Thoughts about Ukraine?

[CapLock]

Anyone care to share their thoughts on this current situation?


Biden says what he says
Nobody knows what the fuck he means
Time to stop eating steak and
Go back to beans

[20X11]

A. War will eventually strengthen our economy
B. We should have withdrawn from NATO decades ago
C. Practice your Cyrillic writing

[BushMasterBoy]

SF units with a plentiful supply of Javelin and Stinger missiles could wreck havoc against invading forces. Probably too late to stock up and train now.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FGM-148_Javelin

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM-92_Stinger


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WmDszVxti0

[Martinjmpr]

An extended war really benefits nobody. But I could foresee the purpose of the general attack being that it will paralyze Ukraine's military forces by requiring them to disperse all over the country, then Russia comes in and nibbles off the bits it wants.

After that it declares that the breakaway provinces are now part of Russia and it becomes a fait accompli. Putin basically says that he's going to stop his attacks (once he's gotten what he wants) and solidifies his control over the area. Maybe even lets the ethnic Ukrainians leave if they want to.

At that point, the war only continues if the Western nations want it to continue - and I don't see any real appetite for war with Russia anywhere outside of Ukraine.

EDITED TO ADD: This attack then serves several purposes:

First of all, it essentially makes Ukraine Russia's bitch. Even if Ukraine stays independent (I think it will), every Ukrainian leader will know that any time Putin wants a piece of Ukraine, he's going to take it and nobody is going to lift a hand to stop it.

Second, it makes the world know that Putin is willing to use military force to get what he wants, and that he's not afraid of the Crazy Uncle Joe administration. Putin can use that leverage to squeeze concessions out of other countries without having to fire a shot. Putin can get a lot for Russia just by glaring menacingly at other countries because it's not like NATO is going to do anything about it. Could even cause NATO to start to crumble at the edges which further solidifies Putin as the hegemon of Europe.

Finally it makes Putin look like a tough guy at home and burnishes his reputation there.

[Mick-Boy]

We need to stay the hell out of it. The US has no claim to being the "good guys" (as if there is such a thing in international politics) in the situation there. All of our attempts at military intervention for the past two decades plus have been abject failures. Time to mind our business.

...But of course we wont. There's no money to be made from minding our business.

[KAPA]

So why no sanctions personally on Putin? Biden didn't seem to want anything to do with answering that one.

What would personal sanctions do anyway?

[eddiememphis]

It drives me nuts when I hear people say "The Ukraine".

There is no "the" in front of it. It's akin to saying The Australia or The Peru.

I had a buddy from Kiev and he would correct anyone who said it. At 6'4" and 350 lbs, people listened.

[DDT951]

It looks a lot like the Sudetenland in 1938.

Does it drag the entire world into a war again?

Ironically, Poland is once again threatened by a hostile force. What if Putin's forces come into Poland next?

[earplug]

Show me a successful sanction. Buy food as the Ukrainian breadbasket will be disrupted for a while.
Prior to the USSR, Ukraine was part of the greater Russia.
The USA will export more refined fuel and natural gas to eager costumers. US famers will see a better return on selling grain to exporters.
Your food will cost more.

[earplug]

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[def90]

I’m getting a little bit of joy with each video I see of a Russian helicopter getting shot down or a Russian tank/bmp on fire next to the road.. Hope this whole debacle takes Putin down.

[HBARleatherneck]

We need to stay the hell out of it. The US has no claim to being the "good guys" (as if there is such a thing in international politics) in the situation there. All of our attempts at military intervention for the past two decades plus have been abject failures. Time to mind our business.

Not 1 drop of American blood should be shed.

[buffalobo]

The Biden admins actions over the last year have facilitated this invasion.

I second Hbar statement, not one drop.

[Zundfolge]

I don't know what to think about the whole Ukraine situation because I flatly don't believe any of the media anymore. At this point I could be standing outside, watching the sun rise and if the media told me the sun was rising I'd assume they were lying.

[Gman]

At least we were able to get some arms to Ukraine. The Javelins have been effective so far.

Russia and China were buying their way with our government to position themselves where they wanted to be. Trump threw a wrench in that for 4 years. Now they're cashing in.

Economic sanctions won't do jack. Remaking the USSR is worth more to them than what the sanctions can take. Sanctions take forever to have an influence and haven't been effective in the past, so why would we think they'll work in the future?

Can't trust NATO to come through. Germany gets half of its natural gas from Russia.

Our leadership (including the MSM) is trying to pass the buck stating that the sanctions won't affect our economy. It's a global economy. It's all BS.

We really haven't had to face the music for the dangers of weak leadership. Those chickens are coming home to roost.

Have to laugh when I hear Biden say that Russia better not try cyberattacks against us. I'm sitting here thinking, you doofus, you gave him a list of our sensitive areas less than a year ago.

[ray1970]

It drives me nuts when I hear people say "The Ukraine".

There is no "the" in front of it. It's akin to saying The Australia or The Peru.

I had a buddy from Kiev and he would correct anyone who said it. At 6'4" and 350 lbs, people listened.

The Australia seems like a nice place to visit.

Not sure about the Peru.

I still haven?t made it to the Ireland or the Scotland and they?re on my bucket list.

[00tec]

Maidan Square in Kyiv. Live view. Some intel indicating it may get bombed tonight

https://youtu.be/jgL0mA2SeGs

[hollohas]

Reporter "what if Putin calls your bluff on the sanctions"

Biden: "it's not a bluff, they're real..."

Reporter "if it's not a bluff, why wait? why not impose them NOW?"

Biden : next question

[funkymonkey1111]

https://youtu.be/teSXcJlpMl8

[Zundfolge]

The only reason Democrats hate Russia and Putin is because the believe the Russia-gate lies and think Putin is pro-Trump.

[00tec]

Ukraine's official Twitter today
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1496716168920547331

[hollohas]

The most significant thing that will come from this is the fracturing of international alliances. The world basically told Ukraine "here's a few missiles, good luck!"

Don't get me wrong, I don't think this is our fight. But the fact remains, if the international groups just let a country spend months building up their forces on the border of another and then invade, what good are those groups? They're pointless, it's obvious to everyone now and now those groups will disappear.

We spent the last two years under enormous political turmoil worldwide, and now the chickens are coming home to roost. The world has been on edge and now borders are being redrawn. And these are just the first.

[Great-Kazoo]

Ukraine, front page[s] > Trucker convoy....???

Can't show a country where one way goods get delivered across the nation, questioning the politicians. Who it seems picked a convenient time to start dropping mask mandates.
They were holding fast in their convictions, that mask were Job #1!

Till some uppity canuks literally stopped the economy of cEhnEHdEH and the , ok, what's left of the auto makers in Mi.

[Doc45]

Putin is an evil piece of shit that should've received a high velocity third eye years ago. He's old school KGB, believes in the evil empire and shouldn't be sucking air. I agree with HBAR's comment as well especially having a son who just came home from what we hope is the last deployment of his career.

[JohnnyDrama]

This was my first thought:

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

Even without the subtitles, you get the message.

[JohnnyDrama]

To go a little deeper...


An extended war really benefits nobody. But I could foresee the purpose of the general attack being that it will paralyze Ukraine's military forces by requiring them to disperse all over the country, then Russia comes in and nibbles off the bits it wants.

After that it declares that the breakaway provinces are now part of Russia and it becomes a fait accompli. Putin basically says that he's going to stop his attacks (once he's gotten what he wants) and solidifies his control over the area. Maybe even lets the ethnic Ukrainians leave if they want to.

At that point, the war only continues if the Western nations want it to continue - and I don't see any real appetite for war with Russia anywhere outside of Ukraine.

EDITED TO ADD: This attack then serves several purposes:

First of all, it essentially makes Ukraine Russia's bitch. Even if Ukraine stays independent (I think it will), every Ukrainian leader will know that any time Putin wants a piece of Ukraine, he's going to take it and nobody is going to lift a hand to stop it.
....

Lots of truth there. But it may destabilize the region long enough to tie up western forces that could be used if China or Iran decide to follow Putin's example. Furthermore, other nations will see that they will be on their own if it comes to defending themselves. Lastly, if Putin sits tight with just a little piece of Ukraine, he can wait for the west to exhaust itself with these brushfires and go in for the rest.

I sincerely hope the U.S, doesn't get involved.



?
Russia and China were buying their way with our government to position themselves where they wanted to be. Trump threw a wrench in that for 4 years. Now they're cashing in.
....

Agreed. As long as we have Biden, or someone like him in the Oval Office, I see a good chance of American involvement to make it look like we?re doing something.

[RblDiver]

I'm honestly torn. On the one hand, I definitely get the idea of not wanting to shed our blood. On the other, we did promise to defend Ukraine in exchange for their nuclear disarmament. Obama shot that to hell, now Biden's finishing the job. Basically, why would anyone want to give them up now? Why would anyone trust the US anymore?

I do cheer for every Russian loss.

[BPTactical]

Puddin Joe putting “Sanctions” on Russia is like telling a convict with a 500 year, no parol possible sentence that he just got another 20 years thrown on for having a food fight in the cafeteria.




And we are still buying oil from the Rooskies

[OneGuy67]

I'm honestly torn. On the one hand, I definitely get the idea of not wanting to shed our blood. On the other, we did promise to defend Ukraine in exchange for their nuclear disarmament. Obama shot that to hell, now Biden's finishing the job. Basically, why would anyone want to give them up now? Why would anyone trust the US anymore?

I do cheer for every Russian loss.

Exactly! In the Budapest Memorandum, we made promises. Promises from the United States should mean something. I've come to realize they don't as every single group who has made decisions on those promises have been screwed over. The Hmongs during Vietnam, the Kurds after Desert Storm, The Afghani's and the Iraqi's who agreed to work with our forces; the list can go on and on. Our word as a nation should mean something.

[FoxtArt]

Politics are predatory. Russia has been testing the waters to make sure the response would be "nothing", and then attacked. They called our bluff.

What shouldve happened is we shouldve called their bluff. If we had inducted Ukraine into NATO in some emergency session, cleaved off the two separatist regions and let Russia have them, what would be the result? Some sabre rattling, but Russia wont risk a war vs. The world either, they wouldnt survive it. There would've been no war. Instead, Russia is using that principle to its advantage, not us, and nobody will intervene as Russia expands because they dont want a world war.

If it was apparent we would honor our word and our treaties, Russia would not invite its own doom either. An aggressive political posture often leads to more peace.

Outright announcing that you will 100% do nothing, does not. Predators attack prey that poses little to no risk of injury. A coyote wont attack a bull because it is likely to get fatally gored. They coexist peacefully.

[Gman]

And we are still buying oil from the Rooskies
And Iran.

We were net energy exporters just a little over a year ago. This is totally messed up.

NATO is a joke. They should just dissolve it and stop pretending. UN is a joke. Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council and can veto any action (and is currently serving as the president of the panel this month).

We can try and stay out of the fight and take an isolationist path, but if history is any indicator, the fight will still find us.

As to the point of honoring our word, I don't trust us, so I'm shocked any other country would trust us based on our recent actions.

[FoxtArt]

Another note of interest, Russian trolling ops have specifically been trying to get trucker convoys started here. Any coincidence they start right as they invade the Ukraine? So many underestimate the scope of their influence in our social media.

