In corresponding with my friend in Odessa this morning, he said that an attempted Russian missile attack on his city was thwarted. He also expressed concern that many Ukrainians have that a visit to Kyiv by the leaders of France, Germany, and Italy in a few days will be an attempt by those nations to put pressure on Ukraine to trade territory for peace. He also expressed the sentiment that some Euro nations are slow walking their aid to Ukraine out of some fear that a victorious Ukraine will somehow reduce the standing of "old European" powers like France, Germany, and Italy. I'm sure another factor is the high inflation in the west which is putting pressure on governments to cave. High prices and being inconvenienced pale in comparison to what the people of Ukraine are going through.
Good to hear your friend is still with us, and Ukraine still has much fight left in it. Thank you for sharing.
I really don't see how "going all out" against Russia can mean less risk for global conflict than letting Russia or China dominate their periphery. If you don't see the special meaning of Ukraine and Taiwan to Russia and China respectively, then you simply haven't been paying attention to international politics the past few decades. Ukraine and Taiwan well known red lines for those 2 superpowers, and their desire for control of those territories have sound geopolitical reasoning behind it. I believe that your belief is flat out wrong. Russia will not invade Poland or the Baltic countries, that's just fear-mongering nonsense. And China will invade Taiwan if it senses attempts to change the status quo regardless of what happens in Ukraine. So I really don't see how your suggested course of action can prevent wider conflict in either theater.
Disappointing to see the Pope give credence to Russia’s invasion. Pope Francis: Russian war in Ukraine was ‘perhaps provoked’
Perhaps the pope can get back to us when he can provide evidence to back that assertion up. You know, like Ukraine conducting military exercises with NATO forces right next to the Russian border, harassing Russian air assets, talking smack about invading and conquering Russia, making "jokes" about nuking Russia or any number of other things. He is just parroting Putin talking points, making him no better than an enabler at this point.
France, Germany, Italy doing exactly what Putin thought they would, caving to their addiction to Russian energy. I suspect they will push for Ukraine to cede territory but I fear they will not require Russia to pay damages or remain sanctioned. The financial impacts/isolation should endure long past the end of hostilities. I suspect that Trump isnt the only prominent politician that Putin has kompromat on.
Germany held (and if we’re being honest probably still holds) special meaning for East Prussia, the Sudentenland, Austria, Alsace-Lorraine et al. And its desire to control those territories is not one iota less legitimate than Russian or Chinese claims. So why don’t we stand back and let Germany reclaim what was historically theirs and unite German-speaking peoples under their banner? Oh, wait, I remember. It’s because the people who live in those territories don’t necessarily want to be part of Germany. And we honor their self-determination, even if honoring it means war. I don’t give a damn what Russia or China thinks they are entitled to. If their ultimate point in all of this is that might makes right, then let’s stop hiding behind nuclear weapons and find out who’s more “right.”
You need to come back to reality. Nukes are a big part of the "might", as are planes, tanks, missiles, etc. Why not throw them away too and have a fight with your fists? You sound like the Taliban who complain that all Americans do is bomb them from the air and afar and won't come near to fight them like real men. We won't commit troops to fight Russia or China for the same reason we didn't commit troops to fight Germany when they took over Alsace-Lorraine, etc. Their combination of will and capabilities was more than ours. Unless something like Pearl Harbor happens again to strengthen our will, I don't see a different outcome.
This is awful news for Russia and will continue to bleed them: Russia's millionaires are leaving in their droves - CNN
I’ll play. When I said “all out”. I did NOT infer boots on the ground. But 4 HIMAR’s?? 4?????? Paul hertling wrote a very interesting thread on TOS about what we are capable of delivering. I realize we can no way send what Ukraine is asking for , because we don’t have the equipment. But dribs and drabs aren’t getting it done. We’re currently using 4 of our heavy lift military planes to send aid. We have 300 or so. We’re not going “all out”. Period.
as much or mroe so than the $$, Russia has experienced a major brain drain. Seemed like anybody with the means or talent to be employed elsewhere was trying to get out... Russia faces brain drain as thousands flee abroad - BBC News Russian Tech Industry Faces ‘Brain Drain’ as Workers Flee - The New York Times (nytimes.com) Want to hurt Putin? Back a brain drain from Russia. - Atlantic Council
very interesting, thanks for the info. I keep thinking Odessa could be on Russia’s near-term list. With that, they can land-lock Ukraine and have unfettered access to supply ships etc.
Yes, people in Odessa are very worried about that and are also painfully aware of what Russia did to Mariupol.
Hi folks - so posted this elsewhere but realized that this is the thread I post in the most so should've put something here. I had an ocular stroke a bit back. Luckily for me it's my bad eye (it's legally blind anyway) but I've had to rest my eyes a ton. Really pushing so I can work too since I couldn't take off but other than that I keep my eyes closed. Slowly recovering and about to log off to rest again but wanted to check in and update folks
