The Brink of War?

[Moses]

The battle for Kiev hasn't even started yet, so it's hardly going to be over in a few weeks.

Not to mention the fierce insurgency Russian troops will face for years to come once this initial battle is over. Ask the US about Iraq, insurgencies aint' cheap either.


"Battle for Kiev" ??? Matt, it is main mistake what Pentagon made in predicting of how this operation will developed. Look on the map: all big cities - capitals of provinces - what are already besides "Russian line" aren't touched - they are circled by army and left behind. Nobody want to be pulled into city fights. Each city has humanitarian corridor for to leave it, but without weapon. Who wants "battle for Kiev"?

Without resources and with cutted supply lines, destiny of current Ukrainian govt is clear within these cities. Unless NATO will send next 50 ton of diesel to Lviv for to feed electro generation.

Third round or Russian-Ukrainian peace talk has been planned to March 7, but Ukraine already asking for to talk today.



Thinking this will be over in a few weeks is about as delusional as Bush and his cronies were when they invaded Iraq. They were also quite confused as to why the Iraqis weren't greeting them as liberators too.

Bush had no 30-40% population of 8-years discriminated Americans in each city in Iraq.

[cdnmatt]

Nobody want to be pulled into city fights.

Ummm.... little late I think. There's fighting in cities all over the country.

[Moses]

Ummm.... little late I think. There's fighting in cities all over the country.

Yeah. Results of freely distributed AK-47. Now Ukrainian army fights not only with Russian army outside of cities, but with bandits, criminals, nationalists and some Ukrainian Russians inside the cities.

Yesterday Ukrainian army even fired tactical rocket to Ukrainian Nazi's battalion Azov's control center in Mariupol for to calm them.

[cdnmatt]

Yeah. Results of freely distributed AK-47. Now Ukrainian army fights not only with Russian army outside of cities, but with bandits, criminals, nationalists and some Ukrainian Russians inside the cities.


No, that's not how life works... if I walk into a bank with a shotgun, then shoot someone who pulls a gun on me, I can't say "I was just defending myself from that maniac who pulled a gun on me".

[Moses]

No, that's not how life works...

Yeah. Life is more simple: Saudi Aramco just announced rising oil prices in April.

[cdnmatt]

Yeah. Life is more simple: Saudi Aramco just announced rising oil prices in April.

Great, now industry and government alike will finally maybe get off their ass and do something about climate change, because mother nature is pissed.

Hell, times of war generally see huge technological advancements, so let's see what happens. Won't you be sad if we crack fusion in the next few years. Some researchers in the UK had a huge breakthrough in fusion just a couple months ago.

[Moses]

Some researchers in the UK had a huge breakthrough in fusion just a couple months ago.

They announces that every time when their grants are empty.

[cdnmatt]

Oh, and one of my favorite Youtubers just did a video titled "Putin will Lose".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ4hvLqNfqo

[Moses]

Oh, and one of my favorite Youtubers just did a video titled "Putin will Lose".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ4hvLqNfqo

Sorry, missed button and published my reply inside of your post. Fixed. Once again: sorry.

Maybe you also have favorite Counter Strike gamer?

By the way: member of Ukrainian delegation at peace talks Denis Kireev has been killed in the center of Kiev by headshot by officer of Ukrainian Security Service 3 hours ago.

France. Macron suggests to French companies not to make fast decisions and not to leave Russia https://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/pourquoi-les-entreprises-francaises-restent-en-russie-20220304

[cdnmatt]

Didn't know this before, but apparently all those neo nazis that Putin is saving Ukraine from were 2% of the vote in 2019.

According to Putin though, they've hijacked the entire country and the true Ukrainians need to be saved from them via invasion.

[cdnmatt]

And Russia breaks ceasefire, because of course they did...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIaa75Ykino

[Moses]

And Russia breaks ceasefire, because of course they did...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIaa75Ykino

Do you need video where will be explained what Ukraine breaks ceasefire? Well you need just to use right keywords on Youtube...

[Moses]

Didn't know this before, but apparently all those neo nazis that Putin is saving Ukraine from were 2% of the vote in 2019.

According to Putin though, they've hijacked the entire country and the true Ukrainians need to be saved from them via invasion.

Matt, looks like you never read my answers. I told about political situation already: there are ONLY nationalists and nazi parties in Ukraine today. After revolution in 2014 all other parties were forbidden and destroyed.

Party of formerly president Yanukovich - "Regions Party" dissolved, communists - forbidden, socialists dissolved. All current parties in parliament represents only nationalistic wing - from soft one to ultras. How else they can forbid language, school and TV for largest minority in Ukraine - 30% of Ukrainian population Russians? Only by eliminating their representatives in parliament.

To read:
Ukraine’s New Language Law Receives Fierce Criticism https://warsawinstitute.org/ukraines-new-language-law-receives-fierce-criticism-will-zelensky-agree-introduce-amendments/
Council Of Europe's Experts Criticize Ukrainian Language Laws https://www.rferl.org/a/council-europe-criticizes-ukrainian-language-laws/30312541.html
State Language Law of Ukraine fails to strike balance between strengthening Ukrainian and safeguarding minorities’ linguistic rights, says Venice Commission https://search.coe.int/directorate_of_communications/Pages/result_details.aspx?ObjectId=09000016809933ef
New Language Requirement Raises Concerns in Ukraine. The Law Needs Safeguards to Protect Minorities’ Language Rights. https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/01/19/new-language-requirement-raises-concerns-ukraine

[cdnmatt]

Now Israel is sending a bunch of lethal aid to Ukraine as well.

Apparently they've had a change of heart and like Nazis now, and like them so much, they're going to provide anti-tank military hardware to them.

[Moses]

Now Israel is sending a bunch of lethal aid to Ukraine as well.

Apparently they've had a change of heart and like Nazis now, and like them so much, they're going to provide anti-tank military hardware to them.

Yep. And he will as usual sell it to Iran.


https://youtu.be/6A-NKwYDuK0

[cdnmatt]

Yep. And he will as usual sell it to Iran.

You better go tell Mossad this revelation.

[Moses]

You better go tell Mossad this revelation.

Putin for sure already told it today to PM of Israel in Kremlin.

[StevieWonders]

Matt, looks like you never read my answers. I told about political situation already: there are ONLY nationalists and nazi parties in Ukraine today.]This is Putin's Big Lie, and speaking of Nazis the "Big Lie" was a technique perfected by Goebbels

[StevieWonders]

Some notable Russian products I have not subjected to sanctions in the Wonders household: the music of Tchaikovsky: Prokofiev; Shostakovich and; Mossourgsky; the ballet; videos of Rudolph Nureyev; videos of War & Peace; vodka

Take that NATO

Today’s video entertainment will be watching The entire McMafia series again

[cdnmatt]

Don't knock Putin. He's just making Russia great again, afterall.

[StevieWonders]

Mind-boggling - the only thing the Thai army has ever proved itself good at is shooting Thai civilians. Now the Russian embassy somehow believes that Thais themselves might join in the defence of Ukraine - https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2274407/russian-embassy-urges-thais-not-to-join-fight

[StevieWonders]

Just as well Putin has a Best Friend Forever in China’s Xi, as he can now start offering Union Pay Cards in place of Mastercard and Visa who have announced their cards cannot be used for transactions in Russia, and transactions on Russia-issued cards in other countries will not be honoured. I’m sure Putin will have seen this coming and agreed with Xi to use Union Pay

[Dodger]

The whole world is focusing on the pain and suffering being inflicted by Putin on the people of Ukraine, but what about the Russian soldiers themselves???

Based on countless admissions from captured Russian soldiers - they were told before this so-called military operation that they would be greeted as hero's in Ukraine during their peace-keeping mission. Little did they know that a well-armed force was waiting for them to arrive so they could kill them.

Soldiers have to be prepared both physically and mentally when entering into a combat situation, where the mental preparation is actually the most crucial element of survival for the soldier. For Putin to send his troops into a combat situation based on a lie, with absolutely no preparation for what his soldiers would actually be confronted with when crossing enemy lines is paramount to treason (in any country). The deaths of many of the Russian soldiers are directly attributed to the fake operational plans Putin was holding in his hand.

Now that Ukraine has not capitulated and the fight is on, Putin gives orders to burn the bodies of his fallen soldiers versus returning them to Russia in body bags. What a hero. First, he causes their deaths, then attempts to mask his deeds from public view in Russia. This is the most pronounced definition of a "Coward".

All this time I've been thinking about Putin getting neutralized by his generals, oligarchs, and/or KGB agents, but the most likely candidates for ridding the planet of this insane derelict would be a handful of the fathers of these fallen soldiers - if they could only get within arms reach of the coward.

[francois]

The whole world is focusing on the pain and suffering being inflicted by Putin on the people of Ukraine, but what about the Russian soldiers themselves???

Based on countless admissions from captured Russian soldiers - they were told before this so-called military operation that they would be greeted as hero's in Ukraine during their peace-keeping mission. Little did they know that a well-armed force was waiting for them to arrive so they could kill them.


A bit of hyperbole, Dodger.

[StevieWonders]

Putin for sure already told it today to PM of Israel in Kremlin.Interestingly the same news reports that mention Putin's meeting with the PM of Israel also mentioned Zelensky's online meeting (from Kiev) with 300 members of the US Congress and, it seems, the PM of Israel's online meeting with Zelensky himself. As you've told us you do have access to Twitter this was reported in Andrew Desiderio's Twitter feed and ZelenskyyUa. It's fascinating that the PM of Israel, of all people, will hold meetings with supposed Nazis

[Moses]

Just as well Putin has a Best Friend Forever in China’s Xi, as he can now start offering Union Pay Cards in place of Mastercard and Visa who have announced their cards cannot be used for transactions in Russia, and transactions on Russia-issued cards in other countries will not be honoured. I’m sure Putin will have seen this coming and agreed with Xi to use Union Pay

Union Pay is widely distributed here already (16%-18% of local market), it also has gateway with Russian payment system Mir (40-45% of market, all state owned companies use Mir for salary payments). I have both.

[Moses]

Interestingly the same news reports that mention Putin's meeting with the PM of Israel also mentioned Zelensky's online meeting (from Kiev) with 300 members of the US Congress and, it seems, the PM of Israel's online meeting with Zelensky himself. As you've told us you do have access to Twitter this was reported in Andrew Desiderio's Twitter feed and ZelenskyyUa. It's fascinating that the PM of Israel, of all people, will hold meetings with supposed Nazis

I never told what Zelensky is Nazi. He is clown whom power is based on nationalism of leading parties.

[StevieWonders]

Union Pay is widely distributed here already (16%-18% of local market), it also has gateway with Russian payment system Mir (40-45% of market, all state owned companies use Mir for salary payments). I have both.At one stage Bangkok Bank tried to replace its Visa co-branded ATM /Debit cards with Union Pay. It wasn't a popular move

[StevieWonders]

I never told what Zelensky is Nazi. He is clown whom power is based on nationalism of leading parties.I saw an interesting newspaper article online over the weekend. It had Putin's face next to Zelensky's face, and underneath was the question: "Only one of these Presidents is a clown. Guess which"

[Moses]

At one stage Bangkok Bank tried to replace its Visa co-branded ATM /Debit cards with Union Pay. It wasn't a popular move

Here is opposite: a big amount of Russian companies are working with China, a lot of Russians traveling to China (ok, before virus), RMB is reserve currency here for many people. Middle class has Union Pay in valets, and than more far you are traveling to Russian East, then more you meet UnionPay ATM.

[Moses]

I saw an interesting newspaper article online over the weekend. It had Putin's face next to Zelensky's face, and underneath was the question: "Only one of these Presidents is a clown. Guess which"

It is because almost nobody speaks Russian. Zelensky has been known in Russia far before he got first chair in Ukraine. He is professional comedian - check Google "Quartal 95" - it is (was) his main business.

45 minutes of his show (in Russian)


https://youtu.be/1PRgJX6zaMM

[Moses]

British journalists were recorded "news" how bad are Russians, but got bullets from Ukrainian army right at time of filming


https://youtu.be/U0YRjS1gNUA

[StevieWonders]

Here is opposite: a big amount of Russian companies are working with China, a lot of Russians traveling to China (ok, before virus), RMB is reserve currency here for many people. Middle class has Union Pay in valets, and than more far you are traveling to Russian East, then more you meet UnionPay ATM.Oh yes, we understand Russia is becoming a Chinese colony, economically

[Moses]

Oh yes, we understand Russia is becoming a Chinese colony, economically

Whatever :) But right now is going process about which I told here just month ago: than stronger will be pressure of West on Russia, then more tight will be links btw Russian and Chinese economies. In the final West will get Eastern union what it will have no chance to overpower. And that will be very bad news for West.

[Dodger]

A bit of hyperbole, Dodger.

No FACT.

[StevieWonders]

Whatever :) But right now is going process about which I told here just month ago: than stronger will be pressure of West on Russia, then more tight will be links btw Russian and Chinese economies. In the final West will get Eastern union what it will have no chance to overpower. And that will be very bad news for West.An outcome I hope for profoundly

[Moses]

An outcome I hope for profoundly

Well, in 2012 trade btw RU and CN was the same as trade btw RU and DE, in 2020 trade with China was already 2.5 times higher than with Germany (China is #1 in Russian trade and Germany #2, together their share is more than 1/4 of whole trade).

