Russia-Ukraine War

[Vertigo 7]

I know Ukraine has suffered some losses but from all accounts it appears the brunt of the losses have been on Russia's side at nearly 10:1.

I've been hearing from various sources that Russian troop casualties have been estimated well over 2000 losses since yesterday. Just recently, a supposed leak has a request from the Russian government to enlist medical personnel for mass casualties.

Here's hoping Putin slinks off with this tail between his legs.

[notaterran]

A decision to cut Russia off from the global SWIFT payment system will be taken in a matter of days, the governor of a central bank within the euro zone told Reuters on Saturday.

[...]

"Is it sufficient? No. Is it necessary? Absolutely. Sanctions only make sense if there are costs for both sides and this will be costly," the central banker added.

Link

Perhaps Putin has already factored this in, and has concluded that he can survive sanctions?

[mr.WHO]

I know Ukraine has suffered some losses but from all accounts it appears the brunt of the losses have been on Russia's side at nearly 10:1.

I've been hearing from various sources that Russian troop casualties have been estimated well over 2000 losses since yesterday. Just recently, a supposed leak has a request from the Russian government to enlist medical personnel for mass casualties.

Here's hoping Putin slinks off with this tail between his legs.

Holy trinity in work:
St. Javelin
son'NLAW
Piorun the holy smiter (and Stinger, his little helper)

https://twitter.com/CalibreObscura/stat ... 1596594180

Seems like Ukraine old soviet era equipment is no slouch either when used with Western intel and command and control.
Morale seems extremely high as well.

If they hold for a few more days, when all the weapons and supplies start flooding, the tide will turn.

[mr.WHO]

Germany found it's spine - well done!
https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-new ... 03a8baffc5

However, I don't like the wording "...in some form".


Edit:

The spine is getting bigger:
https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler/statu ... 5200001029

[Warenwolf]

Russians are sending in reinforcements into Ukraine:

https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/20 ... en-vpx.cnn

[Observe]

I wonder if a NATO member such as Poland, could independently enter the war in support of Ukraine. Not that they would, but just wondering how something like that would fly with the rest of NATO? If done, it would sort of obligate the rest of the members to protect Poland from Russian response. What a mess of nasty WW3 possibilities.

[mr.WHO]

I wonder if a NATO member such as Poland, could independently enter the war in support of Ukraine. Not that they would, but just wondering how something like that would fly with the rest of NATO? If done, it would sort of obligate the rest of the members to protect Poland from Russian response. What a mess of nasty WW3 possibilities.

Boots on the ground would be way to dangerous to turn WW3 and would validate Putin propaganda that NATO is coming to get Russia.

It would make more harm than good, as it seem there are some more and more second thoughs among Russian population and soldiers.


The only thing, that I could see viable, If it would be like UN declared no-fly zone to protect Ukraine airspace (but stay away from Belarus, Russia or separatist territories).
In that setting, I could see Poland sending its F-16 as part of UN task force.

However there is no chance for UN resolution as Russia would veto.
I think there is technically no way to strip Russia from Security Council - I have absolutely no doubt that UK, France, US and China would not allow it, as it would open the door to kick them out as well in future...politics.

[Tamina]

I wonder if a NATO member such as Poland, could independently enter the war in support of Ukraine. Not that they would, but just wondering how something like that would fly with the rest of NATO? If done, it would sort of obligate the rest of the members to protect Poland from Russian response. What a mess of nasty WW3 possibilities.

NATO is a defense treaty. If one of the members decides to attack, it has no effect on the NATO. Poland would be on its own. And I fear, this would cause greater mess, don't forget that Russia is still a nuclear superpower.

[JSDD]

I wonder if a NATO member such as Poland, could independently enter the war in support of Ukraine. Not that they would, but just wondering how something like that would fly with the rest of NATO? If done, it would sort of obligate the rest of the members to protect Poland from Russian response. What a mess of nasty WW3 possibilities.

not if poland sends "badgeless" soliders into ukraine

[JSDD]

Germany found it's spine - well done!The spine is getting bigger:
https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler/statu ... 5200001029

not only that, some artillery weapons are also send to ukraine ... most of the support gets into ukraine by estland i think
germany only "allowed" them to trade / give those (made-in-germany-) weapons by 3rd countries

[mr.WHO]

not if poland sends "badgeless" soliders into ukraine

From what I read from Ukrainians fighting in Kiyv there is at least one squad of interesting bunch from all over Europe.

There was also a report there is 50 Belarusian volunteers from people who had to flee Belarus after last Lukashenko election.

Additionally, given all the wars always have it, I'm sure we have "bageless" observers and advisors.

