NOTE: When providing a source, please provide a very brief summary on what it's about and what purpose it adds to the discussion. The supporting statement should clearly explain why the subject is relevant and needs to be discussed. Please follow this rule especially for tweets.
Your supporting statement should always come BEFORE you provide the source.
Russia can withdraw, the wider West could cut Ukraine off and leave it to be subsumed, which is peace of a kind, or we can observe a prolonged slugfest which will either see Russia achieve its aims or be rebuffed.
The ball is very much in one party’s court on that one
I was born in a city called "Emmen" which was claimed at the time by a 'queen' named Beatrix van Oranje. She signs the documents that are created by some pretend-democracy in a city called The Hague. I live in Coevorden now, where most of my extended family comes from. I am not Russian.
I respect every living being. Including Russians. Most people here seemingly think of them as "Orks"[/QUOTE]the whole hippie world peace thing really doesnt work after you snap and wish everyone would just die in nuclear fire for disagreeing with your fantasy world view
The rest of Europe should get their thumbs out of their asses and supply Ukraine with the weapons they need to defend themselves. With the recent escalations from Russia in using men from North Korea, I wouldn't even be opposed to sending men directly. Defending people in need is the only morally correct choice to make, and Ukraine is in need. Only Putin can decide to end this war, and he could do that any time he wants.
If we're going for realistic, aka. what is most likely to happen, I think the war is going to end naturally in 2025. Due to Trump pulling funds, and Russia nearing economic collapse, they'll likely find a solution where Ukraine is forced to give up parts of its land in favour of security from an alliance with NATO
"There is no easy solution" is a completely legit opinion to have you know. If there was a solution that would please all sides, war would be pointless in the first place. The reason they fight is exactly because neither side is willing to back down.
But that doesn't make thia conflict black and white in terms of ethics. There is one man who could end all the suffering right now m, and he sits in Moscow. Ukraine rolling over would not stop the suffering, quite the opposite. Thus, they fight. For their lives and the lives of their families. Putin fights for narcissism.
Ukraine doesn't need to win by taking ground. They need to hold off long enough for Russia to run out of men, equipment, and economy. Giving Ukraine weapons will do that. Yes, they are low on manpower, but, say, 3 million artillery shells would help alleviate that by quite a bit
On November 24 2024 08:56 maybenexttime wrote: He's just a regular peacemongering useful idiot. Like those pacifics before WW2 who said we shouldn't be gearing for war. Or another fascist, but we need to wait for KwarK to make him drop the charade. ;p
I think its pretty obvious its the same guy who got banned for the insane nuclear bomb post.
This is the correct take. If you know a mod is going to come in and nuke all his posts then why bother engaging.
On November 24 2024 09:38 Excludos wrote: The rest of Europe should get their thumbs out of their asses and supply Ukraine with the weapons they need to defend themselves. With the recent escalations from Russia in using men from North Korea, I wouldn't even be opposed to sending men directly. Defending people in need is the only morally correct choice to make, and Ukraine is in need. Only Putin can decide to end this war, and he could do that any time he wants.
If we're going for realistic, aka. what is most likely to happen, I think the war is going to end naturally in 2025. Due to Trump pulling funds, and Russia nearing economic collapse, they'll likely find a solution where Ukraine is forced to give up parts of its land in favour of security from an alliance with NATO
Bolded - I partially agree except for NATO part (may be wrong here obviously). Considering that entire war narrative is about preventing Ukraine from joining NATO I dont see how Putin can agree to that, from domestic politics point of view. I would see Russia keeping some of the territory gained and ceding some back to Ukraine, rest is going to be money, resources, tariffs and politics. To be honest I am not sure if US really want Ukraine to join NATO, I would say that Ukraine is more useful to US as sort of "buffer zone".
The existence of neutral buffer states is why there’s a war.
