On Feb. 24, 2022, I—Vladimir Putin—sent troops into Ukraine to conduct a special military operation. As the president of Russia, I obviously expected resistance from leaders of certain key world powers, but I must say I’ve been surprised at how the United States, specifically, has reacted.
Expert or no, I’m not watching a two-hour video.
It’s very apparent from the strategies employed by the Russian army (attacking on multiple fronts with too few troops to last in drawn out conflict) that they were expecting the war to last a matter of days or at most a couple of weeks, before the majority of the troops holding major cities in the centre and east of the country had surrendered. So yes, of course Russia knows how expensive it is, that’s precisely why they are withdrawing troops in the North.
How is this a gain? They could have this at any time they please?? The west has been (and will continue) to turn a blind eye to the activities of Russian oligarchs.
If you call Ukraine arming itself “provocation”, you have no respect for the sovereignty and independence of the Ukrainian people and culture. Ukraine’s army 10 years ago would have been wiped out in days, Ukraine would no longer exist.
The only justification for war against another nation is self-defense. Wars of aggression are inherently immoral and unjustifiable, and imperialist. Yes, many NATO countries (e.g. US, UK) have blood on their hands for such actions all over the world.
Sure, but mainly due to the pandemic rather than anything to do with Ukraine. Energy security is a big problem, but one that needed solving ten years ago to prevent catastrophic climate change.
Orban’s government is a propaganda machine of epic proportions. Both politicians are right-wing populists which are very trendy at the moment in the west, for reasons unrelated to Putin. Le Pen as far as I’m aware is not pro-Putin in the slightest.
If you can’t be arsed to watch a two hour video on the subject perhaps you shouldn’t be debating it in the first place. All your arguments are addressed in detail there.
It’s a gain from pretty much every perspective. The west will not be able to sanction Russia going forward. Oligarchs won’t be able to funnel money out of Russia into the west. Domestic industry is going to continue being more developed and diversified.
Once again, I’ve linked you expert views on the subject that you evidently ignored.
I’m not justifying the war, and I completely agree that self defence is the only justification for wars. However, understanding what concerns countries have and using diplomacy is a way to avoid wars. Russia has been raising its concerns about NATO expansion since USSR fell, and the west ignored that instead of engaging in diplomacy.
Past few weeks make it very clear that the economic war between the west and Russia is going to have enormous impact on every aspect of European economy.
The reason these politicians are able to gain support is because material conditions are declining. The west went through three major economic crashes in as many decades. This is what’s been driving right wing nationalism. Conditions are about to get much worse now.
Oh I’d happily dedicate more than two hours of my life towards becoming more informed on the issue, I’m just not convinced your video will do that.
It simply isn’t. Russia is not the USSR, as much as that may sadden Putin. The country is not willing or ready to go it alone. The oligarchs losing their power abroad will hurt Putin, not help him.
Complete nonsense. Some industries will be greatly affected, including the most important such as energy. But the reality is that Russia cannot afford to stop selling fossil fuels to the EU, and can do nothing to stop the inevitable transition away from fossil fuels over the next few decades. Once that is complete (something that should have happened years ago), Russia will have no bargaining chips left.
You’re right. What does this have to do with Putin?
If you’ve got better sources than an ex US marine and weapons inspector then please do share them.
That’s a very round about way to say that you don’t understand the first thing about Russian politics.
You’re not engaging with reality.
The fact that Europe is deeply dependent on Russia economically, something you clearly aren’t able to grasp.