[Warenwolf]

Meanwhile in USA:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1497613102765907968

[Vertigo 7]

Meanwhile in USA:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1497613102765907968

And look, I'm not saying racism and bigotry are under the sole province of the GOP. But it certainly is synonymous with it. I grew up in the deep south. I know what these people are like, intimately.

It's like I'm able to see the future sometimes...

[mr.WHO]

Meanwhile in USA:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1497613102765907968

Honestly, there are some absolute r*teard fringe elements in every party across EU and US. It's standard Russian/Soviet tactics to corrupt all factions in foreign coutries, just to sow discord.
Have no doubts there are some Putin sypatizers in both parties and these need to be dealt with (and then China sypathizers need to be on watch list, just in case).

A week ago I'd say it's a lost cause, but seeing EU got its shit together in just 3 days makes me more optimistic.

[fiksal]

Russian news update. About the Snake Island quote.

So my sources in Russia believe the Ukrainian border guards surrendered.
I looked to see where that's written. Now, mind you, Ukrainian account is not confirmed, and it's a pretty picture for morale. So lets keep that in mind too.

the exhibit
https://www.interfax.ru/world/824732

Moscow. February 26th. INTERFAX.RU - More than eighty Ukrainian soldiers who laid down their arms on Zmeiny Island arrived in Sevastopol, said Mikhail Yasnikov, Deputy Commander of the Black Sea Fleet for Logistics.

"Today, a group of 82 Ukrainian servicemen from Serpent Island was delivered to Sevastopol on a Shakhtar rescue tug, they laid down their arms and decided to return to their families," he told reporters on Saturday.

According to him, the sailors of the Black Sea Fleet respected the decision of the Ukrainian border guards. A safe corridor was worked out for them to withdraw from the area of ​​the operation. After going through short-term legal procedures and agreeing with the Ukrainian side, the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be sent home to Ukraine by bus, the representative of the fleet specified.

Yasnikov noted that none of the surrendered people applied for medical help, but if necessary, they will be provided with it. In addition, Ukrainian servicemen were provided with dry rations and bottled water.

On February 25, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that 82 Ukrainian servicemen voluntarily surrendered to the Russian military in the vicinity of Zmeiny Island. They took a subscription refusing to participate in hostilities and promised to return them to their families.

while lets say taking prisoners is possible, the account that they were freed by just providing their word for not returning to battle, and yet released back behind the enemy lines, with all possibilities them picking up weapons again - I find highly unlikely.

At this point I lean towards some truth in Ukrainian account.

[Warenwolf]

Russian news update. About the Snake Island quote.

So my sources in Russia believe the Ukrainian border guards surrendered.
I looked to see where that's written. Now, mind you, Ukrainian account is not confirmed, and it's a pretty picture for morale. So lets keep that in mind too.

(...)

while lets say taking prisoners is possible, the account that they were freed by just providing their word for not returning to battle, and yet released back behind the enemy lines, with all possibilities them picking up weapons again - I find highly unlikely.

At this point I lean towards some truth in Ukrainian account.

Far simpler logic - Russian forces claimed 80 Ukrainians were captured. Look at the size of the island - why would you need 80 soldiers on a tiny, 0,17 km², island?

[fiksal]

Far simpler logic - Russian forces claimed 80 Ukrainians were captured. Look at the size of the island - why would you need 80 soldiers on a tiny, 0,17 km², island?

That too

[burger1]

Russia Rubble hits historic low.

Russia is being removed from the Swift payment system.

It might be a good choice for people in Russia to stock up on non perishable food, etc.... depending on where you get your income from. Things might not go well over the next few months/years meaning inflation could be crazy and food, etc... might become more valuable. Might help buffer the potential transition period.

[fiksal]

Russia Rubble hits historic low.

Russia is being removed from the Swift payment system.

It might be a good choice for people in Russia to stock up on non perishable food, etc.... depending on where you get your income from. Things might not go well over the next few months/years meaning inflation could be crazy and food, etc... might become more valuable. Might help buffer the potential transition period.

Well I dont want to be saying that, but I think revolution is the only way. Or you wait for this train to crash very slowly. I guess that's an option too. But I also get it, it's hard to go against bullets. I am not sure I would do it by myself.

[mr.WHO]

Well I dont want to be saying that, but I think revolution is the only way. Or you wait for this train to crash very slowly. I guess that's an option too. But I also get it, it's hard to go against bullets. I am not sure I would do it by myself.

More likely he will have unfortunate stroke - dude is 70+ years old.

I bet he's already sweating every time he drinks tea