Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #11

Status
Not open for further replies.
The U.S. has pressured Ukraine to withdraw its European-backed U.N. resolution demanding an immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine in favor of an American proposal that does not mention Moscow’s invasion, a U.S. official and a European diplomat said Sunday.

But Ukraine refused to pull its draft resolution, and the U.N. General Assembly will vote on it Monday, the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, two European diplomats said.

 
Sweden has announced a transfer of air defense systems worth 1.2 billion Swedish krona (approximately $113 million) to Ukraine, Svenska Dagbladet reported on Feb. 23.

Previously, on Jan. 30 ..... The aid package committed to providing over $1.2 billion to Ukraine, and included 16 CB90 combat boats with weapons stations, a million rounds of 12.7 mm ammunition, 146 trucks, 1,500 TOW anti-tank missiles, as well as 200 AT4 anti-tank launchers.

 
I want to leave Trump and Musk out of this for a minute, and approach this from a different angle.

Our country, the U.S., is rich in natural resources. Obviously, at one time, we were the territory of England. Then we achieved our independence.

How would we Americans feel if England decided that since we used to belong to them, they can now jet over here and scoop up our resources, since England was our Mother Country?

Even if England said, “well, okay, we will just take the bounty in the original 13 states, which were our colonies first.”

Ukraine was once part of the Russian Empire and then part of the U.S.S.R. However, they've been an independent entity for decades now.

Putin has often stated that he wants to regain all the lands that were once all Russian. If he is unshackled, he will knock out Ukraine completely, but that would only be the start. He wants all of Russia reconstituted, with him as the leader.

I can’t see how Americans, we who cherish our liberties, could interfere in this war on the side of a murderous dictator like Putin, rather than defending a democratic country? Personally I think Zelenskyy is heroic.

Yes, we taxpayers have paid for the defense of Ukraine. It’s what we do, though. We’ve defended many countries that are in danger of being overtaken by a Communist or dictator or terrorist regime. We defend our allies, NOT our enemies.

When China continues its goal to overtake Taiwan, are we going to take Xi’s side?
Are we going to abandon South Korea in favor of Kim Jong-Un?

My father is a veteran of the Korean War. I know we didn’t win there, but isn’t America the most powerful country in the free world?

The facts have been clear from Day One of the war in Ukraine. We saw with our own eyes that Russian tanks crossed the border into Ukraine and began massacring its citizens.

I’m astounded that anyone, leader of a country or not, could dare to say that Ukraine and Zelenskyy started this war.


JMO
 
Last edited:
Among the first statements by the newly-elected German Chancellor:

"I did not think I would have to say this in a television programme, but after Donald Trump's statements last week at the latest, it is clear that ... this administration is largely indifferent to the fate of Europe," added Merz, who has long been seen as a champion of US-German ties."

"The interventions from Washington were no less dramatic and drastic and ultimately outrageous than the interventions we have seen from Moscow,"

 
I want to leave Trump and Musk out of this for a minute, and approach this from a different angle.

Our country, the U.S., is rich in natural resources. Obviously, at one time, we were the territory of England. Then we achieved our independence.

How would we Americans feel if England decided that since we used to belong to them, they can now jet over here and scoop up our resources, since England was our Mother Country?

Even if England said, “well, okay, we will just take the bounty in the original 13 states, which were our colonies first.”

Ukraine was once part of the Russian Empire and then part of the U.S.S.R. However, they've been an independent entity for decades now.

Putin has often stated that he wants to regain all the lands that were once all Russian. If he is unshackled, he will knock out Ukraine completely, but that would only be the start. He wants all of Russia reconstituted, with him as the leader.

I can’t see how Americans, we who cherish our liberties, could interfere in this war on the side of a murderous dictator like Putin, rather than defending a democratic country? Personally I think Zelenskyy is heroic.

Yes, we taxpayers have paid for the defense of Ukraine. It’s what we do, though. We’ve defended many countries that are in danger of being overtaken by a Communist or dictator or terrorist regime. We defend our allies, NOT our enemies.

When China continues its goal to overtake Taiwan, are we going to take Xi’s side?
Are we going to abandon South Korea in favor of Kim Jong-Un?

My father is a veteran of the Korean War. I know we didn’t win there, but isn’t America the most powerful country in the free world?

The facts have been clear from Day One of the war in Ukraine. We saw with our own eyes that Russian tanks crossed the border into Ukraine and began massacring its citizens.