[Dodger]

Putin's latest rant as he enters the "Panic Phase".

In Putin's latest rant he says that If Ukraine continued doing what they are doing (protecting themselves), they are calling into question the future of Ukrainian statehood. He went on to say that if this continues to happen it will be entirely on their conscience. I laughed so hard when I saw this that Jai ran in from the other room and asked me what was so hilarious.

Putin also struck out at Western sanctions that have crippled Russia's economy and sent the value of its currency tumbling. I thought that was also a strange statement considering the fact that, up till this point, his claims have been that the sanctions are only having a minimal effect on Russia's economy, and that safeguards had been put in place to mitigate these sanctions.. Well, which is it?

In any event, the temporary cease fire is either delayed or off the table...as is the humanitarian corridor which was intended to provide safe passage for women and children to designated safe-zones which is extremely unfortunate. Putin's now gone back to selling woof tickets saying that the sanctions imposed by the West are tantamount to a declaration of war. He's like a child with ADHD who's parents ran out of Ritalin.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/reports-russia-observe-ceasefire-2-070133818.html

[cdnmatt]

Putin has already lost, and there is no avenue which he comes out of this victorious in any form. Now let's just hope he doesn't act like too much of a wounded animal and start firing nukes before he's finally removed from power.

When that day comes Moses, I'll be sure to play the world's smallest violin for you.

[cdnmatt]

Putin hoped to bring Ukraine back under his control. What happened instead?

1. Fierce and very underestimated resistance from Ukraine which has inspired the world putting Putin's entire rationale for war to shit, as quite obviously Ukrainians don't feel as though they need to be saved and liberated by some neo-nazis.
2. Russians are catching on to Putin's bullshit lies, so he has trouble brewing domestically now with even rumors of martial law being thrown around.
3. Proven to the world the Russian military is nowhere near the professional, organized, well trained and equipped power they claim to be.
4. Tanked the Russian economy, and this one will last for quite a few years to come. Folks like Exxon, Shell and BP don't just reverse decisions like this in a week or two.
5. Turned Russia into an international piriah which is now universally condemned and despised. Well, except Serbia, Mynamnar, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Syria.
6. Pissed off his inner circle of oligarchs who keep him in power, as they've reportedly have lost ~$126 billion so far and are losing more each day.
7. Breathed new life into NATO which is now more unified than ever with military spending across Europe expected to increase dramatically to bolster the alliances defenses.
8. For the first time in history, majority of people in both Sweden and Finland now want their countries to join NATO with NATO responding membership would be quickly approved due to existing strong collaboration. Finland joining puts another NATO nation right at Russia's border.


Pretty sure this isn't what Putin had in mind when he made the decision to invade.

[Moses]

Pretty sure this isn't what Putin had in mind when he made the decision to invade.

Yeah, That why exactly U.S. and allies quietly prepare for a Ukrainian government-in-exile. Right?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/03/05/russia-ukraine-insurgency/

[Moses]

Well. Looks like Alzheimer wins. Is Kamala smart enough?


https://youtu.be/JXz1sJuVSKs

[StevieWonders]

Well. Looks like Alzheimer wins. Is Kamala smart enough?


https://youtu.be/JXz1sJuVSKs
Surely that question doesn’t need to be asked

[Brad the Impala]

Well, in 2012 trade btw RU and CN was the same as trade btw RU and DE, in 2020 trade with China was already 2.5 times higher than with Germany (China is #1 in Russian trade and Germany #2, together their share is more than 1/4 of whole trade).

While trade with China may be important for Russia it's much less important for China, being 12th on the list of their trading partners, below Vietnam. In fact either of EU or US do 7 times more trade with China than Russia.

I wouldn't assume China's support on economic grounds.


12380




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_largest_trading_partners_of_China

[Moses]

While trade with China may be important for Russia it's much less important for China, being 12th on the list of their trading partners, below Vietnam. In fact either of EU or US do 7 times more trade with China than Russia.

I wouldn't assume China's support!


Well Vietnamese bananas may be substituted easily. But how you will substitute Russian gas, coil, palladium, platinum or fertilizers?

At past winter Russia was only country what in conditions of energy deficit in China almost doubled coal export and energy export to China just in 3 days.

[cdnmatt]

Well Vietnamese bananas may be substituted easily. But how you will substitute Russian gas, coil, palladium, platinum or fertilizers?

At past winter Russia was only country what in conditions of energy deficit in China almost doubled coal export and energy export to China just in 3 days.

Yeah, exactly like I said last night. Once this is all over, Russia will basically just be viewed as a barren, poverty stricken wasteland that is the world's natural resource depot. It's not like anyone is coming to Russia for R&D anytime soon, especially since your access to technology has now been cut off.

You don't seem to realize Putin's little stunt has dragged Russia back by decades, and crippled its chances of becoming a competetive global economy going forward for quite some time to come.

If you think China and Russia enjoy this amazing friendship and alliance, you're sorely mistaken. China's view of Russia is basically, "well, we don't really like you, but your posture is helping advance our own global ambitions, so we'll tolerate you while playing you and squeezing what we can out".

[Moses]

It's not like anyone is coming to Russia for R&D anytime soon, especially since your access to technology has now been cut off.

It is your dream, dear. "Not like anyone coming" by fact is some going out, some keep working... A lot of foreign companies already announced what they will not change their politic. Some makes public steps for public relation then without nose started to work again.

Like Apple Re:Store shops - they were closed only for 24 hours. There were a lot of loud cries about closure, following opening went without nose just in 24 hours.

Destiny of Ukraine is already announced. Denazification and demilitarization. Red lines were known half of year in advance. Well, now some politics will be not so stupid.

[cdnmatt]

It is your dream, dear. "Not like anyone coming" by fact is some going out, some keep working... A lot of foreign companies already announced what they will not change their politic. Some makes public steps for public relation then without nose started to work again.

Like Apple Re:Store shops - they were closed only for 24 hours. There were a lot of loud cries about closure, following opening went without nose just in 24 hours.

Destiny of Ukraine is already announced. Denazification and demilitarization. Red lines were known half of year in advance. Well, now some politics will be not so stupid.


I'm talking about the multitude of technology export bans that have been placed on Russia by governments. Your dear leader was even complainig about it publicly in a speech a few days ago.

[Dodger]

I wonder why German neo Nazi's were training in Russia?

https://www.dw.com/en/why-are-german-neo-nazis-training-in-russia/a-53702613

[Moses]

I wonder why German neo Nazi's were training in Russia?

https://www.dw.com/en/why-are-german-neo-nazis-training-in-russia/a-53702613

They pay and have trainings. Anyone may do it: rent time of training camps with instructors, rent aircraft for jumps and so on - there is huge NCO DOSAAF what has aircrafts, training camps and so on. But it is NCO, i.e. non-govt structure.

In Ukraine Nazi are located directly in Ukrainian army military institutes and academies. I already posted here western publications

Also they have training in Canada https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/far-right-extremists-in-ukrainian-military-bragged-about-canadian-training-report-says-1.5631304
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has been training and collaborating with neo-Nazi groups active in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and National Guard since 2017 https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/12/03/uknz-d03.html


But if your will search for destiny of Russian ultras and their leaders - you will quickly find what all them are in prisons... some even already died "by accidents". Check for Tesak (family name) destiny, Dyomushkin, Martcinkevich, Belov/Potkin, Datcick. Here public has low tolerance to Nazi. Google will help.

[dab69]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/video-shows-russian-aircrew-parachuting-from-fighter-jet-that-ukraine-says-was-shot-down/ar-AAUG83F?li=BBnb7Kz

Video shows Russian aircrew parachuting from fighter jet that Ukraine says was shot down

The SES shared photos on Twitter on Saturday showing the smoking remnants of the jet in the city, located about 95 miles north of Kyiv. Officials said on social media that the plane had been shot down and two people rescued.

The Washington Post verified the visuals and, using the number “24” on the plane’s vertical stabilizer, determined that the aircraft was a Sukhoi Su-34 fighter jet. The same plane was photographed in 2019 in Russia by plane spotters, and the identification was confirmed by Tony Wilson of the Security Force Monitor at Columbia Law School’s Human Rights Institute.

A billowing column of black smoke from the crash site could be seen from a half-mile away, according to a video verified by The Post.

Military analysts told The Post that Russia’s initial attacks on Ukrainian military targets failed to knock out the country’s air defenses. Those defenses were not centrally located, the Associated Press reported, leaving Ukraine with surface-to-air missile systems capable of shooting down planes and helicopters.

[dab69]

https://youtu.be/Vc9dlPlOH3Y?t=26

Laura Ingraham' and 'Tucker Carlson' raise money for Russian oligarchs in new SNL cold open

[Moses]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/video-shows-russian-aircrew-parachuting-from-fighter-jet-that-ukraine-says-was-shot-down/ar-AAUG83F?li=BBnb7Kz

Video shows Russian aircrew parachuting from fighter jet that Ukraine says was shot down

The SES shared photos on Twitter on Saturday showing the smoking remnants of the jet in the city, located about 95 miles north of Kyiv. Officials said on social media that the plane had been shot down and two people rescued.

The Washington Post verified the visuals and, using the number “24” on the plane’s vertical stabilizer, determined that the aircraft was a Sukhoi Su-34 fighter jet. The same plane was photographed in 2019 in Russia by plane spotters, and the identification was confirmed by Tony Wilson of the Security Force Monitor at Columbia Law School’s Human Rights Institute.

A billowing column of black smoke from the crash site could be seen from a half-mile away, according to a video verified by The Post.

Military analysts told The Post that Russia’s initial attacks on Ukrainian military targets failed to knock out the country’s air defenses. Those defenses were not centrally located, the Associated Press reported, leaving Ukraine with surface-to-air missile systems capable of shooting down planes and helicopters.

Yeah. Russia lost few aircrafts already. Ukraine still has "Made in Russia" antiaircraft C-300 rocket batteries.

By the way "Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions" by US are so "harmful" (irony)... State Treasury announced, what all sanction may be legally avoided if payments will go via third-country bank https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/978

[cdnmatt]

Just as well Putin has a Best Friend Forever in China’s Xi, as he can now start offering Union Pay Cards in place of Mastercard and Visa who have announced their cards cannot be used for transactions in Russia, and transactions on Russia-issued cards in other countries will not be honoured. I’m sure Putin will have seen this coming and agreed with Xi to use Union Pay

Come on now, nothing wrong with mailing out good ole fashioned cashier's checks like were used back in the 80s.

PayPal also kicked Russia off its network. No idea, but Moses, how do you accept payment for Siam Roads?

[Moses]

Come on now, nothing wrong with mailing out good ole fashioned cashier's checks like were used back in the 80s.

PayPal also kicked Russia off its network. No idea, but Moses, how do you accept payment for Siam Roads?

Matt, everything will be restored back in few days-weeks... https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/978

[alvnv]

It’s clear that Putin has overplayed his hand. He is running out of options. The Russian people will never forgive him either losing a war (short term - if he retreats from the Ukraine) or losing Russian territories to China (long term - if he takes over the Ukraine).

[cdnmatt]

Matt, everything will be restored back in few days-weeks...

No, they won't. You really need to mentally prepare yourself for the long haul here. Russian soldiers will be in Ukraine for years to come, which means so will these restrictions.

I know you like to think Russia is some economic power house that businesses can't live without, but that's simply not true. Russia has a GDP of $1.5 trillion, so kicking Russia to the curb in this manner really isn't hurting their bottom lines a whole lot, at least not enough that they can't quite easily absorb it.

Maybe you don't quite get it. Europe (well, most of it) and North America banded together and fought as one military during both world wars to secure peace on the European continent. Putin has now went and fucked all that up, hence why you're seeing such a strong reaction.

[Moses]

No, they won't. You really need to mentally prepare yourself for the long haul here. Russian soldiers will be in Ukraine for years to come, which means so will these restrictions.

I know you like to think Russia is some economic power house that businesses can't live without, but that's simply not true. Russia has a GDP of $1.5 trillion, so kicking Russia to the curb in this manner really isn't hurting their bottom lines a whole lot, at least not enough that they can't quite easily absorb it.

Maybe you don't quite get it. Europe (well, most of it) and North America banded together and fought as one military during both world wars to secure peace on the European continent. Putin has now went and fucked all that up, hence why you're seeing such a strong reaction.

Matt, US Treasury took only 7 days from declaration of sanctions till explanation how officially and legally avoid them. "You will pretend what we applied strong sanctions, and we will pretend what we are very strictly. Rest will be as usual."

[cdnmatt]

Putin had a call with Turkish President and said under which conditions Russia will stop the invasion. Those being Ukraine must stop fighting and accept Moscow's demands.

Hmmm... guess he's just not in the negotiation mood right now.

[alvnv]

The only condition Kyiv may accept, IMO, is the autonomy for Donetsk/Luhansk WITHIN the Ukraine and, depending on the outcome of the war, Crimea may be on the negotiation table as well.

