*** Official Russia vs. Ukraine Discussion - Invasion has begun *** (5 Viewers)

[Chadstroma]

Atacms: What we know about missile system Ukraine could use to strike Russia

The US has never allowed Kyiv to use long-range missiles for attacks inside Russia proper – until now.

www.bbc.com

 

[Chadstroma]

Russia Has Suffered Colossal Losses in Ukraine. Is Its Army Depleted?

Researchers and journalists have found innovative ways to measure Russia’s ability to keep fighting.

www.nytimes.com

 

[Chadstroma]

What are the Storm Shadow missiles Ukraine has fired into Russia?

Ukraine has used UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles against targets inside Russia for the first time.

www.bbc.com

 

[Navin Johnson]

There are claims that suggest the US was very active in propping up an anti-Russian shadow government in Ukraine. These claims suggest this as the reason Putin invaded and not that he is some madman trying to expand his territory.

They still acknowledge that Putin is 100% wrong, it is just a discussion on his motivation.

I don’t know what to make of this other than to know there is a lot I don’t know.

For those interested, look on YouTube for RFK Jr on the Howie Mandel show (seriously) and also a Rogan episode about it.

IF (capital letters) there is ANY merit to this train of thought, a US promise to stop meddling in the region could go a long way toward a peace agreement.

These videos claim that before the invasion Russia had worked out a deal with Ukraine and once the West got involved Ukraine backed out.

I would encourage you to find more credible sources on Ukraine than RFKJ.

How about John Mearsheimer? Noam Chomsky?

 

[ChicoCat]

There are claims that suggest the US was very active in propping up an anti-Russian shadow government in Ukraine. These claims suggest this as the reason Putin invaded and not that he is some madman trying to expand his territory.

They still acknowledge that Putin is 100% wrong, it is just a discussion on his motivation.

I don’t know what to make of this other than to know there is a lot I don’t know.

For those interested, look on YouTube for RFK Jr on the Howie Mandel show (seriously) and also a Rogan episode about it.

IF (capital letters) there is ANY merit to this train of thought, a US promise to stop meddling in the region could go a long way toward a peace agreement.

These videos claim that before the invasion Russia had worked out a deal with Ukraine and once the West got involved Ukraine backed out.

If true, what course will our new adminstration have to take? Putin could be sitting back right now, running the clock out and saving Russian lives. He's not. If this is true, there isn't much Trump can walk back.

 

[need2know]

There are claims that suggest the US was very active in propping up an anti-Russian shadow government in Ukraine. These claims suggest this as the reason Putin invaded and not that he is some madman trying to expand his territory.

They still acknowledge that Putin is 100% wrong, it is just a discussion on his motivation.

I don’t know what to make of this other than to know there is a lot I don’t know.

For those interested, look on YouTube for RFK Jr on the Howie Mandel show (seriously) and also a Rogan episode about it.

IF (capital letters) there is ANY merit to this train of thought, a US promise to stop meddling in the region could go a long way toward a peace agreement.

These videos claim that before the invasion Russia had worked out a deal with Ukraine and once the West got involved Ukraine backed out.

If true, what course will our new adminstration have to take? Putin could be sitting back right now, running the clock out and saving Russian lives. He's not. If this is true, there isn't much Trump can walk back.

Dont underestimate trump. He will get more done in a month than biden has done in 4 years

 

[Chadstroma]

Russia's economy nears collapse: Central Bank warns of record unemployment

The head of Russia's Central Bank, Elvira Nabiullina, stated on November 19 that nearly all available resources in the Russian economy have already been utilized

global.espreso.tv

 

[Chadstroma]

Putin’s Ukraine missile a warning to west before second age of Trump

The current escalations will set a new status quo for life under Trump – what does the president-elect have planned?

www.theguardian.com

 

[Sand]

Russia's economy nears collapse: Central Bank warns of record unemployment

The head of Russia's Central Bank, Elvira Nabiullina, stated on November 19 that nearly all available resources in the Russian economy have already been utilized

global.espreso.tv

I've seen this headline more than a few times over the last couple years. The CIA is just recycling headlines that they plant at this point.

 

[Chadstroma]

Russia's economy nears collapse: Central Bank warns of record unemployment

The head of Russia's Central Bank, Elvira Nabiullina, stated on November 19 that nearly all available resources in the Russian economy have already been utilized

global.espreso.tv

I've seen this headline more than a few times over the last couple years. The CIA is just recycling headlines that they plant at this point.

I have said it more than once... the Russian economy is borrowing from the future. Time is running out. If you don't understand that then you don't understand economics or haven't paid attention. The only thing that has kept it going so far is oil, gas, etc. Those prices fall, the entire economy collapses. You don't need CIA plants, you just need to understand what is and is not happening. I don't know the time frame but 100% without doubt, there will be a reckoning for the Russian economy.

 

[Sand]

Russia's economy nears collapse: Central Bank warns of record unemployment

The head of Russia's Central Bank, Elvira Nabiullina, stated on November 19 that nearly all available resources in the Russian economy have already been utilized

global.espreso.tv

I've seen this headline more than a few times over the last couple years. The CIA is just recycling headlines that they plant at this point.

I have said it more than once... the Russian economy is borrowing from the future. Time is running out. If you don't understand that then you don't understand economics or haven't paid attention. The only thing that has kept it going so far is oil, gas, etc. Those prices fall, the entire economy collapses. You don't need CIA plants, you just need to understand what is and is not happening. I don't know the time frame but 100% without doubt, there will be a reckoning for the Russian economy.

 

[Orange&Blue]

There are claims that suggest the US was very active in propping up an anti-Russian shadow government in Ukraine. These claims suggest this as the reason Putin invaded and not that he is some madman trying to expand his territory.

They still acknowledge that Putin is 100% wrong, it is just a discussion on his motivation.

I don’t know what to make of this other than to know there is a lot I don’t know.

For those interested, look on YouTube for RFK Jr on the Howie Mandel show (seriously) and also a Rogan episode about it.

IF (capital letters) there is ANY merit to this train of thought, a US promise to stop meddling in the region could go a long way toward a peace agreement.

These videos claim that before the invasion Russia had worked out a deal with Ukraine and once the West got involved Ukraine backed out.

or i could just ask putin and skip the middle people in Rogan and RFK Jr.

 

[Orange&Blue]

There are claims that suggest the US was very active in propping up an anti-Russian shadow government in Ukraine. These claims suggest this as the reason Putin invaded and not that he is some madman trying to expand his territory.

