I'm here. We won't lay down our arms. We will defend our state. Glory to Ukraine."

[inv4zn]

You think Trudeau is cool for walking across a street? This guy held the line overnight after declining being pulled out to safety. Dude is basically Captain Ukraine. If he dies, which is quite likely, he's going to be a martyr.

https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1497450853380280320

What's really crazy is that he was a comedian. Everyone was in disbelief when he got elected, and look where we are.

Putin essentially elevated this guy to national hero status.

The mayor of Kyiv is also making headlines for staying to fight, and the guy is a former heavyweight boxing champion.

[teggy604]

Guy, this is just straight up false.

The world is already acting out against Russia, because they invaded a fucking country, not because it's president called its own citizens to defend their home.

You seem to be implying Zelensky has some personal agenda, but the guy is showing tremendous courage and leadership in something that can very well end up with him dying.

.

Zelensky fighting with the people, while Putin is chilling somewhere safe. Shows how much Ukrainian want freedom, shows a true leader. Sad Russian solider will die in vain for something so evil and twisted.

[inv4zn]

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/02/russian-military-commits-indiscriminate-attacks-during-the-invasion-of-ukraine/


Russian military commits indiscriminate attacks during the invasion of Ukraine
• Amnesty International research verifies violations in international humanitarian law
• Russian attacks could constitute war crimes
• Russian claims to use precision guided weapons are patently false

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been marked by indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas and strikes on protected objects such as hospitals, Amnesty International said today, after documenting three incidents that it believes to have killed at least six civilians and injured at least 12 more. Indiscriminate attacks violate international humanitarian law (the laws of war) and can constitute war crimes.

“The Russian military has shown a blatant disregard for civilian lives by using ballistic missiles and other explosive weapons with wide area effects in densely populated areas. Some of these attacks may be war crimes. The Russian government, which falsely claims to use only precision-guided weapons, should take responsibility for these acts,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

In the deadliest strike documented by Amnesty International, at approximately 10.30 am local time, a ballistic missile struck near a hospital building in Vuhledar, in Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, killing four civilians and wounding ten more. According to a local source who spoke to Amnesty International researchers, two women and two men were killed, and six healthcare workers were among the injured. Analyzing photos of the weapon scrap linked to the incident, Amnesty International’s weapons investigator determined that a 9M79 Tochka ballistic missile was used in the attack. These weapons are extremely inaccurate, regularly missing their targets by half a kilometre or more and should never be used in populated areas.

Another of the attacks was carried out at approximately 8 am local time, in the Kharkiv region, northeastern Ukraine. The likely target was the nearby Chuhuiv Air Base, but instead Russian weapon struck a residential block, causing extensive fire damage and apparently killing at least one male civilian and injuring at least two civilian women. A single large crater in the ground between apartment buildings indicates the weapon was most likely a single large missile or rocket.

In another attack occurring at 7 am on the 24 February in Uman, Cherkasy region, a civilian man appears to have been killed by a strike that also damaged a nearby restaurant.


ANYONE defending Russia in this thread is an asshole.

[Manic!]

The mayor of Kyiv is also making headlines for staying to fight, and the guy is a former heavyweight boxing champion.


He and his brother were both world champions and are worth well over 100 million. His brother has a kid with actress Hayden Panettiere. Will all that money they could have just left but they both chose to stay and fight. They both also have PHD's

[SkinnyPupp]

Yeah the Klitschko brothers aren't just 'former boxers', they are two of the biggest boxing stars ever. Megastars throughout all Europe. Vitali boxed for 10 years after becoming a politician LUL He was one of the leaders of the protests and revolution I posted about earlier.

These guys are the opposite of Canadian truckers.

[SkinnyPupp]

https://twitter.com/JenniferJJacobs/status/1497559693195157506

[SkinnyPupp]

https://twitter.com/JackDetsch/status/1497582886807121929

[blkgsr]

Fuck Putin, Go Ukraine

[Mr.Money]

holy hell.... 3 second mark it hits under nose and still manages to fly it off.... for how long i dont know. great timing on the shot though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdeZXWO_s-c&ab_channel=Suchomimus

[haymura]

I've heard rumors that Putin is now wanting to return the USSR to what it was before. Not sure if that info is credible but if it is, doesn't that mean he is now declaring war on NATO since parts of the original USSR nations are under NATO?