[cdnmatt]

Matt, US Treasury took only 7 days from declaration of sanctions till explanation how officially and legally avoid them. "You will pretend what we applied strong sanctions, and we will pretend what we are very strictly. Rest will be as usual."

Maybe you think this will all be over in a week, but from the perspective over here, it starting to look like North Korea just got a whole lot bigger.

Who needs a media anyway...

[Moses]

Who needs a media anyway...

Exactly. Obama's time, pranker collects signatures on the street for nuclear strike on Russia for proof of superiority of US


https://youtu.be/tkgbHfbPk4E

[cdnmatt]

I don't know what to say. If you guys haven't learned from history and figure giving the whole Stalin thing another try is a good idea, then good luck...

[StevieWonders]

I don't know what to say. If you guys haven't learned from history and figure giving the whole Stalin thing another try is a good idea, then good luck...You're ignoring the Great figures in Russian history - Peter the Great, Catherine the Great

[cdnmatt]

Payment of deposit is possible by PayPal, bank card. Rest amount you will pay to your companion by cash in local currency at the end of each day of service (

Ohhh, so you do take PayPal. Even after your dear leader's actions have hindered your own personal business, you still think this is all a good idea?

Well, maybe you can start accepting NFTs, I can develop one out for you if you'd like. Except you have no way to pay me, so that's not going to work.

Hmmm... good luck. I know you think this will be over in a week, but that's just not going to happen. I'm sure the West will no longer stop until Putin is out of power, and he seems pretty comfortable in the Kremlin, so I'd expect this to go on for years.

[Dodger]

Well. Looks like Alzheimer wins. Is Kamala smart enough?

I really don't think it's a tadpole like Biden that keeps Putin up at night. It's more likely a SEAL.

[Moses]

Ohhh, so you do take PayPal. Even after your dear leader's actions have hindered your own personal business, you still think this is all a good idea?

Well, maybe you can start accepting NFTs, I can develop one out for you if you'd like. Except you have no way to pay me, so that's not going to work.

Hmmm... good luck. I know you think this will be over in a week, but that's just not going to happen. I'm sure the West will no longer stop until Putin is out of power, and he seems pretty comfortable in the Kremlin, so I'd expect this to go on for years.

No. Already 2+ years we don't take PP. I keep this text just for to show what there is no free breakfast. Because without deposit we receive a lot of questions from people who needs only information without any order. But since right now amount of bookings is lower than "before virus" we can skip deposits.

[Moses]

Gas $3600
Palladium $3374
Aluminum $4026, "Russian Aluminum" (RusAl) shares +34% in Hong-Kong
Cooper $10845
Oil $139

Super-smart grandma Pelosi offers to forbid import of oil from Russia... for sure it will help to lower oil prices...

[cdnmatt]

Russian Ruble = $0.00714

1 USD = 140 RUB

I'm no economist, but there's some people getting really fucken rich right now.
aa

[Dodger]

Super-smart grandma Pelosi offers to forbid import of oil from Russia... for sure it will help to lower oil prices...

According to family members, gas in the U.S. Midwest has already gone up to $5/gallon for an all-time high. The prices of everything have skyrocketed this past 6 months due to inflation - and now things can only get worse. I just love a game where everyone loses.

I can't stand Pelosi.

[cdnmatt]

Due to the never ending record breaking weather events over the past 24 months, I'm totally fine with oil being this high. Seemed like every month or two there was a once in 500 year catastrophic weather event.

Can't get off oil for the welfare of the planet? Fine, do it because you have too or else your economy goes to ruins.

[Moses]

Russian Ruble = $0.00714

1 USD = 140 RUB

I'm no economist, but there's some people getting really fucken rich right now.
aa

It's Forex. Here it is much lower - 105 (moex.com): it was rocketing, but after eliminating VAT in gold trade it went down. Minimal amount of gold to buy or to sell is 10g. So a lot of people sold rubles and USD and converted savings into gold. Russian reserves of gold are 2200+ ton. Enough for to keep currency somehow stable even under sanctions.

12382

Reason why ruble is so cheap at Forex is simple: Russia just announced what investors from countries which implementing sanctions will receive dividends in rubles, and they can't sell rubles in Russia.

[cdnmatt]

That's it, dead Russians looks bad back homeTime to bring in the Syrians...

Russian military doing recruitment drive in Syria. I'm assuming that's because the war is going exactly to plan.

[Moses]

That's it, dead Russians looks bad back homeTime to bring in the Syrians...

Russian military doing recruitment drive in Syria. I'm assuming that's because the war is going exactly to plan.

Why not? Contracts are contracts, and Syrians have experience in war, also they have experience with fanatics and guerillas. They will be very suitable at post-war time.

Matt, if you want to read here funny things: current president Zelensky and formerly president Poroshenko each forming government-in-exile. What do you think: 2 governments are better than 1 in exile?

[cdnmatt]

Why not? Contracts are contracts, and Syrians have experience in war, also they have experience with fanatics and guerillas. They will be very suitable at post-war time.

I thought this was all going to be over within the week?


Matt, if you want to read here funny things: current president Zelensky and formerly president Poroshenko each forming government-in-exile. What do you think: 2 governments are better than 1 in exile?

I think Ukraine is in for a long, hard and brutal time due to the delusional grandeurs of one man.

[dab69]

Thirty Russian helicopters destroyed in Ukraine?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/thirty-russian-helicopters-destroyed-in-surprise-attack-ukraine-claims/ar-AAUJcAz?li=BBnb7Kz

Ukraine claimed its forces have destroyed 30 Russian helicopters in an attack on an airfield near the occupied southern city of Kherson.

"At night, Ukrainian soldiers shelled the Chornobaivka airfield near Kherson. The occupiers decided to partially deploy their fleet there. Thirty enemy helicopters were destroyed, as well as manpower and equipment," Ukraine's Marine Command said in a statement on Facebook, as translated by Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform.

[cdnmatt]

Yeah, apparently Eukranian pilots are launching air strikes using air strips in neighboring countries.

Putin has already given EUrope shit for allowing Ukraine to use its airstrips, but I don't think anyone is really listening at this time.

[dab69]

"shelling" comes from artillery.
"bombing"" sometimes comes from planes.

Thailand backs UN resolution against attack on Ukraine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bStLjrHO4mY

[cdnmatt]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ-ow2pxe7w

If what she's saying is true, only $200 - $300 for a Syrian fighter? Shit, that's cheap...

[StevieWonders]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ-ow2pxe7w

If what she's saying is true, only $200 - $300 for a Syrian fighter? Shit, that's cheap...

Is that the “off” fee or the “tip”

[mr giggles]

Video is published on Russian Ministry of Defense website.


Then it must be true... :stop_mini:

[Moses]

If someone thinks what to declare sanctions and exclude Russia from World economy is easy and will cost nothing, then please take a look:

12383

[Moses]

Nickel on LME is over $100000 per ton now. Do you know industry what can exists without nickel?

Only "NorNickel" company controls 14% of world nickel production, 41% of palladium production, 10% of platinum production. It is biggest but not only nickel company here.

12384

12385

[cdnmatt]

No. Already 2+ years we don't take PP. I keep this text just for to show what there is no free breakfast. Because without deposit we receive a lot of questions from people who needs only information without any order. But since right now amount of bookings is lower than "before virus" we can skip deposits.

Ok, but what about the probably millions of Russians who do depend on those online payments coming in every month to pay thier bills and buy food? No PayPal, VISA or Mastercard, meaning their income just dropped drastically, and in some cases probably to 0.

Wonder if they're all as supportive as you are, and willing to take one for the team as you are? Or if they're just simply pissed off because now instead of things being automated, they have to intervene in nearly ever transaction and try to convince the buyer that their product / service is worth it for the buyer to screw around with some third party payment service they've never heard of?

Must be thrilling to be an online provider in Russia atm. I hope they're all as patriotic towards Putin as you are, but my guiess is they're not. They just simply want to run their shit and get paid, and now Putin has fucked that up for them.

[Moses]

Ok, but what about the probably millions of Russians who do depend on those online payments coming in every month to pay thier bills and buy food? No PayPal, VISA or Mastercard, meaning their income just dropped drastically, and in some cases probably to 0.

Wonder if they're all as supportive as you are, and willing to take one for the team as you are? Or if they're just simply pissed off because now instead of things being automated, they have to intervene in nearly ever transaction and try to convince the buyer that their product / service is worth it for the buyer to screw around with some third party payment service they've never heard of?

Must be thrilling to be an online provider in Russia atm.

Matt, you are living in your dreams.

PP has here less than 3% of market, most of Russians never heard about it, even Skrill has bigger share, because of PP enormous commissions. WebMoney (Russian) controls about 25%, YandexMoney (Russian) controls about 40%, also we have Contact, QIWI, and about 10 other payment systems almost all are Russian as well. Also almost all local banks have ready modules for card payments for almost all CMS. When here webmaster thinks about how to add payment system to website, PP will be last system what he thinks about because of their commission on every step.

Siamroads uses PP not because it is so good, but because receivers of money are distributed in 7 developing countries. Not buyers, but receivers (i.e. guides). Not so many payment systems work with Myanmar for example, or Laos. This is only why PP is used by SR.

[Moses]

12386

Italian ex-minister Paolo Savona: "I was sure what sanctions are against Russia, until I visited local gas station."

[StevieWonders]

Zelensky alive and in Kiev - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/zelensky-kyiv-office-putin-russia-invasion-b2030714.html

Any statement from the Speaker of the Russian parliament?

[cdnmatt]

Zelensky alive and in Kiev - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/zelensky-kyiv-office-putin-russia-invasion-b2030714.html

Any statement from the Speaker of the Russian parliament?


Deep fake.

[cdnmatt]

Matt, you are living in your dreams.

PP has here less than 3% of market, most of Russians never heard about it, even Skrill has bigger share, because of PP enormous commissions. WebMoney (Russian) controls about 25%, YandexMoney (Russian) controls about 40%, also we have Contact, QIWI, and about 10 other payment systems almost all are Russian as well.

I'm assuming there's loads of Russians earning money online, same as all over the world. You're telling me they don't do business with folks all over the world, and stick to Russian only, or something? Me asking some client in say South Africa to send money via some Canada only payment gateway just isn't going to work. They're not going to do that, and will just go elsewhere for whatever the fuck it is I'm offering.

The same must be true for loads of Russians right now. You're telling me Russian businesses don't accept VISA, Mastercard and PayPal and offer their products / services to international customers? The offer to only Russians, and fuck the rest of the world? I doubt it.

I probably shouldn't even ask, but another example, hosting? AWS, Digital Ocean, Google, Azure, et al? You know, the industry leaders with cutting edge data centers all over the world, and best in the industry? You can't even pay for those now, but I'm assuming you'll reply with some shitty cloud hosting provider in Russia or China you guys all use that nobody else in the world has heard of.

[Brad the Impala]

I wouldn't expect a population being "liberated" to run away. Surely they would seek safety in the arms and territory of their "liberators". The UNHCR figures tell a different story.

Poland 1,204,403
Other European countries 210,239
Hungary 191,348
Slovakia 140,745
Russian Federation 99,300
Republic of Moldova 82,762
Romania 82,062
Belarus 453

https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine/location?secret=unhcrrestricted

[Jellybean]

Posts unrelated to the topic have been moved to the Sawatdee Gay World forum and given the new title, Where to find guys like Ivan Kuliak?

To contribute to the new topic, please click on the following link:
https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?22715-Where-to-find-guys-like-Ivan-Kuliak

[Moses]

I wouldn't expect a population being "liberated" to run away. Surely they would seek safety in the arms and territory of their "liberators". The UNHCR figures tell a different story.

Poland 1,204,403
Other European countries 210,239
Hungary 191,348
Slovakia 140,745
Russian Federation 99,300
Republic of Moldova 82,762
Romania 82,062
Belarus 453

https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine/location?secret=unhcrrestricted

Yeah. At past there were around 1.5 mln from East, now around 1.5 mln from West

[Moses]

I'm assuming there's loads of Russians earning money online, same as all over the world. You're telling me they don't do business with folks all over the world, and stick to Russian only, or something? Me asking some client in say South Africa to send money via some Canada only payment gateway just isn't going to work. They're not going to do that, and will just go elsewhere for whatever the fuck it is I'm offering.

The same must be true for loads of Russians right now. You're telling me Russian businesses don't accept VISA, Mastercard and PayPal and offer their products / services to international customers? The offer to only Russians, and fuck the rest of the world? I doubt it.

I probably shouldn't even ask, but another example, hosting? AWS, Digital Ocean, Google, Azure, et al? You know, the industry leaders with cutting edge data centers all over the world, and best in the industry? You can't even pay for those now, but I'm assuming you'll reply with some shitty cloud hosting provider in Russia or China you guys all use that nobody else in the world has heard of.

I'm saying what only about 5% of Russians speak foreign language.
So, wake up from your dream, please. PP has here turnover about 100 times less than YandexMoney.

[StevieWonders]

Nickel on LME is over $100000 per ton now. Do you know industry what can exists without nickel?

Only "NorNickel" company controls 14% of world nickel production, 41% of palladium production, 10% of platinum production. It is biggest but not only nickel company here.