RU is specifically targeting our supply chains. That is one if the easiest ways

[Gman]

89617

[hollohas]

Another note of interest, Russian trolling ops have specifically been trying to get trucker convoys started here. Any coincidence they start right as they invade the Ukraine? So many underestimate the scope of their influence in our social media.



Oh, nonsense. You're saying American truckers scheduled this based on when Russians told them to do it? I'm sure the Russians strategic plan certainly included "hey comrades, we should encourage a few dozen American truckers to drive cross country at the same time we invade Ukraine! Yeah, that'll increase our likelihood of total control two fold! It'll crush the Americans!" What an outlandish claim.

We don't underestimate their influence, you regularly give them WAY, WAY too much credit for the scope of influence they actually have. With zero evidence. How many of these groups do you actually follow on social media? Are you a member of any of these groups on social media? Are you on social media at all? You've seen sketchy social media accounts making posts in the social media groups egging them on?

There are Americans that have been working to get this going since the beginning of the pandemic. It didn't pick up steam until they saw what happened in Canada. Most of the convoys scheduled it to arrive in DC around the SOTU. Yup, those real Americans organizing these groups, giving radio and TV interviews, standing in front of the crowds at gathering points and giving speeches...they are Russian bots. Gotcha.

[BushMasterBoy]

The US could just gift Ukraine small portable nuclear weapons. The Russian armored columns heading to the capital city would definitely be halted by this countermeasure. There could be no argument that these nuclear weapons were offensive in nature. They are not ICBM's etc.

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

[Great-Kazoo]

Oh, nonsense. You're saying American truckers scheduled this based on when Russians told them to do it? I'm sure the Russians strategic plan certainly included "hey comrades, we should encourage a few dozen American truckers to drive cross country at the same time we invade Ukraine! Yeah, that'll increase our likelihood of total control two fold! It'll crush the Americans!" What an outlandish claim.

We don't underestimate their influence, you regularly give them WAY, WAY too much credit for the scope of influence they actually have. With zero evidence. How many of these groups do you actually follow on social media? Are you a member of any of these groups on social media? Are you on social media at all? You've seen sketchy social media accounts making posts in the social media groups egging them on?

There are Americans that have been working to get this going since the beginning of the pandemic. It didn't pick up steam until they saw what happened in Canada. Most of the convoys scheduled it to arrive in DC around the SOTU. Yup, those real Americans organizing these groups, giving radio and TV interviews, standing in front of the crowds at gathering points and giving speeches...they are Russian bots. Gotcha.



^^ This^^^

thanks, saved me some typing

[RblDiver]

Wow. Don't know if ya'll have seen the video of a guy's car getting crushed by some sort of armored vehicle (APC or tank or something), but apparently he lived.
https://notthebee.com/article/watch-this-russian-tank-steamroll-an-old-guys-car--the-dude-apparently-survived

[00tec]

Wow. Don't know if ya'll have seen the video of a guy's car getting crushed by some sort of armored vehicle (APC or tank or something), but apparently he lived.
https://notthebee.com/article/watch-this-russian-tank-steamroll-an-old-guys-car--the-dude-apparently-survived

Devil's advocate, but that could be a Ukrainian tank. Everyone seems to say Russian, but there isn't a white line or z on it. Possible that dude just lost control. They were in a firefight st the time.

[clodhopper]

I know nuthin about tanks but that they are cool. But a ex tanker on another board was positive the situation was an out of control left sliding turn and the car was just wrong place wrong time. It is a Ukrainian vehicle but I have heard a variety of stories about who was driving it at the time. Anything from Ukrainians to Russies in stolen uniforms and a stolen tank sent to cause meyhem. Probably never know the truth.

[colorider]

Heard on the radio today that the sanctions do not include energy resources such as oil and natural gas being sold by Russia. Oil and gas can continue to be sold and special payment avenues have been established through the banks since some of the banks are sanctioned. So basically Putin can continue to do business.

[eddiememphis]

The old lady on 9news just said NATO voted so authorize the use of sea horses.

That is so badass!

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/stockartseahorse_4514.gif

[ray1970]

Hmm. I thought sea horses were banned by the Geneva convention?

[Zundfolge]

Another note of interest, Russian trolling ops have specifically been trying to get trucker convoys started here. Any coincidence they start right as they invade the Ukraine? So many underestimate the scope of their influence in our social media.

RU is specifically targeting our supply chains. That is one if the easiest ways

You've posted a lot of asinine shit over the years, but this one takes the cake. Sure, its a "coincidence" that a US trucker convoy got started here after one happened in Canada ... or are the Ruskies behind that one too?

[electronman1729]

Bet odds that Maldova and Transestria are next

[Gman]

Heard on the radio today that the sanctions do not include energy resources such as oil and natural gas being sold by Russia. Oil and gas can continue to be sold and special payment avenues have been established through the banks since some of the banks are sanctioned. So basically Putin can continue to do business.

"Look, Russia is a gas station masquerading as a country,"
-John McCain
(R)ino - Arizona

The fact that we don't have the stomach to increase our production in the name of "Climate Change" makes me sick. We're financing this madness.

The Ukrainian people are not making this easy for Putin. I hope they bleed Russia dearly.

[Great-Kazoo]

Hmm. I thought sea horses were banned by the Geneva convention?

Only those of child bearing age.

[Great-Kazoo]

You've posted a lot of asinine shit over the years, but this one takes the cake. Sure, its a "coincidence" that a US trucker convoy got started here after one happened in Canada ... or are the Ruskies behind that one too?

Only thing missing out of that "theory" he posted is

89622

[BushMasterBoy]

This is a map of Ukraine occupiers so far.

89623

[OldFogey]

You've posted a lot of asinine shit over the years, but this one takes the cake. Sure, its a "coincidence" that a US trucker convoy got started here after one happened in Canada ... or are the Ruskies behind that one too?

So, are the truckers going to hire Russian prostitutes to pee on brandons bed? This is starting to get confusing...

[BushMasterBoy]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refused the US's offer to evacuate him from Kyiv, saying, "I need ammunition, not a ride."

[Baetis]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refused the US's offer to evacuate him from Kyiv, saying, "I need ammunition, not a ride."

This is what a true leader looks like. Most of our politicians should take note. With him willing to stay with the people, hopefully it will inspire them even more. Wolverines!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[APEXgunparts]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refused the US's offer to evacuate him from Kyiv, saying, "I need ammunition, not a ride."

I was just reading that the only Ukrainian ammunition plant is located in one of the break away regions (now under Russian control) "Lugansk Cartridge Works" and has been this way since 2014!


Richard

[BushMasterBoy]

I was just reading that the only Ukrainian ammunition plant is located in one of the break away regions (now under Russian control) "Lugansk Cartridge Works" and has been this way since 2014!


Richard

I think he means heavy weaponry, not small arms ammunition. This means surface to air missiles, artillery, armored vehicles, and other heavy infantry weapons. His statement was a metaphor for more weapons to match the Russians. Rifle ammunition is no match for howitzer type shells.

link below is what Ukraine forces are up against. Typical Russian infantry equipment:

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

[Aloha_Shooter]

Heard on the radio today that the sanctions do not include energy resources such as oil and natural gas being sold by Russia. Oil and gas can continue to be sold and special payment avenues have been established through the banks since some of the banks are sanctioned. So basically Putin can continue to do business.

If true, they're going to be even more ineffective than we thought. The only way to have an effect on Putin is to show him that he WILL suffer consequences. That takes backbone (Biden doesn't have one and Putin knows it), immediate action (also lacking per the reporter's question about making them effective immediately), and will (the Democrats have only ever shown tenacity and persistence against Republicans and moderates). The heaviest and quickest impact on Russia's economy is cutting their energy revenue.

As far as general thoughts, I am torn. On the one hand, we should not be sacrificing American lives on what is (currently) a European problem. On the other hand, 1) China is looking at this as a test case for action against Taiwan, 2) Bill Clinton promised Ukraine protection against this very action when they agreed to relinquish the nukes left on their soil by the Soviet Union, and 3) letting bullies get away with the small easy stuff leads to the larger conflicts with greater cost downstream. Putin did this same thing to steal back Crimea during Obama's reign, played nice (for the most part) while Trump was in power, and went right back to acting like a hooligan when Biden took office. Kim was acting like a spoiled brat during Clinton's reign, went back to behaving when Bush called him part of the Axis of Evil, then went right back to provocative actions when Obama took office. Biden's inaction earlier and now is leading Putin to keep pushing the envelope. I think we've all dealt with bullies in the past -- you KNOW how they operate.

"Speak softly and carry a big stick." Biden shouts and carries a limp twig.

[Gman]

We can't impact their petro sales when we're a customer. Biden is already unpopular enough at home.

We're living in a progressive bizarro-world now. The Russian invasion is a distraction from the global warming priorities, don't cha' know.

By our past actions under Obama and offering a ride for the Ukraine president instead of assistance, that tells me that our government wants Putin to have Ukraine.

[Gman]

Germany says it's sending anti-tank weapons, stinger missiles to Ukraine (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/germany-says-its-sending-anti-tank-weapons-stinger-missiles-to-ukraine/ar-AAUlBEC)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Saturday that his country would send anti-tank weapons and stinger missiles to Ukraine, marking a major shift in policy for the richest country in the European Union.

The German leader said that the Russian invasion of the former Soviet state marked a "turning point."

"The Russian invasion marks a turning point. It is our duty to support Ukraine to the best of our ability in defending against Putin's invading army. That is why we are delivering 1000 anti-tank weapons and 500 #Stinger missiles to our friends in #Ukraine," Scholz tweeted.

The country will also lift its ban on nations exporting German-made weapons, allowing 400 rocket-propelled grenade launchers to be sent to Ukraine from the Netherlands, according to Axios.

I'm actually stunned that Germany nutted up since they have such a self-induced dependency on Russian natural gas.


Nearby countries, including Poland, Estonia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, have begun to send ammunition, fuel and medical supplies into Ukraine as it fights back against Russian forces.

[Mtneer]

https://youtu.be/V1s7JzF6hXk

[BushMasterBoy]

This video says Ukraine has petroleum products that Russia wants. It also states that Ukraine is charging Russia for pipeline that Russia transports natural gas with to the rest of Europe. Then there is the water supply issue with Crimea that Ukraine shut down. Seems like a credible explanation.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If61baWF4GE

[Zundfolge]

Well I don't know how all this is going to turn out, but I am looking forward to the Sabaton song about it.

[JohnnyDrama]

https://youtu.be/V1s7JzF6hXk

It's all about ninja turtles. Who knew?

[hollohas]

I'm just so impressed by the fight Ukraine seems to be putting up. And being smart asses while they do it.

Saw a video of a middle-aged women telling a Russian soldier to put sunflower seeds in his pocket so they sprout flowers when he dies on Ukraine's soil.

Saw some Ukrainian soldier apparently talking shit and laughing at all the Russian tanks they've destroyed.

Or the guys on the small island telling the Russians to go fuck them selves.

And some Ukrainians driving by a broken down Russian tank and asking the crew if they need a tow back to Russia.

Plus, I've also heard Russian news websites and TV stations have been hacked and are playing Ukrainian music.

