War in Ukraine

Can someone update me on the latest reason that the far right is saying that Putin invaded. I can't seem to keep up

 

Koch Industries to stay in Russia, says exiting does ‘more harm than good’. To be accurate I would add the following phrase to that sentence "to the bottom line of Koch Industries".

 

Since that “blame the other side for BS domestic politics” schtick cuts both ways, focus on Putin as the enemy of our whole country.

 

I think the answer to that is very simple: pass a law with widespread bipartisan support (we would get it) banning all U.S. companies from doing business in and with Russia, including via third parties, and set a deadline for compliance.

 

I’m beginning to lean toward a no fly zone while providing even more arms, ammo explosives and humanitarian supplies. Turkey should close the straights the Russian ships.

 

You're going to need exemptions. For example, Pfizer has clinical trials in Russia/medications shipped to Russia including cancer drugs. So they've already said any profits will go towards Ukranian relief efforts but they're not leaving cancer patients without meds, etc. That's just me, though.

That said financial firms, etc, should absolutely be barred/be made to pay stiff taxes/fines for doing business in Russia. Frankly I thought in a way they were already barred from doing so because of the current sanctions.

 

Informative thread.

 

They had already closed the Black Sea to warships. At the time they were only allowing ships returning to port. Why I'd mentioned earlier about those ships coming from near Japan and how did the Russians expect to get through without a shootout with Turkey, who IS a NATO country.

 

I still don't think a no fly zone is a good idea since it would require attacking Russian SAM sites as well as Russian aircraft. I do think think that we should be trying to get S300 and SA8 air defense missile systems to Ukraine as well as taking up the Polish offer to transfer the MIG29s to Ukraine. We should also be providing Ukraine with anti-ship missiles.

 

All true. I'll add, however, that nuclear weapons also means that having a man who is obviously unstable and threatening to use them doesn't allow for much leeway in just letting him do what he wants. Because eventually he will just use them when he's not getting his way, regardless of direct conflict or not.

 

I’d like to get a sense of the board on the issue of Polish MiG-29s for Ukraine. Please agree or disagree with the following statement and give any amplifying or clarifying comments if you like:

The U.S. should immediately stop acting as an obstacle to former Warsaw Pact nations providing Ukraine with Soviet-manufactured gear that is compatible with the Ukrainian armed forces. This includes not only the fighter aircraft in question but also tactical ground attack aircraft, artillery, tanks, armored support vehicles, radar-guided air-defense systems, etc. No long-range missiles or long-range bombers. No WMD of any type. We reach an understanding with Ukraine that if at any point they cross Russian or Belorussian borders, then such military aid will end immediately. The White House distinction of offensive versus defensive systems does not hold water; the weapons we have already provided can likewise be used in offensive operations. Assuming Ukraine can actually force the Russian offensives to culminate, Ukraine is going to have to go on the counteroffensive. We must keep up the military pressure on Russia if this thing is going to have anything resembling an acceptable end state.

 

I wasn't thinking that deep on that lol--just what popped into my head during a short break when I read that. But agree this could be very well the same thing..

 

Very good twitter thread for those not current in modern weapons systems (like me).

 

Considering the amount of firepower the US has there's no reason they can't backfill whatever is given to Ukraine. The sticky part of the planes having to fly IN to Ukraine is about the only part that I could see as "escalating" on a technicality, but especially if it's UKRANIAN pilots this isn't any different than picking up equipment to use.

They need to stop hiding behind "well they've done so well without the planes so far, that's not really important". Short of nukes & biologics Ukraine needs everything including the kitchen sink.

 

I think that’s bending the line some but I wouldn’t oppose it outright but would a large supply of drones big and small not be as effective?

 

Makes sense since their company initially served Hitler.

 

I would modify the condition regarding WMD. If Russia does use WMD, most likely chemical munitions, we should provide Ukraine with the resources to respond in kind. Hopefully it will never happen.

 

Didn't occur to me although you are correct.
Father of Koch Brothers Helped Build Nazi Oil Refinery, Book Says (Published 2016)