12384

12385The London Metal Exchange halted trading in its nickel market after an unprecedented price spike left brokers struggling to pay margin calls against deeply unprofitable short positions.

[StevieWonders]

Moscow is threatening to cut off gas to Europe and warning oil prices could surge to $US300 barrel if western nations ban exports of Russian oil, as Ukrainian and Russian foreign ministers prepare to hold talks amid Ukraine’s accusations of “medieval” style siege tactics against major cities.

While a third round of peace talks broke up without bringing an end to Russia’s attacks, Ukraine said Russia had made minor commitments to establishing so-called humanitarian corridors to allow citizens to flee cities after earlier attempts had failed.

Russia announced a fresh ceasefire taking effect at 10am Moscow time (6pm AEDT) on Tuesday for Kyiv, Mariupol, Sumy and Chernigov, dropping demands that citizens flee towards Russia or its ally Belarus.

As the United Nations said 1.7 million refugees had now fled the deepening humanitarian crisis, a bipartisan group of senior US lawmakers outlined they would legislate to ban Russian energy imports. America imports about 700,000 barrels a day of Russian oil and fuel products.

The White House is also talking to the European Union about boycotting Russian energy supplies, although the continent is split on moving that far given its reliance on Russian gas.

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak threatened to use those energy supplies in retaliation against sanctions crippling the Russian economy.

It’s Cold War 2 - make no mistake

[cdnmatt]

It’s Cold War 2 - make no mistake


Difference being back in the actual cold war Russia owned half of Europe, making it a formidable force against the West.

Nowadays, that's simply not the case and Russia is simply bitch slapping itself back into 1980 for no reason.

[StevieWonders]

Difference being back in the actual cold war Russia owned half of Europe, making it a formidable force against the West.

Nowadays, that's simply not the case and Russia is simply bitch slapping itself back into 1980 for no reason.What a quaint view of history and international relations you have

[cdnmatt]

What a quaint view of history and international relations you have

Tell me where I'm wrong.

[cdnmatt]

And here I thought the cluster fuck that was the US invasion of Iraq was as bad as it could get.

And now I watch the Russia invasion of Ukraine. One for the history books....

[StevieWonders]

McDonald’s has announced the closing of all its Russian outlets. I guess Comrade Putin will have foreseen this. Perhaps there’s now a McTrotsky Burger? Has Trotsky been rehabilitated yet?

[dab69]

Second Russian General Killed in Ukraine:


The Ukrainian defense ministry has released audio from a call that it claims captured two Russian officers lamenting the death of a top general and the collapse of its secure communications network in Ukraine.

In the call—which has been verified by Bellingcat, the fact-checking group known for exposing Kremlin misinformation—two purported Russian FSB officers are heard discussing the death of a general killed in fighting near Kharkiv, which has been hammered by shelling this month.

Ukraine’s defense ministry named the general as Vitaly Gerasimov, chief of staff of the 41st Army, and Bellingcat reported that it had confirmed the death with Russian sources. In its statement, Ukraine’s defense intelligence agency said Gerasimov had been “liquidated” alongside “a number of senior Russian army officers” in fighting near Kharkiv.

If Gerasimov’s death is confirmed, he would be the second Russian general to be killed in Ukraine within a week following the death of the 41st Army’s deputy commander, Andrei Sukhovetsky. A pro-Putin Chechnyan general, Magomed Tushayev, was also reported to have been killed.

https://news.yahoo.com/russian-officer-complains-dead-general-113255353.html


A Russian warship that attacked Snake Island where Ukrainian soldiers cursed out invaders has reportedly been destroyed

https://www.yahoo.com/news/russian-warship-attacked-snake-island-155752453.html

[StevieWonders]

12388

As always the Alex cartoon strip injects a sense of realism into the “Who’s getting hurt by sanctions the most?” debate. From the Alex perspective ( which I share) is “Who cares?” It’s just another opportunity for commodity traders to make lots of money. Capitalism rules

[StevieWonders]

It seems the biggest loser out of the spike in nickel prices, proving that, after all, there is a God, is a Chinese tycoon Xiang Guangda, known as “Big Shot”, who had bet heavily against nickel and is now facing billions of dollars of losses.

[cdnmatt]

Holy shit, now no more McDonalds, Starbucks or even Levis jeans for Russia.

We're right back to the cold war days. Back then Levis jeans were smuggled into Russia basically same as narcotics, and wonder if the same will happen again now.

This whole war is just stupid. We really need to change our systems of government so some errant asshole who goes senile in their old age can't wreak havoc like this on untold millions.

[StevieWonders]

Market rumour: the US Ratings agency Fitch IS predicting a Russian government debt default soon

[cdnmatt]

You were his girlfriend. I can believe that

Well, Russia's new BFF China who has invested ~$125 billion via their BRI plan isn't going to be very happy about that.

[Moses]

Market rumour: the US Ratings agency Fitch IS predicting a Russian government debt default soon

Yeah, with 2200+ tons of gold in reserve default will be "very soon"

[cdnmatt]

Yeah, with 2200+ tons of gold in reserve default will be "very soon"

Admit it, Russia just got bitch slapped back into 1940, and rightfully so.

I'm thrilled with the West's response. Kind of, "Listen Putin, just because we put up with Trump's bullshit for 4 years, doesn't mean we're going to put up with yours. Yu will not threaten the peace and security of the European continent."

[StevieWonders]

Yeah, with 2200+ tons of gold in reserve default will be "very soon"I’ll pass your reassurances on to Fitch. Im sure Russia’s gold reserves will be news to them

[StevieWonders]

Yeah, with 2200+ tons of gold in reserve default will be "very soon"
The Thais are making the most of it - https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thais-sell-off-gold-for-cash-as-price-reaches-new-high/

[Dodger]

Military and political strategists from around the world finally seem to be reaching a consensus regarding Putin's blunders in Ukraine.

Summary (in my words):

Putin has overplayed his hand and made 3 major miscalculations in his strategy to take control and demilitarize Ukraine, where any one of the miscalculations in-and-by-itself could have derailed his plans:

1) He thought Ukraine would be a 48 hour cake-walk like Crimea, where his objectives were accomplished without firing a single round - only to find himself engulfed in full-fledged war against a heroic and totally committed Ukrainian military.

2) He was confident that NATO and other European allies and friends would become fractured during his operation creating voids and weaknesses in Ukraine's support systems - only to watch NATO, the UN, and all of Europe's friends and allies become totally galvanized and unshakeable in their positions.

3) He drastically under estimated the potential impact that global sanctions could have on Russia's economy thinking his war chest could save him - only to find himself sinking in quicksand without very many friends willing to hold out a stick.

RECENT HAPPENINGS:

"All ruble convertibility is over. Putin has destroyed the ruble,"

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/09/business/ruble-russia-central-bank/index.html


Russia's second biggest oil company calls for an end to Putin's war.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/04/business/lukoil-end-war/index.html


First sign of oil price relief: UAE says it wants OPEC to increase production.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/09/energy/oil-uae-production-increase/index.html


U.S. officials make rare trip to Venezuela, discuss resuming oil imports to help replace Russian fuel.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/06/venezuela-american-officials-visit/

[StevieWonders]

Military and political strategists from around the world finally seem to be reaching a consensus regarding Putin's blunders in Ukraine.

GroupThink or Wishful Thinking?

[StevieWonders]

I did hear an interesting comment today - what Putin and his allies are attempting to do to Kiev now is exactly what the German Nazis attempted to do to the Russians and their allies at Stalingrad in 1942

[a447]

Off-topic posts can be found here:

https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?22693-Off-topic-posts-from-The-Brink-of-War/page2

[Moses]

I did hear an interesting comment today - what Putin and his allies are attempting to do to Kiev now is exactly what the German Nazis attempted to do to the Russians and their allies at Stalingrad in 1942

If you want to see repeating of "Stalingrad history" look here then. Situation 20:00 yesterday:

12390

[Dodger]

If you want to see repeating of "Stalingrad history" look here then. Situation 20:00 yesterday.

If what you're suggesting is that Putin's military maneuvers are similar to what the Germans did in Stalingrad in 1942, then one should take note that 800,000 German soldiers and 1,000,000 Russians died during that battle after Stalin prohibited evacuation from the city, including of children. There were only losers.

[Moses]

If you want to see repeating of "Stalingrad history" look here then. Situation 20:00 yesterday.

If what you're suggesting is that Putin's military maneuvers are similar to what the Germans did in Stalingrad in 1942, then one should take note that 800,000 German soldiers and 1,000,000 Russians died during that battle after Stalin prohibited evacuation from the city, including of children. There were only losers.

No. I just remind about Paulus army's destiny.

Talking about cities: each city has humanitarian corridor. Only in Mariupol exists problem - Ukrainian Nazi battalion Azov took local citizens as "live shields" and doesn't allows to leave city: that why there are leaving 10-20 persons daily, while in other cities thousands.

[cdnmatt]

I did hear an interesting comment today - what Putin and his allies are attempting to do to Kiev now is exactly what the German Nazis attempted to do to the Russians and their allies at Stalingrad in 1942

I don't know the name, but there's a city in the Nipr (sp) valley, population of 1 million. The Russians in the south will have to go through it at some point to get to Kiev. The mayor has already promised to make his city Putin's Stalingrad.

How the fuck is Putin selling this war to the people now? Little tough to call yourself liberators when you have mayors of cities promising your soldiers Stalingrad when they show up.

[Moses]

I don't know the name, but there's a city in the Nipr (sp) valley, population of 1 million. The Russians in the south will have to go through it at some point to get to Kiev. The mayor has already promised to make his city Putin's Stalingrad.


Dnepr (rus) Dnipro (UA)

No. Russian army don't need to fight for Dnepr - as all cities it will be circled and then Russian army will just wait. And yes: Ukrainian officials are ready to fight for to keep own power till last Ukrainian.

Kyev is already circled from the south, so Russian army doesn't need urgently take Dnepr.


How the fuck is Putin selling this war to the people now? Little tough to call yourself liberators when you have mayors of cities promising your soldiers Stalingrad when they show up.

Do you still expect what Russian army will storm cities (as US army does - carpet bombing then clearing bodies)? Well just watch what is going on already at the East of Ukraine: cities falling one by one. After nationalists ran via humanitarian corridors cities just change flags on the roofs of city councils.

And when you repeat "Stalingrad" let me remind you: by official Ukrainian declaration till now there are 551 fatalities within civilians in whole Ukraine.

As per official declaration of Pentagon, only 2 days of bombing Mosul gave 887 fatalities (Iraq says: 25000)

This isn't Stalingrad at time of WWII, this isn't Ukraine, this is Mosul:

12391

12392

[StevieWonders]

If you want to see repeating of "Stalingrad history" look here then. Situation 20:00 yesterday:

If what you're suggesting is that Putin's military maneuvers are similar to what the Germans did in Stalingrad in 1942, then one should take note that 800,000 German soldiers and 1,000,000 Russians died during that battle after Stalin prohibited evacuation from the city, including of children. There were only losers.

Requires more thought Dodgems. I think 3/10

[cdnmatt]

Do you still expect what Russian army will storm cities (as US army does - carpet bombing then clearing bodies)? Well just watch what is going on already at the East of Ukraine: cities falling one by one. After nationalists ran via humanitarian corridors cities just change flags on the roofs of city councils.


First, Russia is the one using cluster bombs, not the US. Second, if you haven't realized yet, it's impossible for Russia to win this war. You can't liberate people who don't want to be liberated.

Everyone expects Russia to be able to take Ukraine. Well, actually we all expected Russia to take Ukraine in about 72 hours, but the Russian military has proven itself to be such a complete cluster fuck, the jury is still out on whether or not you can even take Ukraine. And Putin actually has the nerve to boast about how powerful the Russian military is as if it can go toe to toe with NATO, or something? WTF?

Even if and when Russia does take Ukraine, Russian soldiers will have to be stationed there for years to come. And those soldiers will have to worry about getting shot or having a molotov thrown on them everytime they go outside or turn a corner. This will continue until Russia finally and inevitably leaves. Russia simply can not win this war. It's impossible.

[cdnmatt]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE_akBrZbnI

[Dodger]

Russia simply can not win this war. It's impossible.

I don't think Putin see's any way of winning either - he's just looking for the best way to lose.

I just watched Sergey Navrov's live press conference in Turkey. Every answer he gave to reporters was either based on twisting facts, totally irrational rationalizations, minimizing when it suited him best, defocusing from the actual questions being asked, flat-out lying, or using the "fake news" card when all else failed. It was like watching Trump again.

I'd hate to have Sergey's job right now, but, like Putin, this is way over his head.

[cdnmatt]

And UAE is increasing oil supply, dropping the price of crude.

Too bad, I was actually in favor of high oil prices. Let's get off fossil fuels once and for all, kind of thing.

[Moses]

First, Russia is the one using cluster bombs, not the US. Second, if you haven't realized yet, it's impossible for Russia to win this war. You can't liberate people who don't want to be liberated.