I just LOVE people who are smart asses in the face of the enemy. I don't know any Ukrainians but I'm guessing I'd like them.

Seems like Ukrainian morale is building. The next day is going to be hard on them. But if they can hold out another day or two while inflicting majors losses on Russian troops, the Russians troops are going to start to be demoralized. God willing.

I'll just leave this here.

https://babylonbee.com/news/mysterious-large-circles-on-russian-radar-turn-out-to-be-president-zelenskys-testicles


Mysterious Large Circles On Russian Radar Turn Out To Be President Zelensky's Massive Testicles

[hollohas]

Nice. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220227/6b9e792a87991ce82e14ebeec1e4960a.jpg

[hollohas]

Ukraine may be going on the offensive.

https://twitter.com/IAPonomarenko/status/1497128097140858901

[Duman]

I saw a blurb where the Ukranian president said anyone willing to fight with them, he would supply the weapons....

Sounds like an opportunity for some crazy students ready for a spring break adventure.

[Great-Kazoo]

I saw a blurb where the Ukranian president said anyone willing to fight with them, he would supply the weapons....

Sounds like an opportunity for some crazy students ready for a spring break adventure.

Only this time an STD could mean, Shot Thru the Diaphragm .

[.455_Hunter]

Ukraine may be going on the offensive.

https://twitter.com/IAPonomarenko/status/1497128097140858901

Oops- was that supposed to happen?[BooHoo]

[hollohas]

Sounds like Ukrainian forces have completely destroyed a Chechen convoy including 56 tanks.

I guess our antitank missiles are doing their job. Wow.

[JohnnyDrama]

Anybody on the lookout for T-14s?

[ray1970]

Hmm. Now Putin is making some sort of nuclear threat?

[.455_Hunter]

Hmm. Now Putin is making some sort of nuclear threat?

To quote "The Hunt for Red October", that guy needs to "slip on his tea".

[Mtneer]

Miss Ukraine Anastasia Lena

89642

[zteknik]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0qSqtKcUtQ
You can see my comment below in tube comments.
Ah yes the land of "shall not be infringed"

[Mtneer]

Highway sign near Kyiv, "Russian warship, Go fuck yourself"

89643

[Waldo1]

Be aware that propoganda is everywhere and is used by all sides. Anyone in this country who has been conscious during the last 3 years should be aware of that. Everything is never what it seems.

89645

89646

[zteknik]

Fake news working overtime.

[Wolfshoon]

Miss Ukraine Anastasia Lena

89642


Airsoft?

[FoxtArt]

Be aware that propoganda is everywhere and is used by all sides. Anyone in this country who has been conscious during the last 3 years should be aware of that. Everything is never what it seems.

89645

89646

Agree with the propaganda being everywhere - on both sides. As photo montages should not be trusted either, here is the original source of that info which links to the old December 2021 photos to validate the montage.

https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-ukraine-russia/fact-check-these-images-do-not-show-ukrainian-president-zelenskiy-fighting-after-russia-invaded-his-country-idUSL1N2V02DG

That said, I haven't verified how high up it originates in the Ukraine press, if it even does. Misinformation is such now that without research, even a false-flag plant can't be ruled out. Unlikely, but not impossible. Ukraine certainly is running misinformation too.

Something I noticed on the "Russian tank" that ran over the vehicle, and the "Russian sabotuers in the truck" videos that were shot up, is that the soldiers shooting the truck up are wholly unconcerned about the armored vehicle that ran over a car behind them. Ergo, they are on the same side (watch the saboteur truck video closely to see the shooters).

One of those two headlines is false - it's either a Ukrainian tank that ran over the vehicle, or a Ukrainian truck that got shot to hell. Which one is true, no clue.

[Scanker19]

Airsoft?

I don’t know if that’s air soft but something is rock hard.

[hollohas]

Ukraine is going to be pumping all sorts of propaganda in an effort to keep their people motivated to fight.

Tell your guys that there is some ghost in the skies shooting down all the Russian jets? Or that they are destroying Russian tanks left and right? Or that your president is fighting too? Hell ya, that's a morale boost, true or not. That kind of war propaganda is not exclusive to the modern media or internet.

[Sawin]

Looks like airsoft to me

[kidicarus13]

Looks like airsoft to mehttps://mirtactical.com/airsoft/asg-rail-mounted-sight-protector/

[Sawin]

https://mirtactical.com/airsoft/asg-rail-mounted-sight-protector/

And the BCG

[FoxtArt]

https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/

Decent video feeds there.

[BushMasterBoy]

Not sure I would have a State of the Union address with Putin declaring a nuclear readiness alert.
Hitting the Capitol Building with a nuclear cruise missile is not so far fetched. Some general or admiral of our military would have to retaliate in equal measure. After what I have seen this past week, I don't believe this scenario to be absurd.

[FoxtArt]

Politics is 99% posturing, 1% action.

Russia isn't ready to be a sea of glass at this point.

They did grossly underestimate the Ukrainian and international response. Now, Putin slightly fears other countries joining in to Defend Ukraine or even an invasion of allied countries to himself. So he's raising the "alarm" (just like the US, they are already ready, so it's like a fake job promotion title) merely to try to make 3rd parties hesitate from participation.

[FoxtArt]

EMP is possibly a more significant concern. It would be... hard to estimate how the world would respond to an EMP - we would suffer devastating damage, but nobody wants to be the one to start an outright nuclear war either. It would likely lead to declarations of war at the least and conventional attacks which is why Putin is still, 95% most likely, not ever going to employ it.

Outright Nukes though? Little question that Russia would "get fucked" and Putin knows it.

[HBARleatherneck]

How does an EMP affect an electric vehicle?


In some ways I welcome an EMP. However I think the whole EMP scare is over hyped. I would imagine we would be looking at localized events not World or even Nationwide. Vehicles, equipment, electronics stored in metal buildings or buildings that contain significant amounts of concrete/metal are unlikely to be damaged. Everyone with a steel building or pole barn basically has a faraday cage. I assume all of the power grid components out in the open will be screwed.

[Great-Kazoo]

How does an EMP affect an electric vehicle?


In some ways I welcome an EMP. However I think the whole EMP scare is over hyped. I would imagine we would be looking at localized events not World or even Nationwide. Vehicles, equipment, electronics stored in metal buildings or buildings that contain significant amounts of concrete/metal are unlikely to be damaged. Everyone with a steel building or pole barn basically has a faraday cage. I assume all of the power grid components out in the open will be screwed.

At this point in time I could give 2 fuks. If we had an emp, hopefully it would be in CA. Stop those fukers from spreading like the cockroaches, they are.

[FoxtArt]

If the vehicle was plugged in? Wouldn't work anymore. If the vehicle wasn't? Probably be fine. Vehicles fair fairly decently in EMP - semi shielded if you will, although modern stuff has really not been tested.

Also small things are immune btw. Flash drives, USB sticks, cell phones. Even laptops...are relatively well off.

If an EMP were properly deployed, things that have decently long cable runs would be f'ed over a broad area if they don't have protection built in. Like - continent sized area of effect with a proper HEMP. The entire grid would be down for a long, long time, most likely (transformers are not readily replaced en mass), and it would almost certainly result in formal war which is why it won't be employed - at least, at that level.

[Eric P]

An old spy satellite colliding with a SpaceX array satellite moved over Ukraine could kill all satellite based communications if enough space debris is created. Crippling western economic sectors dependant on inet communications

[FoxtArt]

Anti-satellite warfare is a distinct asymmetric possibility. We know they can do it. They have the missile technology.

I don't think our response would be significant nobody wants a graveyard in low earth orbit and we don't want to go to war over that either... But, Russia could not be absolutely assured as to what our response would be.

[BushMasterBoy]

Pravda is the government owned press of Russia. They publish some crazy stuff. Below is a link from 14JAN22.

https://english.pravda.ru/news/world/150057-russian_submarine/

[Zundfolge]

Anti-satellite warfare is a distinct asymmetric possibility. We know they can do it. They have the missile technology.

I don't think our response would be significant nobody wants a graveyard in low earth orbit and we don't want to go to war over that either... But, Russia could not be absolutely assured as to what our response would be.

That would come at a pretty big cost ... like keeping us earthbound for a few extra centuries (go look up "Kessler Cascade").

[OtterbatHellcat]

I hope Ukraine shoves a stick up Russias ass and can make it through this, however unlikely.

"Hey, should I tell them to go fuck themselves ?"........that was freaking awesome.

Let's hope this isn't a precursor to WWIII, seems it could easily become so.

[BushMasterBoy]

I'm not saying it is going to happen, but I don't like the timing of Putin's timing of the invasion of Ukraine. Secretary Perry was concerned we could blunder into a nuclear war.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUuOskX3z7U&t=309s


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUBY6bMZn8w

[hollohas]

This whole thing is weird.

Did Putin and his Generals really underestimate Ukraine this bad? I mean, everyone thought they'd fall immediately. But big bad Russia couldn't even roll through Ukraine after a month free reign to build forces on Ukraine's border on 3 sides? From land, air and sea? I mean, they started like 100 miles from the freaking capital with a massive build up and still can't get there.

Now Putin is stuck. He CAN'T lose. I mean, what an embarrassment to fail at an invasion with literally all odds in his favor. So, the question is, how far does he go to wrap this up? The more Ukraine slows his forces down, the more drastic his response will be. He's not just going to let them slug it out for however long it takes, is he?

[FoxtArt]

It is a lose/lose for Putin either way which makes it unpredictable. Russian soldiers thought all the Ukraine stuff was BS western propaganda...

Until they got drafted. We've been hacking their websites, now shutting out their credit cards, shit is getting real for the average Russian citizen, win or lose, most will come to realize the state media is pumping bullshit.

[Gman]

Anti-satellite warfare is a distinct asymmetric possibility. We know they can do it. They have the missile technology.
We also have the ability. Not sure anybody wants to surround the planet with debris.

Putin feared a unified Europe. He's basically created a self-fulfilling prophecy by his advances on Ukraine. I hope the situation gets bad enough that the Russian people throw the bum out, but they've been controlled by fear their entire lives.

ETA: This conflict has made a couple of things more clear to me about Russia's capability. They don't seem to be able to fight well at night and their air power is overrated.

I still hope that Ukraine bleeds Russia terribly in this attack and they pay dearly for it.

[hollohas]

It is a lose/lose for Putin either way which makes it unpredictable.

So why did he do it? That's what's weird about this. Putin isn't dumb. Why start a lose/lose invasion? Either he underestimated Ukraine's defenses (not likely IMO) or there is a different end goal then we all think that makes this worth it.

Either way, I hope US military leaders take a break from woke training and rooting out white supremacy to spend some time studying Russian tactics and capabilities here. It's been a long time since we've had a solid chance to have such a good look at what they can/can't do. Wishful thinking probably.

[FoxtArt]

I think he underestimated the world response. The world did (mostly) nothing the first two times (Georgia, Crimea). All the sudden, the world has flipped the table over and is sending NATO equipment, cutting RU off from everything, hacking their websites, and doing the polar opposite of prior historical response. And NATO is now massively ramping up defense spending and many other countries will likely join (Finland, Sweden). What's he going to do, turn Russia into glass?

