Russia-Ukraine War (continuing)

Very unique talking points, very fresh takes.

It's Ursula Von Der Leyen and Europe sacrificing Ukraine's men, as if Ukraine has zero agency on its own defence.

Russia could only lose via a multi-decade conflict.

Fighting on is a dangeorus gamble with Ukrainian lives, as opposed to Ukraine fighting to hold onto its soverign territory and avoiding a genocidal sweep of its population and statehood.

Ukrainians should just give in now to save some level of soverignty.

Direct NATO-Russia war risks nuclear annihilation, when NATO hasn't put a single soldier into the fight in 4 years nor has signalled anything to the contary.

To quote yourself "then a strategy that uses Ukraine's incredible defensive successes to lock in the best possible peace,one that preserves Ukrainian sovereignty and a future sooner rather than later, might be better?"

Seems wildly incompatiable with Russia's current stance that Ukraine not only surrender lost territories, but give up territories Russia hasn't a hope of taking, and put heavy limits on its military, and a sweeping host of other surrenders including the West welcoming Russia back into civilisation with open arms.

You can talk about reality, and I'd say Putin needs a heavy dose of it himself, except he already knows the true reality. He launched a botched invasion, he tanked Russia's economy, he destroyed his own legacy, he exposed RU as a toothless tiger from a military POV, and all the rest, and for what?

Some parcels of neighbouring Ukraine? Even if he achieved it all tomorrow, history will remember him as a classic blunderer. Clearly he thought he'd waltz through Ukraine in short order ala both Gulf Wars.

He personally has nothing to lose now, and no doubt he'll keep going until something gives, why wouldn't he? His whole image and hold on power depends on it. The economy is propped up by wartime spending.

At this point Putin is in a classic Catch 22 situation. Can't really afford to win or lose, almost, but at least a "win" would paper over the stress fractures for a while.

If you can just transfer all your money into my bank account it would save the trouble of me having to steal it from you - it's the same as the logic you are using with Russia's invasion of Ukraine - it's a totally ludicrous proposition.

The world’s response is pathetic.

Good article by Wes O'Donnell would suggest otherwise outlining what he says are four likely scenarios.

TLDR; Putins legacy - Dont expect serious change for the better.

https://archive.ph/u3LD6

I hope this is the beginning of a long campaign so Russian ships stop transporting oil and gas through the black sea. And hit them while they're empty heading to Russia.

The chances of positive change are slim. However, a post-Putin Russia will have a growing threat on the border and it won’t be Ukraine. If China starts making moves there may be no choice but to become friendlier with the US and Europe.

Possibly the craziest thing I've read in a while. I hope this is legit.

Go and restore your honour. The draft dodgers abroad should do likewise.

They're still dependant on them. Let's not forget if the USA took a Chinese style approach to Russia, no sanctions and economic cooperation Ukraine would be absolutely screwed. So while the Trump admin are being tramps about it, there are levels to this.

Interesting reading here. The latest Us Sanctions hadn't been introduced in this period. Sanctions in the form of Ukrainian drones it seems. Looking forward to seeing the next financial result post sanctions however.

The article is paywalled so I've been unable to read it.....but it sounds damning

And despite swimming in the largest or second largest oil revenues for decades, Russians continue to live in poverty certainly outside the big cities. The mass theft of washing machines by soldiers is an example.

During the war, people in those regions were lured by unheard of sums of money to join the army. But now, regions like Samara have dramatically cut their signup bonus according to reports mentioned by Kings and Generals channel on youtube.

The people have no concept of their rights as citizens. The constitutional rights to free speech in the 1993 constitution, and the ban on censorship or the ban on a national ideology, are just ignored by Putin.

He's also a showman. A lot of us first heard of him in his TV apprentice days. At times he treats the presidency like it's a TV show. He loved being center of attention then and he loves being it now.

Let's make that as costly as humanly possible for China then.

I wonder how willing China would be without the Russian shadow fleet to send them cheap oil.