[westopher]

Until he attacks those that are in nato they can’t really defend countries or attack Russia just based on musings and hearsay

[CharlesInCharge]

The Anglo Zionist pressured Russia to sell Canada off... the working class and intelligent of this country would welcome missiles over Ottawa to free Canada.

[bcedhk]

The Anglo Zionist pressured Russia to sell Canada off... the working class and intelligent of this country would welcome missiles over Ottawa to free Canada.

LOL stfu.

[westopher]

Definitely one of the stupidest posts I’ve seen on this forum.

The Anglo Zionist pressured Russia to sell Canada off... the working class and intelligent of this country would welcome missiles over Ottawa to free Canada.

That didn’t last long.

[Mr.Money]

oh shit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl60ATxnnr4

[whitev70r]

https://img-9gag-fun.9cache.com/photo/aEz4Nme_700bwp.webp

[Manic!]

https://twitter.com/hasek_dominik/status/1497525477594083332

[mikemhg]

Something just feels odd about this "war".

I've yet to really see any actual quality footage of all this fighting, no videos or pictures of fallen helicopters or planes that were shot down, nothing.

Videos out of Arma 3 being posted and retweeted by media outlets as actual combat happening, it's all very strange.

I feel like I can't believe anything that I'm seeing here from either side of this conflict.

[Hondaracer]

It’s very weird how people glamorize icons of war. This so cold “angel of Kiev” is nothing but conflicting reports as to whether they even exist. I guess it’s how people cope

Although, one of the most admired Fins is Simo Hayha who also battled the Russians under similar circumstances

[Tegra_Devil]

It’s very weird how people glamorize icons of war. This so cold “angel of Kiev” is nothing but conflicting reports as to whether they even exist. I guess it’s how people cope

Although, one of the most admired Fins is Simo Hayha who also battled the Russians under similar circumstances

Ghost of kyiv

None of us know war time moral and I hope we never do. Whether it is fake or not, I hope it boosts the moral and hope of the Ukrainian people.

[Manic!]

Something just feels odd about this "war".

I've yet to really see any actual quality footage of all this fighting, no videos or pictures of fallen helicopters or planes that were shot down, nothing.

Videos out of Arma 3 being posted and retweeted by media outlets as actual combat happening, it's all very strange.

I feel like I can't believe anything that I'm seeing here from either side of this conflict.

They exist. https://www.reddit.com/r/UkraineWarVideoReport/

[eclipseman]

Shit is wild. A bunch of citizens creating/amassing a large amount of molotov cocktails.

https://www.reddit.com/r/UkraineWarVideoReport/comments/t25ubx/dnieper_citizens_prepare_molotov_cocktails_for/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

[Manic!]

They have thousands of Molotov cocktails ready in this video.

https://www.reddit.com/r/UkraineWarVideoReport/comments/t25ai0/residents_of_odessa_are_preparing_for_russian/

[SkinnyPupp]

They have thousands of Molotov cocktails ready in this video.

https://www.reddit.com/r/UkraineWarVideoReport/comments/t25ai0/residents_of_odessa_are_preparing_for_russian/
Nice big fat target for Russia to aim for, and sent out to them on social media at that!

[SkinnyPupp]

As usual, this guy is somehow involved

https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1497703466352926722

Oh and they actually did it, although it only applies to banks that were previously sanctioned. It's not a total cutoff

https://twitter.com/SalehaMohsin/status/1497694500847767555

But there's this

https://twitter.com/CVecchioFX/status/1497703022503370754

[inv4zn]

As usual, this guy is somehow involved

https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1497703466352926722

Ukrainian officials asked for it, internet is widely sporadic there rn.

I hate Musk, but until he fucks this up somehow, this is a good thing.

[SkinnyPupp]

Ukrainian officials asked for it, internet is widely sporadic there rn.

I hate Musk, but until he fucks this up somehow, this is a good thing.
I know, I just think it's funny how he's always involved. Usually he inserts himself but this time they asked at least

It's nice to see someone with a lot of power using it for good

[whitev70r]

Let's hope the conscience of the average Russian citizen will rise and result in a massive revolt or uprising and kick Putin's ass out to Siberia.