But of course, Ukraine is a bit more of a bit than what he had previously pushed for. He made a massive miscalculation and Russia is still very likely to win if they trudge through it, but the cost will end up being too high and they won't be able to keep it forever.

On the other hand, Russia is a slowly dying empire. Population losses, economy, the works, it's a try-or-die type of deal in the long term in Putins mind potentially. Which also makes them more unpredictable. If they fail here, it seals the fate of the Russian empire. Maybe not today, but within 50 years, it'll cease to be a world player in any accord and cease being "Russia". It'll just be "that cold place that exports raw materials."

[BushMasterBoy]

I think he has lost it mentally at age 69. I also think he wants to use nuclear weapons and will not de-escalate. The recent turn of events is very dangerous. Putin is looking for a reason to go nuclear. He will "make shit up" so to speak. What we have now is a sociopath with nuclear weapons.

He will justify to his people the use of nuclear weapons to save "The Sons of Russia" who are mostly conscripts paid $30 a month. If he does use nuclear weapons, we can probably expect martial law. I also expect hidden "terror cells" to sabotage infrastructure in the US and around the world.

[FoxtArt]

Even if they did, based on what we're seeing in Ukraine 95% of their ICBMs would either have failed cores, failed propellant, or get lost in the Atlantic ocean.

The state of their military is really much worse than what they have been projecting. I suspect they keep their submarines in better shape so this is somewhat tongue in cheek, but even though Putin is in ways, trying to do a last stand, a Napoleonic legacy, I don't think he wants his legacy to be removing all people of Russian heritage (including himself) entirely from the gene pool. Can't absolutely rule it out, but it is exceedingly unlikely.

PS: Nuclear winter is actually a propaganda plant by the KBG in America. It doesn't exist. The world has already had more than 2,000 nuclear weapons detonated upon it, and all the nukes combined pale in comparison to natural forces like Krakatoa. That is not to imply that millions, or even hundreds of millions of people wouldn't die in a nuclear war, but anyone with knowledge of it (e.g. Russia) would have to realize that while they could make us suffer immensely, as nations and a world, we'd survive just fine, albeit missing a good chunk of population and with decades of rebuilding to do. (not underestimating the damage, just being terse).

Russia though, would not survive, as it would be on the receiving end of a much better maintained, larger, international contingent of nukes. So in truth, it's a deterrent, but it is not an offense option for Russia even if Putin is mildly crazy.

[00tec]

Apparently, they murdered the AN-225. Based on that alone, the Rooskies can die in a fire. While underwater. With cancer.

[BushMasterBoy]

My dad died from multiple myeloma in 2004. In 1965 he returned from a year at Johnson Atoll. He came back with beta burns all over his body. The US Air Force was conducting nuclear Anti Satellite (ASAT) operations on Soviet satellites. There was an accident that was not publicized. The .mil does not always disclose this kind of data. Nuclear fallout and weapons grade plutonium/uranium is some of the most toxic material on the planet. 50 micrograms of weapons grade plutonium in your lungs is a death sentence.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Program_437

https://media.defense.gov/2017/Nov/21/2001847039/-1/-1/0/CP_0006_CHUN_SHOOTING_DOWN_STAR.PDF

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

[ray1970]

So, am I too late to put a bomb shelter in my backyard?

[Great-Kazoo]

So, am I too late to put a bomb shelter in my backyard?

only if it's on battery power.

[Great-Kazoo]

No one's concerned about Belarus, joining the russians. As well as them asking for their nuclear weapons back?

[TFOGGER]

https://scontent.fapa1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/274626794_10225458817550935_2252016068880538678_n. jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=IOQ8Lq5XvzwAX80X17E&_nc_ht=scontent.fapa1-2.fna&oh=00_AT9Tqih4Awf1wQjDgh6__jqRZ7_KOS-cTsQdLoTx6iwbYQ&oe=6221A3A1

[OldFogey]

Interesting if true. Helps to explain the russians lack of progress.
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1497537193346220038.html

[.455_Hunter]

https://scontent.fapa1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/274626794_10225458817550935_2252016068880538678_n. jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=IOQ8Lq5XvzwAX80X17E&_nc_ht=scontent.fapa1-2.fna&oh=00_AT9Tqih4Awf1wQjDgh6__jqRZ7_KOS-cTsQdLoTx6iwbYQ&oe=6221A3A1



Photoshop at its finest!

[Martinjmpr]

Even if they did, based on what we're seeing in Ukraine 95% of their ICBMs would either have failed cores, failed propellant, or get lost in the Atlantic ocean.



The other thing is, in our minds we sort of have this cartoon-ish picture of a desk with a big red button on it and when the dictator presses the button, all the missiles are launched.

But it doesn't really work that way. Putin (or Biden, for that matter) can give orders but those orders still have to be carried out by real, flesh-and-blood human beings. So the question is not "will Putin order missiles to be launched", because whether he does or not, the real question is "will the soldiers, sailors and airmen who receive those orders, carry them out if they know it means they and their own families will likely be annihilated?"

EDITED TO ADD: Although Putin has of course surrounded himself with loyal "yes men" (like all dictators do), it would not be tough to imagine that if he went full General Jack D. Ripper, those flunkies might decide that Putin needs a "vacation."

[FoxtArt]

RE: Sign photoshop

You are right. Middle arrow is faded on the side from poor use of a clone stamp tool. Poor job of color matching the text.

Also zero chance "sign guys" can just shit out and install new signs everywhere in 2 days while in combat. I am sure it is like CDOT here, sign positions are a full time occupation and they slowly service the entire city/county/state (or country) in Ukraine's context. It would take several years before a significant fraction could be replaced.

But, I think most of us are amused, not condemning. If it keeps their spirits up, more power to them.

[Gman]

Yeah, the sign joke is amusing. That's it. Totally unrealistic. Ukraine is bigger than TX and they're a bit pre-....

occupied.

I can only hope that there are sane people in Russia that can make Putin and his cronies 'go away'.

[ray1970]

I saw some city of Aurora workers changing out a single street sign. There were three of them working on it. I passed by two and a half hours later and they had successfully removed the old sign.

While I don?t know anything about the work ethics of the people of Ukraine, even trying to take down the street signs while their country is under siege would be all but impossible.

The doctored sign is still funny though.

[00tec]

. Ukraine is bigger than TX

Negative, especially now

[flogger]

Apparently, they murdered the AN-225. Based on that alone, the Rooskies can die in a fire. While underwater. With cancer.

89659

I had heard that the AN-225 was damaged during an attack but they were going to repair it? We shall see, either way, yes, fire underwater, cancer.

This was the only one built, it used to fly into DIA to pick-up 'stuff'. I saw it once and only because of the sound it made. Cool plane!

[Hoser]

I had heard that the AN-225 was damaged during an attack but they were going to repair it? We shall see, either way, yes, fire underwater, cancer.

This was the only one built, it used to fly into DIA to pick-up 'stuff'. I saw it once and only because of the sound it made. Cool plane!

It already wasnt a healthy plane.

The chances of it ever flying again is very slim.

[Gman]

Ukraine says they'll rebuild it and make Russia pay for it. We'll see.

It has been in and out of DIA to pick up rockets for Lockheed Martin.

[kidicarus13]

Ukraine says they'll rebuild it and make Russia pay for it.

[emoji1787]

[Duman]

Gotta love the Ukraine spirit!


https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hCyM0pbjQpw

[Hummer]

Ukraine says they'll rebuild it and make Russia pay for it. We'll see.

It has been in and out of DIA to pick up rockets for Lockheed Martin.


[emoji1787]



Yeah, like Trump made Mexico pay for the border wall.


OT FWIW, tomorrow evening before the State of the Union address our local Republican caucus will be held.

Awesome plane.

[kidicarus13]

Yeah, like Trump made Mexico pay for the border wall.


Awesome plane.

My thoughts exactly.

[flogger]

Putin is losing it. People around him are realizing it, he's paranoid, unpredictable, isolated and powerful.

Be a good time for a Coup. They say dictators and tyrants thru history end up this way after too many years of power. Delusional at the end.

I certainly feel for the folks in Ukraine, things could get ugly. Pray for Peace!

[hollohas]

Sounds like a bunch of the Russian troops had no idea what was up and they got a rude awakening when they entered Ukraine. Some accounts (from captured Russians) say they may have been told they were on a peacekeeping mission. That's not the way to get your army ready for a fight. Their hearts aren't in it. It's not like this was a secret mission, why not tell them the truth and get them ready for battle? Tell them their country's safety is at risk? That their very existence as a nation is at stake? Give them a reason to fight?

Instead Russia told their army they were going on a peacekeeping mission and they went in blind. Major strategic failure there.

This entire event shows how difficult it is to invade a foreign nation. Especially without "softening" it up first. I've seen some videos of Russian foot patrols getting ambushed in residential neighborhoods. It's slow moving for them.

Even Russian citizens are protesting this. Putin has made a major error.

[BushMasterBoy]

These guys are not draftees (conscripts). They are professionals. They are literally the cream of the crop of the Russian military. They have mobile launchers. Putin owns them. I would not underestimate them. Link below provides interesting information:

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

[Bailey Guns]

Was just reading about a 40-mile long Russian convoy sitting on a road just outside of Kyiv. Too bad Ukraine doesn't have a few A-10s...and a shitload of 30mm ammo. They could make the "Highway of Death" look like Hollywood Blvd.

[Great-Kazoo]

https://www.atncorp.com/ukraine


Our politicians talk a lot but in the end no one is helping Ukraine but Ukrainians!!! A lot of hot air being pushed around by political windbags will do very little. Please Help the fight against Putin!!! If we don't help, our Governments will never Act Decisively!!!

[OtterbatHellcat]

It kinda seems like this whole shit show is only one mistake away from going Full Retard.

(no offense to friends, family of... or actual retarded people)

[Gman]

Was just reading about a 40-mile long Russian convoy sitting on a road just outside of Kyiv. Too bad Ukraine doesn't have a few A-10s...and a shitload of 30mm ammo. They could make the "Highway of Death" look like Hollywood Blvd.

I've been thinking the same thing.

[BushMasterBoy]

Usually the tactic is to surround the city and cut it off from supplies. Starve it. I fear the Rus leader will nuke it. Since NATO is not going in there with their troops, what does he have to lose? The capital is not what he is after, as others have pointed out, it is the resources he wants. He can claim he saved Europe from the fascists, Nazis, and other imaginary evils.
I am not sure how to deescalate this situation using conventional military strategy and tactics. Maybe bribe his regime to oust him? Average Rus salary is $26,500 per annum. Draftees get paid $30 month. $3000 a month is a great wage in Rus.

[Bailey Guns]

Pretty much the entire world is having a meltdown over Putin's actions so far. And rightly so... If he used nukes on a Ukrainian city that would put an end to him and Russia as it exists today. He'd also likely lose a major Russian city in the process. He has a lot to lose.

Nukes (and fear) are the only option the Russians have for projecting their military power around the world (by that I mean anything other than a land battle in Europe). Logistics have ALWAYS been a problem for the Russian military. They have a massive army but they can't move it and support it around the world like we can. Their navy isn't a match for the US navy and the combined navies of the major western countries. Putin won't resort to nukes over Ukraine. If it gets any worse for him they'll find a way to "settle" their differences and he'll withdraw forces in a way to save face. It'll all be BS but that's how it'll be marketed.

