War

cannabineer

Ursus marijanus
Oh well,

I don't understand why Putin invaded but at least I know his reason. I don't understand why 0p0 is so happy about levelling Kiev and probably will never know.

Sorry about the ugliness in my posts. I was trying to relate to him at a level he could understand.
Regarding the cypher tuber, I’m guessing the motive is a regional hatred ancient beyond reason.
 

printer

Well-Known Member
Russian propaganda. Seems war has made him more popular.
19:15 01.03.2022 (updated: 20:58 01.03.2022)
FOM: the level of Russians' trust in Putin rose from 60 to 71 percent in a week

MOSCOW, March 1 - RIA Novosti. Russians' level of confidence in President Vladimir Putin rose by 11 percentage points over the week, according to a poll by the Public Opinion Foundation.

Sociologists conducted a study on February 25-27 after Russia recognized the independence of the LPR and DPR , 71 percent of respondents said they rather trust Putin, while on February 20, 60 percent shared this opinion.

Rather, 18 percent do not trust Putin (29 percent on February 20). 11 percent found it difficult to answer the question.

Rather, the good work of Putin as president is estimated by 71 percent (February 64-20). Rather, the bad work of the head of state is recognized by 15 percent (21 percent on February 20). Another 14 percent found it difficult to answer.

The FOMnibus survey was conducted on February 25-27 in 104 settlements of 53 subjects of Russia among 1.5 thousand respondents. The statistical error does not exceed 3.6 percent.

Special operation in Ukraine: Russia responded to a deadly threat
en Psaki, now the White House press secretary, commenting on the events in Ukraine, said the following verbatim: "We will not conduct military operations against Russia with American troops."

In the detective stories, there is an eloquent pause at such moments, followed by the obvious question: "Does this mean that the United States is conducting military operations against Russia with non-American troops?" However, in this case, everything is so obvious that it hardly needs further clarification.

Yesterday, VTsIOM published the results of a poll, which testify to the high support of the special operation in Ukraine by Russian society - 68 percent.

However, it is foolish to deny that the decision of the state leadership was a shock for the country, from which it has just begun to move away. In this situation, the main factor behind this level of support is, of course, the high level of public confidence in the president and key ministers. People feel and understand that if Putin made such a decision, then there simply were no other options.

In addition, the further, the more the circumstances previously hidden from it are revealed to society, which made this step inevitable.

The quoted statement by a US administration official, who essentially said that the US views the Ukrainian army as its proxy troops against Russia, is just one of them. By the way, they have pumped these proxy troops very well over the past eight years - both in training, and in the supply of weapons, and simply in conducting military operations (the most important experience for any army, even if the Ukrainian one was specific and largely boiled down to shelling civilians ).

In turn, the arguments of critics of the special operation come down to the following position:

Let's leave the topic of nuclear weapons for now, and let's talk in more detail on the first point - that the Ukrainian army could not pose a threat to Russia, no matter what state it was in.

Now, right at this hour, the most important part of the special operation is approaching its apotheosis. Russian troops, together with the people's militia of the republics, are closing a 100,000-strong Ukrainian group in the Donbass into a grandiose mega-cauldron.

Once again (and sorry for the capslock): Ukraine has formed a grouping in the Donbass of approximately 100,000 troops - trained, equipped and equipped by the Americans.

Does anyone seriously think that they were sent there for defense against the DPR and LPR?

And if so, then the intention of the States becomes transparent even to a person who is not immersed in military issues (like the author of these lines).

For eight years, the Americans have significantly strengthened the Ukrainian army and increased its combat capability. A huge group was formed in the Donbass, which would have attacked the republics at a convenient moment for Washington. Moreover, the size and power of this grouping are such that the defenders of the republics would not have a single chance to resist it.

And Russia would face a fatal choice: either to observe from the outside the destruction of the republics with further genocide of their population, a significant part of which are already citizens of the Russian Federation, or to intervene.

Moreover, as the same VTsIOM poll showed, for the Russian society, the protection of the DPR and LPR is the main motives that justify the conduct of a special operation. Moscow's attempt to sit on the sidelines would mean a catastrophic blow to the reputation and credibility of the authorities within the country. And geopolitical defeat in the international arena.