[SkinnyPupp]

Kyiv is being bombarded at this moment, harder than ever

[SkinnyPupp]

Let's hope the conscience of the average Russian citizen will rise and result in a massive revolt or uprising and kick Putin's ass out to Siberia.
It's the oligarchs that need to revolt in order for Putin himself to be affected.. And most of them just saw their assets drop by probably up to 50%, some flat out seized, so maybe it'll happen.

[JDMDreams]

^^ but who made the oligarchs? :accepted:

[SkinnyPupp]

Here we go

https://twitter.com/NoLieWithBTC/status/1497710567397765121

I'm surprised this thread isn't more active.. Are you all just watching the news and not posting? Or nobody really cares anymore? Canucks threads are dead but they're more active than this LUL

[ilovebacon]

^ there's news and updates everywhere. Tiktok, youtube, twitch..

[quasi]

Here we go

https://twitter.com/NoLieWithBTC/status/1497710567397765121

I'm surprised this thread isn't more active.. Are you all just watching the news and not posting? Or nobody really cares anymore? Canucks threads are dead but they're more active than this LUL

I'm reading everything posted however I don't know what to say that adds anything of value. I'm Ukrainian, my great Grandpa came here from Kiev and became a farmer in Sask, I have distant relatives still there.

I was reading articles today and watching the news by myself on the couch with tears down my cheeks because the whole situation is just so sad. I'm hoping for the best expecting the worst, nobody can doubt the their heart.

[The Producer]

just came through town past the march for ukraine

huge props to the many "russian ship - go fuck yourself" signs.

first time I've ever gotten caught in a demonstration and actually been pretty stoked about it.

not much china news today. like many of you, I'm very interested to see how they play all this.

[whitev70r]

https://twitter.com/AavcoCup/status/1497689492257267712

[SkinnyPupp]

^ there's news and updates everywhere. Tiktok, youtube, twitch..

Not talking about getting news, talking about discussing it...

I know this place isn't as busy as it once was, but this seems more like apathy than people simply moving on to talking about it on reddit and twitter.

Or maybe people just watch tick tock now and don't want to talk about it, it's entertainment for them? I don't understand tick tock that's for sure

[AzNightmare]

Here we go

https://twitter.com/NoLieWithBTC/status/1497710567397765121

I'm surprised this thread isn't more active.. Are you all just watching the news and not posting? Or nobody really cares anymore? Canucks threads are dead but they're more active than this LUL

I'm mainly in this thread for the news. Every now and then throughout the day, I would google "Ukraine" just to see if there's any big breakthrough news.

I'll be honest, besides knowing that war is bad and Putin/Russia basically just pissed off most of the world, I don't really know any more about this war. I was never good at understanding the politics and whenever I try to read up on it, I get this entire backstory that, tbh, is a bit overwhelming to read. Although these kind of situations are complicated, I just don't think I know enough about the situation to be able to add any value in a serious discussion. The most I can do is just share some video clips or news articles.

At the risk of sounding dumb and asking this now at 10 pages deep, why is Putin even evading Ukraine? What's his justification in his perspective? I read he's accusing Ukraine of being Nazi-like or something like that. I don't see how attacking Ukraine resolves this.

[Tegra_Devil]

I scan this thread, the official Ukrainian war reddit page and Ukrainian YouTube channel for vids and updates every few hours. Keeps me more interested than I would be staring at my crypto portfolio

[68style]

I scan this thread, the official Ukrainian war reddit page and Ukrainian YouTube channel for vids and updates every few hours. Keeps me more interested than I would be staring at my crypto portfolio

Or watching the Canucks on a Thursday night :fullofwin:

[SkinnyPupp]

I'm mainly in this thread for the news. Every now and then throughout the day, I would google "Ukraine" just to see if there's any big breakthrough news.

I'll be honest, besides knowing that war is bad and Putin/Russia basically just pissed off most of the world, I don't really know any more about this war. I was never good at understanding the politics and whenever I try to read up on it, I get this entire backstory that, tbh, is a bit overwhelming to read. Although these kind of situations are complicated, I just don't think I know enough about the situation to be able to add any value in a serious discussion. The most I can do is just share some video clips or news articles.