Russia will not permit neutral states to exist if it has the power to conquer them. For Russia only the mighty have the privilege of neutrality. The weak exist at the mercy of the strong and must shelter beneath them, accepting their inferiority and welcoming the domination of their more powerful neighbours. That’s simply the 19th Century imperialist worldview, you’re either an empire in your own right or you’re dominated by an empire. No other state can exist because it would naturally be gobbled up by the nearest empire.
Sure there are countries like Ireland that profess neutrality but Russia will never understand why Britain lacks the strength of will to simply reconquer their errant vassal.
Had Ukraine picked a side when the Baltic states did there would be no war today. That’s why the historically neutral states near Russia rushed to pick a side. Russia doesn’t recognize neutral buffer states, only colonies that are still unclaimed. Any neutral zone is begging for another war in a decade.
On November 24 2024 11:16 KwarK wrote: The existence of neutral buffer states is why there’s a war.
Russia will not permit neutral states to exist if it has the power to conquer them. For Russia only the mighty have the privilege of neutrality. The weak exist at the mercy of the strong and must shelter beneath them, accepting their inferiority and welcoming the domination of their more powerful neighbours. That’s simply the 19th Century imperialist worldview, you’re either an empire in your own right or you’re dominated by an empire. No other state can exist because it would naturally be gobbled up by the nearest empire.
Sure there are countries like Ireland that profess neutrality but Russia will never understand why Britain lacks the strength of will to simply reconquer their errant vassal.
Had Ukraine picked a side when the Baltic states did there would be no war today. That’s why the historically neutral states near Russia rushed to pick a side. Russia doesn’t recognize neutral buffer states, only colonies that are still unclaimed. Any neutral zone is begging for another war in a decade.
I dont think I agree with you on bolded, however I think this kind of reasoning make excellent point for my argument about US not really wanting Ukraine to join NATO. What I'll say now may seem brutal, nevertheless I think this is how it looks from politics point of view:
Scenario with Ukraine not being in NATO: Russia attack again, non factors (aka Ukrainians and Russians) are dying, everyone gets to make money (while playing a good guy) - in short, everyone is happy.
Scenario with Ukraine being in NATO: Russia attack again, "oh shit" are we going to risk extinction in the name of piece of papers we happened to sign in better times? even if we make some money, what's the use of it if everyone is dead? There is tough decision to make: show NATO as a joke, or risk ultimate showdown.
There is no benefits in scenario 2, there is quite few in scenario 1.
On November 24 2024 11:16 KwarK wrote: The existence of neutral buffer states is why there’s a war.
Russia will not permit neutral states to exist if it has the power to conquer them. For Russia only the mighty have the privilege of neutrality. The weak exist at the mercy of the strong and must shelter beneath them, accepting their inferiority and welcoming the domination of their more powerful neighbours. That’s simply the 19th Century imperialist worldview, you’re either an empire in your own right or you’re dominated by an empire. No other state can exist because it would naturally be gobbled up by the nearest empire.
Sure there are countries like Ireland that profess neutrality but Russia will never understand why Britain lacks the strength of will to simply reconquer their errant vassal.
Had Ukraine picked a side when the Baltic states did there would be no war today. That’s why the historically neutral states near Russia rushed to pick a side. Russia doesn’t recognize neutral buffer states, only colonies that are still unclaimed. Any neutral zone is begging for another war in a decade.
I dont think I agree with you on bolded, however I think this kind of reasoning make excellent point for my argument about US not really wanting Ukraine to join NATO. What I'll say now may seem brutal, nevertheless I think this is how it looks from politics point of view:
Scenario with Ukraine not being in NATO: Russia attack again, non factors (aka Ukrainians and Russians) are dying, everyone gets to make money (while playing a good guy) - in short, everyone is happy.
Scenario with Ukraine being in NATO: Russia attack again, "oh shit" are we going to risk extinction in the name of piece of papers we happened to sign in better times? even if we make some money, what's the use of it if everyone is dead? There is tough decision to make: show NATO as a joke, or risk ultimate showdown.
