So much for that Russian general saying their goal was the 2 separatist states...if that's the goal why do you need Kyiv? "Russian forces attempting 'corridor' around Kyiv, says Ukrainian deputy defense minister From CNN's Vasco Cotovio in Kyiv and Nathan Hodge in Lviv Ukraine's deputy defense minister said Monday that Russian forces were attempting to establish a "corridor" around the Ukrainian capital to block supply routes, amid continued fighting around Kyiv's suburbs. "The enemy is trying to make a corridor around Kyiv and block transport routes," said Hanna Maliar, Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister, in televised remarks. "The defense of Kyiv continues. Ground forces, Air Assault Forces, special operations forces, territorial defense are involved. Kyiv residents are also very active in the defense of Kyiv. It is very difficult for the enemy. But we must speak honestly: the enemy is not letting up attempts to seize Kyiv after all. Because taking Kyiv essentially means taking Ukraine. So that is their goal.""
Oooooh "cause for concern". Thats the only issue with Biden's statement, that it gives Putin more ammo but they'll take anything including farting in their general direction as a "cause for concern" or a threat "Kremlin says Biden's comments on Putin are a cause for concern From CNN Staff The Kremlin is concerned by US President Joe Biden’s comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday. .... But the Kremlin issued its own affronted response, saying Russia's ruler is "not to be decided by Mr. Biden." "These statements are certainly causing concern," Peskov said Monday on a regular conference call with journalists when asked about Biden’s comments. "We will continue to closely monitor the statements of the US president. We carefully note them and will continue to do so," Peskov added."
Cnn live. "Zelensky says Moscow is "frightened" by his interview with Russian journalists From CNN's Nathan Hodge in Lviv Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to Russia's attempt to censor his interview with independent Russian journalists, saying Moscow was "frightened" by journalists "who can tell the truth." "Strong people of our strong country, today is the day when I’m convinced over and over again how far we are from the Russian Federation," Zelensky said in his latest video address Sunday. "Just imagine, they were frightened in Moscow because of my interview with Russian journalists. Those of them who can tell the truth." Some context: Moscow's media watchdog, Roskomnadzor, issued a statement Sunday warning Russian news outlets against rebroadcasting or distributing the interview. "(They) destroyed freedom of speech in their state, (and are) trying to destroy the neighboring state. They portray themselves as global players. And they themselves are afraid of a relatively short conversation with several journalists," Zelensky said. "Well, if there’s such reaction, then we are doing everything right. Means they are nervous."" ...... Can I just say how well spoken Zelensky is.
Well, the answer to that is as a bargaining chip. Let’s just buy for a second (I don’t personally) that Russia actually had limited objectives but was only posturing as if it meant to capture the whole country. Taking Kyiv gives them something “offer back” in exchange for official recognition of Donbas and Crimea being part of Russia. That is a classic move in limited war, an example from our own history being the British campaign to take New Orleans during the War of 1812. Their objective was not to keep New Orleans but to positively influence the peace negotiations that were already in progress. This didn’t work, of course, because, first, they lost the campaign, and second, unbeknownst to either side, the accords were signed before the main battle occurred. But that was the idea.
Not to dove too far off topic, but taking New Orleans, which I believe was either the largest City or one of the largest US cities at the time, was far from being limited to a political objective. Taking New Orleans meant seizing the Mississippi and the military ability to use the River.
IMO the goal was to quickly take Kyiv, depose Zelensky, install a Ukrainian puppet government, have that government recognize the independence of Crimea and the two breakaways, and then have those regions "vote" to join Russia. That gives Russia the governable chunks of eastern Ukraine, sets the stage for eventual international recognition of those annexations, and retains purportedly neutral country as a sort of pseudo satellite state. And it all happens before anyone can really react. I think there's some logic to it, but the whole thing blows up with Russia being unable to take Kyiv.
Yep, I'm sure pootie pie was counting on this being over in less than a week. I also don't think he anticipated the western response nor the ferocity of Ukraine's will to fight. Even still he may be thinking he can outlast the west's willingness to keep the pressure on for the long haul ( i.e. beyond our 2024 election and potential new potus or return of Trump).
Well, of course. If New Orleans had no military, economic, or political value, then it wouldn’t be much of a bargaining chip. But my point stands that the British had no intent to keep New Orleans; the purpose of the campaign was to seize it and trade it back for some other concession. Back to the topic, I was saying that could be the essence of Russia’s new narrative: We were only campaigning on the Right Bank to make you give us the Left Bank, and we will return Kyiv as a concession for official recognition. Personally, I agree with others here who assess that this is a face-saving out for a failed military campaign. And my position remains that we don’t allow Russia to save face. The only acceptable end state is full Russian withdrawal from all of Ukraine.
Putin willing to poison his own people to poison Ukrainian diplomats. Because he’s just that kind of a guy.
I agree that he’s precisely that kind of guy. Which is why the President, intentionally or not, was 100% correct that we cannot deal with Russia as long as he holds power.
We already saw the same play with Putin’s political opposition. Hardly surprising to see it now. He needs to go.
Putin staying in power would frankly be a kiss of death for Trump being elected, because we darn well know he & Putin are buddies and the sanctions will disappear, & next thing you know the US is getting out of NATO & let Putin do what he wants. I just don't see Trump standing up to Putin at all.
Yep. That's what I'd said that Ukranians were investigating but that they've been seeing a lot of staged fakes.