I’m astounded that anyone, leader of a country or not, could dare to say that Ukraine and Zelenskyy started this war.

JMO
You say you want to leave Trump out of this and then mention him in your post. I don't get that.

I applaud President Trump's "interference" in trying to stop the senseless deaths and destruction that is taking place. I don't feel that US taxpayers need to continue to fund a war of attrition with no end in site.

Putin in my opinion doesn't have the power or the will to attack NATO. He knows that he will not win that fight so I don't see that happening. JMO.
 
Among the first statements by the newly-elected German Chancellor:

"I did not think I would have to say this in a television programme, but after Donald Trump's statements last week at the latest, it is clear that ... this administration is largely indifferent to the fate of Europe," added Merz, who has long been seen as a champion of US-German ties."

"The interventions from Washington were no less dramatic and drastic and ultimately outrageous than the interventions we have seen from Moscow,"

I really hope that Europe can stand on it's own and not have to rely on the US for their own defense. JMO.
Below is from your link.
"For me, the absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can achieve real independence from the US," said the CDU/CSU leader.
 
You say you want to leave Trump out of this and then mention him in your post. I don't get that.

I applaud President Trump's "interference" in trying to stop the senseless deaths and destruction that is taking place. I don't feel that US taxpayers need to continue to fund a war of attrition with no end in site.

Putin in my opinion doesn't have the power or the will to attack NATO. He knows that he will not win that fight so I don't see that happening. JMO.

I “mentioned” him to get him out of the way, because I didn’t want to “discuss” him, so I issued my disclaimer. He is a polarizing figure and my intent was to discuss only America’s role on the world stage, in every era of our existence. You’ll notice that I didn’t bring him up in the body of my post.

We American taxpayers are paying in thousands of ways for situations all around the world. Since I have to pay taxes, I want them used for the benefit of the free world.

Our taxes are not going to decrease if we stop supporting Ukraine. They’re just going to be spent elsewhere on issues that I don’t think matter as much as rescuing a democratic ally.

JMO
 
I “mentioned” him to get him out of the way, because I didn’t want to “discuss” him, so I issued my disclaimer. He is a polarizing figure and my intent was to discuss only America’s role on the world stage, in every era of our existence. You’ll notice that I didn’t bring him up in the body of my post.

We American taxpayers are paying in thousands of ways for situations all around the world. Since I have to pay taxes, I want them used for the benefit of the free world.

Our taxes are not going to decrease if we stop supporting Ukraine. They’re just going to be spent elsewhere on issues that I don’t think matter as much as rescuing a democratic ally.

JMO
I like the new German Chancellor who wants to be independent from the US and pay for their own defense. Seems fair to me.

Your examples of US taxpayers spending money on multiple other countries defense exemplifies why we need that to stop. We have a major deficit spending problem that needs to be solved. JMO.
 
'World leaders are meeting in the Ukrainian capital today
to mark three years since Russia's illegal invasion of the country,
in a show of support by some of Kyiv's most important backers."

1740390397265.jpeg


 
Ranch said:
snipped by me...
Putin in my opinion doesn't have the power or the will to attack NATO. He knows that he will not win that fight so I don't see that happening. JMO.

Oh yes he does! IF U.S. doesn't join the NATO troops. So - you don't care if he starts to invade the Baltic countries - especially where I live in Latvia?? Or Poland or - any of the "other" countries that were forced under Soviet rule back in 1945? I do!! After winning "our" freedom from Soviet rule - Aug. 21, 1991 - we have had freedom... I truly HOPE that does not change with trump's meddling. I shall have to flee to Sweden like my parents did back in 1944....
 
More sanctions today from the EU and Australia. UK's further sanctions are expected to be announced later today.
ETA: New Zealand has also announced more sanctions today. New Zealand - 52 new sanctions


EU foreign ministers on Monday approved a new raft of sanctions against Russia. The measures target Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of ships that it uses to skirt restrictions on transporting oil and gas, or to carry stolen Ukrainian grain. The EU said 74 vessels were added to its shadow fleet list.

Asset freezes and travel bans were imposed on 83 officials and “entities” — usually government agencies, banks or companies.

The U.K. was also expected to announce new sanctions against Russia on Monday, having earlier described them as the biggest package since the early days of the war. Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Sunday said the measures would be aimed at eroding Russia’s “military machine and reducing revenues fueling the fires of destruction in Ukraine.”


*******************

The Australian Government has today imposed further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 70 persons, and targeted financial sanctions on 79 entities.