They still acknowledge that Putin is 100% wrong, it is just a discussion on his motivation.

I don’t know what to make of this other than to know there is a lot I don’t know.

For those interested, look on YouTube for RFK Jr on the Howie Mandel show (seriously) and also a Rogan episode about it.

IF (capital letters) there is ANY merit to this train of thought, a US promise to stop meddling in the region could go a long way toward a peace agreement.

These videos claim that before the invasion Russia had worked out a deal with Ukraine and once the West got involved Ukraine backed out.

I would encourage you to find more credible sources on Ukraine than RFKJ.

Agreed.

After some research I have found many articles confirming that Ukraine and Russia had the framework for a peace deal in place in April 2022 and Ukraine was advised not to accept by the UK and US.

Point being that maybe it is possible with US support that a deal can be worked quickly. Whether that is a good deal for Ukraine, I am too ignorant to know.

what a load of crap.

the Russian "proposal" was straight out capitulation with ukraine losing all territories currently occupied, some territories not occupied, full demilitirization, etc.

we didn't have to advise them anything.

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

There are claims that suggest the US was very active in propping up an anti-Russian shadow government in Ukraine. These claims suggest this as the reason Putin invaded and not that he is some madman trying to expand his territory.

They still acknowledge that Putin is 100% wrong, it is just a discussion on his motivation.

I don’t know what to make of this other than to know there is a lot I don’t know.

For those interested, look on YouTube for RFK Jr on the Howie Mandel show (seriously) and also a Rogan episode about it.

IF (capital letters) there is ANY merit to this train of thought, a US promise to stop meddling in the region could go a long way toward a peace agreement.

These videos claim that before the invasion Russia had worked out a deal with Ukraine and once the West got involved Ukraine backed out.

If true, what course will our new adminstration have to take? Putin could be sitting back right now, running the clock out and saving Russian lives. He's not. If this is true, there isn't much Trump can walk back.

Dont underestimate trump. He will get more done in a month than biden has done in 4 years

reaction.

 

[Chadstroma]

Russia's economy nears collapse: Central Bank warns of record unemployment

The head of Russia's Central Bank, Elvira Nabiullina, stated on November 19 that nearly all available resources in the Russian economy have already been utilized

global.espreso.tv

I've seen this headline more than a few times over the last couple years. The CIA is just recycling headlines that they plant at this point.

I have said it more than once... the Russian economy is borrowing from the future. Time is running out. If you don't understand that then you don't understand economics or haven't paid attention. The only thing that has kept it going so far is oil, gas, etc. Those prices fall, the entire economy collapses. You don't need CIA plants, you just need to understand what is and is not happening. I don't know the time frame but 100% without doubt, there will be a reckoning for the Russian economy.

Way whiter... a little pinkish.

 

[Chadstroma]

Ukraine's Defence Intelligence knows about Russian document outlining plan to divide Ukraine into three parts​

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) is aware of a document prepared in Russia forecasting the development of the military-political situation in the world until 2045, which includes a plan to divide the Ukrainian territory into three parts.

Quote: "The first thing is that DIU is aware of this document... I will say more, this document was prepared by the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces around December last year. This document serves as the basis for long-term defence plans for a certain period – at least 10 years. Specifically, this document was developed for 2026-2035 with a perspective until 2045."

Details: Skibitskyi added that the document addresses the further development of the situation at the global and regional scale, and the threats that Russia sees for itself. He also emphasised that in order to have a powerful economic, demographic, territorial and military potential, Putin needs all of Ukraine.

Quote: "Regarding the possible division of Ukraine. Undoubtedly, Russia's strategic goal remains the complete occupation of our country...

And this scenario of further development with a possible division of the territory is relevant, not even for 2035-45. It will already be relevant in the near future, in 2026, and maybe even earlier. You have heard Putin's statements about Ukrainian territories. He is already saying that Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts and Crimea are allegedly Russian territories according to their Constitution."

 

[Chadstroma]

Ukraine receives NASAMS air defence systems promised by Canada – media​

The NASAMS air defence system, which Canada ordered from the United States over two years ago, has arrived in Ukraine.

Source: Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair during a speech in the Canadian Parliament, writes CBC, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Blair informed legislators that the NASAMS system, for which Ottawa spent over US$300 million, is now in the hands of Ukrainians.

Quote: "I can't give you more information on that because of operational security, but we have been able to deliver at long last – and I think it's going to make a difference because it will enable them to protect communities," the Canadian defence minister said.

Ottawa revealed intentions to deploy the NASAMS air defence system to Ukraine in January 2023.

The idea was for Canada to pay the US government the whole cost of the system, while the US would enter into an arrangement to sell equipment directly to Ukraine.

It was in early November, however, that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the NASAMS system was on its way to Ukraine.

Earlier, it was revealed that the Canadian government had allocated CAD 763 million (over US$545 million) in its draft budget for 2025 for military assistance to Ukraine.

 

[Chadstroma]

Ukrainian Armed Forces planning shift to corps system by late November​

According to the concept, the Ukrainian army will adopt a corps-brigade system.

This system will significantly save human and material resources, the source told NV.

In contrast, transitioning to a divisional system would be much more expensive and require greater human, financial, and material resources, which Ukraine currently cannot afford.

The source noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces need reform because many units were created on a temporary basis, and some officers may not know their subordinates or the specifics of their brigades.

On Nov. 19, the commander of the 12th Special Purpose Brigade of the National Guard Azov, Hero of Ukraine Denys Prokopenko, called for changing the troop management procedure and creating divisions or army corps within the Defense Forces.

Strategic planning mistakes cannot be compensated for at the tactical level when the enemy has an advantage in almost every aspect, according to Prokopenko.

 

[Chadstroma]

South Korea says Russia supplied air defense missiles to North Korea in return for its troops​

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Russia has supplied air defense missile systems to North Korea in exchange for sending its troops to support Russia's war efforts against Ukraine, a top South Korean official said Friday.

The U.S., South Korea and Ukraine say North Korea sent more than 10,000 troops to Russia in October, some of whom have recently begun engaging in combat on the front lines. North Korea's troop deployment threatens to escalate the war, and what Russia could give to the North in return has been a source of rampant international speculation.

The most alarming development for South Korea and the U.S. would be Russia transferring sophisticated weapons technology that can enhance North Korea's nuclear-capable missiles targeting its rivals. Many experts say, though, that it is unlikely Russia would do this in the initial stage of the North’s troop deployment.