However, to intervene in this situation would automatically get exactly the same reaction from the West that we have been observing in recent days. But then we would have to conduct military operations from radically worse positions and with huge losses of Russian military personnel. There is no need to talk about the people's militia and the civilian population at all.

So it turns out that the United States prepared a trap for Russia in the form of a choice between geopolitical capitulation and a war in Ukraine in extremely difficult and unfavorable conditions with catastrophic losses.

So we really didn't have a choice. Russia's war in Ukraine was completely inevitable. But we are fighting there - as Jen Psaki honestly admitted - not with Kiev, but with Washington.

The main thing that the leadership of the Russian state did in this impasse was that, being unable to completely cancel the American scenario, it found a way to break it: start first, and then when we ourselves chose. And judging by the confusion of the West in the first couple of days, for them it turned out to be not only a surprise, but also an extremely unfortunate moment.

In the mid-2010s, Putin spoke of a lesson learned on the Leningrad streets of his childhood: if a fight is inevitable, strike first.

How this principle looks in big politics, we are observing right now. Well, the outcome of events depends on all of us.
 

printer

Well-Known Member
The government has prepared a draft to limit the exit of foreign business

MOSCOW, March 1 - RIA Novosti.
In Russia, against the backdrop of Western sanctions, foreign businesses may be temporarily banned from exiting assets, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a meeting on economic issues.

“In the current sanctions situation, foreign entrepreneurs are forced to be guided not by economic factors, but by making decisions under political pressure. To enable businesses to make informed decisions, a draft presidential decree has been prepared to introduce temporary restrictions on exiting Russian assets. our country, they will be able to work in it further," the head of government said.

The Prime Minister stressed that Russia still considers foreign business as potential partners and is open to dialogue with constructive investors.

He also recalled that in recent years the government has actively supported localization, sought to attract both manufacturers of final products and their subcontractors to the country in order to increase the production of components at the facilities of Russian enterprises.

The authorities expect that those who have invested in Russia will be able to work in it further, will not succumb to the statements of foreign politicians, and will eventually win. According to Mishustin, as practice shows, it is easy to exit the market, but it is much more difficult to return to a place that is densely occupied by competitors.

After the start of the special operation in Ukraine , Western countries announced the introduction of new sanctions. The European Union has banned operations related to the management of reserves and assets of the Bank of Russia. Also, several largest financial organizations fell under the restrictions, including Sberbank and VTB . Several banks are disconnected from SWIFT.

For some state-owned companies, it is difficult to attract capital from abroad. Germany has stopped the certification process of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline . Europe has closed the sky for any Russian aircraft, and also banned its companies from supplying aircraft and components for them.

Moscow reported that they had drawn up an action plan in advance .The authorities stressed that they will provide any necessary support to businesses that have fallen under the restrictions, ensuring the smooth operation of the economy.

So, Russia reacted mirror-image to the closure of airspace. The Central Bank urgently raised the key rate to a record 20 percent and suspended trading in shares, and the Ministry of Finance obliged exporters to sell 80 percent of foreign exchange earnings. At the same time, the head of the department , Anton Siluanov , said that all social spending of the budget would be met, and banks would additionally capitalize if necessary.
 

printer

Well-Known Member
"Biden and NATO were destroyed." How the world reacted to Russia's actions
MOSCOW, March 1 - RIA Novosti.
The international community has different attitudes towards the military operation currently being carried out by Russia. Some countries fully support it. They are confident that this will put an end to violence and save many. In Venezuela, "Biden and NATO with this whole campaign" are blamed for the destruction of Ukraine. Beijing took a neutral position, recalling good neighborly and partnership relations with Russia. At the same time, Washington, London and Brussels are imposing tough sanctions.

