Russia - threadbanned users in OP

I think they are priming the Russian people to acccept the use of WMDs. First they/we were told via state media (Dmitri Peskov) that Nuclear weapons would only be used if the very existence of Russia was facing an existential threat. Now they have rolled out another hawk who has been saying not achieving subjugation of Ukraine would amount to a defeat of Russia and threatens it's very existence - the existential threat Peskov said would be a trigger for a nuclear response.

If that's not a one, two setup to justify a nuclear knockout, what is it?

"Russian state television has broadcast an extraordinary rant about the state of the war in Ukraine, warning Vladimir Putin’s regime faces “final and complete defeat”.

Yakov Kedmi, an Israeli-Russian pundit and former diplomat, is usually a reliably pro-Kremlin voice. But in an appearance on the prime time show Tonight with Vladimir Soloviyev, he was remarkably negative about the situation in Ukraine.

Mr Kedmi said Russia could not afford to compromise on the initial goal of its invasion, which was to take major Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, and overthrow the government.

In his view, anything less than that – including any potential peace deal – would count as a humiliating loss.

“Whatever treaty Russia may sign with the current Ukrainian regime will mean the defeat of Russia. Final and complete defeat,” he said."

...

“This treaty may be the beginning of the end of the Russian state. Because if you failed with Ukraine, how do you threaten NATO? How do you threaten the United States? You could not deal with Zelensky, so what are you?

“You have a choice: either you win this operation or start the final countdown.”

That's actually scary stuff. Surely he realises that "threatening the United States and NATO" would probably result in the destruction of Russia?

What would Ukraine gain by bombing Russia(n civilians)? There's plenty of Russian targets within in the country's borders already. People thinking civilians (Russians included) shouldn't be murdered isn't exactly the same as crying for Russians.

Its war, not murder,

Why is bombing Ukraine one thing but bombing Russia is murder..

Looks like to the UK won't be going to part of any security guarantees for Ukraine

It isn't ok to kill Russian civilians because of the atrocities committed by Russian forces.

On the other hand it's ridiculous that rules should be adhered to when dealing with Putin, his regime, and his army.

Suppose the "West" had Putin assassinated, either remotely or by proxy, possibly even by arrangement - who would care?

Fooks sake looking at some of the posts here one might actually believe that the soldiers on the battlefields shouldn't be killed because after all most of them don't want to be there, are actually being forced and that the Russian population should not be seen as the enemy because they are all against the war.

There appears to be this widespread belief that almost the entire Russian population are anti war, but just too afraid to say or do anything.

Oh and nobody in Russia wants Putin never mind this war.

That is delusion. Putin has a support base, there are a lot of Russians who dream of returning glory to their country.

And there are some so entrenched that much like the Germans they will only change their minds when they are faced with utter devastation.

Putin is another in the long line of Russian/Soviet strong men and for some unknown reason Russians seem to tolerate if not actually like these guys.

Hell Stalin is still fooking revered by some. STALIN FFS.

China, India, Iran, North Korea, most of the Russian intelligence services/military/parliament and people would all care.

And sure if its fair game to assassinate a Russian world leader, then its obviously fair game for them to retaliate. Biden perhaps? Von der leyen? Good old Boris?

Why would they care?

Dangerous psychopath gone.

He's going to find out May the 9th when the whole parade is going to consist of WW2 Vehicles 😉

Wasn't that video debunked?

It wouldn't surprise me considering there's been a lot of chatter about supplies and fuel being sold on the black market over the years, resulting in this awful performance.

There appears to have been a major failure of intelligence. They underestimated the Ukrainians to a great degree (probably through their inherent arrogance and racism towards their neighbours) and overestimated the Russian capabilities, not realising their own army was second rate and not fit for purpose.