There is no benefits in scenario 2, there is quite few in scenario 1.
Who’s making money from Russia invading Ukraine in the West in your scenario one?
How is everyone happy? What are you talking about?
You had long-term holdouts who didn’t want to join NATO joining NATO
You seem to be entirely neglecting an expansionist, aggressive nation encroaching right up to NATO borders, and generally fucking around
i think he is referring to the happiness levels of the commerce oriented members of the military industrial complex. put in video game terms... every Marcus Kincaid operating in various countries is happy to sell weapons to fight the good cause.
Overall though, the "war makes money" catch phrase is incorrect analysis. It is similar to the claim that sports teams "make money". Sports teams merely represent giant revenue centres. Sports Teams create zero wealth. The true source of any giant sports teams massive revenue is a massive population base with tonnes of extra money to frivolously spend during that population's ample free time. Same goes with "war". "War" is a luxury item for very successful economies with tonnes of extra spending money and plenty of extra men to kill. As long as the men believe in the cause you can keep on rolling.
Both sports teams owners and the owners of weapons manufacturers will claim they are creating happiness and wealth for your nation. They are reversing cause and effect to make themselves look good.
On November 24 2024 11:16 KwarK wrote: The existence of neutral buffer states is why there’s a war.
Russia will not permit neutral states to exist if it has the power to conquer them. For Russia only the mighty have the privilege of neutrality. The weak exist at the mercy of the strong and must shelter beneath them, accepting their inferiority and welcoming the domination of their more powerful neighbours. That’s simply the 19th Century imperialist worldview, you’re either an empire in your own right or you’re dominated by an empire. No other state can exist because it would naturally be gobbled up by the nearest empire.
Sure there are countries like Ireland that profess neutrality but Russia will never understand why Britain lacks the strength of will to simply reconquer their errant vassal.
Had Ukraine picked a side when the Baltic states did there would be no war today. That’s why the historically neutral states near Russia rushed to pick a side. Russia doesn’t recognize neutral buffer states, only colonies that are still unclaimed. Any neutral zone is begging for another war in a decade.
I dont think I agree with you on bolded, however I think this kind of reasoning make excellent point for my argument about US not really wanting Ukraine to join NATO. What I'll say now may seem brutal, nevertheless I think this is how it looks from politics point of view:
Scenario with Ukraine not being in NATO: Russia attack again, non factors (aka Ukrainians and Russians) are dying, everyone gets to make money (while playing a good guy) - in short, everyone is happy.
Scenario with Ukraine being in NATO: Russia attack again, "oh shit" are we going to risk extinction in the name of piece of papers we happened to sign in better times? even if we make some money, what's the use of it if everyone is dead? There is tough decision to make: show NATO as a joke, or risk ultimate showdown.
There is no benefits in scenario 2, there is quite few in scenario 1.
Russia has shown time and time again that they are not willing to randomly attack Nato countries. If they were, the Baltics are the historic target.
Nato is explicitly set up to not only be a piece of paper. In the frontline countries, there are groups of soldiers from other Nato nations. That way, if Russia invades Latvia, it is not only lettish people dying. There will be american soldiers there, and french, and Germans. This makes it a lot harder for those countries to just say "Yeah, maybe this paper isn't as important", which ones again makes the deterrence much more credible.
If Ukraine joined Nato, i assume they would get a similar setup to the Baltics. Which so far has shown very effective at deterring Russian aggression.
My guess is that if they had not been in Nato, the Baltics would already be part of Russia again.
On November 24 2024 11:16 KwarK wrote: The existence of neutral buffer states is why there’s a war.
Russia will not permit neutral states to exist if it has the power to conquer them. For Russia only the mighty have the privilege of neutrality. The weak exist at the mercy of the strong and must shelter beneath them, accepting their inferiority and welcoming the domination of their more powerful neighbours. That’s simply the 19th Century imperialist worldview, you’re either an empire in your own right or you’re dominated by an empire. No other state can exist because it would naturally be gobbled up by the nearest empire.