One of the first recognition of the Donbass republics by Russia was approved by Belarus. Minsk emphasized that this was not only a political act, but also a human, humanitarian one. "In further actions, we intend to proceed from the principles of a conscientious attitude of all parties to the fulfillment of international obligations assumed, a strategic alliance with fraternal Russia," the Foreign Ministry noted. The Belarusians not only provided the rear of the Russian troops, but also acted as peacekeepers, organizing negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations at their border.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping took a neutral position. He does not recognize the independence of the LPR and DPR, but he does not criticize Moscow's actions either. "China and Russia are good neighbors, this cannot be broken. We are true partners, and this cannot be destroyed and suppressed," Ambassador Zhang Hanhui said. In addition, the Chinese opposed the sanctions and the disconnection from SWIFT.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying stressed: "Russia is a great power with power. It does not need the support of China or other countries." The Chinese diplomat noted that Beijing's position differs from the views of the American leadership. "We will not act like the United States, which supplies Ukraine with a large number of weapons," she added.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev compared these events with the Karabakh conflict. "We have been called for over 30 years:" Everything must be resolved peacefully. "We heard this for 30 years, we tried, but nothing happened. Of course, we would like it to be resolved peacefully, but this is not always possible in life," he said. is he. At the same time, Azerbaijanis do not refuse to support Ukraine: they sent humanitarian aid and medicines there.

Kyrgyzstan is for a diplomatic settlement in order to avoid "human casualties". Sadyr Zhaparov did not speak publicly, but in a telephone conversation with Putin on February 26, he expressed "support for the decisive actions of the Russian side to protect the civilian population of Donbass."

In Abkhazia and South Ossetia, they recalled that Moscow had repeatedly given Kiev a chance for a peaceful settlement, but all proposals were rejected. "The special operation of the Russian Armed Forces will put an end to the suffering of civilians and the endless series of terrorist acts that the Kyiv regime elevated to the rank of state policy," said South Ossetian President Anatoly Bibilov. And he added that the republic is ready to meet refugees from the "fraternal LNR and DNR."

Putin was fully supported by the President of the Central African Republic (CAR) Faustin-Archange Touadéra. “I think this decision will undoubtedly save lives and prevent a lot of violence,” he said.

In Syria, we stand in solidarity with Moscow and are ready to become partners with Lugansk and Donetsk. “We are waiting until the situation stabilizes, and then we will establish cooperation in various sectors,” Luna Shibl, special adviser to the president, promised RIA Novosti. Bashar al-Assad also condemned the destabilizing policies of the US and NATO, which, he said, led to a deterioration in the situation in the Middle East.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro considers Ukraine a colony of the West. In his opinion, the conflict arose because of the actions of "the elite ruling in Kyiv and being an unconditional ally of the United States and Europe." "Ukraine's economy was destroyed by Biden and NATO with this whole campaign aimed at establishing bases with nuclear weapons against Russia. This is absolutely unacceptable," he concluded.

Supported by Moscow and Brazil. Earlier, the UN Security Council requested a vote on its (UN. — Approx. ed.) resolution to terminate the operation in Ukraine. However, the project was blocked by Brazil, UAE, Russia, China and India. "No sanctions or condemnation of Putin," said Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

The sharpest criticism of Moscow comes from Washington. "The United States, its allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive manner," the White House said in a communiqué. Joe Biden called the sanctions "the largest in history." Washington is introducing personal measures against Vladimir Putin and his entourage, in addition, cooperation with the largest Russian banks and the export of technology are prohibited.

Great Britain spoke in a similar tone. London closed Aeroflot's airspace, insisted on disconnecting Russia from SWIFT and freezing the assets of the Central Bank.

The European Union also demanded an immediate withdrawal of troops from Ukraine. Foreign ministers from 27 countries have agreed to close airspace to Russian airlines, ban Russia Today and Sputnik, impose sanctions on banks, and are preparing to disconnect Moscow from SWIFT.

Canada imposed sanctions on Vladimir Putin, Sergei Lavrov, and Alexander Lukashenko. The black list includes Sberbank, Gazprombank, Alfa-Bank, Russian Railways, Transneft. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also sought to cut Russia off from SWIFT.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks of an "unprovoked invasion". Under sanctions are the President of Russia and his entourage, including Sergei Lavrov, Mikhail Mishustin and Sergei Shoigu.

