The Brink of War?

[Dragonman]

I’ve spotted the same news releases which seem to be flooding the airways right now.

First it was former Russian colonel who made very frank and critical comments regarding the war effort on Russian TV, followed by a regular commentator in Russian media, who also commented on Russia's broader isolation. He stated …"Let's look at this situation as a whole from our overall strategic position," he said. "Let’s not swing missiles in Finland's direction – this just looks ridiculous. The biggest problem with our military and political situation is that we are in total geopolitical isolation. And the whole world is against us — even if we don’t want to admit it."

I wonder if this is the beginning of the “movement” so many have been hoping for?

Moses is certainly in a better position to tell us if this type of “open” reporting is something new – or if comments critical of Russia’s war efforts like this have been communicated in Russian media in the past.

https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-...4c715250c7dd00

I was reminded of another statement about the end of a war - that by former Emperor Hirohito: …. "But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone — the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State, and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people — the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan’s advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest."

I expect a similar statement from Putin - or his successor - sometime soon.

[cdnmatt]

Yep, Russians won't stop fighting until they're simply unable to fight anymore.

What irks me about this whole thing is how Putin keeps playing the victim card. What a dick.

[cdnmatt]

And Finland parliament approves NATO application -- 188 in favor, 8 against.

[cdnmatt]

Average Russian guy just living his life gives a tour around a mall or two with a Western friend, then his thoughts on the whole mess.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vQgx28vNsg

[Andy]

Average Russian guy just living his life gives a tour around a mall or two with a Western friend, then his thoughts on the whole mess.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vQgx28vNsg

I am the same Moscow citizen as this guy, and I share all his feelings with him.

[cdnmatt]

I am the same Moscow citizen as this guy, and I share all his feelings with him.

Yeah, been watching some of his vids, he's pretty good. Apparently, Russia is bringing back the Moskvich and will manufacture them out of the once Renault owned factory before Renault noped out of Russia.

Apparently, no air bags or ABS even, and mayor of Moscow was on TV saying every Russian will be proud to be an owner.. USSR is back, baby!

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...-leaves-russia

[dab69]

Sweden and Finland have applied to join NATO.
Finland has an 830-mile border with Russia, so Russia's border with NATO would more than double.
Russia has made repeated threats and said it would have to retaliate if they join.

Sweden and Finland applied on Wednesday to join the NATO military alliance, likely frustrating a long-term aim of President Vladimir Putin to roll NATO borders back.

If accepted, their presence would instantly more than double the border between NATO countries and Russia, from around 750 miles to around 1,600.

At present, NATO has land borders with Russia spanning 754 miles across northern Norway, eastern Latvia and Estonia, and the borders with Poland and Lithuania around Russia's Kaliningrad region.

Finland joining would add 830 miles of continuous border along northwestern Russia, taking the total to 1,584 miles. Sweden has no land border with Russia, but is a major presence along the coast of the Baltic Sea.

The increase in public and political support in Sweden and Finland for joining NATO came after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February.

Experts have said the development is an own goal for Russia, which partly justified its invasion of Ukraine as a way to stop NATO expanding further.

Russian officials have repeatedly threatened the two countries, saying they would have retaliate against a membership bid. As the application became a reality, Russia moderated its tone.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...Jci?li=BBnb7Kz

Putin moderating is threats?
Sounds like Baby Trump.

[Moses]

Russian officials have repeatedly threatened the two countries, saying they would have retaliate against a membership bid. As the application became a reality, Russia moderated its tone.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...Jci?li=BBnb7Kz

Putin moderating is threats?
Sounds like Baby Trump.

"Officials" do their job. Putin already told to president of Finland what Russia has nothing against Finland in NATO during their phone talk.

Erdogan yesterday said what Turkey will allow new members of NATO only if US will take Turkey into F-35 program.

Meanwhile Russia just agreed on 450 additional flights to Turkey per week. Right now there are 290 flights per week btw Russia and Turkey. High season is starting.

[Dragonman]

Meanwhile Russia just agreed on 450 additional flights to Turkey per week. Right now there are 290 flights per week btw Russia and Turkey. High season is starting.

The TASS report (https://tass.com/economy/1452979) has the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak telling reporters on Wednesday: ""Agreements were reached to increase the number of flights both from the side of Turkish Airlines and from the side of our companies that will be flying (sic)." That is, he doesn't name Aeroflot or any other Russian airline as providing such additional flights..

Maybe this is why: "Aviation safety: 20 Russian airlines added to EU Air Safety List" (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/pres.../en/IP_22_2389 - Press release11 April 2022 Brussels): The Commission has updated the EU Air Safety List, which is the list of airlines that are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union, because they do not meet international safety standards. Following the update, 21 airlines certified in Russia are now included on the EU Air Safety List. This reflects serious safety concerns due to Russia's forced re-registration of foreign-owned aircraft, knowingly allowing their operation without valid certificates of airworthiness. This is in breach of international aviation safety standards.

Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean said: “The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency has allowed Russian airlines to operate hundreds of foreign-owned aircraft without a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. The Russian airlines concerned have knowingly done so in breach of relevant international safety standards. This is not only a clear breach of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention), but it also poses an immediate safety threat. We are living in the context of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. However, I want to make it crystal-clear that this decision is not another sanction against Russia; it has been taken solely on the basis of technical and safety grounds. We do not mix safety with politics.”

[cdnmatt]

Now here's a prime example of how and why the West is different. Quick news segment from tonight:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y23mTSviCZo

I'm assuming that wouldn't be allowed in Russia, but the news commentator is right. Bush made a massive freudian slip while giving a speech recently.