Shin Wonsik, national security adviser for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, told an SBS TV program Friday that South Korea has found Russia provided missiles and other equipment to help it reinforce its air defense network for Pyongyang, the capital. Shin didn’t say what specific missiles Russia gave to North Korea.

Lee Illwoo, an expert with the Korea Defense Network in South Korea, said that Russia has likely sent S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles, launchers and ground-based radar systems. He said that North Korea is capable of building shorter-range surface-to-air missiles on its own.

The S-400 missile, with a range of 400 kilometers (250 miles), is considered one of Russia’s most advanced anti-aircraft weapons. But Lee questioned how significantly it can boost Pyongyang’s air defense, saying Russian air defense systems have failed to effectively deal with Ukrainian drone assaults.

Many observers say North Korea has likely felt the urgent need to boost its air defense capabilities after it last month accused South Korea of flying drones to scatter propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang. North Korea threatened to take military action if leaflets were again dropped. South Korea’s military has refused to confirm whether or not it was behind the alleged drone flights.

Kim Dae Young, a military expert at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, said it’s possible that the air defense systems North Korea acquired from Russia could include counter-drone equipment.

Kim said that Pyongyang's outdated air defense system would need years of improvement and potentially huge external help to cope with the superior air forces of South Korea and the United States.

Shin said Russia has also appeared to have given economic assistance to North Korea and various military technologies, including those needed for the North's efforts to build a reliable space-based surveillance system. Shin didn’t say whether Russia has already transferred sensitive nuclear and missile technologies to North Korea.

During a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin already said that Moscow was willing to help the North build satellites. North Korea put its first spy satellite into orbit in November last year, but foreign experts question whether that satellite can produce militarily meaningful imagery. The North's attempt to launch a second spy satellite failed in May.

North Korea and Russia have been sharply boosting their military and other cooperation in the face of separate confrontations with the U.S. and its allies. Last month, South Korea's spy agency said that North Korea had sent more than 13,000 containers of artillery, missiles and other conventional arms to Russia since August 2023 to replenish its dwindling weapons stockpiles. The National Intelligence Service said Wednesday that North Korea had recently sent additional artillery systems to Russia.

Earlier this week, North Korea and Russia reached a new agreement for expanding economic cooperation following high-level talks in Pyongyang this week, according to the countries’ state-run media.

 

[Chadstroma]

A Norwegian student has been arrested on charges of spying on the US for Russia​

OSLO, Norway (AP) — A Norwegian student in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia and Iran while working as a guard at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, authorities in Norway have said.

The man, who has not been identified, was ordered to be held in custody for four weeks. He runs a security company jointly with a dual national of Norway and an unspecified eastern European country, according to Norwegian public broadcaster NRK.

Oslo police said Friday they would review the company's operating license.

Norway's domestic intelligence agency, PST, said Thursday night that the man was arrested in his garage at home on Wednesday on suspicion of having damaged national security with his intelligence-related activity.

The arrest warrant from the district court, says, among other things, that the police found records of the man's assignment dialogue with a person who was apparently guiding his espionage activity, according to NRK.

The man has admitted to collecting and sharing information with Russian and Iranian authorities, the court order says, according to NRK.

It is too early to talk about the details of the man's activity, PST spokesman Thomas Blom told a news conference Thursday night. PST has confirmed the man was employed as a security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo. There are no other suspects in the case at this point.

The suspect's attorney, John Christian Elden, told NRK that the man admits he worked for a foreign country but does not plead guilty of espionage.

“He is charged with having obtained information that could harm the security situation of third countries,” Elden said.

It was revealed Friday that the man is studying for a bachelor's degree in security and preparedness at Norway’s Arctic University, UiT.

It is a second such case at UiT in recent years, according to NRK.

One of the people the West swapped with Russia in a major prisoner exchange in August was a UiT guest researcher who claimed to be a Brazilian named José Assis Giammaria, arrested on espionage allegations in 2022. The police revealed him to be Russian, Mikhail Valeryevich Mikushin.

Norway has a 198-kilometer (123-mile) -long border with Russia in the Arctic. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Norway has heavily restricted entry for Russian nationals.

In September, the Norwegian government said it was considering a plan to build a fence along all or part of its border with Russia.

 

[Chadstroma]

NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russia's attack with new hypersonic missile

NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with a hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war.

apnews.com

 

[Chadstroma]

North Korean General Wounded in Ukrainian Missile Strike on Kursk Region – WSJ - The Moscow Times

A North Korean general was wounded in a Ukrainian missile strike on southwestern Russia’s Kursk region, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing anonymous Western officials.

www.themoscowtimes.com

 

[Chadstroma]

What do we know about Russia’s new ballistic missile?

Moscow says the Oreshnik, a nuclear-capable weapon, was used in an attack on Ukraine amid escalating tensions.

www.aljazeera.com

 

[Chadstroma]

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskyy urges ‘firm and decisive’ international response to ‘latest act of Russian madness’ – as it happened

Russian leader claims experimental ballistic missile cannot be intercepted and says Moscow will keep testing and begin serial production

www.theguardian.com

 

[Chadstroma]

Spain leads in sending Leopard 2A4 tanks to ukraine​

As reported by the Infodefensa portal, preparations are underway in Spain to send additional Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine. The transport will be routed through Poland, but an interesting fact draws attention: Spain, not typically considered a tank powerhouse, has become the country providing Ukraine with the most Leopard 2A4 tanks.

The Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, confirmed that "the tasks related to finalizing this transport are practically completed, and the tanks will soon head to Poland, where the delivery of materials for Ukrainian forces is coordinated."

More Spanish Leopard 2A4 tanks for Ukraine​

This refers to the final units from a batch of 19 Leopard 2A4 tanks that the Spanish authorities promised Ukraine at the beginning of this year. However, these are not the only tanks from Spain that have been managed and refurbished for Ukraine. In 2023, Madrid sent 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Kyiv.

According to the Defence Express portal, which specializes in military topics and the war in Ukraine, the 29 Leopard 2A4s give Spain the first place on the donor list for this type of tank. Spain surpasses not only Poland, which delivered 14 Leopard 2A4s, but also Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany, where these tanks were originally manufactured. Although Spain has no massive arms industry, Madrid successfully organized a stable renovation process for Leopard 2A4s for Ukraine at its Santa Bárbara Sistemas plants.