The Japanese authorities are closely following the international assessment of events in Ukraine. In Tokyo, they announced restrictions on the Central Bank of Russia, blocked the assets of people associated with Putin, and also banned the export of semiconductors.

South Korea intends to join Western sanctions, but in a way that does not damage its own economy. In Seoul, this is still being discussed.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili assured: "Georgia stands next to President Zelensky and supports the territorial integrity and peace in Ukraine." At the same time, Tbilisi is in no hurry to impose bans. "Thousands of winemakers, farmers, what do they demand from me? So that I impose sanctions on my people? ... These extra emotions are useless," Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili explained.

There are also talks about the futility of such a policy in Serbia. And although Belgrade supported the principle of the territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine , it will not join any restrictions against Moscow: this does not meet either the political or economic interests of the country.
 

BudmanTX

Well-Known Member
Russian propaganda. Seems war has made him more popular.
19:15 01.03.2022 (updated: 20:58 01.03.2022)
FOM: the level of Russians' trust in Putin rose from 60 to 71 percent in a week

MOSCOW, March 1 - RIA Novosti. Russians' level of confidence in President Vladimir Putin rose by 11 percentage points over the week, according to a poll by the Public Opinion Foundation.

Sociologists conducted a study on February 25-27 after Russia recognized the independence of the LPR and DPR , 71 percent of respondents said they rather trust Putin, while on February 20, 60 percent shared this opinion.

Rather, 18 percent do not trust Putin (29 percent on February 20). 11 percent found it difficult to answer the question.

Rather, the good work of Putin as president is estimated by 71 percent (February 64-20). Rather, the bad work of the head of state is recognized by 15 percent (21 percent on February 20). Another 14 percent found it difficult to answer.

The FOMnibus survey was conducted on February 25-27 in 104 settlements of 53 subjects of Russia among 1.5 thousand respondents. The statistical error does not exceed 3.6 percent.

Special operation in Ukraine: Russia responded to a deadly threat
en Psaki, now the White House press secretary, commenting on the events in Ukraine, said the following verbatim: "We will not conduct military operations against Russia with American troops."

In the detective stories, there is an eloquent pause at such moments, followed by the obvious question: "Does this mean that the United States is conducting military operations against Russia with non-American troops?" However, in this case, everything is so obvious that it hardly needs further clarification.

Yesterday, VTsIOM published the results of a poll, which testify to the high support of the special operation in Ukraine by Russian society - 68 percent.

However, it is foolish to deny that the decision of the state leadership was a shock for the country, from which it has just begun to move away. In this situation, the main factor behind this level of support is, of course, the high level of public confidence in the president and key ministers. People feel and understand that if Putin made such a decision, then there simply were no other options.

In addition, the further, the more the circumstances previously hidden from it are revealed to society, which made this step inevitable.

The quoted statement by a US administration official, who essentially said that the US views the Ukrainian army as its proxy troops against Russia, is just one of them. By the way, they have pumped these proxy troops very well over the past eight years - both in training, and in the supply of weapons, and simply in conducting military operations (the most important experience for any army, even if the Ukrainian one was specific and largely boiled down to shelling civilians ).

In turn, the arguments of critics of the special operation come down to the following position:

Let's leave the topic of nuclear weapons for now, and let's talk in more detail on the first point - that the Ukrainian army could not pose a threat to Russia, no matter what state it was in.

Now, right at this hour, the most important part of the special operation is approaching its apotheosis. Russian troops, together with the people's militia of the republics, are closing a 100,000-strong Ukrainian group in the Donbass into a grandiose mega-cauldron.

Once again (and sorry for the capslock): Ukraine has formed a grouping in the Donbass of approximately 100,000 troops - trained, equipped and equipped by the Americans.

Does anyone seriously think that they were sent there for defense against the DPR and LPR?

And if so, then the intention of the States becomes transparent even to a person who is not immersed in military issues (like the author of these lines).

For eight years, the Americans have significantly strengthened the Ukrainian army and increased its combat capability. A huge group was formed in the Donbass, which would have attacked the republics at a convenient moment for Washington. Moreover, the size and power of this grouping are such that the defenders of the republics would not have a single chance to resist it.

