That’s a great question. I read somewhere that this is a limited period where it is NOT muddy, which is why Putin had to act in this window or give up using tanks. That same source indicated that it will get muddy soon though, so the longer it goes on, the better it is from a Ukrainian point of view. Also, while some areas are plains, the west of the country is mountainous, which will aid an ongoing insurgency is Russia attempts to overtake and occupy the country.
From CNN live updates: " Fifty countries issue joint statement saying Russia abused its power in vetoing UN Security Council resolution Fifty counties have issued a joint statement saying Russia abused its veto power by blocking a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The statement was read aloud by the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, after Friday’s meeting of the Security Council in New York City. Thomas-Greenfield was joined at the podium by representatives of many of the countries who signed on to the statement."
Also: " Zelensky accuses Russia of attacking "kindergartens and civilian infrastructure" From CNN's Jonny Hallam Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his video message Friday evening that Russian forces have attacked "civilian infrastructure," including kindergartens. Addressing the people of Russia while speaking Russian, Zelensky said, "There is nothing that could possibly explain why the kindergartens and civilian infrastructure are being shelled. " He continued: "What kind of war is this against the Ukrainian children? Who are they? Are they also neo-Nazis? Or are they NATO soldiers that imposed a threat to Russia?" "
I have stated it already several times in this thread: limited intervention with air and naval forces to keep the Russian Air Force and navy out of the fight. If the Russians want to keep doing the man dance, they can do it with land forces alone. Yes, I understand the risk that implies. No need to go over all of that again. The same risks apply when Russia makes its inevitable move against the Baltics, only then reinforced with Ukrainian resources and a far shorter march to the sea. And at any rate, the risks for Russia in escalating to general war are equal or greater. They have every incentive we do to keep the war limited and localized. For the moment, we only need to feel ashamed that we didn’t act sooner. The inevitable regret comes later.
That was an expectation. India’s was a shocking, utilitarian outrage that would have shamed Ghandi, Nehru et al.
At least in a one party system. Geo Washington feared the two party system, I believe, but it's been what has saved us from autocrats or dictators.
This is what I said before is my fear as to what is next. Putin integrates the Ukranian army, manpower and resources into their army and they have a launching pad. Madmen have to be stopped early or it gets much worse. I wish I didn’t agree with you.
WaPo is reporting that the US has offered to transport Zelensky out of the country. He has refused to go.
I believe the offer is not for Zelensky’s safety, primarily, but to let him address the General Assembly. There would be value in that, of course. But I admire his decision to remain with his people and face what are sure to be terrible consequences. I hope I would have the same kind of courage in those circumstances.
Now Cnn has Ret Lt Col Daniel Davis on saying Zelensky shouldn’t endanger his people and basically surrender….