At the risk of sounding dumb and asking this now at 10 pages deep, why is Putin even evading Ukraine? What's his justification in his perspective? I read he's accusing Ukraine of being Nazi-like or something like that. I don't see how attacking Ukraine resolves this.
You can read an explainer on Putin's version of reality that justifies this RT.com (https://www.rt.com/russia/550493-ukraine-donbass-military-operation-prehistory/)

TLDR: Ukraine wanted to go more towards EU than Russia, the revolution happened and pro-Russians got kicked from power. Two separatist factions were set up by Russia in two cities, and Ukraine considers them terrorist groups. Russia considers them territories that want to leave Ukraine and join Russia. And now this.

If you read about the two groups and how they behave, you'll see why it's bullshit. And they are more Nazis than anything since the actual Nazi party.

Alleged members of the Donetsk Republic carrying the flag of the Russian Federation, passed out a leaflet to Jews that informed all Jews over the age of 16 that they would have to report to the Commissioner for Nationalities in the Donetsk Regional Administration building and register their property and religion. It also claimed that Jews would be charged a $50 'registration fee'. If they did not comply, they would have their citizenship revoked, face 'forceful expulsion' and see their assets confiscated

The News of Donbas reported that members of the Donbas People's Militia engaged in assaults and robbery on the Romani population of Sloviansk. The armed separatists beat women and children, looted homes, and carried off the stolen goods in trucks, according to eyewitnesses. Romani have fled en masse to live with relatives in other parts of the country, fearing ethnic cleansing, displacement and murder.

On 8 June 2014, it was reported that armed militants from the Donetsk Republic attacked a gay club in the capital of Donetsk, injuring several. Witnesses said 20 people forced their way into the club, stealing jewellery and other valuables; the assailants fired shots in the club, and several people were hurt.

In July 2015, a DPR Ministry of Information spokeswoman stated "there are no gays in Donetsk, as they all went to Kyiv".

In 2015, the Deputy Minister of Political Affairs of the Donetsk People's Republic stated: "A culture of homosexuality is spreading ... This is why we must kill anyone who is involved in this."

And so on

[SkinnyPupp]

Swiss people trying to get their government to sanction Russia. Sanctions from them would obviously hold a lot of power

https://streamable.com/jj7jld

[Tegra_Devil]

Or watching the Canucks on a Thursday night :fullofwin:

:okay::badpokerface:

[EvoFire]

I don't have anything to add but just watch the news and see if you guys come up with anything that I haven't seen. RS is still pretty up there in terms of finding things and being up to date.

[underscore]

"russian ship - go fuck yourself"

I can't even imagine what they must've been going through from the time they sent that message to the time the ship started firing.

At the risk of sounding dumb and asking this now at 10 pages deep, why is Putin even evading Ukraine? What's his justification in his perspective? I read he's accusing Ukraine of being Nazi-like or something like that. I don't see how attacking Ukraine resolves this.

iirc he was claiming that Ukraine was committing a genocide of the Russians in Ukraine, specifically in the two provinces that Russia has been fiddling with since 2014. Which is bs.

According to Macron (the President of France), the Putin he met in 2021 was "not the man he met 2 years ago." So who knows what's really going on in Putins head.

[SkinnyPupp]

Oh this is big, Ukraine is forming a Foreign Legion (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-establishing-foreign-legion-volunteers-abroad-president-2022-02-27/), so people can join the fight under Ukraine rather than their own country.

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1497832975505010690

[SkunkWorks]

News coming out the Ukrainians killed chechen general tushayev.

https://twitter.com/KyivIndependent/status/1497713340986146825

[underscore]

56 tanks? Holy shit. Obviously the numbers are going to be dodgy at best right now but from the sounds of it the Russians are taking far more casualties than the Ukrainians right now.

[dark0821]

At the risk of sounding dumb and asking this now at 10 pages deep, why is Putin even evading Ukraine? What's his justification in his perspective? I read he's accusing Ukraine of being Nazi-like or something like that. I don't see how attacking Ukraine resolves this.


Not saying what Putin is doing is justified... but to make the situation more "understand-able"

Imagine that China has make great efforts and struck a deal with Canada and Mexico, that they can station their troops and tanks there. They tell USA that "there is nothing to worry about". We are just stationing our troops and military in Canada and Mexico for their own defences. Being USA in this position, would you feel threatened?

Ukraine is the Canada/Mexico in this situation, and you guessed it Russia is USA. And the "deal" was that Ukraine is gonna join NATO... paving way for NATO forces to be stationed in Ukraine, and Putin sees NATO is mainly controlled by the US... So yea...