Everyone expects Russia to be able to take Ukraine. Well, actually we all expected Russia to take Ukraine in about 72 hours, but the Russian military has proven itself to be such a complete cluster fuck, the jury is still out on whether or not you can even take Ukraine. And Putin actually has the nerve to boast about how powerful the Russian military is as if it can go toe to toe with NATO, or something? WTF?

Again: Russia has no intention "to take Ukraine". It is in your dreams. Like "in 72 hours" is Pentagon's habits: "lets wipe city by bombing, then declare victory".

In Ukraine is going military operation. Heads of nationalists are dropping on the ground one by one - Chechens hunting them successfully. There is no real coordination btw Ukrainian military parts since all Ukrainian army's control centers are demolished already. That why south-east group of Ukrainian army is almost isolated already in Kharkiv-Donetsk-Dnepr triangle and nobody will came to save them - there are no anymore airports or roads what aren't under Russian control, as well Ukrainian army has no more reserves of the fuel or ammo in this region.

Google Debaltsevo 2014 operation. Destiny of Ukrainian Nazi battalions in this triangle will be the same, while soldiers of regular Ukrainian army will be allowed to leave without weapon.



Even if and when Russia does take Ukraine, Russian soldiers will have to be stationed there for years to come. And those soldiers will have to worry about getting shot or having a molotov thrown on them everytime they go outside or turn a corner. This will continue until Russia finally and inevitably leaves. Russia simply can not win this war. It's impossible.

Oh, dear. Take a look at Crimea. Do you see there any resistance? "Molotovs"? Any patrols of "worrying solders"? The same will be in all parts of Ukraine what Russia will accept to join in. Just use street views in Google or Yandex for to watch current situation in Crimea and scale it. Ukrainian Russians are at least 30% of population in each Ukrainian region besides Western part located near the border with Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. But there nationalists will be Polish, Slovakian and Hungarian problems.


Yalta, 2017.

12393

August 2021, Sudak. Overcrowded city beach. Crimeans are happy to have a lot of customers.


https://youtu.be/zyxxyL-o4N8

[cdnmatt]

Again: Russia has no intention "to take Ukraine". It is in your dreams.

WTF? Russia sent in 190,000 soldiers and have bombed nearly every city in Ukraine.







Google Debaltsevo 2014 operation. Destiny of Ukrainian Nazi battalions in this triangle will be the same, while soldiers of regular Ukrainian army will be allowed to leave without weapon.

You seem to be under the impression that anyone gives a shit about what Russia says and what rules they try to impose.





Oh, dear. Take a look at Crimea. Do you see there any resistance? "Molotovs"?

Yes, you took Crimea with ease. That's quite obviously not the case with the rest of the country. Have you not seen the war that's been playing out over the past couple weeks?


Just use street views in Google or Yandex

That'd be a cool idea if I wasn't blind.

[Moses]

Yes, you took Crimea with ease. That's quite obviously not the case with the rest of the country.


And you still can't read? There is no Afghanistan in Ukraine. Large population of Russians is living there. Russian is native language for 67% of Ukrainian citizens. That why there are no city fights: Russian army don't want to induct anti-Russian mode within population and to compile with Western propaganda. Cities are circled. Rest will be done by citizens with time: nationalists will run out.

[cdnmatt]

You do know that there's a chance this will get so bloody and the loss of life will become so severe that NATO may actually step in, right? The Russian military already looks like a complete shitshow on the world stage, so just imagine if NATO forces actually join the fight.

Then you'll have a bunch of Texan cowboys who think they're Tom Cruise to deal with. You'll be fucked.

[cdnmatt]

And you still can't read? There is no Afghanistan in Ukraine. Large population of Russians is living there. Russian is native language for 67% of Ukrainian citizens. That why there are no city fights: Russian army don't want to induct anti-Russian mode within population and to compile with Western propaganda. Cities are circled. Rest will be done by citizens with time: nationalists will run out.

How many people have to die before you get it through your thick skull that Ukrainians don't want you there? They have their own country, language and culture. They don't want to be ruled by Putin, and I think they've made that pretty clear.

Kiev was on the map before Moscow was, so piss off with this "they're part of Russia" thing.

[Moses]

How many people have to die before you get it through your thick skull that Ukrainians don't want you there? They have their own country, language and culture. They don't want to be ruled by Putin, and I think they've made that pretty clear.

Do you have relatives in Ukraine? Do they tell yo what they want? No? Well...

[cdnmatt]

Do you have relatives in Ukraine? Do they tell yo what they want? No? Well...


Once again, how many people have to die before you get it through your thick skull they don't want you there? If they wanted you there, they wouldn't be retooling their breweries from beer to molotovs.

[Moses]

Once again, how many people have to die before you get it through your thick skull they don't want you there? If they wanted you there, they wouldn't be retooling their breweries from beer to molotovs.

For sure less, than died in Yugoslavia, or Iraq, or Libya...

[cdnmatt]

For sure less, than died in Yugoslavia, or Iraq, or Libya...

NATO already has loads of troops stationed on Ukraine's border. I'd love to see them go in and tell Russia to fuck off. At least NATO troops would be welcomed by the population, unlike Russian soldiers.

[Moses]

NATO already has loads of troops stationed on Ukraine's border. I'd love to see them go in and tell Russia to fuck off. At least NATO troops would be welcomed by the population, unlike Russian soldiers.

NATO already clearly declared, what this is not NATO's conflict. And even told to Poland not to send old Russian aircrafts MIG-29 to Ukraine.

Matt, you are living in dreams. Ukraine isn't subject but is object in this conflict. I wrote that even before military operation. There will be a lot of propaganda from both sides, but at the end nobody will stay for Ukraine.

Russia wants neutral "finlandizied" country on own border, without Nazi and NATO's bases, where all minors groups have freedom to use own languages. EU wants resources from Russia. These 2 factors will be main for final results in the conflict. Rest is just words.

[cdnmatt]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tcUMsD4uO8

Too bad I'm blind, because those photos sound cool.

Hey Moses, this is not how people who want to be liberated from Nazis act!

[Surfcrest]

I can’t see any advantages to Russia being cut off from world trade and with the Rubel currently bordering on worthlessness. 25 years of economic gain, wiped away in such a short period of time. Militarily, Russia has suffered so much loss for so little gain. And now, because Putin’s big ego is on the line, there is little room for a gracious exit strategy. Bombing hospitals isn’t helping his cause any. And with big international business pulling out of Russia, it sends a message to Russians, cut off from anything but State News, that what’s happening in the Ukraine is bigger than what they are being told by the State. Sad that diplomacy and dialogue weren’t able to avoid, what appears to have been completely avoidable.

Surfcrest

[Moses]

I can’t see any advantages to Russia being cut off from world trade and with the Rubel currently bordering on worthlessness. 25 years of economic gain, wiped away in such a short period of time. Militarily, Russia has suffered so much loss for so little gain. And now, because Putin’s big ego is on the line, there is little room for a gracious exit strategy. Bombing hospitals isn’t helping his cause any. And with big international business pulling out of Russia, it sends a message to Russians, cut off from anything but State News, that what’s happening in the Ukraine is bigger than what they are being told by the State. Sad that diplomacy and dialogue weren’t able to avoid, what appears to have been completely avoidable.

Surfcrest

this picture isn't real reflection of how is going here...

for example most of Western companies not "puling out" but postpone operations till the end of military conflict - they will have huge losses if they will really pull out - factories, property and so on...

but yes, conflict was easy avoidable if Ukraine canceled "language law" and just implemented Minsk protocol which was signed and ratified by Ukraine in 2014... Russia waited for that 8 years.

[cdnmatt]

I can’t see any advantages to Russia being cut off from world trade and with the Rubel currently bordering on worthlessness. 25 years of economic gain, wiped away in such a short period of time. Militarily, Russia has suffered so much loss for so little gain. And now, because Putin’s big ego is on the line, there is little room for a gracious exit strategy. Bombing hospitals isn’t helping his cause any. And with big international business pulling out of Russia, it sends a message to Russians, cut off from anything but State News, that what’s happening in the Ukraine is bigger than what they are being told by the State. Sad that diplomacy and dialogue weren’t able to avoid, what appears to have been completely avoidable.

Surfcrest


The best we can hope for is the Russian people rise up, and kick Putin to the curb. A whole lot easier said than done, but that's what needs to happen now. Putin started this shit, but I'm absolutely certain the West will not rest until he's removed from power.

It's sad to see, you know? So much pain and sufferring on all sides, and all for no reason. I guess it breathed new life into the resolve of the West and NATO which is cool to see, but not at this cost.

[Surfcrest]

for example most of Western companies not "puling out" but postpone operations till the end of military conflict - they will have huge losses if they will really pull out - factories, property and so on....

I don’t think anyone in the West is under the illusion that these businesses are going to come back or that sanctions will be lessened any, no matter what happens. The damage has been done. Steps are already being taken to wean Europe from Russian energy…and that’s not likely to be reversed, once the ball starts rolling with that. NATO was a stupid reason to start a war…or invasion…or whatever it’s being labeled as, but we’re long past that now. The world will never be the same and no where is that going to be more evident than in Russia from now into the foreseeable future.

Surfcrest

[cdnmatt]

Yeah, there wil be no victors in this war. Very sad, and completely unnecessary. I always like to look for the silver lining in things, and all I came come up with are:

1. Various European countries have announced they will vastly bolster their defense spending making EU a world super power in terms of military might.
2. The West has shown its resolve, which will hopefully give China pause before they start any of the bullshit we all know they have planned.
3. Once the dust settles, hopefully Ukraine will get fast tracked into EU and NATO membership giving Ukrainians the peace and security the deserve.
4. If we get really lucky, maybe Russians will wake the fuck up, have a revolution and kick cleptocrats like Putin to the curb.

This whole war is just stupid. I wish NATO would go ahead and call Russia's bluff, and just go in to secure Ukraine and give it back to the people. Fuck Putin, and his delusional desires.

[StevieWonders]

this picture isn't real reflection of how is going here...

for example most of Western companies not "puling out" but postpone operations till the end of military conflict - they will have huge losses if they will really pull out - factories, property and so on...

but yes, conflict was easy avoidable if Ukraine canceled "language law" and just implemented Minsk protocol which was signed and ratified by Ukraine in 2014... Russia waited for that 8 years.
I'm bored by it all

[RonanTheBarbarian]

but yes, conflict was easy avoidable if Ukraine canceled "language law" and just implemented Minsk protocol which was signed and ratified by Ukraine in 2014... Russia waited for that 8 years.

This is a bit of a canard

The failure of the Minsk II process was not purely a stubborn refusal by Ukraine to accept a fair deal from Russia. Although France and Germany tried for several years to get the Minsk instruments to work, they came up against what has been referred to as the “Minsk conundrum.”

This is how Al Jazeera explains the problem. I’m just using Al Jazeera here as example of a news website that wouldn’t necessarily be pro-Western.

“Ukraine sees the 2015 agreement as an instrument to re-establish control over the rebel territories.It wants a ceasefire, control of the Russia-Ukraine border, elections in the Donbas, and a limited devolution of power to the separatists – in that order. Russia views the deal as obliging Ukraine to grant rebel authorities in Donbas comprehensive autonomy and representation in the central government, effectively giving Moscow the power to veto Kyiv’s foreign policy choices. Only then would Russia return the Russia-Ukraine border to Kyiv’s control”

Full article here: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/9/what-is-the-minsk-agreement-and-why-is-it-relevant-now

The real stumbling block was that Putins real aim was never rights of self-government for Donbas, but instead his demand that the terms of the agreement would result in the Donbas region having a veto in international treaties and agreements by Ukraine, which would result in Ukraine being prevented joining NATO or the EU, even if a huge majority of the rest of country wanted to.

(If you think the above points are a bit familiar, it is probably because it is a slightly reworked version of a post I made Gayguides Forums, where I post as Forrestreid)

[Moses]

This is a bit of a canard

The failure of the Minsk II process was not purely a stubborn refusal by Ukraine to accept a fair deal from Russia. Although France and Germany tried for several years to get the Minsk instruments to work, they came up against what has been referred to as the “Minsk conundrum.”

This is how Al Jazeera explains the problem. I’m just using Al Jazeera here as example of a news website that wouldn’t necessarily be pro-Western.

“Ukraine sees the 2015 agreement as an instrument to re-establish control over the rebel territories.It wants a ceasefire, control of the Russia-Ukraine border, elections in the Donbas, and a limited devolution of power to the separatists – in that order. Russia views the deal as obliging Ukraine to grant rebel authorities in Donbas comprehensive autonomy and representation in the central government, effectively giving Moscow the power to veto Kyiv’s foreign policy choices. Only then would Russia return the Russia-Ukraine border to Kyiv’s control”

Full article here: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/9/what-is-the-minsk-agreement-and-why-is-it-relevant-now

The real stumbling block was that Putins real aim was never rights of self-government for Donbas, but instead his demand that the terms of the agreement would result in the Donbas region having a veto in international treaties and agreements by Ukraine, which would result in Ukraine being prevented joining NATO or the EU, even if a huge majority of the rest of country wanted to.