And Russia would face a fatal choice: either to observe from the outside the destruction of the republics with further genocide of their population, a significant part of which are already citizens of the Russian Federation, or to intervene.

Moreover, as the same VTsIOM poll showed, for the Russian society, the protection of the DPR and LPR is the main motives that justify the conduct of a special operation. Moscow's attempt to sit on the sidelines would mean a catastrophic blow to the reputation and credibility of the authorities within the country. And geopolitical defeat in the international arena.

However, to intervene in this situation would automatically get exactly the same reaction from the West that we have been observing in recent days. But then we would have to conduct military operations from radically worse positions and with huge losses of Russian military personnel. There is no need to talk about the people's militia and the civilian population at all.

So it turns out that the United States prepared a trap for Russia in the form of a choice between geopolitical capitulation and a war in Ukraine in extremely difficult and unfavorable conditions with catastrophic losses.

So we really didn't have a choice. Russia's war in Ukraine was completely inevitable. But we are fighting there - as Jen Psaki honestly admitted - not with Kiev, but with Washington.

The main thing that the leadership of the Russian state did in this impasse was that, being unable to completely cancel the American scenario, it found a way to break it: start first, and then when we ourselves chose. And judging by the confusion of the West in the first couple of days, for them it turned out to be not only a surprise, but also an extremely unfortunate moment.

In the mid-2010s, Putin spoke of a lesson learned on the Leningrad streets of his childhood: if a fight is inevitable, strike first.

How this principle looks in big politics, we are observing right now. Well, the outcome of events depends on all of us.
yeah, welcome to the misinformation campaign from hell......and they are about to do the same with Ukraine too i've found...
 

DIY-HP-LED

Well-Known Member
"Biden and NATO were destroyed." How the world reacted to Russia's actions
MOSCOW, March 1 - RIA Novosti.
The international community has different attitudes towards the military operation currently being carried out by Russia. Some countries fully support it. They are confident that this will put an end to violence and save many. In Venezuela, "Biden and NATO with this whole campaign" are blamed for the destruction of Ukraine. Beijing took a neutral position, recalling good neighborly and partnership relations with Russia. At the same time, Washington, London and Brussels are imposing tough sanctions.

One of the first recognition of the Donbass republics by Russia was approved by Belarus. Minsk emphasized that this was not only a political act, but also a human, humanitarian one. "In further actions, we intend to proceed from the principles of a conscientious attitude of all parties to the fulfillment of international obligations assumed, a strategic alliance with fraternal Russia," the Foreign Ministry noted. The Belarusians not only provided the rear of the Russian troops, but also acted as peacekeepers, organizing negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations at their border.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping took a neutral position. He does not recognize the independence of the LPR and DPR, but he does not criticize Moscow's actions either. "China and Russia are good neighbors, this cannot be broken. We are true partners, and this cannot be destroyed and suppressed," Ambassador Zhang Hanhui said. In addition, the Chinese opposed the sanctions and the disconnection from SWIFT.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying stressed: "Russia is a great power with power. It does not need the support of China or other countries." The Chinese diplomat noted that Beijing's position differs from the views of the American leadership. "We will not act like the United States, which supplies Ukraine with a large number of weapons," she added.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev compared these events with the Karabakh conflict. "We have been called for over 30 years:" Everything must be resolved peacefully. "We heard this for 30 years, we tried, but nothing happened. Of course, we would like it to be resolved peacefully, but this is not always possible in life," he said. is he. At the same time, Azerbaijanis do not refuse to support Ukraine: they sent humanitarian aid and medicines there.

Kyrgyzstan is for a diplomatic settlement in order to avoid "human casualties". Sadyr Zhaparov did not speak publicly, but in a telephone conversation with Putin on February 26, he expressed "support for the decisive actions of the Russian side to protect the civilian population of Donbass."

In Abkhazia and South Ossetia, they recalled that Moscow had repeatedly given Kiev a chance for a peaceful settlement, but all proposals were rejected. "The special operation of the Russian Armed Forces will put an end to the suffering of civilians and the endless series of terrorist acts that the Kyiv regime elevated to the rank of state policy," said South Ossetian President Anatoly Bibilov. And he added that the republic is ready to meet refugees from the "fraternal LNR and DNR."