[TFOGGER]

https://scontent-den4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/275053019_376277717877567_1367012497604684347_n.jp g?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=7KphMQs1-y0AX9sOZWm&_nc_oc=AQngk79W4L3cmQRBfbN4U05AtKxHwu6FubD2omBIMQM 8rFfCNDQmBh1AZXH218iMDpQ&_nc_ht=scontent-den4-1.xx&oh=00_AT_nuqrmepkHVUxJm8UlUkus7mKrN1sjPUvmcl2Y67QU 0w&oe=62235C6E

[Great-Kazoo]

Once again the irony. The same people who decry Thoughts and prayers, after a shooting. Are now ....Offering thoughts & prayers, for Ukraine.


It does make a great distraction for the "2022 truck convoy" Since the NG and other agencies have erected fencing around some areas in d.c.

[.455_Hunter]

The Simpsons were scary accurate in predicting the future (May 1998 episode):

https://youtu.be/z77JFw2D6f8

[earplug]

LewRockwell.com has article by David Stockman, The Land Where History Died, Part 1.
I recommend reading who he is and what he wrote.

[BladesNBarrels]

What’s the difference between a ruble & a dollar? A dollar.

[Martinjmpr]

Pretty much the entire world is having a meltdown over Putin's actions so far. And rightly so... If he used nukes on a Ukrainian city that would put an end to him and Russia as it exists today. He'd also likely lose a major Russian city in the process. He has a lot to lose.

Putin won't resort to nukes over Ukraine.



I'm not sure he could if he wanted to. As I said earlier, it's not like there's a big red button on Putin's desk that he pushes to launch nukes. There is a chain of command going down from Putin to the guy who actually pushes the button or turns the key. Unless every single person in that chain was a die-hard (literally, as in willing to die) Putin supporter, it's likely that somebody along that chain would put a stop to it before it got to a launch.

I mean, maybe I'm wrong but this isn't the Cold War where the USSR strictly controlled news going in and out of the country. Every Russian has the ability to know very well what is going on in the world. How many of them are willing to immolate the world to serve Putin's megalomania? Putin may very well be willing to destroy the world to prove he's a tough guy, but unless every general, colonel, captain, sergeant and private all the way down is willing to do so, I don't see it happening.

[ray1970]

I read a headline where the newly imposed sanctions against Russia are already having a devastating affect on the Russian economy.

That was fast.

Also, wasn?t their economy pretty much a wreck to begin with?

[Zundfolge]

Pretty much the entire world is having a meltdown over Putin's actions so far. And rightly so...

I suspect Putin is more in the wrong here than in the right. But every day we discover that what we were told yesterday was a lie ( https://thenationalpulse.com/2022/02/28/pro-ukraine-propaganda-floods-social-media/ ) so I'm not ready to condemn him, nor ready to see his cities nuked, nor ready to duck-and-cover out of fear of his nukes.

The fact that every Democrat, George Soros and the leftist media are so gung ho to condemn Putin and praise Ukraine makes be wonder if we're not being suckered into something nefarious here yet again (WMDs in Iraq, the sinking of the US Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin, "Remember the Maine!" Operation Northwoods*, etc).

*which thankfully never came to fruition ... but can you imagine what would have happened if it had ... we might not be here.

[Eric P]

I suspect Putin is more in the wrong here than in the right. But every day we discover that what we were told yesterday was a lie ( https://thenationalpulse.com/2022/02/28/pro-ukraine-propaganda-floods-social-media/ ) so I'm not ready to condemn him, nor ready to see his cities nuked, nor ready to duck-and-cover out of fear of his nukes.

The fact that every Democrat, George Soros and the leftist media are so gung ho to condemn Putin and praise Ukraine makes be wonder if we're not being suckered into something nefarious here yet again (WMDs in Iraq, the sinking of the US Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin, "Remember the Maine!" Operation Northwoods*, etc).

*which thankfully never came to fruition ... but can you imagine what would have happened if it had ... we might not be here.

They are trying to 9-11-2000 a failing presidency. War rallies a population behind the president.

[BushMasterBoy]

She says he would! I don't doubt him. Putin DGAF


https://www.yahoo.com/news/world-war-iii-already-184545712.html

[FoxtArt]

I suspect Putin is more in the wrong here than in the right. But every day we discover that what we were told yesterday was a lie ( https://thenationalpulse.com/2022/02/28/pro-ukraine-propaganda-floods-social-media/ ) so I'm not ready to condemn him, nor ready to see his cities nuked, nor ready to duck-and-cover out of fear of his nukes.

The fact that every Democrat, George Soros and the leftist media are so gung ho to condemn Putin and praise Ukraine makes be wonder if we're not being suckered into something nefarious here yet again (WMDs in Iraq, the sinking of the US Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin, "Remember the Maine!" Operation Northwoods*, etc).

*which thankfully never came to fruition ... but can you imagine what would have happened if it had ... we might not be here.

That is not far away from saying,


While I suspect the Nazi's might be slightly in the wrong, since the democrats believe the holocausts is real, maybe the holocaust is actually fake news and maybe the Nazi's had a point? Well anyway, we can't rule it out, because the democrats believe the holocaust is real something is likely up, we shouldn't be ready to condemn the Nazis just in case...

Has it ever occurred to some of you conspiracy-minded folks that maybe, some actions are so universally evil that people *gasp* can agree despite differing political opinions *gasp*. Evil people live in this world, some of them evil enough to unite idgits in agreement.

I never in my life thought conservatives would "devils advocate" on the side of a KGB-born dictator looking to restore the USSR. When people's justification for their opinions are based on little more than "I need to automatically believe the opposite of people I don't like", that's some kind of logical fallacy that is called "turn off the conspiracy news", and membership to the conservative party should be revoked.

RUSSIANS don't even want to be in Ukraine fighting. Their soldiers largely were told the invasion news was western propaganda until they were shoved in trucks and forced over the border. I have sympathy for the soldiers on the ground, but fuck Putin and anyone who advocates his opinions or parrots his propaganda. (not accusing anyone at this time, just giving perspective)My best wishes, however, to the actual Slavic soldiers on both sides who are forced to fight this bullshit war.

[DenverGP]

WTF, nothing in his comments were even close to saying that nazi's weren't completely evil....

Thats a bullshit false equivalence argument.


If after the past bunch of years you aren't smart enough to question everything coming from the government and mass media, then you obviously aren't paying attention.

The fact that the media all agrees that Nazis are evil doesn't make the media truthful or accurate on everything else...

[BushMasterBoy]

I would just use drones and attack the fuel tanker trucks in the 40 mile long convoy. Just sayin'...

[hollohas]

I would just use drones and attack the fuel tanker trucks in the 40 mile long convoy. Just sayin'...The convoy is running out of gas. I wouldn't be surprised if it's half abandoned before long.

[BushMasterBoy]

Oil is over $106 A BARREL. Time to buy a horse.

[Great-Kazoo]

That is not far away from saying,


Has it ever occurred to some of you conspiracy-minded folks that maybe, some actions are so universally evil that people *gasp* can agree despite differing political opinions *gasp*. Evil people live in this world, some of them evil enough to unite idgits in agreement.

I never in my life thought conservatives would "devils advocate" on the side of a KGB-born dictator looking to restore the USSR. When people's justification for their opinions are based on little more than "I need to automatically believe the opposite of people I don't like", that's some kind of logical fallacy that is called "turn off the conspiracy news", and membership to the conservative party should be revoked.

RUSSIANS don't even want to be in Ukraine fighting. Their soldiers largely were told the invasion news was western propaganda until they were shoved in trucks and forced over the border. I have sympathy for the soldiers on the ground, but fuck Putin and anyone who advocates his opinions or parrots his propaganda. (not accusing anyone at this time, just giving perspective)My best wishes, however, to the actual Slavic soldiers on both sides who are forced to fight this bullshit war.

says the guy who tried tying in the American trucker protest to russia.

[Zundfolge]

That is not far away from saying...

I said I don't trust the media coverage of the Ukraine situation and you spin that into me being a Nazi loving conspiracy nutter parroting Putin propaganda?

Your take is bad and you should feel bad.

[crashdown]

I agree with the media spin, I have no idea what is going on.

Our media is saying Putin is feeding his people misinformation through social media and news, but….
Picture of Miss Ukraine fighting was fake.
Pictures of their president in battle gear were from 2019.
Road signs misleading tanks were fake.
Pictures of school children learning how to handle guns was old and out of context.
All these pictures of Russian troops walking home.. who the hell knows what is really going on.
Many of the pics I have seen of broken or blown up vehicles is obviously not recent if you look closely.
The list keeps going.
I guess some important dude from Russia was going address the UN and explain Russias reasoning, but everyone walked out and we do not know what he said. I would think based on my reading of The Art of War, everyone should have paid a lot of attention.
Zelensky has delivered some seriously emotional speeches, but he was a successful actor prior to becoming president.
If Putin really wanted to blow shit up, why send such a small percentage of what he had on tap?. Kinda makes the little bit of what he said about why seems plausible.
As of Sunday the death count was supposedly around 300, the death count from COVID in the USA in the same amount of time as conflict was supposedly over 6000, even per capita a much higher percentage of Americans are dying on ventilators than Ukrainians in war based on some simple math.
Oil prices are soaring and Putin is selling oil, so I doubt any sanctions on Russian oligarchs kids out of country tuition are really having much of an impact.

I will admit I am partially retarded and not really following, but everything we are being told about the bad guys seems to be exactly what we are doing.

what ever happened to believe nothing you hear, and half of what you see?

[clodhopper]

Well the ruble keeps dropping, we can verify that anyway.

[hollohas]

Oil is over $106 A BARREL. Time to buy a horse.And the jackwagon in the WH wants to release from the strategic reserve...that won't help anything and it's an awfully bad idea to reduce our reserve with the world on the edge or war.

[BushMasterBoy]

Well the ruble keeps dropping, we can verify that anyway.

If Putin has calls on oil and puts on the DJIA, he is making a killing. Nothing surprises me anymore. Only governments can launder money and get away with it. It is really easy when you are the president and own the courts. That is why they call it an oligarchy. It is easy to hide Bitcoin and digital currency when you have nuclear weapons. I believe every .gov is corrupt, regardless of geography. The polits want only two things from us, our money and our vote.
I will be in the back yard cutting firewood.

[Osmosis]

So terribly sad. I feel very bad for the Ukrainians of course, but also for the Russian conscripts who apparently thought they were going to be greeted by cheering crowds and instead walked into a meat grinder. I partly blame our government going all the way back to Bush for mishandled the integration of Russa into the modern world and we set up Ukraine for this pain by over promising without understanding the risks to them. I hope Ukraine can hold out and it becomes enough of a stalemate that the Russian army steps in and call it off.

On another note, however this ends, I think I will hold off vacationing in Europe or the Middle East until all of the ~500 Stingers currently being handed out are finally accounted for. It would make flying there way to stressful for me.

[XJ]

The ordinary people of Ukraine have been shoved into a shitstorm by the people that George Carlin identified years ago [Mad]

[BushMasterBoy]

Putin is killing kids in the Ukraine. I am with Sgt. Fury on this baby murderer.