(If you think the above points are a bit familiar, it is probably because it is a slightly reworked version of a post I made Gayguides Forums, where I post as Forrestreid)

First and only thing what you have to know about Minsk protocol - Russia isn't the part of agreement. There is no one word "Russia"

Full text is here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minsk_agreements scroll down till Minsk II

[cdnmatt]

Now there's reporting about how Putin may unleash chemical weapons.

I really hope NATO steps in and stops this shit before it gets any worse.

[StevieWonders]

The Russian Consulate in Surat Thani says there are 3,200 Russian tourists on Koh Samui and nearby islands. Many cannot use their credit cards or transfer money and so cannot pay for their accommodation

[cdnmatt]

I think we should raise Vlad the Impaler from the grave so he can impale Putin. That'd make for a nice PPV event.

[cdnmatt]

BTW... what the fuck is going on with that 40 mile long armored column outside of Kiev? They've been sitting there for about a week like a bunch of idiots. I'm assuming the soldiers must be getting pretty bored now.

It'd take about 24 hours for NATO airstrikes to put that thing into the history books.

[StevieWonders]

Now there's reporting about how Putin may unleash chemical weapons.

I really hope NATO steps in and stops this shit before it gets any worse.
“Reporting”? SPECULATING at best

[Ruthrieston]

Bombing a children's hospital.......war crime of the worst order, utterly despicable. The threat of chemical weapons now, how much lower can the Russian forces go?

[StevieWonders]

Bombing a children's hospital.......war crime of the worst order, utterly despicable. The threat of chemical weapons now, how much lower can the Russian forces go?


When guests used to visit Vladimir Putin in his office in the ­Kremlin’s Senate Palace, he’d point at the bookshelves and ask them to choose a book from Joseph ­Stalin’s library. Half of Stalin’s books – usually marked up by the Soviet leader himself with red or green crayons – remain in Putin’s office. As one of his ministers told me, Putin would ask the visitor to open the book and they would look together at whatever marginalia Stalin had written: sometimes it was a grim laugh: “xa-xa-xa!”; sometimes a snort of ­disdain: “green steam!”; at others it was just a word: “teacher” was written on the biography of Ivan the Terrible.

Across the world today, people are asking if Putin is a new Stalin. Karl Marx joked that “history repeats itself twice, first as tragedy then as farce”. It doesn’t, but any ruler of the Russian state faces some of the same issues as earlier Romanov tsars and Communist general secretaries. Most Russian leaders have aspired to emulate the achievements of the two pre-eminent modern rulers, Peter the Great and Stalin, both revolutionary tsars, both brutal killers. One day, hopefully, Russia will be governed by someone who admires neither. Yet Putin is not Stalin. Stalin was a Marxist; Putin is a 21st-century tyrant, who, while co-opting elements of Romanov and Soviet imperialism, is a populist and nationalist, a practitioner of 21st-century identity politics who deploys both old-fashioned military heavy metal and the new hi-tech weaponry of social media.

Yet Stalin could not be more relevant. Stalin’s influence is imprinted everywhere in the state structure of Russia; he remains omnipresent. Putin’s repression at home increasingly resembles Stalinist tyranny – in its cult of fear, rallying of patriotic displays, crushing of protests, brazen lies and total control of media – ­although without the mass deportations and mass shootings. So far.

https://www.newstatesman.com/long-reads/2022/03/a-tale-of-two-dictators-why-putin-is-beholden-to-stalins-legacy

The writer is a prominent British and Jewish historian so not a fan you would think of any truly Nazi State which is how Putin characterises Ukraine

[StevieWonders]

As the film The Death of Stalin reminds us, Stalin’s world view was that of the “Western “ - goodies vs. baddies. Then there’s those wonderful scenes where Marshall Zhukov having planned his coup against Beria executes him on the basis of his moral turpitude including pedophilia - always a useful accusation to deploy against an enemy. Zhukov is one of my favourite characters in that film. And then there’s the scenes of cleaning up by Beria after Staliin’s death - all the household servants, the guards and doctors all summarily shot. I imagine it will be the same after Putin although we will never know. The same sort of thing apparently happened during the reign of King George III after he recovered from his first bout of “madness” - the servants and soldiers who had witnessed it were exiled rather than executed. I wonder where Yeltsin’s former servants are. I must remember to research that

As the English poet John Dryden wrote about “wits” “Great wits are to madness near allied
And thin partitions do their bounds divide.”― John Dryden, Absalom and Achitophel

[cdnmatt]

“Reporting”? SPECULATING at best

Fine, when the news reports start surfacing about Ukrainians having severe muscle spasms and foaming at the mouth, we'll just call it rabies.

WTF is NATO waiting for? Are we really going to sit around and wait for Russia to invade Poland before acting? If Putin is bat shit insane enough to actually fire nukes, then it's totally irrevelant whether he fires them now or in two years from now. It's better to just stop him in his tracks now, so fuck it, if he wants a war, let's give him one.

[StevieWonders]

Fine, when the news reports start surfacing about Ukrainians having severe muscle spasms and foaming at the mouth, we'll just call it rabies.There are some posters here who when writing about me might fit that description:devilsh::beee:

[Surfcrest]

There are some posters here who when writing about me might fit that description:devilsh::beee:

Peculiar …that the guy who complains the most about threads being taken off topic is also the same guy taking threads off topic.

Surfcrest

[Dodger]

I don’t think anyone in the West is under the illusion that these businesses are going to come back ......

To emphasize the point you’re making; One of the major tasks involved when moving a Company or Organization from one country to another is coordination of global supply-chain management which is a very costly and time-consuming process.

This was undoubtedly the most important topic discussed by these Company’s prior to finalizing a decision to pull up roots in Russia due to the large capital investment and thousands of man-hours required to facilitate and manage this type of international relocation.

Just a few of the common tasks involved in a move like this includes; formal risk management, new global supply-chain development, lead times, delays, cash flow, data management, accountability and compliance, quality assurance, language barriers, time zones, exchange rate and foreign transaction costs, and statutory and regulatory compliance concerns, etc., etc., etc. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Once a western Company or Organization closes its doors in Russia and moves its operations to another country the chances of it returning to Russia at some point in the future would be extremely doubtful for these reasons.

What I just described is “Globalization”, and what we’re seeing now is Russia being isolated from the global business network piece-by-piece. Being isolated from this Global Business Network will inevitably suffocate Russia’s economy (it’s already started) and place them back in the Stone Age. Why Putin refuses to halt his invasion into Ukraine before things get worse will go down in the history books as the mystery of the modern epoch.

[Surfcrest]

Sanctions are going to make it extremely complicated and risky to continue doing business in Russia. Look at Chelsea’a famous football club and the complicated web of sanctions they’re caught up in now!

Surfcrest

[StevieWonders]

Peculiar …that the guy who complains the most about threads being taken off topic is also the same guy taking threads off topic.

Surfcrest
Please provide references where I have complained about off-topic threads this calendar month. HINT: there are none

[StevieWonders]

Please provide references where I have complained about off-topic threads this calendar month. HINT: there are noneOh and the basis on which you justify the use of the adjective “most”

[Dodger]

Below is an incredibly insightful article written by a news anchor who's been in Moscow covering Putin from the very beginning:

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/11/europe/leaving-russia-analysis-robertson-intl-cmd/index.html

[Moses]

Bombing a children's hospital.......war crime of the worst order, utterly despicable. The threat of chemical weapons now, how much lower can the Russian forces go?

"Children hospital"? Do you mean empty building of children hospital taken as a base of Nazi battalion Azov? Well, why not? Should empty building of hospital to protect Nazi by default?

What threat do you mean? These 26 bacteriological laboratories, existence of which Nuland denied at past and confirmed just 2 days ago, because “The U.S. government is concerned about preventing any of these research materials from falling into the hands of Russian forces should they approach.” ?


https://youtu.be/Y39veTO7kF4

[StevieWonders]

"Children hospital"? Do you mean empty building of children hospital taken as a base of Nazi battalion Azov? Well, why not? Should empty building of hospital to protect Nazi by default?

What threat do you mean? These 26 bacteriological laboratories, existence of which Nuland denied at past and confirmed just 2 days ago, because “The U.S. government is concerned about preventing any of these research materials from falling into the hands of Russian forces should they approach.” ?


Is that the same tactics as the anti-Israel forces use in Palestine - they site their weapons in the middle of civilian occupied areas? so that Israeli counter -attacks will result in civilian casualties?

[Moses]

Is that the same tactics as the anti-Israel forces use in Palestine - they site their weapons in the middle of civilian occupied areas? so that Israeli counter -attacks will result in civilian casualties?

Exactly. My relative in small Ukrainian city told me, what all 5 school in the city now are taken by Azov for barracks. And schools are located in the center of living areas. Azov not allow to locals to leave city.

[StevieWonders]

Exactly. My relative in small Ukrainian city told me, what all 5 school in the city now are taken by Azov for barracks. And schools are located in the center of living areas. Azov not allow to locals to leave city.That's odd because if the people who live in Ukraine are all pedophiles you'd think they would protect the schools where their victims are

[cdnmatt]

Exactly. My relative in small Ukrainian city told me, what all 5 school in the city now are taken by Azov for barracks. And schools are located in the center of living areas. Azov not allow to locals to leave city.

Those god damn Nazis, eh? Next thing you'll be telling us is Russian soldiers found concentration camps hidden in Ukraine where they were burning jews.

[cdnmatt]

You guys see Lavrov earlier today? They were in Turkey for "peace negotiations". This guy actually had the nerve to tell the cameras that Russia hasn't invaded Ukraine.

Same bullshit as how Moses says Russia has no desire to occupy Ukraine. Really? Could have fooled us, because the 190,000 soldiers you sent in sure seem like you want to occupy the place.

Here's fuck face saying Russia hasn't invaded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP-7-dNdbyI

[StevieWonders]

You guys see Lavrov earlier today? They were in Turkey for "peace negotiations". This guy actually had the nerve to tell the cameras that Russia hasn't invaded Ukraine.He’s a politician, just like Justin. How can you tell he’s a politician?You can see his lips move when he speaks.

[Brad the Impala]

"Children hospital"? Do you mean empty building of children hospital taken as a base of Nazi battalion Azov? Well, why not? Should empty building of hospital to protect Nazi by default?



Do you actually believe these claims you are parroting? First Lavrov made this claim(no evidence), but subsequently your Ministry of Defence admitted that this wasn't the case but that the bombing of the Children's Hospital was actually a staged provocation by Ukraine. That is that it was an active Children's Hospital that the Ukrainians themselves had blown up, as if they weren't busy enough fighting the invaders, in order to make the Russians look bad(they need help with that?!) Again no evidence provided.

Even without these contradictory statements it seems that, as in Syria, there is a clear Russian strategy to target Hospitals in civilian areas to weaken the morale of the civilian population. It is indefensible.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian–Syrian_hospital_bombing_campaign

[cdnmatt]

He’s a politician, just like Justin. How can you tell he’s a politician?You can see his lips move when he speaks.

Well, at least Justin can do cool yoga poses, and looks cute when he cuddles Panda bear cubs.

[Moses]

Do you actually believe these claims you are parroting? First Lavrov made this claim(no evidence), but subsequently your Ministry of Defence admitted that this wasn't the case but that the bombing of the Children's Hospital was actually a staged provocation by Ukraine. That is that it was an active Children's Hospital that the Ukrainians themselves had blown up, as if they weren't busy enough fighting the invaders, in order to make the Russians look bad(they need help with that?!) Again no evidence provided.

Even without these contradictory statements it seems that, as in Syria, there is a clear Russian strategy to target Hospitals in civilian areas to weaken the morale of the civilian population. It is indefensible.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian–Syrian_hospital_bombing_campaign

I do not believe in any declaration: your, any medias - foreign or Russian, I believe to my relatives, who sees by own eyes.

[cdnmatt]

I do not believe in any declaration: your, any medias - foreign or Russian, I believe to my relatives, who sees by own eyes.


I think the world has spoken quite clearly that nobody really cares about any information that comes out of Russia anymore. Russia has pissed off the world so much that once existing supply runs out you won't even be able to buy a Coke in the country anymore. WTF?

[Surfcrest]

I do not believe in any declaration: your, any medias - foreign or Russian, I believe to my relatives, who sees by own eyes.

Then show us what your relatives saw at that maternity hospital that was bombed or the nuclear power plant that was fired upon…or the State News source you’re reading this from.

Surfcrest

[StevieWonders]

…or the State News source you’re reading this from.

SurfcrestWhat a scurrilous suggestion

[Moses]

Then show us what your relatives saw at that maternity hospital that was bombed or the nuclear power plant that was fired upon…or the State News source you’re reading this from.

Surfcrest

US also bombed hospitals in Afghanistan in 2015. And it wasn't qualified like a crime.
For example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunduz_hospital_airstrike 42 killed. No sanctions.

At least in Ukraine it was empty (no civilians) building.

[StevieWonders]

US also bombed hospitals in Afghanistan in 2015. And it wasn't qualified like a crime.
For example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunduz_hospital_airstrike 42 killed. No sanctions.

At least in Ukraine it was empty (no civilians) building. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whataboutism

[Brad the Impala]

US also bombed hospitals in Afghanistan in 2015. And it wasn't qualified like a crime.
For example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunduz_hospital_airstrike 42 killed. No sanctions.