Leopard 2A4 in Ukraine. Performing well​

Among Western tanks in Ukraine, the Leopard 1A5 is the most numerous. However, the newer Leopard 2A4 not only provides greater durability but, most importantly, significantly better offensive capabilities, as Ukrainian soldiers have repeatedly pointed out. It is armed with a Rheinmetall L/44 smoothbore gun of 120 mm caliber and features an advanced EMES 15 fire control system with thermal imaging.

The Leopard 2A4's combat weight exceeds 60 tons. It is a tank about 32 feet long and more than 11 feet wide. Built-in fuel tanks with a total capacity of 317 gallons allow the crew to travel approximately 342 miles without refueling. An engine with 1,500 horsepower provides propulsion, enabling the Leopard 2A4 to reach speeds of up to 43 mph on paved roads.

Of course, while its durability is much better than old Soviet-era tanks, it cannot compare to even newer models. Therefore, Ukrainians often opt for additional modifications, such as installing reactive armor blocks like Contact-1.

 

[Chadstroma]

IMF believes funding Ukraine now is more cost-effective for partners than to risk its defeat​

Ukraine has demonstrated that it is a reliable borrower with a sound debt repayment plan, making it more advantageous for its partners to provide funding now and prevent Ukraine's defeat in the war.

Source: Priscilla Toffano, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) representative in Ukraine, during the Reform Matrix: Foundations for Strengthening Economic Growth for EU Accession conference in Kyiv, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "Funding the country now is worth it – not just from the perspective of values, principles, or morality, but it may also be cheaper for Ukraine’s allies. It is less expensive to finance Ukraine now and prevent it from losing the war than to cover the costs of additional defence or refugees if Ukraine were to lose."

Details: Toffano emphasised that Ukraine must continue to demonstrate to its international partners its ability to implement sound policies.

She acknowledged Ukraine’s efforts to increase domestic revenue but noted that the shock caused by Russian aggression is so severe that external financing remains indispensable. In this context, she highlighted the importance of the G7's new initiative, the USAID's Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), which aims to allocate US$50 billion to Ukraine using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.

Toffano also pointed out that Ukraine's expenditures will remain high after the war due to reconstruction efforts, substantial social spending, particularly on veterans' adaptation and efforts to repatriate citizens who have fled abroad.

In light of these challenges, she stressed the importance of increasing taxes, referencing the IMF's proposal to raise value-added tax (VAT) and adhere to the National Revenue Strategy.

Background: The International Monetary Fund has revised its forecast for Ukraine's real GDP growth, predicting a 4% increase in 2024 and 2.5-3.5% growth in subsequent years.

 

[Chadstroma]

Ukraine's Defence Ministry says Lithuania will finance production of Ukrainian long-range drones, particularly Palianytsia drone missiles​

Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has said that Lithuania will finance the production of Ukrainian long-range drones.

Umierov signed a relevant memorandum in Vilnius with his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

Umierov explained that this is a long-term agreement under which the first tranche of €10 million had been agreed upon.

"Lithuania will allocate these funds for the production of Ukrainian long-range weapons, particularly the Palianytsia [turbojet drone missile system] project," the defence minister said. ["Palianytsia", a type of bread, is a Ukrainian word that Russians find difficult to pronounce properly. Since the full-scale Russian invasion started, Ukrainians have used the word as a means to identify Russian military or saboteurs – ed.]

The minister highlighted that Lithuania is in the final stages of completing the necessary bureaucratic procedures, and the first tranche to support Ukraine's DeepStrike UAVs is set to be transferred soon.

Alongside signing the memorandum, the defence ministers outlined key priorities for 2025: training and equipping Ukrainian brigades, supplying ammunition and air defence systems, and enhancing collaboration in the defence industry.

Background:

・In August, President Volodymyr Zelenskyyannounced the first successful combat use of a new weapon, the Ukrainian long-range turbojet drone missile system Palianytsia.

・Nearly all details about the Palianytsia drone missile system remain classified. However, it is known to have a range capable of targeting at least two dozen Russian military airfields. The system can be launched from a ground-based platform.

・Last week, Umierov announced that Norway would finance the production of Ukrainian weapons and equipment, thus joining the Danish model of military support for Ukraine.

・At the Ukraine-Northern Europe summit last month, the prime ministers of Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Swedenexpressed their interest in further cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry.

 

[Chadstroma]

Head of European Parliament urges Germany to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine​

Germany must provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine, particularly in light of the escalating war driven by Russia, states European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

Metsola affirmed when asked whether countries supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles should allow Kyiv to use them against targets in Russia and whether Germany should provide Taurus missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"Yes, this is also the position of the European Parliament. There is broad support for this demand. We will see if there is a corresponding policy shift after the Bundestag elections," she noted.

What to know about Taurus missiles

Taurus is a family of German-Swedish air-launched cruise missiles classified as "air-to-surface" with long-range capabilities. They are designed for precision strikes on heavily fortified and deep-buried targets, including critical point and extended-area infrastructure, without the carrier aircraft entering the adversary's air defense zone.

The missiles were developed and are produced by Taurus Systems GmbH, based in Schrobenhausen — a joint venture of MBDA Deutschland.

 

[Chadstroma]

ATACMS Strikes Is a Nightmare for Russia in Ukraine War​

The authorization of Ukrainian strikes into the territory of the Russian Federation with ATACMS missiles is a decision Kyiv has been waiting on for months. While it is still way too early to assess the impact of this move on the conflict’s overall dynamics, the Kremlin’s reaction has revealed its concerns about the possible developments.

While Ukraine manages to sustain its Kursk offensive, its standing on the eastern front seems to worsen. Russia gained more land in October than any month in the past two years. Along with Russia’s large-scale drone and missile strikes, Ukraine’s arms and ammunition shortages and increasingly challenging mobilization of new military personnel put Ukraine in a worse negotiating position with the prospect of a possible ceasefire.

A ceasefire seems more probable than before November 9, 2024, given Donald Trump’s campaign promises to strike a peace deal. Yet precise Ukrainian use of ATACMS fire could potentially curb this negative trend by depriving Russia of some amounts of its own arms, ammunition, or fuel stored in the neighboring regions, which is evidently intended to be used against Ukraine.

Keeping the Ukrainian Armed Forces standing against Russian aggression without being outgunned until Trump takes office might have been a point in the Biden administration’s considerations.

Ukraine must certainly avoid deliberate attacks on non-military targets and minimize the risk of causing damage to civilians. Such an assault would be a massive opportunity for Russian propaganda to try to blur the line between the aggressor and the victim of aggression. And what is even worse, one could easily visualize Russian false flag operations posing as brutal Ukrainian strikes against civilians.