[hollohas]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10569027/Charred-remains-Putins-tanks-lie-smouldering-street-Russian-death-toll-climbs.html

Convoy is not doing so well.

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/03/02/12/54854185-10569027-image-a-16_1646224763417.jpg

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/03/02/12/54854183-0-image-a-23_1646225167906.jpg

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/03/02/12/54797387-10569027-Ukrainian_forces_have_inflicted_heavy_losses_on_ad vancing_Russia-a-2_1646224763379.jpg

[colorider]

And the jackwagon in the WH wants to release from the strategic reserve...that won't help anything and it's an awfully bad idea to reduce our reserve with the world on the edge or war.

Some of the reserve was released. Enough for 3 days worth of supply. Wow. 3 days.

[Aloha_Shooter]

Yes, there's pro-Ukrainian propaganda out there. Every party in a war uses and issues propaganda to some extent.
Yes, Biden is (finally) supporting Ukraine -- at least verbally. Soros and others are jumping on the anti-Putin bandwagon because of course they are; they need to distract everyone from the fact they were working with him to attack anti-communists for years. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
The timing of this was convenient for Biden because it takes the heat off him for a variety of issues. I suspect Putin felt the heat Biden was taking on those issues made the timing convenient for him.

The bottom line on this for me is that a neo-Stalinist is rampaging. People die every day but usually not because of deliberate action by a tyrant who thinks he can get away with literal murder. He should have been put in his place and boxed in when he pulled this crap with Georgia and Crimea but the Leftists in and out of our government didn't want to do that. He waited when Mr. Unpredictable was in office but launched his expansionism again once the Senile-in-Chief was in office and overwhelmed. If he's not stopped and put down this time, he'll keep escalating and that will cost us more in the end than doing something now. These kinds of thugs don't stop until they realize they're going to get hurt.

[FoxtArt]

Yes, there's pro-Ukrainian propaganda out there. Every party in a war uses and issues propaganda to some extent.
Yes, Biden is (finally) supporting Ukraine -- at least verbally. Soros and others are jumping on the anti-Putin bandwagon because of course they are; they need to distract everyone from the fact they were working with him to attack anti-communists for years. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
The timing of this was convenient for Biden because it takes the heat off him for a variety of issues. I suspect Putin felt the heat Biden was taking on those issues made the timing convenient for him.

The bottom line on this for me is that a neo-Stalinist is rampaging. People die every day but usually not because of deliberate action by a tyrant who thinks he can get away with literal murder. He should have been put in his place and boxed in when he pulled this crap with Georgia and Crimea but the Leftists in and out of our government didn't want to do that. He waited when Mr. Unpredictable was in office but launched his expansionism again once the Senile-in-Chief was in office and overwhelmed. If he's not stopped and put down this time, he'll keep escalating and that will cost us more in the end than doing something now. These kinds of thugs don't stop until they realize they're going to get hurt.

Well said.

Even we do it.

https://images.news18.com/ibnlive/uploads/2021/08/taliban-flying-us-chopper.jpg

The thing to remember to is we live in an age where everyone is a "journalist" and disinformation has no state monopoly anymore. Most of the propaganda is made by glorified trolls with varying levels of intent. Sometimes states adopt it unknowingly. Sometimes propaganda is still state created. In any event, it is hardly justification for the most corrupt developed nation with the most corrupted of all media to come in and invade under guise of "freeing them from fascists" and "peacekeeping". If it was, we should be invaded by Russia too by that logic.

[Gman]

Social media is a cesspool (always has been). MSM fishes in that cesspool for "news" and shares the 'catch of the day'.

What Putin is doing killing civilians is indefensible. No foil hat required.

I hope the reports of Russian troops poor morale are true, not understanding why they are there and being instructed to kill Ukrainians who haven't done anything to them. I have heard of some surrendering and some intentionally puncturing fuel tanks so the equipment is unable to continue the attack. I hope that is true. The Russian military should turn their guns around on their leadership, IMO.

[00tec]

The "puncturing fuel tanks" deal seems like propaganda to me. I can see them dragging feet, not wanting to be there, but you'd catch a firing squad pretty quick draining diesel out there. somebody is gonna snitch

[Gman]

Probably.

[hollohas]

Russia: Ukraine wants to join NATO. That means they'll have more weapons and be a risk to us. Let's go invade them so that doesn't happen. We'll be totally chill about it too, no one will know it's coming. ;)

Ukraine: Oh snap, Russia is invading us. We thought this might come one day. Good thing we have lots of weapons so we can blow their shit up and put up a hell of a fight!

Russia: Damn. This isn't as easy as we thought. Let's negotiate peace talks and a ceasefire under the condition that Ukraine demilitarize.

Ukraine: WTF!?!?! Are you for real?

[RblDiver]

This is fantastic!
https://notthebee.com/article/ukrainians-are-tying-and-taping-looters-to-light-poles-and-that-seems-like-the-best-punishment-ever

[hollohas]

Sure hope Ukraine is making an all out effort to keep the road to Poland open. They lose that, they are done.

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/03/02/15/54860711-10569141-image-a-3_1646234304995.jpg

[RblDiver]

Not sure if true or not, but another thing I really want to be true!
https://notthebee.com/article/the-ukrainian-irs-says-citizens-dont-need-to-declare-captured-russian-tanks-or-guns-on-their-taxes-

[RblDiver]

Perhaps the makers of this door should use this in their advertising. "So strong, it keeps the Russians out!"
The Battle of Techno House

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF60GV33fTc

[Bailey Guns]

He's probably lucky he didn't get shot...

[Bailey Guns]

I've also heard that Poland has sent several Mig-29s to Ukraine. There was another report of cargo aircraft carrying war materiel into Poland being escorted by F-35s.

[hollohas]

Perhaps the makers of this door should use this in their advertising. "So strong, it keeps the Russians out!"
The Battle of Techno House

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF60GV33fTcWhat's he doing? Trying to get some records to bring home?

If that is a Russian soldier, someone should have shot him while he was messing with that door. All those apartments around, I'm surprised he wasn't while his back was turned.

[Bailey Guns]

There's all sorts of videos out of hungry Russian soldiers looting stores and even one of Russian soldiers removing what looks like a safe or cash machine from a bank.

[hollohas]

I don't understand sanctions. I just read that some Russian businessman had his giant yacht confiscated by Germany under the sanctions.

And some other Russian guy had his Italian villa confiscated.

Are sanctions just an excuse for every government in the world to steal people's shit? How the hell does taking a dude's boat help stop a war?

[eddiememphis]

There's all sorts of videos out of hungry Russian soldiers looting stores and even one of Russian soldiers removing what looks like a safe or cash machine from a bank.

Are you sure that wasn't video of Seattle? Or New York? Or Portland...

[clodhopper]

I don't understand sanctions. I just read that some Russian businessman had his giant yacht confiscated by Germany under the sanctions.

And some other Russian guy had his Italian villa confiscated.

Are sanctions just an excuse for every government in the world to steal people's shit? How the hell does taking a dude's boat help stop a war?

Make life painful for the oligarchs. Hopefully they will either convince Putin to quit or join in on a topple of power. Turn the country against the war.

[BushMasterBoy]

I wanna trash this palace...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putin%27s_Palace

[clodhopper]

I wanna trash this palace...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putin%27s_Palace

Putin net worth is estimated somewhere between 70 and 200 billion. I am sure he can build another one.

[BushMasterBoy]

This is the link to their local paper. Seems like this Rus leader is going to escalate the situation.


https://www.kyivpost.com/

[Great-Kazoo]

I don't understand sanctions. I just read that some Russian businessman had his giant yacht confiscated by Germany under the sanctions.

And some other Russian guy had his Italian villa confiscated.

Are sanctions just an excuse for every government in the world to steal people's shit? How the hell does taking a dude's boat help stop a war?

It's all about the optics. Again, politicians worldwide (ESPECIALLY IN AMERICA) remained silent as canada seizes truckers, money & property.

Why not take it to the next level. They're just a bunch of russians, no one give a shit.




When they came for me. It was too late.

[Great-Kazoo]

Putin net worth is estimated somewhere between 70 and 200 billion. I am sure he can build another one.

With the $$ he get from this administration for oil, why not.

[FoxtArt]

The US already arbitrarily seizes US Citizens assets, in case anyone forgot. (civil forfeiture). A very un-american practice now extended to Oligarchs. There is little doubt the Ruskies make extensive use of their own "civil forfeiture" inside their borders as well.

[DDT951]

When they came for me. It was too late.

When I first saw this inscription, I was a teenager a KZ Dachau….

The question is..

We we seeing a repeat of Sudetenland/Austria or are we seeing a repeat of Poland?

I guess we are seeing the violence of Poland… and the response of Sudetenland?

What happens when Putin wants some of his Empire such as Poland back?

[hollohas]

What happens when Putin wants some of his Empire such as Poland back?

He probably does.

He invaded Ukraine because they want to join NATO, basically. Proving Ukrainian needed something like NATO.

But because he invaded, now other countries also want to join NATO too so they have protection...

So will he invade them too since they joined NATO making their possible new-found protection necessary?

Each action makes the next mandatory.
Where does it stop?

[RblDiver]

I'd say "lucky bastards," but they are living in a war area, so...kinda-lucky bastards!
https://notthebee.com/article/these-ukranian-lads-are-living-their-best-life-in-a-stolen-russian-tank

[Gman]

What makes it "his empire" that entitles him to get it back?

History says it belongs to whomever can hold it. If somebody wants it bad enough and is willing to pay a high enough price for it, everything is up for grabs. Including the dirt we're sitting on.

[kidicarus13]

I'd say "lucky bastards," but they are living in a war area, so...kinda-lucky bastards!
https://notthebee.com/article/these-ukranian-lads-are-living-their-best-life-in-a-stolen-russian-tankIt's all fun and ganes until friendly fire.

[hollohas]

SO.....if Russia just declared a hot war against the 'west' (NOT JUST UKRAINE), do we still just sit around and watch it happen?

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/russian-foreign-spy-chief-says-cold-war-with-west-has-turned-hot-2022-03-03/


MOSCOW, March 3 (Reuters) - The head of Russia's foreign intelligence agency said on Thursday it was wrong to speak of a new Cold War between Russia and the West because the situation was already "hot".

"Western politicians and commentators like to call what is happening a 'new cold war.' It seems that historical parallels are not entirely appropriate here," Sergei Naryshkin said on his agency's website.

"If only because in the second half of the 20th century Russia fought with the West on the distant approaches, and now the war has come to the very borders of our Motherland. So for us it is definitely not 'cold', but quite 'hot'".


The war "came to the very borders of our motherland"? Uh, war didn't come to them...they brought it to others.

Russia is nuts. Only good commie is a dead commie.

[rondog]

I'd bet the coordinates for "Putin's Palace" are already stored in a missile launch control somewhere.....

[BushMasterBoy]

I want to trash the palace while he is sleeping in it. I should have clarified my previous statement...