This constitutes Australia’s largest sanctions package since February 2022.

The new sanctions target individuals propping up Russia’s illegal administrations in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, including so-called “ministers”, judges and prosecutors, and individuals responsible for conflict-related sexual violence and the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

The sanctions also target persons and entities involved in deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, including the deployment of North Korean troops to the battlefield.

Australia has now imposed a total of more than 1,400 sanctions in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

 
Last edited:
Interesting conversation with an expert - deputy director of the East European Studies

"Finally, Putin will remind us about the 'last' condition?

'It cannot be allowed'


1740395337070.jpeg


'I still consider the scenario below as the base one -
the war will not end in 2025.

The Russian conditions will be rejected by Ukraine.

The game is currently about who Donald Trump will blame for the failure of the talks.
I assume it will be Ukraine,
which will be left with only European support'.

Is there no chance of ending the war in Ukraine in 2025?

'It is impossible to end the war at this stage,
nor can it be done in the entire year 2025.
I believe that Russia's goal is to destroy Ukraine,
and Ukraine's goal is not to be destroyed.

This means that there is no room for compromise here.

And in addition,
neither side is yet exhausted enough to have to make very far-reaching concessions.

Even Donald Trump's determination to end the war will not make Kiev and Moscow reach an understanding.
What we are seeing now is an attempt to shift responsibility for the failure of talks on negotiations'.

And will Europe be able to come to an agreement to financially and productively support Ukraine? Enough to cope on the front without help from the US?

'I would probably ask the question out loud:
will Europe be able to - contrary to the US - support Ukraine in the long term?

I think that this support will be subject to American pressure when it comes to the implementation of arms orders in the US.
This is one of the variants and one of the scenarios.
I do not judge whether this will actually happen.
In such a scenario,
there will also be a dispute over the lifting of sanctions on Russia'.

However, if there are so-called peace talks and negotiations, will Ukraine have to give up some territories?

'Ukraine's territorial losses may take many forms.
Ukrainians may accept them with tacit acceptance or with a formal territorial cession to Russia.
They may be limited to the front line,
or they may mean, for example,
the necessity of handing over Kherson and Zaporozhye to Russia.
The latter would be humiliating and a source of destabilization'.

You claim that the war will not end this year. In an optimistic scenario,
will it be possible to at least freeze the conflict and declare a ceasefire?


'There will be no freeze on the front either'.

Why?

'
Of course,
this cannot be ruled out,
but after the condition that the Russians are demanding,
to make the peace talks dependent on holding elections in Ukraine,
there is currently no chance of this.

This is a trap set by Putin.
This is his intention to lead Ukraine on the path of vassalization.
If it so happened that the elections were held,
Russia would gain an instrument of influence on Kiev's internal policy.

The demand that the peace negotiations be preceded by presidential elections is an intrigue intended to polarize and legalize interference in Ukrainian internal affairs at a key moment'.

And what would the intrigue be?

'Putin needs presidential elections in Ukraine before the peace agreement,
not to immediately push through his candidate,
but to refuse to recognize them.

He will argue that Ukraine does not meet the demands of the political system, related to the functioning of the media, parties, the Russian language.

This is an obvious game by Putin,
and Trump is starting to play it.
With such openness on the part of the US, Russia has already demanded the unfreezing of assets and the lifting of sanctions from the very beginning.

And when,
after prolonged negotiations,
impatient Trump gives up on the fate of Ukraine,
then Putin will remind us of the 'last' condition -
the withdrawal of NATO from the eastern flank.

And this cannot be allowed to happen'."


Much more in the link

 
Last edited:
Interesting conversation with an expert - deputy director of the East European Studies

"Finally, Putin will remind us about the 'last' condition?

'It cannot be allowed'


View attachment 566059

'I still consider the scenario below as the base one -
the war will not end in 2025.

The Russian conditions will be rejected by Ukraine.

The game is currently about who Donald Trump will blame for the failure of the talks.
I assume it will be Ukraine,
which will be left with only European support'.

Is there no chance of ending the war in Ukraine in 2025?

'It is impossible to end the war at this stage,
nor can it be done in the entire year 2025.
I believe that Russia's goal is to destroy Ukraine,
and Ukraine's goal is not to be destroyed.

This means that there is no room for compromise here.

And in addition,
neither side is yet exhausted enough to have to make very far-reaching concessions.

Even Donald Trump's determination to end the war will not make Kiev and Moscow reach an understanding.
What we are seeing now is an attempt to shift responsibility for the failure of talks on negotiations'.