Hence, when firing ATACMS against Russia, Ukraine would be best served by strictly observing international humanitarian law.

Russia has just updated its declared nuclear posture to lower its threshold of the possible use of such weapons. The amendments harmonize with continuous threats from Russian political and media figures who underline the risk of nuclear escalation.

Throughout the war in Ukraine, however, Russia’s red lines have been frequently tested and redefined. The Russian 2020 nuclear posture assumed four possible scenarios to occur, which may trigger nuclear retaliation. Missile fire upon Russian territory was one of these. But it is important to note that this already happened multiple times, both in the “annexed” territories, where Moscow illegally claims Crimea and four regions of Ukraine as its own, and locations that are internationally recognized as Russian territory.

Another Russian red line that has been violated was a prohibition against providing any military assistance to Ukraine. But supplies of increasingly advanced and lethal weapons, including different kinds of missiles and anti-missile systems, fighter jets, and tanks, arrived in Ukraine without Russian nuclear escalation.

Although the Kremlin constantly tries to lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons—both rhetorically and officially by updating its nuclear posture—there have been no indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon.

Apart from Russian provocations below the threshold of war, the West sleeps peacefully while Ukrainians face increasing assaults from Russia. The difference between Russia’s threatening narratives and its more restrained actions could be explained by referring to the Russian holistic understanding of strategic deterrence, which includes not only robust military capabilities—with nuclear weapons as the ultimate one—but also a wide array of non-military, political, diplomatic, and information-related means.

Therefore, the course of the war in Ukraine proves that Russia’s nuclear threats are meant mostly as a deterrent.

 

[Chadstroma]

General Anashkin dismissed after false reports scandal surfaces​

According to independent Russian bloggers, after recent false reports about the capture of several localities in eastern Ukraine, General Gennady Anashkin was dismissed. Until now, he oversaw the operations of the "South" military group.

The commander of the Russian "South" military group, General Gennady Anashkin, was dismissed after false information about the capture of several localities in eastern Ukraine was revealed, reported the Polish Press Agency, citing independent Russian portals quoting military bloggers.

According to Russian bloggers, including Rybar and Kirill Fedorov, Anashkin's dismissal is the result of a scandal involving false reports about the capture of the villages of Serebryanka, Hryhorivka, Bilohorivka, and Verkhn'okam'yans'ke in the Donetsk region.

False information was provided by the commander and chief of staff of the 3rd Luhansk-Severodonetsk Army and commanders of the 6th, 7th, and 123rd brigades of the Russian armed forces to General Anashkin, who then misled his superiors.

Further dismissals in the Russian army​

The higher command arrived and wished to visit the 'liberated' Bilohorivka, which theoretically was supposed to be deep in the rear, as Hryhorivka and Serebryanka were allegedly taken. Then the extent of the deception became clear, which penetrated not only the media but also the highest headquarters, wrote blogger Rybar.​

The "Veteran's Notes" Telegram channel assessed that the problem is systemic and involves more than one section of the front in the war zone. So far, there is no official confirmation of General Anashkin's dismissal.

Rybar also noted that despite unofficial reports about false reports, the reaction of the military system took two months to manifest. "From the point of view of the inertia and immobility of the war machine, this is indeed a fantastic achievement," he commented.

 

[Chadstroma]

Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of November 23​

On November 22, a total of 194 Russian attacks were carried out on the front. The occupiers focused most of their assaults on Ukrainian Armed Forces' positions in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"In the Pokrovsk direction, Ukrainian Armed Forces halted 44 assault actions by the aggressor targeting Myrolyubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Sukhyi Yar, Pustynka, Hryhorivka, Dachenke, Petrivka, and Pushkyne," the report states.

In the Kurakhove direction, the Defense Forces repelled 36 Russian attacks. The occupiers were most active in attempting to advance near Berestky, Sontsivka, Dalne, Novodmytrivka, Kurakhove, Katerynivka, Romanivka, and Antonivka.

Situation in other directions

In the Kharkiv direction, the enemy launched three assaults on Ukrainian positions near the settlement of Vovchansk.

In the Kupiansk direction, six enemy attacks were recorded over the past day. The Defense Forces repelled assaults near Zelenyi Hai, Hlushkivka, and Zahryzove.

In the Lyman direction, the enemy conducted 19 attacks, attempting to breach Ukrainian defenses near Torske, Hrekivka, Terny, Novoiehorivka, and Makiivka.

In the Kramatorsk direction, the occupiers attacked five times near Stupochky and Chasiv Yar.

In the Toretsk direction, the enemy carried out eight assaults targeting Toretsk.

In the Vremivka direction, the enemy conducted 30 assaults on Ukrainian positions near Trudove, Konstantynopolske, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Sukhi Yaly, and Novodarivka.

In the Orikhiv direction, occupation forces made one unsuccessful attempt to storm Defense Forces’ positions near Kamianske.

In the Prydniprovskyi direction, the enemy launched four unsuccessful attacks on Ukrainian positions.

In the Volyn and Polissia directions, no signs of the enemy forming offensive groups were detected.

Russia's losses in Ukraine

Over the past day, Russian losses amounted to 1,420 personnel. Additionally, the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed 20 tanks, 36 armored fighting vehicles, 24 artillery systems, 105 operational-tactical UAVs, 73 vehicles, and three units of special equipment belonging to the occupiers.

Moreover, during the past day, missile and artillery units of the Defense Forces struck four areas of enemy personnel, weaponry, and equipment concentrations, as well as three artillery systems of the Russian forces.

 

[Chadstroma]

Taiwan’s former president says US should prioritize helping Ukraine over her country​

https://thehill.com/policy/international/5006671-taiwans-former-president-says-us-should-prioritize-helping-ukraine-over-her-country/

 

[Chadstroma]

Ukraine has lost over 40% of Russia's Kursk region to counter-attacks, Kyiv military source says​

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-has-lost-over-40-russias-kursk-region-counter-attacks-senior-kyiv-2024-11-23/

 

[Chadstroma]

No 'red lines' in Ukraine support, French foreign minister tells BBC

Jean-Noël Barrot speaks to Laura Kuenssberg after a week of escalation in Ukraine.

www.bbc.com

 

[Chadstroma]

The week that upped the stakes of the Ukraine war

This past week has seen the most significant escalation in hostilities Ukraine has witnessed since Russia's full-scale invasion and marks a new chapter in the nearly three-year war.

apnews.com

 

[Chadstroma]

Putin signs law forgiving debt arrears for new Russian recruits for Ukraine war​

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-signs-law-forgiving-debt-arrears-new-russian-recruits-ukraine-war-2024-11-23/

 

[Chadstroma]

Robot warfare risks Russia-Ukraine war standstill: Ex-military chief

Valerii Zaluzhnyi predicted that it would be years before serious breakthroughs on the war's frontlines will be possible.

www.newsweek.com

 

[Chadstroma]

Putin's unmoving hands spark speculation amid missile attack​

For several days, the eyes of the world have been on Russia, which on Thursday attacked the Ukrainian city of Dnipro with a new medium-range missile, the Oreshnik. An expert from the German daily "Bild" comments on Vladimir Putin's address, pointing out one significant detail of the recording—the dictator's hands are "glued to the table."

