Thoughts about Ukraine?

[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!


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[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_o..._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

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]

[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.

[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]

It's all about ninja turtles. Who knew?