Putin was fully supported by the President of the Central African Republic (CAR) Faustin-Archange Touadéra. “I think this decision will undoubtedly save lives and prevent a lot of violence,” he said.

In Syria, we stand in solidarity with Moscow and are ready to become partners with Lugansk and Donetsk. “We are waiting until the situation stabilizes, and then we will establish cooperation in various sectors,” Luna Shibl, special adviser to the president, promised RIA Novosti. Bashar al-Assad also condemned the destabilizing policies of the US and NATO, which, he said, led to a deterioration in the situation in the Middle East.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro considers Ukraine a colony of the West. In his opinion, the conflict arose because of the actions of "the elite ruling in Kyiv and being an unconditional ally of the United States and Europe." "Ukraine's economy was destroyed by Biden and NATO with this whole campaign aimed at establishing bases with nuclear weapons against Russia. This is absolutely unacceptable," he concluded.

Supported by Moscow and Brazil. Earlier, the UN Security Council requested a vote on its (UN. — Approx. ed.) resolution to terminate the operation in Ukraine. However, the project was blocked by Brazil, UAE, Russia, China and India. "No sanctions or condemnation of Putin," said Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

The sharpest criticism of Moscow comes from Washington. "The United States, its allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive manner," the White House said in a communiqué. Joe Biden called the sanctions "the largest in history." Washington is introducing personal measures against Vladimir Putin and his entourage, in addition, cooperation with the largest Russian banks and the export of technology are prohibited.

Great Britain spoke in a similar tone. London closed Aeroflot's airspace, insisted on disconnecting Russia from SWIFT and freezing the assets of the Central Bank.

The European Union also demanded an immediate withdrawal of troops from Ukraine. Foreign ministers from 27 countries have agreed to close airspace to Russian airlines, ban Russia Today and Sputnik, impose sanctions on banks, and are preparing to disconnect Moscow from SWIFT.

Canada imposed sanctions on Vladimir Putin, Sergei Lavrov, and Alexander Lukashenko. The black list includes Sberbank, Gazprombank, Alfa-Bank, Russian Railways, Transneft. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also sought to cut Russia off from SWIFT.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks of an "unprovoked invasion". Under sanctions are the President of Russia and his entourage, including Sergei Lavrov, Mikhail Mishustin and Sergei Shoigu.

The Japanese authorities are closely following the international assessment of events in Ukraine. In Tokyo, they announced restrictions on the Central Bank of Russia, blocked the assets of people associated with Putin, and also banned the export of semiconductors.

South Korea intends to join Western sanctions, but in a way that does not damage its own economy. In Seoul, this is still being discussed.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili assured: "Georgia stands next to President Zelensky and supports the territorial integrity and peace in Ukraine." At the same time, Tbilisi is in no hurry to impose bans. "Thousands of winemakers, farmers, what do they demand from me? So that I impose sanctions on my people? ... These extra emotions are useless," Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili explained.

There are also talks about the futility of such a policy in Serbia. And although Belgrade supported the principle of the territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine , it will not join any restrictions against Moscow: this does not meet either the political or economic interests of the country.
Not even the Russians believe that shit, maybe some of the older ones who watch state TV for the news, but practically nobody under 30 and they are the soldiers, whose pay will be hammered by inflation BTW. Their reward for service will be an effective 50% pay cut to start with.
 

DIY-HP-LED

Well-Known Member
Young captured and defector russian soldiers are saying that they have witnessed russian commanders finishing off wounded russian soldiers and the russians are leaving their own dead in the field and moving on.
Cellphone video of that on the internet would be bad for Vlad, not to mention Russian moral! Maybe someone will stage it with actors etc, all is fair in love and war... ;-)
 

Fogdog

Well-Known Member
I apologize for my earlier comments. This is like any other war. Where our leaders and our media make it happen. This means another 4 years of the Liberals in Australia. This war could not have come at a better time for them. This is an unmitigated disaster!
Apologies on this forum are only needed when one falsely accuses another of being a Republican or Trump supporter.