[rondog]

Ol' Pootee's got a price on his head now.

https://www.newsweek.com/wanted-dead-alive-russian-tycoon-puts-1m-bounty-putins-head-1684337

[hollohas]

So, the world confiscates rich guy boats, but we'll still by Russian oil. Good plan dipshits.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10574649/Biden-prepares-sanctions-Russian-oligarchs.html


We don't have a strategic interest in reducing the global supply of energy, and that would raise prices at the gas pump for the American people,' Psaki said

The people in the WH have got to be some of the dumbest people on the planet.

Banning Russian oil during a war = reduction in supply and raised costs. Not good.

But

Closing American oil pipelines = saving the world. Good!

What kind mentally deranged asshats are these people?

[Gman]

And as we know from our own example, crushing the economy hurts the people at the bottom long before those at the top even notice.

[BushMasterBoy]

They say the Rus are shelling a active nuclear power station responsible for 1/4 of Ukraine power production. They do know Rus children will be drinking radioactive milk? The fallout of an uncontrolled reactor meltdown will contaminate the worlds crops and livestock.

https://news.yahoo.com/live-updates-fitch-downgrades-russias-074543182.html

[RblDiver]

Russia appears to be using thermobaric weapons. Seeing the sky light up with these is crazy.
https://twitter.com/JPaulKirby/status/1499200442407944195
https://twitter.com/JPaulKirby/status/1499183669201842185
https://twitter.com/redmanjustine/status/1499180156325445640

[hollohas]

So Russia said they were JUST building up troops on the border for training. And the world just watched. Then they invaded.

Now the Russians are saying they're JUST invading Ukraine to prevent them from joining NATO. And the world just watches.

What are the odds the world just watches when Russia builds up troops on Ukraine's border with Poland or Romania for "training"? The other countries have much smaller armies and would be a cake walk after Ukraine.

[FoxtArt]

So Russia said they were JUST building up troops on the border for training. And the world just watched. Then they invaded.

Now the Russians are saying they're JUST invading Ukraine to prevent them from joining NATO. And the world just watches.

What are the odds the world just watches when Russia builds up troops on Ukraine's border with Poland or Romania for "training"? The other countries have much smaller armies and would be a cake walk after Ukraine.

Watch the international response be the same too. "Well, yeah, they are NATO, but if we send planes and troops over there, we'll be in direct conflict with Russia and they have nukes, so we'll observe and report instead"

[Great-Kazoo]

Russia appears to be using thermobaric weapons. Seeing the sky light up with these is crazy.
https://twitter.com/JPaulKirby/status/1499200442407944195
https://twitter.com/JPaulKirby/status/1499183669201842185
https://twitter.com/redmanjustine/status/1499180156325445640

One of the comments.


And there's us, using bamboo toothbrushes and moon cups to help the environment, and Russia just incinerates the world and these poor civilians in days.

[DDT951]

It feels like European Red Dawn…

This nuclear reactor thing is scary. There are claims they are placing explosives in it to threaten Europe with fallout.

At this point, I think NATO (and hence USA) should get involved in a limited basis.

Use NATO AirPower and disallow any Russian aircraft to operate over Ukraine.

Use special forces to go in and secure nuclear facilities.

Use NATO AirPower to neutralize targets that attack in any way nuclear facilities.

[Martinjmpr]

At this point, I think NATO (and hence USA) should get involved in a limited basis.

Use NATO AirPower and disallow any Russian aircraft to operate over Ukraine.

Use special forces to go in and secure nuclear facilities.

Use NATO AirPower to neutralize targets that attack in any way nuclear facilities.

You really think the citizens of NATO countries (who pissed their pants at the thought of the US striking a faraway country like Iraq or Syria) are going to be in favor of going to war against a country that can drop a nuke into their backyards?

To say nothing of the fact that Russia retains - at least theoretically - the ability to do the same to the USA.

[Martinjmpr]

My prediction is that the Russian operation continues for another week or so and then once they've consolidated their gains, Putin agrees to a ceasefire on the grounds that (a) he gets to keep what he's got and (b) NATO does not expand to any other European country.

In a way, that kind of sucks but on the other hand, this was really Putin's war. Dictators have a way of eliminating anyone with enough support or charisma to challenge them so when Putin bites the big one, I think things go back to normal. But it will be tense few years.

[Martinjmpr]

It feels like European Red Dawn…

This nuclear reactor thing is scary. There are claims they are placing explosives in it to threaten Europe with fallout.


I'm pretty sure weather patterns move West to East in Europe just like they do here. So if that's true, Putin is basically pointing a gun at his own head.

[Great-Kazoo]

there's been so much disinformation from both sides, as well as the media. I'll wait till the dust settles before anything else.

[RblDiver]

Journalists survive an attack. https://twitter.com/JonMorter/status/1499890473812516870

[BushMasterBoy]

I just wonder how many Rus sleeper cells are in the US waiting orders to attack?

[kidicarus13]

I just wonder how many Rus sleeper cells are in the US waiting orders to attack?Zero. If not already, when? What happended to the overhyped al Qaeda and Hezbolla sleeper cells that crossed over from the Mexican border years ago? Dud [emoji3455]

[Hummer]

And I wonder how many suitcase nukes are stationed in cities and military facilities all around Russia. All it takes is fot Putin to push one button.

[BushMasterBoy]

Zero. If not already, when? What happended to the overhyped al Qaeda and Hezbolla sleeper cells that crossed over from the Mexican border years ago? Dud [emoji3455]

You are probably right because they all live in NYC!

https://www.foxnews.com/us/russian-spies-intelligence-officers-new-york-compound-kremlin-ukraine-invasion

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russian-diplomatic-compound-new-york-building-diplomats-residence/

[Great-Kazoo]

You are probably right because they all live in NYC!

https://www.foxnews.com/us/russian-spies-intelligence-officers-new-york-compound-kremlin-ukraine-invasion

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russian-diplomatic-compound-new-york-building-diplomats-residence/

OOO Spies [ROFL2]


They've been in brooklyn for decades, like 40+ years, now.

[BushMasterBoy]

Ukraine drones seem to be a game changer. I was wondering how they were accomplishing their counter assault against armor.

https://news.yahoo.com/ukraines-army-using-nimble-game-104122766.html

[Aloha_Shooter]

Are you sure that wasn't video of Seattle? Or New York? Or Portland...

Nah, no flames. If it had been any of those cities, there'd have been a mass of people and fires all around ...

[leightoncash]

If I step back from the individual news stories, affix my foil hat atop my head and look at the coverage in general, it would seem like first we were being manipulated with emotional stories intended to make us want to support hot war with Russia. Now it looks like we they are trying to convince us that Russia is weak, so a hot war with Russia would be easy and it wouldn't cost us much, and that Biden really is a tough guy and his sanctions gesture is having great affect!
If I take my foil hat off, sometimes a spade is a spade, and maybe the little kids and women crying in Ukraine really are having their lives shattered by an evil that we could help fight. And maybe corrupt Russia has been siphoning national wealth off to a select few people for so long that their military is in disarray, low on morale, and undersupported.

Who knows. I'm trying to remain agnostic about all this. I know the truth is out there, but I don't know how one gets at it anymore short of seeing it with your own eyes.

[battlemidget]

I've come to the belief that the media gets half the story, and the half they report on is riddled with errors.

[hollohas]

Right now it seems to me that Russia is begging for a full blown world war. They've got officials on the news outright threatening to nuke anyone who gets in their way. He said he'll declare war on anyone who sets a no fly zone. He said sanctions on his country are a declaration of war. They were supposed to have a ceasefire yesterday to let civilians out and Russia immediately violated it. Russia is damn near carpet bombing apartment blocks and cities. How long will the world be cool with that? My guess is not much longer.

[crays]

Maybe I'm out of touch, but maybe putin DOES want a war. Rus is in kind of a shambles and economically down right now from what some of you have stated in this thread.

Tighten up your foil boys and girls:
WWIII - Rus acts out, world steps in and quashes, with damage to Rus motherland. World pays reparations and rebuilds/modernizes/updates infrastructure of Rus, to the ultimate betterment of Rus citizenship. (see: Japan)
Long tough road with much suffering, but a Rus win in the end.
Too far fetched? I, myself, find it hard to swallow that putin would knowingly face disgrace and defeat of self for the betterment of his people and motherland. Way too much ego.

[bellavite1]

Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.

[Zundfolge]

Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.

What? Are you some kind of Putin apologist?


[ROFL1][beatdeadhorse]

[bellavite1]

If I step back from the individual news stories, affix my foil hat atop my head and look at the coverage in general, it would seem like first we were being manipulated with emotional stories intended to make us want to support hot war with Russia. Now it looks like we they are trying to convince us that Russia is weak, so a hot war with Russia would be easy and it wouldn't cost us much, and that Biden really is a tough guy and his sanctions gesture is having great affect!
If I take my foil hat off, sometimes a spade is a spade, and maybe the little kids and women crying in Ukraine really are having their lives shattered by an evil that we could help fight. And maybe corrupt Russia has been siphoning national wealth off to a select few people for so long that their military is in disarray, low on morale, and undersupported.

Who knows. I'm trying to remain agnostic about all this. I know the truth is out there, but I don't know how one gets at it anymore short of seeing it with your own eyes.

Yup.
I am starting to feel manipulated... again.

[BushMasterBoy]

Front row seat to the war.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IgoMxN-pEA

[sportbikeco]

Front row seat to the war.



https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/new/

Lots of conflict coverage in this sub

[Mick-Boy]

When every corporate press outlet, the cast of SNL, and even George Soros are telling me we need to "do something" to help Ukraine, doing absolutely nothing suddenly seems like the right answer.

[Duman]

The first casualty of war is truth.

It's unfortunate. Putin needs to be stopped, the sooner the better. Hopefully there are cooler heads in Russia that will prevail against launching nukes.

Either way, the EU is the first line of defense and they need to step up.

[Duman]

When every corporate press outlet, the cast of SNL, and even George Soros are telling me we need to "do something" to help Ukraine, doing absolutely nothing suddenly seems like the right answer.

That's an interesting take, good point.

[O2HeN2]

When every corporate press outlet, the cast of SNL, and even George Soros are telling me we need to "do something" to help Ukraine, doing absolutely nothing suddenly seems like the right answer.

Don't fall into leftist thinking. "If they're for it, I'm against it" is the position they took for four years.

It is possible for both sides to agree on some things. Just not a lot of things.
I think this is one of those rare circumstances.

Another way to put it...

I recently saw the quote that "Republicans think democrats are people, with bad ideas. Democrats think republicans are bad people, with ideas."

The former allows evaluation of the merit of the ideas. The latter requires you to reflexively disagree with everything the other side believes in.

O2

[RblDiver]

Brave, marching unarmed towards soldiers shooting just above your head. https://twitter.com/lapatina_/status/1500118411912916996?t=q-VRERBAl15RhkFu9X_LrA&s=19

[FoxtArt]

What would be mildly amusing (and equal parts terrifying) is if we employed some of the same bluffs that Russia did albeit with a stronger POTUS.

E.g. high end mocks ups of new deployed chemical laser ICBM and cruise missile interceptors. Published information on all the Russian cities we are actively targeting with nukes. A cavalier attitude with moves going forward of "Oh yeah Pootie? Well you go ahead and declare war like you promised, you go ahead and launch your decrepit shit, cause we just called your bluff and we're immune to it. Too bad the KGB didn't warn you. Or do you like Russia existing? We're fully defended from you. But we'll still launch everything if you want us to."