The American attack on the hospital was wrong. Was it an error or deliberate and a mistake? Who knows, however they were man enough to admit that it was a mistake and had a full investigation into how it happened, and apologised and made restitution. Their attack was heavily criticized in media throughout the west.

Don't claim any moral equivalence on behalf of a country with a track record of attacking hospitals, which never admits to military mistakes(because such actions are it's policy), and can no longer be criticised by it's own national media.

Noting that you had to go back seven years to find a western attack on a hospital, just how many hospitals do you think Russia has attacked in that same period?

[Surfcrest]

At least in Ukraine it was empty (no civilians) building.

So…no relatives on the ground after all. You’re just providing the State News version?

[cdnmatt]

Now reports coming out that chemical suits are being distributed to Russian soldiers.

[StevieWonders]

Now reports coming out that chemical suits are being distributed to Russian soldiers.Which reliable source is this from?

[StevieWonders]

Now reports coming out that chemical suits are being distributed to Russian soldiers.I was reading recently about KGB propaganda techniques - and remember Putin is ex KGB. They create a “Hall of Mirrors” effect, so you can have no confidence in what you think you are seeing . Social Media is a rich field of opportunities for the Fake News that help build the Hall of Mirrors . If you do a quick Google search there are stories going back 5 years about Russian soldiers being issued chemical warfare suits. Anything you think you have seen in the past few hours or days could simply be a KGB “disinformation “ exercise. Scepticism is your principal defence

[Dodger]

Now reports coming out that chemical suits are being distributed to Russian soldiers.

This is just another cheap propaganda tactic to create confusion (disorientation) during Putin's desperate attempt to mask the reality of what he's doing,.as if anyone in the Free World is gullible enough to be swayed by this. I think we'll see a whole barrage of similar "panic tactics" being used as Putin's failure gets scribed in stone for the whole world to see.

1920's war mentality, supported by tactics that date back to the Fred Flintstone era.

[Surfcrest]

“About 6,500 tourists from Russia stranded in Thailand's beach resorts, many unable to pay their bills or return home because of sanctions and canceled flights following Russian invasion of Ukraine.”

…so there are at least 6,500 Russians hearing the truth.

[francois]

Sadly the USA has had a dismal record in bombing and drone attacks which have killed many innocent civilians much of what has been hushed up by the military.

[gerefan2]

Now reports coming out that chemical suits are being distributed to Russian soldiers.

Any army worth it’s salt should be properly equipped. Why weren’t they kitted out at the beginning?

[ikarus]

There is no doubt in my mind that fascist , murderous midget goes down. The only real question whether he will take the whole world with him. The third world war has already begun. What triggered him? Madness? New American supersonic cruise missiles with unlimited range (analogues of Russian Burevestnik which failed)? Parkinson that some suggest? We most probably will never know..

[cdnmatt]

What triggered him? Madness? New American supersonic cruise missiles with unlimited range (analogues of Russian Burevestnik which failed)? Parkinson that some suggest? We most probably will never know..

My money is on the fact he's 69, and he doesn't want to die before being known as the strong and amazing leader who reunited mother Russia and brought it back to its glory days.

Delusional fuck.

[Khor tose]

Delusional fuck.

With 5000+ nuclear weapons. and a lot of morons who believe in him--many not Russian. Time to reset the doomsday clock to 1 second. Glad I dont have children

[StevieWonders]

Glad I don't have childrenApparently that is the latest fashionable slogan among those who believe the similar doomsday warnings about global warming

[dab69]

Captured Russian pilot admits to bombing civilians, urges Russia to stop assault: 'We have already lost this war'

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/captured-russian-pilot-admits-to-bombing-civilians-urges-russia-to-stop-assault-we-have-already-lost-this-war/ar-AAUZ9Sy?li=BBnb7Kz

Lieutenant Colonel Krishtop Maxim Sergeevich was shot down on March 6 and taken into custody by Ukrainian forces, Interfax Ukraine reported. At a press conference on Friday, Krishtop said he carried out three bombing missions, Newsweek reported.

"In the process of completing the task, I realized that the target was not enemy military facilities, but residential buildings, peaceful people," Krishtop said, per Newsweek. "But I carried out the criminal order."

[cdnmatt]

A Russian spy chief is said to have been placed under house arrest in a sign that President Putin is seeking to blame the security services for the stalled invasion of Ukraine.

Sergey Beseda, head of the FSB’s foreign intelligence branch, was arrested with Anatoly Bolyukh, his deputy, according to a leading expert on the Russian security services.

Andrei Soldatov, who is co-founder and editor of Agentura, an investigative website that monitors the FSB and other agencies, said that sources from within FSB had confirmed the detention of both men.

Vladimir Osechkin, an exiled Russian human rights activist, also confirmed the arrests. He added that FSB officers had carried out searches at more than 20 addresses around Moscow of colleagues suspected of being in contact

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kremlin-arrests-fsb-chiefs-in-fallout-from-ukraine-invasion-chaos-92w0829c5

One can only hope that Putin is getting a little nervous about a coup.

[StevieWonders]

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kremlin-arrests-fsb-chiefs-in-fallout-from-ukraine-invasion-chaos-92w0829c5

One can only hope that Putin is getting a little nervous about a coup. https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/keep+your+friends+close+and+your+enemies+closer

[Dax]

If I was Putin, I would beware the IDES of March.

[Dodger]

Captured Russian pilot admits to bombing civilians, urges Russia to stop assault: 'We have already lost this war'

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/captured-russian-pilot-admits-to-bombing-civilians-urges-russia-to-stop-assault-we-have-already-lost-this-war/ar-AAUZ9Sy?li=BBnb7Kz

Lieutenant Colonel Krishtop Maxim Sergeevich was shot down on March 6 and taken into custody by Ukrainian forces, Interfax Ukraine reported. At a press conference on Friday, Krishtop said he carried out three bombing missions, Newsweek reported.

"In the process of completing the task, I realized that the target was not enemy military facilities, but residential buildings, peaceful people," Krishtop said, per Newsweek. "But I carried out the criminal order."

I don't put any more weight behind a report like this than I do the propaganda coming from Russian State media.

It's impossible to know if the content of this report is true or not, but I find it a bit hard to swallow that a seasoned Russian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel would make such admissions, regardless if they are true or not. It's not a pleasant thought, but it's also possible that he was subject to torture by his captures.

I'm not buying it until I see a release of the press conference where he made such statements.

And who in the hell is kbalevic@insider.com (Katie Balevic)?

[StevieWonders]

IAnd who in the hell is kbalevic@insider.com (Katie Balevic)?Google reveals she is a "news fellow" whatever that is on a number of suspect web sites including (my favourite) muckrack.com - she's hardly CNN's Christiane Amanpour is she, (whatever you think of CNN)?

[StevieWonders]

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kremlin-arrests-fsb-chiefs-in-fallout-from-ukraine-invasion-chaos-92w0829c5

One can only hope that Putin is getting a little nervous about a coup.The speculation in the Telegraph is Gen Sergei Shoigu, a long-term ally of Vladimir Putinand current Defence Minister, is seen by some as a ‘politically acceptable’ figurehead for a military coup

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/03/12/russias-war-ukraine-could-see-defence-minister-cast-propelled/

[latintopxxx]

cnn?? crappy news network.. china news network??

[Dodger]

Sadly the USA has had a dismal record in bombing and drone attacks which have killed many innocent civilians much of what has been hushed up by the military.

If it was hushed up by the Military - how did you hear about it?

[cdnmatt]

The speculation in the Telegraph is Gen Sergei Shoigu, a long-term ally of Vladimir Putinand current Defence Minister, is seen by some as a ‘politically acceptable’ figurehead for a military coup

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/03/12/russias-war-ukraine-could-see-defence-minister-cast-propelled/

One can only hope. The amount of destruction caused by Putin to both, Russia and Ukraine for many years to come I think warrants and justifies a coup.

Besides, you'd think the Russian people wouldn't mind a coup. All of a sudden credit cards no longer work, can't fly anywhere and even if they could Ruble is down the toilet, can't get anything delivered via FedEx or UPS, loads of popular stores have disappeared out of malls, loads of services are gone such as Netflix, Spotify, Apply & Google Pay, Facebook, and Instagram, et al. They must be wondering WTF kind of peace keeping mission is this?

Where did Little Putin, err... I mean Moses go?

[gerefan2]

The amount of destruction caused by Putin to both, Russia and Ukraine for many years to come I think warrants and justifies a coup.

, loads of services are gone such as Netflix, Spotify, Apply & Google Pay, Facebook, and Instagram, et al.


Yes you are quite right, there needs to be a coup.

How on earth can normal life continue without Facebook and Instagram....?

[dab69]

Even if there was a coup, what makes you think things would go
any differently in Russia under someone else(besides MOSES of course)?

[francois]

If it was hushed up by the Military - how did you hear about it?

I read in the New York Times which did an investigation of drone and bombing casualties. The military does not brag about the deaths of civilians however the truth does get out sometimes.

[Smiles]

I left Sawatdee last summer simply because I had other things to think about and to think about those as an old geezer (the original good old Geezer to see this disgrace of a Sawatdee message board.)

And yes Moses that would be you ... the disgrace that is. That horror of a so-called President named Putin, who is actually an Nazi as one can be. There is nothing this ghastly murderer will not do or say and lie until the entire population of a legitimate country will be gone.

And I hope the last few folks here will finish off Sawatdee (leave this board.) Moses does not deserve this place.

I im sure this message will be gone quickly. Putin-ish / and now Moses- is like that.

[StevieWonders]

Yes you are quite right, there needs to be a coup.

How on earth can normal life continue without Facebook and Instagram....?
When I saw Surfcrest had returned that’s the first word that entered my mind - “coup”

[Ninodf1]

I left Sawatdee last summer simply because I had other things to think about and to think about those as an old geezer (the original good old Geezer to see this disgrace of a Sawatdee message board.)

And yes Moses that would be you ... the disgrace that is. That horror of a so-called President named Putin, who is actually an Nazi as one can be. There is nothing this ghastly murderer will not do or say and lie until the entire population of a legitimate country will be gone.

And I hope the last few folks here will finish off Sawatdee (leave this board.) Moses does not deserve this place.

I im sure this message will be gone quickly. Putin-ish / and now Moses- is like that.

Welcome back Smiles :)

[dab69]

Can't blame Moses for dead CoVid board, Thailand, Putin, or Ukraine.

[cdnmatt]

Now apparently Putin has asked China to help and provide additional military weapons and money.

WTF, Russia is already out of weapons?

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/13/us/politics/russia-china-ukraine.html

[StevieWonders]

Can't blame Moses for dead CoVid board, Thailand, Putin, or Ukraine.COVID has changed international travel and there’s a “new normal “ that doesn’t appeal to many. I wonder about a business model that relies on an elderly white demographic that’s now falling prey to the ailments of a first world “lifestyle “ - diabetes, cancer, and failing bodily functions such as incontinence

[StevieWonders]

I’m expecting some of our UK based members here will be rushing back to take advantage of the “provide accommodation for a cute blue-eyed Ukraine boy In your own home and we’ll pay you for it 350 GB pounds per month scheme” - State subsidised sex”?

[gerefan2]

I’m expecting some of our UK based members here will be rushing back to take advantage of the “provide accommodation for a cute blue-eyed Ukraine boy In your own home and we’ll pay you for it 350 GB pounds per month scheme” - State subsidised sex”?

Mmmm ..£2100 (90000+baht) for 6 months is enough for another month holiday in Thailand!

However it’s all In your wet dreams as all the young guys are staying to fight.

I would end up with a mother and her two screaming ankle biters!

[Moses]

Now apparently Putin has asked China to help and provide additional military weapons and money.

WTF, Russia is already out of weapons?

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/13/us/politics/russia-china-ukraine.html

No. "U.S. officials" think what "Russia already out of weapons" and NYT published their stupid ideas. No surprise is here: Alzheimer wins.

Pelosi, for example, thinks what Russia invided to Hungary


https://youtu.be/zrRPUPP970s

Meanwhile Reuters: China slams US claims that Russia asked it for military aid as 'disinformation'
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-slams-us-claims-that-russia-asked-it-military-aid-disinformation-2022-03-14/

[StevieWonders]

Mmmm ..£2100 (90000+baht) for 6 months is enough for another month holiday in Thailand!

However it’s all In your wet dreams as all the young guys are staying to fight.

I would end up with a mother and her two screaming ankle biters!Can't you make a "I"m a Dirty Old Man" disqualification? Your passport showing extensive stays in Thailand should be enough

[cdnmatt]

No. "U.S. officials" think what "Russia already out of weapons" and NYT published their stupid ideas. No surprise is here: Alzheimer wins.

Meanwhile Reuters: China slams US claims that Russia asked it for military aid as 'disinformation'

You mean the CIA might be playing games with us, or something?

Anyway, looks like the battle of Kiev is coming up shortly -- stay tuned.