That said, I appreciated the answer you gave me about why Putin invaded Ukraine. I made the mistake of arguing with you when you were truthfully answering my question. When I realized my mistake and accepted your answer for what it said, not what I wanted it to say, I learned from you.

Putin was provoked into invading Ukraine because the US and our NATO allies were helping Ukraine defend itself. Some even say he was baited. I don't know if I can go that far but I get it. That kind of behavior is known as dark triad personality: narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. I don't understand but can accept the fact that Putin had to invade when Ukraine acted independently from his sphere of influence. That's what people with his personality do.

You saw it better than I.
 
Last edited:

Roger A. Shrubber

Well-Known Member
Zelensky fan gear floods the internet
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been hailed a “hero” and a “savior” over his impassioned defense against the Russian invasion, and now his supporters can show their fandom with everything from artwork to aprons.

On e-commerce sites such as Etsy, more and more Zelensky-centric products appear to be popping up by the day. Several shirts feature images of the actor-turned-politician, emblazoned with some of his most famous quotes.

“I need ammunition, not a ride,” one $18 shirt says, showing the Ukrainian leader solemnly standing in front of his country’s blue and yellow flag. The response is reportedly what Zelensky gave to an offer from the United States to evacuate him from Ukraine last week.

A $19 mouse pad on the site Redbubble.com is one of several products that also feature the Zelensky quote, which can also be slapped on stickers, iPhone cases, outerwear and notebooks.

For $5, one Etsy seller is offering what they’re calling a “Ukraine charity cross stitch,” complete with the “ammunition, not a ride” phrase and embroidered sunflowers, Ukraine’s national flower, which has become a symbol of resistance.

The seller, who said the price of the item is to cover the cost of materials, requires proof of at least a $20 charity donation to a Ukraine-focused charity before they will ship the design. Zelensky, the seller said in a message about the cross-stitch, “has made headlines with his brave solidarity with his people. This famous quote sums it up pretty well.”

A $28 giclee print being sold on Etsy depicts Zelensky walking in military gear with a pair of wings through a bed of sunflowers.

Even newborns can show their support for Ukraine’s 44-year-old president — for $25, buyers on a site called TeeShirtPalace.com can purchase an “I Stand With Ukraine” infant bodysuit that shows Zelensky sporting Captain America-esque gear and the message “Captain Ukraine.”

Other Zelensky-inspired knickknacks take aim at Russian President Vladimir Putin. A $28 Etsy sweatshirt shows an illustration of Zelensky with a not-so-subtle “Puck Futin.”
i just got this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TG3SXP9?psc=1&customId=B075372G8H&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

and just made a donation to these guys, who have been helping Ukraine children since the fighting started back in 2015. now they're expanding and trying to help keep children out of danger...as much as possible... https://voices.org.ua/en/donat/
 

Fogdog

Well-Known Member
Russian propaganda. Seems war has made him more popular.
19:15 01.03.2022 (updated: 20:58 01.03.2022)
FOM: the level of Russians' trust in Putin rose from 60 to 71 percent in a week

MOSCOW, March 1 - RIA Novosti. Russians' level of confidence in President Vladimir Putin rose by 11 percentage points over the week, according to a poll by the Public Opinion Foundation.

Sociologists conducted a study on February 25-27 after Russia recognized the independence of the LPR and DPR , 71 percent of respondents said they rather trust Putin, while on February 20, 60 percent shared this opinion.

Rather, 18 percent do not trust Putin (29 percent on February 20). 11 percent found it difficult to answer the question.

Rather, the good work of Putin as president is estimated by 71 percent (February 64-20). Rather, the bad work of the head of state is recognized by 15 percent (21 percent on February 20). Another 14 percent found it difficult to answer.

The FOMnibus survey was conducted on February 25-27 in 104 settlements of 53 subjects of Russia among 1.5 thousand respondents. The statistical error does not exceed 3.6 percent.

Special operation in Ukraine: Russia responded to a deadly threat
en Psaki, now the White House press secretary, commenting on the events in Ukraine, said the following verbatim: "We will not conduct military operations against Russia with American troops."