And will Europe be able to come to an agreement to financially and productively support Ukraine? Enough to cope on the front without help from the US?

'I would probably ask the question out loud:
will Europe be able to - contrary to the US - support Ukraine in the long term?

I think that this support will be subject to American pressure when it comes to the implementation of arms orders in the US.
This is one of the variants and one of the scenarios.
I do not judge whether this will actually happen.
In such a scenario,
there will also be a dispute over the lifting of sanctions on Russia'.

However, if there are so-called peace talks and negotiations, will Ukraine have to give up some territories?

'Ukraine's territorial losses may take many forms.
Ukrainians may accept them with tacit acceptance or with a formal territorial cession to Russia.
They may be limited to the front line,
or they may mean, for example,
the necessity of handing over Kherson and Zaporozhye to Russia.
The latter would be humiliating and a source of destabilization'.

You claim that the war will not end this year. In an optimistic scenario,
will it be possible to at least freeze the conflict and declare a ceasefire?


'There will be no freeze on the front either'.

Why?

'
Of course,
this cannot be ruled out,
but after the condition that the Russians are demanding,
to make the peace talks dependent on holding elections in Ukraine,
there is currently no chance of this.

This is a trap set by Putin.
This is his intention to lead Ukraine on the path of vassalization.
If it so happened that the elections were held,
Russia would gain an instrument of influence on Kiev's internal policy.

The demand that the peace negotiations be preceded by presidential elections is an intrigue intended to polarize and legalize interference in Ukrainian internal affairs at a key moment'.

And what would the intrigue be?

'Putin needs presidential elections in Ukraine before the peace agreement,
not to immediately push through his candidate,
but to refuse to recognize them.

He will argue that Ukraine does not meet the demands of the political system, related to the functioning of the media, parties, the Russian language.

This is an obvious game by Putin,
and Trump is starting to play it.
With such openness on the part of the US, Russia has already demanded the unfreezing of assets and the lifting of sanctions from the very beginning.

And when,
after prolonged negotiations,
impatient Trump gives up on the fate of Ukraine,
then Putin will remind us of the 'last' condition -
the withdrawal of NATO from the eastern flank.

And this cannot be allowed to happen'."


Much more in the link


@Dotta ......... i just want to thank you for providing and translating these articles that we would, otherwise, not see at all.

It is all just such a sad sad scenario....
 
@Dotta ......... i just want to thank you for providing and translating these articles that we would, otherwise, not see at all.

It is all just such a sad sad scenario....

Google translates, not me!
I only check and sometimes edit :D

My chrome browser in phone provides the translation service for articles written in all kinds of languages.
And this translator is really good! 🤩
I have not much to correct.
I'm getting lazy!!!
 
Last edited:
Here's a snip of an article on the BBC news website that talks a bit about another European country's anxieties over whether Putin might attack more countries.

Back in November, Germany's interior ministry said it was drawing up a list of bunkers that could provide emergency shelter for civilians.

Ukraine may be far away, but Germans feel at great risk from Russia for two reasons.

Firstly, the amount of military equipment their country has sent Ukraine. The far right, Alternative for Germany (AfD), with its "Germany First" slogan, campaigned for Berlin to disengage from Kyiv and to re-establish relations with Russia. A strategy not unlike Donald Trump's, as the party is fond of pointing out.

Secondly, many in Germany think that if Russia wanted to really destabilise Europe, it might be tempted to strike one of the Big Three with a long-range missile.


I think it's highly unlikely that Russia would send a missile to Nato country. The destabilisation part though, I think is spot on. Putin is doing a very good job of destabilising alliances and with social media bots and things, seemingly attempting to stir up dissent within countries so that their people are focused on fighting with each other instead of looking at the external enemy.
 
Here's a snip of an article on the BBC news website that talks a bit about another European country's anxieties over whether Putin might attack more countries.




I think it's highly unlikely that Russia would send a missile to Nato country. The destabilisation part though, I think is spot on. Putin is doing a very good job of destabilising alliances and with social media bots and things, seemingly attempting to stir up dissent within countries so that their people are focused on fighting with each other instead of looking at the external enemy.
I think all the enemies and frenemies are having fun with all the intended chaos.
Really makes me sooo angry.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Members online

Online statistics

Members online
113
Guests online
550
Total visitors
663

Forum statistics

Threads
625,638
Messages
18,507,421
Members
240,827
Latest member
inspector_gadget_
Back
Top