[StevieWonders]

A mansion in Biarritz said to be owned by one of Putin’s daughters was raided by someone holding a Ukrainian flag reports Newsweek . The apartment in Monaco of one of his mistresses was identified from posts she made onInstagram apparently. Does anything exceed the stupidity of people who post on social media?

[cdnmatt]

Does anything exceed the stupidity of people who post on social media?

A 65yo in Pattaya believing they found a true, loving and genuine boyfriend in a cute 18yo who they first met wearing nothing but white briefs while dancing at a gogo bar?

[StevieWonders]

A 65yo in Pattaya believing they found a true, loving and genuine boyfriend in a cute 18yo who they first met wearing nothing but white briefs while dancing at a gogo bar?

goji and gerefan2 both look older than 65

[StevieWonders]

You mean the CIA might be playing games with us, or something?I can recall taking pleasure post Gorbachev in the revelation that almost everything the CIA had told us about Russia’s military capabilities was clearly wrong . It now seems likely that everything the Russian military told Putin about their capabilities is also wrong as is becoming apparent daily - they’re just not up to the job

[cdnmatt]

I can recall taking pleasure post Gorbachev in the revelation that almost everything the CIA had told us about Russia’s military capabilities was clearly wrong . It now seems likely that everything the Russian military told Putin about their capabilities is also wrong as is becoming apparent daily - they’re just not up to the job



I guess the US actually believed Russia's BS at the beginning of the cold war. It wasn't until the KGB double agent Oleg Gordievsky did they learn the truth that Russia were nowhere near as strong as they claimed to be. That's why the Cuban missile crisis ended by the US standing its ground and telling Russia to fuck off back home, which they promptly did as they didn't have a choice after the US called their bluff.

There's actually an excellent documentary on Curiosity Stream about him.

https://www.rbth.com/history/334196-double-agent-oleg-gordievsky-kgb-mi6

I'm kind of hoping that's what happened between Putin and Xe Jing Ping. They had this whole plan of world domination in their minds, and China actually believed the Russian military was capable. The the invasion of Ukraine came and China was like, "WTF Russia?!?! You're soldiers are completely fucken useless.".

[StevieWonders]

I guess the US actually believed Russia's BS at the beginning of the cold war. It wasn't until the KGB double agent Oleg Gordievsky did they learn the truth that Russia were nowhere near as strong as they claimed to be. That's why the Cuban missile crisis ended by the US standing its ground and telling Russia to fuck off back home, which they promptly did as they didn't have a choice after the US called their bluff.

There's actually an excellent documentary on Curiosity Stream about him.

https://www.rbth.com/history/334196-double-agent-oleg-gordievsky-kgb-mi6

I'm kind of hoping that's what happened between Putin and Xe Jing Ping. They had this whole plan of world domination in their minds, and China actually believed the Russian military was capable. The the invasion of Ukraine came and China was like, "WTF Russia?!?! You're soldiers are completely fucken useless.".The wonderful level of language in diplomatic exchanges we've come to expect from the forum 10-year-old

[cdnmatt]

The wonderful level of language in diplomatic exchanges we've come to expect from the forum 10-year-old

At least I don't have herpes.

[StevieWonders]

At least I don't have herpes.Prove it

[Gaybutton]

I have been staying out of this and I intend to continue staying out of it, but I do have one question that has been bugging me. Why now? If Putin wanted to do this, why didn't he do it during Trump's presidency. I think we all know Trump liked and admired Putin. It would not have surprised me if Trump supported Putin in this. If not, if there were sanctions at all they probably would have been insignificant - more like a gentle slap on the wrist.

The way I see it, if Putin wanted to do this, he had every reason to do it while Trump was president. Why did he wait for now?

[Up2U]

For Putin and Ukraine, I can.

[Up2U]

US also bombed hospitals in Afghanistan in 2015. And it wasn't qualified like a crime.
For example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunduz_hospital_airstrike 42 killed. No sanctions.

At least in Ukraine it was empty (no civilians) building.

Your comments are classic deflections, jack straw and red herring logical fallacies. You live in a bubble. And btw, Obama issued a formal apology, the world is waiting for Putin to do the same.

[cdnmatt]

The way I see it, if Putin wanted to do this, he had every reason to do it while Trump was president. Why did he wait for now?

I'm assuming we'll never know why, as I'm sure there were lots of things happening behind the scenes leading up to this that we don't know about.

Nonetheless, one theory is why pick a fight with the US when you already have the US President wrapped around your finger running around the world doing your bidding for you? If you're going to pick a fight with the US, maybe best to wait until the President into your bitch, type of thing.

[StevieWonders]

I have been staying out of this and I intend to continue staying out of it, but I do have one question that has been bugging me. Why now? If Putin wanted to do this, why didn't he do it during Trump's presidency. I think we all know Trump liked and admired Putin. It would not have surprised me if Trump supported Putin in this. If not, if there were sanctions at all they probably would have been insignificant - more like a gentle slap on the wrist.

The way I see it, if Putin wanted to do this, he had every reason to do it while Trump was president. Why did he wait for now?Many here claim to be Buddhists and the one thing that Buddhism teaches is that speculation resolves nothing and leads to frustration, a form of suffering. the so-called 'Serenity Prayer" expresses the same sentiments - https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/p/pastoral-care/prayers#:~:text=God%20grant%20me%20the%20serenity, if%20I%20surrender%20to%20Your

[Moses]

The way I see it, if Putin wanted to do this, he had every reason to do it while Trump was president. Why did he wait for now?

Because "red lines" were crossed: NATO military training camps on the Ukrainian ground, Ukraine started to talk about nuclear weapon and even got samples of plutonium 239 from US, also Minsk 2 protocol wasn't implemented for 8 years. As well Zelensky's support rating dropped below 20% from 70+ 2 years ago.

[Moses]

Your comments are classic deflections, jack straw and red herring logical fallacies. You live in a bubble. And btw, Obama issued a formal apology, the world is waiting for Putin to do the same.

I think you may expect Putin's apology right after US's apologies for nuclear bombing of Japanese civilians

[StevieWonders]

From a confidential financial markets update I’ve just received: “ Russia’s economy is fraying, its currency has collapsed, and its debt is junk. Next up is a potential default that could cost investors billions and shut the country out of most funding markets.
Warning lights are flashing as the government kickstarts the process of paying $117 million ($163 million) in interest on dollar bonds on Wednesday, a key moment for debt holders who’ve already seen the value of their investments plunge since Russia invaded Ukraine last month.

[cdnmatt]

Don't worry, Moses said Russia has some gold bars tucked away. Everything is fine.

[alvnv]

I think you may expect Putin's apology right after US's apologies for nuclear bombing of Japanese civilians

Putin needs to apologize to the Russian people first, but he’s too busy lying to them and turning the country into China’s client state. What will follow is a dismantling of Russia when China asserts its claims on the territories it lost to Russia as a result of “Unequal Treaties”.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unequal_treaty

[StevieWonders]

Putin needs to apologize to the Russian people first, but he’s too busy lying to them and turning the country into China’s client state. What will follow is a dismantling of Russia when China asserts its claims on the territories it lost to Russia as a result of “Unequal Treaties”.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unequal_treatyIt seems that China intends to help Russia with armaments, which in this age of tit-for-tat could bring sanctions down on it from the anti-Russian nations

[StevieWonders]

I think you may expect Putin's apology right after US's apologies for nuclear bombing of Japanese civiliansLOL - another "moral equivalence" point that doesn't wash

[StevieWonders]

Don't worry, Moses said Russia has some gold bars tucked away. Everything is fine.That will work only if the gold bars get converted into some acceptable currency - and at the moment a devalued rouble isn’t an “acceptable currency”

[StevieWonders]

For those prepared to spend the money l can recommend no better reading on both the background, the current situation, and Vladimir Putin (“Russia’s new Stalin”) than the current issue of the Economist magazine. I particularly enjoyed a point made about the tyres on some photographed Russian military equipment - “cheap Chinese knock-offs”

[cdnmatt]

This could really go either way. The West could be fucked, and the West could always enjoy another 50 years of being at the top of the world's pecking order.

Exciting times!

[StevieWonders]

This could really go either way. The West could be fucked, and the West could always enjoy another 50 years of being at the top of the world's pecking order.

Exciting times!That rather depends on how much you buy the “end of history” thesis

[Khor tose]

I have been staying out of this and I intend to continue staying out of it, but I do have one question that has been bugging me. Why now? If Putin wanted to do this, why didn't he do it during Trump's presidency. I think we all know Trump liked and admired Putin. It would not have surprised me if Trump supported Putin in this. If not, if there were sanctions at all they probably would have been insignificant - more like a gentle slap on the wrist.

The way I see it, if Putin wanted to do this, he had every reason to do it while Trump was president. Why did he wait for now?

1. Trump told him he would be re-elected and pull the US out of NATO. NATO alone could and would not stand up to Putin the way he is being stood up to now.
2. Also, he had to secure his relationship with China first.
3. And, he truly believed that he could intimidate Zelenskiy into not joining NATO, or into allowing Putin to create a pro-Russian buffer between Russia and what he left of a NATO Ukraine. Which, by-the-way is his current plan.

[StevieWonders]

1. Trump told him he would be re-elected and pull the US out of NATO. NATO alone could and would not stand up to Putin the way he is being stood up to now.
2. Also, he had to secure his relationship with China first.
3. And, he truly believed that he could intimidate Zelenskiy into not joining NATO, or into allowing Putin to create a pro-Russian buffer between Russia and what he left of a NATO Ukraine. Which, by-the-way is his current plan.

Pure speculation

[cdnmatt]

Uh oh, now the gloves are off. Russia even sanctioned Biden and Trudeau, and a slew of other Westerners. Well, they missed the "jr." so sanctioned Biden's father who's been dead for quite some time, but hey, E for effort.

I liked the Whitehouse Press Secretary's response, "probably of no surprise for you to know, none of us have tourist trips to Russia planned, and none of us have bank accounts in Russia, so we are going to continue to forge ahead.".

[Gaybutton]

Pure speculation

I'm not so sure. Even if Putin himself reveals why he waited for now, any ideas would be speculation. But there is a difference between nonsense speculation and sensible speculation. In my opinion speculation is not necessarily a bad thing.

Khor tose and I don't get along. We haven't for years, but I have to admit what he wrote makes a lot of sense to me.

Certainly he could be wrong, but what both he and Moses say about why Putin waited for now is good enough for me.

[StevieWonders]

I'm not so sure. Even if Putin himself reveals why he waited for now, any ideas would be speculation. But there is a difference between nonsense speculation and sensible speculation. In my opinion speculation is not necessarily a bad thing.

Khor tose and I don't get along. We haven't for years, but I have to admit what he wrote makes a lot of sense to me.

Certainly he could be wrong, but what both he and Moses say about why Putin waited for now is good enough for me. utinrevealing himself?A flash in the pan?

[Gaybutton]

utinrevealing himself?A flash in the pan?

If you can make better sense answering my question than they did, I'm all ears (well, eyes anyway)

[StevieWonders]

If you can make better sense answering my question than they did, I'm all ears (well, eyes anyway)What question is that?

[cdnmatt]

So did Russia default today, or what's up?

[StevieWonders]

So did Russia default today, or what's up?It’s not on YouTube or Reddit or some other crap site from which you draw your information?

[Gaybutton]

What question is that?

https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?22626-The-Brink-of-War&p=289062&viewfull=1#post289062

[StevieWonders]

https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?22626-The-Brink-of-War&p=289062&viewfull=1#post289062

Khortose whom you admit to despising simply proposed an anti- Trump conspiracy theory worthy of the New York Times . What was Moses theory? Some “what about ism”?

[StevieWonders]

So did Russia default today, or what's up?

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60750642

[Moses]

So did Russia default today, or what's up?

No. It will not: all bonds what issued since 2018 have conditions to be paid in rubles. For rest amount Russia has grace period till April 15.

As said here https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60750642 "A default now would be hugely symbolic". Russia has enough of assets, so investors should be "grateful" to own govts for freezing half of them and for loosing moneys.

By the way: Ukraine already discussing "Swiss or Austrian neutrality" with limited army and navy size at meetings with Russia and Russian language in regions with Russian minority above 5%. I think till April 15 everything will be done.

So question is: why they didn't it at past 8 years within Minsk protocol in normal peaceful talks???

[StevieWonders]

No. It will not: all bonds what issued since 2018 have conditions to be paid in rubles. For rest amount Russia has grace period till April 15.

As said here https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60750642 "A default now would be hugely symbolic". Russia has enough of assets, so investors should be "grateful" to own govts for freezing half of them and for loosing moneys.

By the way: Ukraine already discussing "Swiss or Austrian neutrality" with limited army and navy size at meetings with Russia and Russian language in regions with Russian minority above 5%. I think till April 15 everything will be done.

So question is: why they didn't it at past 8 years within Minsk protocol in normal peaceful talks???
Hands up all those Forum members with a detailed knowledge of the repayment terms of their home nation’s sovereign debt

[Gaybutton]

Khortose whom you admit to despising

Admit? Like I was trying to hide something? Despise? Show me where I said any such thing.

I'll repeat what I said to you earlier: "If you can make better sense answering my question than they did, I'm all ears (well, eyes anyway)"

Obviously you cannot.