Maybe this will prove to be a lucky step in that direction. Hungary’s unexpected oil bonanza | DW | 26.07.2019
And that's fine. My take on it and it's been posted all over this thread was that they've been obstructing even the most basic sanctions from the beginning, worse than Germany and I've criticized the Germans plenty on that front. The comment wasn't related to *just* this particular post but overall situation. Yes they should be given an alternative. Other countries in similar positions have either found alternatives in preparation for sanctions or Russia cutting them off, or are working on said alternatives.
In the case of Hungary it's more than just economics although I it's still the primary driver of Hungary's reluctance to impose sanctions of Russia. In addition, I think Viktor Orban still has an affinity for Putin and that's reflected in Hungary's policies.
I agree. Was the hermitage fully decorated with the loot the Russians liberated when they conquered eastern Europe?
No clue. Regarding buildings etc it would ruin their historical significance and beauty, etc to just say "melt it down and give the materials back". Museums are safe places and pieces travel all over so at the very least make the pieces that can travel parts of travel exhibits so they can be shared. In the case of buildings, government jewels etc some kind of reparations seems to be the only choice. Even if I was a country affected I wouldn't want to see a 400 year old crown be destroyed, for example.
Russia's thwarted Ukraine river crossing was so bloody, pro-Russia war bloggers are publicly griping Most strikingly, pro-Russia war bloggers are publicly criticizing Russia's military effort, the Times reports. "The last straw that overwhelmed my patience was the events around Bilohorivka, where due to stupidity — I emphasize, because of the stupidity of the Russian command — at least one battalion tactical group was burned, possibly two," war blogger Yuri Podolyaka told his 2.1 million followers. Another popular blogger, who goes by Starshe Eddy, blamed the exposure of so many Russian troops on "not idiocy, but direct sabotage," by commanders. "The commentary by these widely read milbloggers may fuel burgeoning doubts in Russia about Russia's prospects in this war and the competence of Russia's military leaders," the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) think take wrote over the weekend.
I've listened to several of the intercepted phone calls between russian military and their spouses and girl friends. I'm shocked at the hatred expressed by the woman toward the ukrainians.
Meanwhile....Ukranian soldiers digging into positions found some interesting stuff Ukrainian soldiers find ancient amphorae whilst digging defences "Amphorae are ancient containers used for the transportation and storage of products, both liquid and dry. They are mainly associated with the Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods, however, the use of amphorae can be found as far back as the Neolithic period. The discovery was made whilst digging ditches and defences to protect Odesa, the third most populous city in Ukraine and a major seaport/transport hub on the Ukraine’s southern coast. The amphorae date from around the 3rd to 4th century AD, during which time Odesa was a Roman settlement known as Odessus that developed from a Greek colony."
Great commentary. The guy is sharp. Even mentions delays of US aid due to one senator (Paul), but bill will still pass soon.