Vladimir Putin's unexpected address was related to strikes deep into Russia. The dictator stated that on November 19, ATACMS missiles and on November 20, Storm Shadow systems hit targets in the Kursk and Bryansk regions. The attack's objectives were allegedly not achieved, even though Russian channels reported losses.

Putin confirmed that on Thursday morning, the Ukrainian city of Dnipro was attacked with the new medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik.

The echoes of Russia's use of the new Oreshnik system have not faded. According to Putin, "there is no countermeasure to such a missile, no means of intercepting it, in the world today." However, the German "Bild" points out another important element of the Russian dictator's statement—during the several-minute-long address, Putin did not move his hands once, which is highly suggestive.

Can Putin move his hands?​

"Bild" notes that Putin often gesticulated during previous speeches. He gesticulated just as vividly the day after (November 22) during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense. Meanwhile, in the recording from Thursday's address, his hands "look as if they were glued to the table."

Julian Röpke, "Bild's" expert on open-source analysis, believes that the recording could also have been appropriately edited to draw the immobilized hands of the dictator closer to the rest of his body. In his opinion, this could be due to the dictator's illness or to conceal his excitement.

- These recordings showed that Putin threatens the whole world, but he himself cannot move his hands - emphasized the expert.

Similar conclusions were drawn by British body language expert, Judi James, who believes that in the footage, Putin "struggled to hide his anger."

- Those hands didn't move, neither did his torso. His micro eye-dart suggested he was reading from an auto-cue and he began in a pose of performed concern, with his right eyebrow held in a frown that curled upward on the inner corner and a heavily furrowed brow - she pointed out.

This is really odd....

x.com

x.com

 

[The Z Machine]

Putin's unmoving hands spark speculation amid missile attack​

For several days, the eyes of the world have been on Russia, which on Thursday attacked the Ukrainian city of Dnipro with a new medium-range missile, the Oreshnik. An expert from the German daily "Bild" comments on Vladimir Putin's address, pointing out one significant detail of the recording—the dictator's hands are "glued to the table."

Vladimir Putin's unexpected address was related to strikes deep into Russia. The dictator stated that on November 19, ATACMS missiles and on November 20, Storm Shadow systems hit targets in the Kursk and Bryansk regions. The attack's objectives were allegedly not achieved, even though Russian channels reported losses.

Putin confirmed that on Thursday morning, the Ukrainian city of Dnipro was attacked with the new medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik.

The echoes of Russia's use of the new Oreshnik system have not faded. According to Putin, "there is no countermeasure to such a missile, no means of intercepting it, in the world today." However, the German "Bild" points out another important element of the Russian dictator's statement—during the several-minute-long address, Putin did not move his hands once, which is highly suggestive.

Can Putin move his hands?​

"Bild" notes that Putin often gesticulated during previous speeches. He gesticulated just as vividly the day after (November 22) during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense. Meanwhile, in the recording from Thursday's address, his hands "look as if they were glued to the table."

Julian Röpke, "Bild's" expert on open-source analysis, believes that the recording could also have been appropriately edited to draw the immobilized hands of the dictator closer to the rest of his body. In his opinion, this could be due to the dictator's illness or to conceal his excitement.

- These recordings showed that Putin threatens the whole world, but he himself cannot move his hands - emphasized the expert.

Similar conclusions were drawn by British body language expert, Judi James, who believes that in the footage, Putin "struggled to hide his anger."

- Those hands didn't move, neither did his torso. His micro eye-dart suggested he was reading from an auto-cue and he began in a pose of performed concern, with his right eyebrow held in a frown that curled upward on the inner corner and a heavily furrowed brow - she pointed out.

This is really odd....

x.com

x.com

Looks like they were fake in after. No movement above the elbow. Super odd

 

[Chadstroma]

What Putin Wants from the Ukraine Conflict​

In recent months, the discussion on whether the time has come to stop or at least freeze the war in Ukraine has visibly intensified. When contemplating various scenarios of how this could be done, pundits in both the United States and Europe focus on security guarantees and economic assistance that should be provided to Ukraine or on leverages the West could apply to persuade Kyiv to agree to an inescapably painful would-be agreement.

A lot less attention is paid to possible trade-offs that could be demanded from or negotiated with Moscow. It seems that Western diplomats and analysts, sensing the war fatigue in their respective societies, presume that a similar sentiment exists in Russia, or rather, in the Russian leadership.

To think so would be a mistake. The moment to assume that the Kremlin might be ready to seek a peace deal, if it has ever existed, has long since passed. At this point, Vladimir Putin looks confident that time is on his side. His calculus can, of course, still prove to be wrong, but for now, this is the basis for his decisions.

There are two fundamental sets of arguments that likely drive Putin’s thinking.

The first one is that Russia has preserved, and in some areas even increased, its capacity to wage war, including a war of attrition. In the autumn of 2023, Russian troops seized the initiative and currently are advancing. True, casualties are significant. But this is no novelty: this is how both the imperial and the Soviet armies fought for centuries.

Russia has maintained the necessary numbers of manpower, and Western economic sanctions have had a very limited impact on the Russian economy. Again, Russia’s resources are not endless, but for the time being, the Kremlin has enough money to finance the war, to pay salaries to soldiers or compensations to their families in case of a soldier’s death, and to make sure the defense industry will be able to function.

Russia’s budget deficit at war is smaller than that of many Western countries at peace.

Inside Russia, only a minority opposes the war. For the majority, it is extremely difficult to abandon their positive attitudes. It is worth reminding that 86 percent of Russian citizens welcomed the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Whereas support for the full-scale war against Ukraine has been lower, people are unwilling to accept the loss of the Crimean Peninsula. The “rally-around-the-flag” effect played a role in Putin’s reelection as president in March 2024.