The long explanation is really summed up nicely in this vid, it's a great watch...

https://youtu.be/JrMiSQAGOS4

Its hard to imagine the vid above is from 2015, but it sums up the current situation perfectly....

[SnK1800]

https://twitter.com/new27brigade/status/1497841660503670785

Ghost of Kiev

[SkinnyPupp]

Here's a good video explaining why Putin "might" invade Ukraine (as it came out about 3 weeks before it happened). It explains the situation going all the way back to the empire days.

dark0821 explained it pretty much above. They are worried about being next to a NATO country with no defense. So instead of saying "shit maybe we should make peace with those people so we can live harmoniously without actually having to worry about our border", they just invaded them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egjeeb8lux0

[spoon.ek9]

I'd say I'm also in the group of people who don't have much to add to this conversation. That isn't necessarily as bad thing though because I (and I'm sure many others) first need to learn about what has led to all of this happening. I've watched a few videos on youtube explaining what Putin's motivations might be. Seems like large reserves of natural gas in Ukraine are a likely reason (among many others). This of course, is also related to the take over of Crimea.

[Manic!]

Ukraine has over 20K Indian students studying there. Khalsa Aid who has been there since day 1 is reporting some have had to walk over 30 KM to reach the boarder. Women have been allowed to cross into Poland but it seems some of the males are not allowed to enter.

Video of one of the rest stops set up by locals to help the people walking.

https://twitter.com/RaviSinghKA/status/1497711942445715466

[mikemhg]

From what I've been reading it sounds like logistics have been Russia's biggest problem thus far. Hence their tanks being left behind with no fuel, etc.

The intel that Ukraine is getting from NATO has also been a massive factor, they're essentially being fed information in terms of where Russia is moving at any point. It really sounds as though they're taking Russia to task here.

Perhaps we've all been fooled in terms of Russia's actual military strength, from what it looks like, their army is antiquated and underfunded/equipped.

This whole war could end up being one big embarrassment for Russia, showing the world their true weaknesses (outside of nukes of course).

[supafamous]

From what I've been reading it sounds like logistics have been Russia's biggest problem thus far. Hence their tanks being left behind with no fuel, etc.

The intel that Ukraine is getting from NATO has also been a massive factor, they're essentially being fed information in terms of where Russia is moving at any point. It really sounds as though they're taking Russia to task here.

Perhaps we've all been fooled in terms of Russia's actual military strength, from what it looks like, their army is antiquated and underfunded/equipped.

This whole war could end up being one big embarrassment for Russia, showing the world their true weaknesses (outside of nukes of course).

It seems that Putin (and his yes men) assumed that they'd be welcomed with open arms so that all they had to do was roll in and depose Zelensky and team. Instead the Ukrainians have been way more courageous than I think anyone expected. They're still outgunned and outmanned but not so much that the Russians will just cruise in - rule of thumb I've read is that you need a 3 to 1 advantage when you're invading to win quickly and right now it's not too far from 1 to 1.

It also seems like the Ukrainian's courage (particularly Zelensky) has caused the Europeans and Americans to be willing to get involved - the EU/US probably assumed that the Ukrainians would get crushed in a few days so they didn't want to throw in with them but now with the line holding the betting changes and next thing you know the sanctions are legit and weapons are headed to Ukraine. NATO may not put troops there but weapons (and supplies) will make a huge difference. NATO probably figures that if this drags out that it's crippling to Putin and they have all the leverage over Putin (whereas they were probably afraid of Putin cutting them off from all the oil and gas).

[mikemhg]

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/africa/africans-trying-to-flee-ukraine-complain-of-being-blocked-and-of-racist-treatment-1.4813571

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-refugees-racism-russia-invasion-b2024175.html#


I've heard reports of black students/immigrants being treated poorly and denied entry on trains, border entry in Poland.

Seems as though Eastern Europeans still keep one thing consistent -- their rampant racist bullshit.

I'm not going to lie, I've had some bad experiences with Russians, and Ukrainians, anecdotally (the latter to a lesser degree).

Part of me sympathizes with them, part of me could give a fuck, I'll be honest.

[Mr.Money]

They understood what Germany & Paris has gone with rampant crimes of ghetto people there.



they are extremely worried about it happening again.


nothing new to be honest.