Sure there are countries like Ireland that profess neutrality but Russia will never understand why Britain lacks the strength of will to simply reconquer their errant vassal.
Had Ukraine picked a side when the Baltic states did there would be no war today. That’s why the historically neutral states near Russia rushed to pick a side. Russia doesn’t recognize neutral buffer states, only colonies that are still unclaimed. Any neutral zone is begging for another war in a decade.
I dont think I agree with you on bolded, however I think this kind of reasoning make excellent point for my argument about US not really wanting Ukraine to join NATO. What I'll say now may seem brutal, nevertheless I think this is how it looks from politics point of view:
Scenario with Ukraine not being in NATO: Russia attack again, non factors (aka Ukrainians and Russians) are dying, everyone gets to make money (while playing a good guy) - in short, everyone is happy.
Scenario with Ukraine being in NATO: Russia attack again, "oh shit" are we going to risk extinction in the name of piece of papers we happened to sign in better times? even if we make some money, what's the use of it if everyone is dead? There is tough decision to make: show NATO as a joke, or risk ultimate showdown.
There is no benefits in scenario 2, there is quite few in scenario 1.
You ignore the much more likely scenario 3, Ukraine is part of NATO and Russia does not attack again.
That is why Russia won't accept any deal that lets Ukraine join NATO
On November 24 2024 11:16 KwarK wrote: The existence of neutral buffer states is why there’s a war.
Russia will not permit neutral states to exist if it has the power to conquer them. For Russia only the mighty have the privilege of neutrality. The weak exist at the mercy of the strong and must shelter beneath them, accepting their inferiority and welcoming the domination of their more powerful neighbours. That’s simply the 19th Century imperialist worldview, you’re either an empire in your own right or you’re dominated by an empire. No other state can exist because it would naturally be gobbled up by the nearest empire.
Sure there are countries like Ireland that profess neutrality but Russia will never understand why Britain lacks the strength of will to simply reconquer their errant vassal.
Had Ukraine picked a side when the Baltic states did there would be no war today. That’s why the historically neutral states near Russia rushed to pick a side. Russia doesn’t recognize neutral buffer states, only colonies that are still unclaimed. Any neutral zone is begging for another war in a decade.
I dont think I agree with you on bolded, however I think this kind of reasoning make excellent point for my argument about US not really wanting Ukraine to join NATO. What I'll say now may seem brutal, nevertheless I think this is how it looks from politics point of view:
Scenario with Ukraine not being in NATO: Russia attack again, non factors (aka Ukrainians and Russians) are dying, everyone gets to make money (while playing a good guy) - in short, everyone is happy.
Scenario with Ukraine being in NATO: Russia attack again, "oh shit" are we going to risk extinction in the name of piece of papers we happened to sign in better times? even if we make some money, what's the use of it if everyone is dead? There is tough decision to make: show NATO as a joke, or risk ultimate showdown.
There is no benefits in scenario 2, there is quite few in scenario 1.
You ignore the much more likely scenario 3, Ukraine is part of NATO and Russia does not attack again.
That is why Russia won't accept any deal that lets Ukraine join NATO
Russia is going to have to concede some kind of security for Ukraine to not just get attacked again at a later date, whether its joining Nato or some other kind of alliance, otherwise any peace deal made now is just temporary. That will have to be the core of any deal struck between Ukraine and Russia. If Russia isn't willing to accept this, no deal can be made at all
This just took place, and currently it's all speculations as to what happened, but indications are this could be a successful attack with the same incendiary devices as was found 2 weeks ago on similar cargo planes out of Lithuania.
If true, this is a dramatic escalation by Russia, and I'm completely dumbfounded as to what reason they'd want do this. Unlike their nuclear saber rattling, this is a direct attack, and will have real consequences