Last but not least, Russia does not feel internationally isolated. It engages with the so-called “Global South,” with China playing the leading part in enabling Russia to continue the war. Countries like Iran and North Korea have become important suppliers of weapons, ammunition, and, in the latter case, also manpower.

The second line of argumentation is that Putin needs to achieve an unquestionable victory not only over Ukraine but, by extension, also over the West.

Otherwise, when Russia’s national consolidation weakens after the war ends and the economy slows down without the war stimulus, it will be a challenge to keep the Russian citizens convinced that the endeavor was worth the effort.

However, this is the secondary motivation. The most important result has nothing to do with domestic politics. Throughout his long stay in power, Putin has aspired to replay the end of the Cold War. Ukraine’s defeat on the battlefield and the failure of its Western partners to prevent this would no doubt allow Moscow to claim that the mission has been accomplished.


There are four components that the Kremlin wants to secure, namely:

1) Western recognition of Russia’s territorial expansion, including Crimea.

2) Economic sanctions against Russia should be lifted.

3) Frozen assets should be returned.

4) A de facto Russian veto on major issues of European security, such as NATO enlargement.

Putin’s power instincts have been trained for decades. Once he feels that his opponents are weak, he increases the pressure. If he consolidates the gains in Ukraine, he will likely try his luck elsewhere. It will not necessarily be NATO countries as an open war with NATO will still involve huge risks for Russia.

The Kremlin’s next steps may be the annexation of Belarus and bringing Moldova, by military or other methods, back into the exclusive Russian sphere of influence, which would make the rump state of Ukraine much more vulnerable during the looming next round of hostilities.

If the West wants to change Putin’s calculus, it must demonstrate that it is not going to purchase another period of comfort for itself at Ukraine’s expense. Instead, it should make Moscow understand that the name of the game is anything but Western surrender.

 

[Chadstroma]

Frozen Russian assets could be key to ending war in Ukraine, Reuters​

During his presidential campaign, US-elected President Donald Trump claimed he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours. Trump calls one of the key reasons for such a step the US's reluctance to continue paying military and economic assistance to Ukraine, Reuters reports.

Trump suggested that, with financial backing from Europe, potentially using $300 billion in frozen Russian foreign currency reserves, he could negotiate favorable terms for ending the conflict with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

This prospect has raised concerns not only in Ukraine but also within the European Union and the United Kingdom. A deal that weakens Kyiv's position could jeopardize the security of the entire European continent. However, analysts believe that if Europe demonstrates its willingness to provide substantial financial support to Ukraine, it might prompt Trump to reconsider his plans.

European economic backing could also signal to Putin that the West remains committed to a prolonged conflict of attrition, with Ukraine capable of holding its defensive lines despite the ongoing war.

One potential funding option involves using frozen Russian assets. However, this approach faces legal and political obstacles: EU countries are concerned that seizing these assets could violate international law and undermine trust in the euro.

An alternative proposal is offering Ukraine a reparations-based loan. Under this framework, Kyiv would pledge its claims for compensation from Russia as collateral. If Moscow refuses to pay, the claims would transfer to G7 countries, which could then compensate Ukraine using the frozen assets.

Experts suggest that this approach could ensure long-term support for Ukraine, bolster the Western defense industry, and allow Trump to showcase his "peace through strength" foreign policy. However, implementing this plan would require unanimous agreement among all stakeholders and extensive coordination efforts.

Frozen Russian assets

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western countries have frozen approximately $300 billion worth of Russian Central Bank assets. Some of the profits from these assets are already being allocated to support Ukraine.

In particular, the United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with nearly $3 billion using revenue from frozen Russian assets.

 

[Chadstroma]

Russia's invasion is showing the West war isn't just about having the best weapons — it's also about having more​

• Russia's invasion of Ukraine is teaching Western militaries a big lesson.
• The West has, for decades, focused on super-high-quality gear over sheer volume.
• But it needs to invest more in quantity if it wants to defend against Russia, warfare experts said.

The West, over the past decades, has focused on the quality of military equipment over stockpiles, prioritizing high-tech and specialized gear over sheer volume. But as the saying goes, quantity has a quality of its own.

"We just have not been stockpiling weapons for this kind of long-duration conflict, which, to be frank, Russia and China have been," retired Australian Army Maj. Gen. Mick Ryan, a warfare strategist, said.

The result, he said, is that the West isn't prepared for a large-scale war.

The Western approach​

The US reacted to the Soviet Union's huge mass of weaponry last century with the mindset that since it couldn't achieve the same numbers, it would "have to have more technologically sophisticated stuff," George Barros, a Russia analyst at the Institute for the Study of War, said. That thinking, for instance, is where the Abrams tank came from: a search for heavily armored firepower rather than mass-produced Soviet T-series tanks.

And in the aftermath of the Cold War, Western stockpiles of weaponry diminished, and industry shrunk, leaving it less prepared to build large quantities of munitions and equipment. NATO defense spending has largely dropped while China and Russia spend increasingly more.

The West's approach proved successful in recent conflicts, but these weren't great power conflicts.

"The American military wants to go out and win fast, and our modern image of the preferred kind of war is sort of Operation Desert Storm," Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow and the director of research in the foreign-policy program at the Brookings Institution, told Business Insider.

In such wars, "the whole point is you're not going to be slogging it out for months and years on end," he said, adding: "It's sort of like a football team planning to go out and score four touchdowns in the first half just to end the game."


The problem is that such thinking leads to war planning around a framework that no longer prioritizes surge capacity and replenishment.

"We got lazy," Barros said. "Sure, you have better equipment, but it's horrifically expensive, and you therefore get less of it."

A lesson from Ukraine​

Russia has shown in Ukraine that it's willing to continue a grinding, brutal fight even at significant cost, and it appears to have the capacity to keep going.

Barros said that in any sort of protracted war, like it could be with Russia, "your ability to sustain and protract the war actually becomes key." In that situation, having systems that may not be as good but that you have a lot of is "actually what's going to make the difference," he said.


The West, he said, can't rely solely on big-ticket items "unless you have a very decisive war immediately right out the gate." If a fight isn't won immediately, factors such as who can sustain sufficient artillery fire come into play.

"Assuming that you don't decisively defeat the Russians in the opening phase of the war," Barros said, "you're going to burn through all your ATACMS and HIMARS missiles and artillery ammunition." NATO may fight differently than Ukraine, with more capability, but it's still critical to have mass.