At least 50/50 that bluff would work, or in the alternative, some chance the world would get very hot and loud for a day.

In any event, I think Putin is 90% bluff and intends to use the threat of nukes to keep pushing forth territory-expanding wars, except Ukraine has been kicking butt, so he might have to save face with a draw at some point soon. I don't think Russia would ACTUALLY use a nuke first, except possibly on Ukraine if they were 95% sure the world would do nothing. Much of politics is bluffing and instead of playing the game we just announce we won't do shit. This is why it is important to have leaders that make threats, but also have a perception they will keep them. (E.g. if we made it clear that if Russia deploys a nuke against any sovereign nation we'll light them up with a thousand). Would Putin do it if he thought we were serious? F. No.

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

Either the Russians are holding back their best or they are really crappy.

https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/rusi-defence-systems/russian-air-force-actually-incapable-complex-air-operations

If they can't take over Ukraine, there is no way that they could take Poland. Frankly, looking at the progress of the Russian troops so far, if I were Putin, I'd be worried that even a feeble NATO could actually march on the Kremlin if it wanted to.

The other scenario is that they are holding back their best and any troops to take over the Baltic states. Where are all the Russian wonder weapons? This is 1980s Tom Clancy vintage stuff. Red Storm Rising era tactics and gear.

What a frickin' mess. Imagine being a Russian soldier, sitting still for what, four days now, on the road to Kyiv? As snipers ping crap all around?

[hollohas]

I don't think Russia's army is as big and bad as the world has assumed for the last few decades. They have tons of barely trained men and tons of mediocre equipment, that's all they have going for them. But they can't even keep their equipment fueled.

Truly, I don't think they have any clue what they're doing. How many pictures have we seen of long convoys just setting still for hours? Keeping convoys moving is just basic stuff.

They are getting beat in the ground war so they've resorted to just bombing cities WWII style. Russia's strategy seems to be wreck it all and destroy Ukrainian morale. Tactics be damned.

[OldFogey]

Interesting article regarding russian army logistics :
https://warontherocks.com/2021/11/feeding-the-bear-a-closer-look-at-russian-army-logistics/
About the column :
Observers with more knowledge than I say that due to the tire problem (it seems the russians were slack maintenance-wise. Wheeled vehicles need to be moved once a month to prevent tire rot from continued sun exposure and the low-pressure tire inflation system needs to be run to make sure no insects have moved in and made nests and other blockages) the wheeled vehicles can't leave the roads or they risk getting stuck in the mud. They lost some intact air defense assets (like a pantsir) that could allow their ad network to be compromised. This may explain the russian air force being hamstrung and not establishing air superiority. The russian column appears to be in difficulty (perhaps hosed). They are in the 8th day of a 3 day deployment. They sure can't seem to disperse due to the mud on either side of the road. The ukrainians have also released water from reservoirs in the vicinity of the column to exacerbate the muddy conditions. It will be interesting to see what becomes of the column.

[hollohas]

The Ukrainians sure seem to be using some interesting guerilla tactics. Flooding the area? Brilliant.

[BPTactical]

89726

[BushMasterBoy]

Oil just went to $127 barrel. $5 gas is coming.

[Great-Kazoo]

Oil just went to $127 barrel. $5 gas is coming.

As of 4:30 this afternoon. It's $4.65 per in Boise Id.

[Bailey Guns]

WSJ showing it's over $130 barrel now.

[OtterbatHellcat]

I began questioning Russias ground force capability after the first few days of the invasion. Seems their only power is in nukes and hypersonic missile stuff.

It was funny the other day as I listened to an analyst say "any warthog pilot would be salivating for a broken down convoy such as this".


I enjoyed watching five Apaches flying over my house today heading west. They probably didn't see me waving at 'em, but there's a chance they might have.

[Bailey Guns]

Need some extra shopping cash? Down payment on a new house? Boost the retirement fund?

How does $60k month sound?

https://www.your-poc.com/private-firms-in-ukraine-reportedly-offering-2000-a-day-to-come-fight-with-them/?fbclid=IwAR0ZOsFOsuipoH0g2znu8gBaLUQi3twjQQIm11eB dOiF568rGDdQct4L54M

[Mick-Boy]

Don't fall into leftist thinking. "If they're for it, I'm against it" is the position they took for four years.

It is possible for both sides to agree on some things. Just not a lot of things.
I think this is one of those rare circumstances.

Another way to put it...

I recently saw the quote that "Republicans think democrats are people, with bad ideas. Democrats think republicans are bad people, with ideas."

The former allows evaluation of the merit of the ideas. The latter requires you to reflexively disagree with everything the other side believes in.

O2

I suppose "leftist thinking" is one interpretation.

Alternatively, I could be looking back at all the times the war drums have been beaten over the past two decades, who was beating them, and where that has led geopolitically. I could be recognizing that the US has fomented two revolutions in Ukraine during that same time frame to oust elected governments that didn't suit us (hurray democracy). It could have occurred to me that really powerful people and their media shills have a financial interest in Ukraine that has nothing whatsoever to do with "democracy" or US national interests. And I would just like to see us opt out of involvement in this one. Not our circus, not our monkeys.

[BushMasterBoy]

A few articles appeared today about wheat prices in the Middle East skyrocketing. World wheat prices are going to rise proportionately. Personally, I think this whole war is about commodity prices and food security for Russia. All the Rus talk about genocide and Nazism is just pure propaganda.
Locally common folks around me are raising sheep, cattle, turkey, geese, etc. and zoning is allowing it. House construction is going full steam. That keeps the authorities busy doing building permits and raking in the revenue. No money in harassing people over their chickens.


https://www.mtpr.org/montana-news/2022-03-07/wheat-prices-hit-a-9-year-high-after-russias-invasion-of-ukraine

[hollohas]

We're obviously worried about gas prices and reduction in supply due to Russian oil exports being hit. Which is valid. But there's another major issue.

Wheat.

Russia is the world's biggest wheat exporter in front of the US. Ukraine is the 5th biggest. Russia and Ukraine together account for 29% of global wheat exports. Together, they more than double US wheat exports.

That's basically going to go away during this war.

Now, China is saying their winter wheat crop is the worst on record. Down 20%. China isn't a wheat exporter, but their reduced domestic production is going to increase demand on wheat exports from other countries.

A global wheat shortage is coming and it's going to cause major problems. Not good.

[clodhopper]

We're obviously worried about gas prices and reduction in supply due to Russian oil exports being hit. Which is valid. But there's another major issue.

Wheat.

Russia is the world's biggest wheat exporter in front of the US. Ukraine is the 5th biggest. Russia and Ukraine together account for 29% of global wheat exports. Together, they more than double US wheat exports.

That's basically going to go away during this war.

Now, China is saying their winter wheat crop is the worst on record. Down 20%. China isn't a wheat exporter, but their reduced domestic production is going to increase demand on wheat exports from other countries.

A global wheat shortage is coming and it's going to cause major problems. Not good.

If the price spikes, many US farms will switch to growing wheat to chase the profits. Likely a one season/year issue. But that one will be tough.

[whitewalrus]

We're obviously worried about gas prices and reduction in supply due to Russian oil exports being hit. Which is valid. But there's another major issue.

Wheat.

Russia is the world's biggest wheat exporter in front of the US. Ukraine is the 5th biggest. Russia and Ukraine together account for 29% of global wheat exports. Together, they more than double US wheat exports.

That's basically going to go away during this war.

Now, China is saying their winter wheat crop is the worst on record. Down 20%. China isn't a wheat exporter, but their reduced domestic production is going to increase demand on wheat exports from other countries.

A global wheat shortage is coming and it's going to cause major problems. Not good.

Time to go gluten free. There is going to be quite a lot of fallout from Russia getting shut off from the rest of the world. They also export timber and other cereal crops aside from wheat.

Oil market just jumped first. Others will be moving as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Aloha_Shooter]

If the price spikes, many US farms will switch to growing wheat to chase the profits. Likely a one season/year issue. But that one will be tough.

That's not something they do overnight. It will take a minimum of a full growing season to take advantage of the situation. Farmers who know what's happening may be able to change their plans for spring planting but I suspect many of them won't because their fields aren't set up for wheat and many of them already have contracts in place for specific produce.

[clodhopper]

That's not something they do overnight. It will take a minimum of a full growing season to take advantage of the situation. Farmers who know what's happening may be able to change their plans for spring planting but I suspect many of them won't because their fields aren't set up for wheat and many of them already have contracts in place for specific produce.

As I said, at most a one year issue. There are some that would normally need to already have it in the ground to make harvest. Others will seed later and still can make a switch. If the price spike is high enough, we would see lesser value crops turned under to reseed wheat if the grow season permits. Capitalism is an amazing thing when it comes to solving shortages.

[Eric P]

So farm subsidizing is not needed as farmers can set a price for starving countries and bypass the markets... Charge China 100x what they would charge domestically.

[bellavite1]

We're obviously worried about gas prices and reduction in supply due to Russian oil exports being hit. Which is valid. But there's another major issue.

Wheat.

Russia is the world's biggest wheat exporter in front of the US. Ukraine is the 5th biggest. Russia and Ukraine together account for 29% of global wheat exports. Together, they more than double US wheat exports.

That's basically going to go away during this war.

Now, China is saying their winter wheat crop is the worst on record. Down 20%. China isn't a wheat exporter, but their reduced domestic production is going to increase demand on wheat exports from other countries.

A global wheat shortage is coming and it's going to cause major problems. Not good.

WHAT ABOUT THE PIZZA?
WHAT ABOUT THE PASTA?
MAMMA MIA!!![panic]

[hollohas]

I for one eat MANY products made from wheat. Love them all. Wheat is my jam.

Fortunately, I have plenty of wheat. And the equipment and experience to use it to feed my family. Including turning it into some fine pizza. ;)

I'm more worried about how a shortage will affect the world. (affect? effect? whatever).

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220307/ba9dfbb72fb97cb91b5e449127d8d1a0.jpg

[ray1970]

I will need advice if I have to go gluten-free because of shortages.

I?m folically challenged so a man bun is out of the question but do I have to take up crossfit?

Will my toes get cold wearing sandals year round?

And the big question?.

Do I buy a Tacoma or just jump right in to some kind of electric vehicle?

[BushMasterBoy]

Ray just drink beer. Don't post about it. It will cause a beer shortage & WWIII

[Duman]

I suppose "leftist thinking" is one interpretation.

Alternatively, I could be looking back at all the times the war drums have been beaten over the past two decades, who was beating them, and where that has led geopolitically. I could be recognizing that the US has fomented two revolutions in Ukraine during that same time frame to oust elected governments that didn't suit us (hurray democracy). It could have occurred to me that really powerful people and their media shills have a financial interest in Ukraine that has nothing whatsoever to do with "democracy" or US national interests. And I would just like to see us opt out of involvement in this one. Not our circus, not our monkeys.

Good points.

[hollohas]

Ray just drink beer. Don't post about it. It will cause a beer shortage & WWIIIHope you don't like wheat beer.

[Great-Kazoo]

Hope you don't like wheat beer.

I hear they're making a putin free one, now.

[Duman]

I hear they're making a putin free one, now.

Ouch[facepalm]