In the detective stories, there is an eloquent pause at such moments, followed by the obvious question: "Does this mean that the United States is conducting military operations against Russia with non-American troops?" However, in this case, everything is so obvious that it hardly needs further clarification.

Yesterday, VTsIOM published the results of a poll, which testify to the high support of the special operation in Ukraine by Russian society - 68 percent.

However, it is foolish to deny that the decision of the state leadership was a shock for the country, from which it has just begun to move away. In this situation, the main factor behind this level of support is, of course, the high level of public confidence in the president and key ministers. People feel and understand that if Putin made such a decision, then there simply were no other options.

In addition, the further, the more the circumstances previously hidden from it are revealed to society, which made this step inevitable.

The quoted statement by a US administration official, who essentially said that the US views the Ukrainian army as its proxy troops against Russia, is just one of them. By the way, they have pumped these proxy troops very well over the past eight years - both in training, and in the supply of weapons, and simply in conducting military operations (the most important experience for any army, even if the Ukrainian one was specific and largely boiled down to shelling civilians ).

In turn, the arguments of critics of the special operation come down to the following position:

Let's leave the topic of nuclear weapons for now, and let's talk in more detail on the first point - that the Ukrainian army could not pose a threat to Russia, no matter what state it was in.

Now, right at this hour, the most important part of the special operation is approaching its apotheosis. Russian troops, together with the people's militia of the republics, are closing a 100,000-strong Ukrainian group in the Donbass into a grandiose mega-cauldron.

Once again (and sorry for the capslock): Ukraine has formed a grouping in the Donbass of approximately 100,000 troops - trained, equipped and equipped by the Americans.

Does anyone seriously think that they were sent there for defense against the DPR and LPR?

And if so, then the intention of the States becomes transparent even to a person who is not immersed in military issues (like the author of these lines).

For eight years, the Americans have significantly strengthened the Ukrainian army and increased its combat capability. A huge group was formed in the Donbass, which would have attacked the republics at a convenient moment for Washington. Moreover, the size and power of this grouping are such that the defenders of the republics would not have a single chance to resist it.

And Russia would face a fatal choice: either to observe from the outside the destruction of the republics with further genocide of their population, a significant part of which are already citizens of the Russian Federation, or to intervene.

Moreover, as the same VTsIOM poll showed, for the Russian society, the protection of the DPR and LPR is the main motives that justify the conduct of a special operation. Moscow's attempt to sit on the sidelines would mean a catastrophic blow to the reputation and credibility of the authorities within the country. And geopolitical defeat in the international arena.

However, to intervene in this situation would automatically get exactly the same reaction from the West that we have been observing in recent days. But then we would have to conduct military operations from radically worse positions and with huge losses of Russian military personnel. There is no need to talk about the people's militia and the civilian population at all.

So it turns out that the United States prepared a trap for Russia in the form of a choice between geopolitical capitulation and a war in Ukraine in extremely difficult and unfavorable conditions with catastrophic losses.

So we really didn't have a choice. Russia's war in Ukraine was completely inevitable. But we are fighting there - as Jen Psaki honestly admitted - not with Kiev, but with Washington.

The main thing that the leadership of the Russian state did in this impasse was that, being unable to completely cancel the American scenario, it found a way to break it: start first, and then when we ourselves chose. And judging by the confusion of the West in the first couple of days, for them it turned out to be not only a surprise, but also an extremely unfortunate moment.

In the mid-2010s, Putin spoke of a lesson learned on the Leningrad streets of his childhood: if a fight is inevitable, strike first.

How this principle looks in big politics, we are observing right now. Well, the outcome of events depends on all of us.
Russia is famous for the high integrity of its elections too.
 

Kassiopeija

Well-Known Member
Not even the Russians believe that shit, maybe some of the older ones who watch state TV for the news, but practically nobody under 30 and they are the soldiers, whose pay will be hammered by inflation BTW. Their reward for service will be an effective 50% pay cut to start with.
just counting the numbers, it's almost half of the world's population that support this war. or, at least, don't condemn it...
now remember the speeches that said - whoever cooperates with the aggressor should also be sanctioned....
 
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