Steps for the West​

That doesn't mean scrapping sophisticated tech such as fifth-generation fighter jets and stealthy submarines, but investing more in ammunition and lower-value equipment can't be overlooked.

"You can't exclusively have a relatively small and limited number of highly specialized systems at the expense of not having, at mass, the regular workhorse stuff," Barros said.

To deter Russia and China, "we probably have to, at minimum, go back to Cold War levels of defense expenditure," he said.


O'Hanlon said the West needed to invest more in defense manufacturing while also preserving high-value assets. "Those things have not become unimportant just because we realized that other things are also important," he said.

The good news is that prioritizing those other elements isn't expensive. "That's why a country like Russia, with a pretty mediocre GDP, can actually be doing better than we are in some of these areas just because they've prioritized them," O'Hanlon said.

Slow progress​

Russia's war in Ukraine and its tremendous demands on the defense industry have prompted a surge in weaponry manufacturing in the West, though one that warfare experts and many lawmakers describe as insufficient.

William Alberque, a warfare expert at the Stimson Center, described Western production as "a critical concern that has not been addressed enough," though he said NATO allies were "shifting" in the right direction.


The West has severe backlogs and a lack of manufacturing capacity even when countries are willing to spend. And while it struggles to revive that capability, countries such as Russia are boosting production and getting equipment from North Korea and Iran.

Russia has repeatedly threatened the West, and some European NATO members have warned that Russia could attack elsewhere in the continent in the next few years, especially if it wins in Ukraine.

How a Russian attack would look is unclear, and many warfare analysts and military officials speculate that Russia wouldn't want an all-out war with NATO.

But the US and its allies are still closely watching Ukraine, eager to learn lessons for a possible fight, and a key lesson is quantity.

Alberque said the West fell into a "long-term myth" that "you can get away with fewer pieces of incredibly expensive, incredibly advanced equipment in a war with Russia or in a war with China."


Instead, "the number of vehicles you have actually really counts, and the quality matters a lot less," he said.

"This idea of having a small number of very, very high technology super tanks or super ships or super planes is gradually falling away," he added. "And people are saying: 'Oh, ****. It really is about numbers.'"

 

[Stoneworker]

The Biden administration doesn’t have enough time left to use the billions of dollars lawmakers have authorized to arm Ukraine, U.S. and congressional officials said, leaving in President-Elect Donald Trump's hands what to do with the remaining money.

The administration still has more than $6.5 billion left in what is known as drawdown authority, which allows the Defense Department to transfer weapons and equipment to Ukraine from its own stocks, U.S. officials said. The Pentagon has reached the limit of the weapons it can send Ukraine each month without affecting its own fighting capability, however, and is facing logistical challenges in getting the arms to Kyiv’s forces, they said.

“We are scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of easy stuff to send off the shelf,” a senior defense official said.

The upcoming shipments are expected to be largely ammunition and artillery, in part, because they are easier to ship, U.S. defense officials said. Heavier equipment such as armored vehicles or tanks can take months to inspect, test and clean before it can be delivered.

Source: WSJ 11/27/24

 

[Chadstroma]

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

Task and Purpose on N. Korean involvement

 

[[icon]]

You know, a good friend reminded me today that reaching a peace agreement (whether it means ceding land to Russia or not, which would not be great) would mean that people stop dying.

Does it?

 

[WVU Alum]

You know, a good friend reminded me today that reaching a peace agreement (whether it means ceding land to Russia or not, which would not be great) would mean that people stop dying.

Does it?

Temporarily. Putin will swing to the next former Soviet state in a few years of resupply. Then in 10ish more years he will test Ukraine’s resolve again. Or his successor will. The only real way to stop it is to have him fall from power or else he will be replaced by a like minded USSR nostalgic.

 

[Chadstroma]

You know, a good friend reminded me today that reaching a peace agreement (whether it means ceding land to Russia or not, which would not be great) would mean that people stop dying.

Does it?

I believe, 100%, that it would be trading loss of life now for much more loss of life in the future. I don't even think it is a "possibility", I think it is a near guarantee.

 

[culdeus]

You know, a good friend reminded me today that reaching a peace agreement (whether it means ceding land to Russia or not, which would not be great) would mean that people stop dying.

Does it?

I believe, 100%, that it would be trading loss of life now for much more loss of life in the future. I don't even think it is a "possibility", I think it is a near guarantee.

Does the generation of leaders after Putin really give a ****? I think like a lot of us they'd rather just scroll over hot chicks doing dances in basically no clothes.

 

[Chadstroma]

Does the generation of leaders after Putin really give a ****? I think like a lot of us they'd rather just scroll over hot chicks doing dances in basically no clothes.

It is in the Russian psyche. Believe it or not, there is a nostalgia for the old Soviet Union. The role Russians had as a Super Power. Heck, in fact, Stalin is revered again with a poll a few years back showing 70% of Russians believed Stalin had a positive role in their history.... also, a few years back, a separate poll showed 65% of Russians thought he was a cruel and inhumane tyrant. That dichotomy speaks to how Russians think. It is ingrained in their national identity because that IS their history. And Russian people respect power above all else. Do you really think the ruling elite of a country that thinks that way to not be consumed with power just as Putin is? The tendency is most likely that even when Putin is gone, there will not be some new leader that comes in and changes everything. However, if Putin were to keel over today, I think it would give the Russian regime that took over an excuse to agree to a quick resolution to the war in Ukraine as it was Putin's mess and not theirs.

 

[culdeus]

Does the generation of leaders after Putin really give a ****? I think like a lot of us they'd rather just scroll over hot chicks doing dances in basically no clothes.

It is in the Russian psyche. Believe it or not, there is a nostalgia for the old Soviet Union. The role Russians had as a Super Power. Heck, in fact, Stalin is revered again with a poll a few years back showing 70% of Russians believed Stalin had a positive role in their history.... also, a few years back, a separate poll showed 65% of Russians thought he was a cruel and inhumane tyrant. That dichotomy speaks to how Russians think. It is ingrained in their national identity because that IS their history. And Russian people respect power above all else. Do you really think the ruling elite of a country that thinks that way to not be consumed with power just as Putin is? The tendency is most likely that even when Putin is gone, there will not be some new leader that comes in and changes everything. However, if Putin were to keel over today, I think it would give the Russian regime that took over an excuse to agree to a quick resolution to the war in Ukraine as it was Putin's mess and not theirs.

You think people under 30 really care? I follow that there are Soviet bros in their 50s-60s but those under 30 have no memory of it and are more Western exposed. Especially after so many were thrown in this war