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The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 22:35 - Feb 4 by Cafe_Newman
"Russia’s war aim was to quickly capture Kyiv and consolidate the entire country into to Russia."
Was that Russia's stated aim, or our interpretation of what their initial actions were?
A link from a Russian source would be helpful?
[Post edited 4 Feb 22:40]
It’s difficult to interpret their march on Kyiv in the opening of the invasion as anything other than an attempt to capture the capital and install a puppet government. Unless you think they were just heading there for sightseeing and to take some photos.
As for your ‘question’, how about from the horses’ mouth himself:-
“ During the recent Direct Line, when I was asked about Russian-Ukrainian relations, I said that Russians and Ukrainians were one people – a single whole.”
From his ramblings at the start of the invasion:
en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181
In the spring of 2021, Putin released a long essay on Ukraine that not only asserted the special regional role of Russia but aimed to undermine the whole idea of a Ukrainian nation and Ukrainian statehood.
Of course its full of obfuscation, the famously honest Russians denied they were going to invade the week before it happened, lied about shooting down a passenger jet in the east, and denied they were invading Crimea as it happened live on TV (the troops took of their Russian insignia).
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The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 15:28 - Feb 24 with 1356 views
RTE correspondent Tony Connolly and cameraman Bram Verbeke were in Kharkive on the 4 year anniversary of the military operation/war. I have already posted one of their reports, here are some more.
This ties in well with Ed's contribution.
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The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 17:47 - Mar 5 with 1108 views
Even as Iran remains a top focus, Trump said negotiations over the war in Ukraine continue. And he again expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Zelenksyy he has to get on the ball, and he has to get a deal done,” Trump said.
On the other hand, Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to negotiate an end to the war.
“I think Putin is ready to make a deal,” he said. Trump has said that before.
When pressed on what Zelenskyy’s obstacle is to a peace deal, Trump declined to elaborate but maintained that Ukraine’s leader is not showing enough willingness to negotiate.
“It’s unthinkable that he’s the obstacle,” Trump said. “You don’t have the cards. Now he’s got even less cards.”
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The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 21:07 - Mar 5 with 1046 views
The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 17:47 - Mar 5 by DJR
This from an interview of Trump by Politico.
Even as Iran remains a top focus, Trump said negotiations over the war in Ukraine continue. And he again expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Zelenksyy he has to get on the ball, and he has to get a deal done,” Trump said.
On the other hand, Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to negotiate an end to the war.
“I think Putin is ready to make a deal,” he said. Trump has said that before.
When pressed on what Zelenskyy’s obstacle is to a peace deal, Trump declined to elaborate but maintained that Ukraine’s leader is not showing enough willingness to negotiate.
“It’s unthinkable that he’s the obstacle,” Trump said. “You don’t have the cards. Now he’s got even less cards.”
Less cards than no cards?
He shouldn't have given up his day job.
[Post edited 5 Mar 21:12]
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The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 00:03 - Mar 6 with 973 views
The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 17:47 - Mar 5 by DJR
This from an interview of Trump by Politico.
Even as Iran remains a top focus, Trump said negotiations over the war in Ukraine continue. And he again expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Zelenksyy he has to get on the ball, and he has to get a deal done,” Trump said.
On the other hand, Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to negotiate an end to the war.
“I think Putin is ready to make a deal,” he said. Trump has said that before.
When pressed on what Zelenskyy’s obstacle is to a peace deal, Trump declined to elaborate but maintained that Ukraine’s leader is not showing enough willingness to negotiate.
“It’s unthinkable that he’s the obstacle,” Trump said. “You don’t have the cards. Now he’s got even less cards.”
Since when was defending your people and wanting to keep your land, underwritten by Russian U.K. and US, subject to a deal? What deal? If Trump means surrender that’s not a deal. But that’s precisely what he means.
And this is why Starmer is really annoying me now. He keeps bleating on about rule of law, international law and all that stuff. There’s no such thing. He might as well whine about unicorns. International order? Dead and buried.
Stop hiding Sir Maybe It’ll all go away with fingers in my ears Kier. It isn’t. Just because you cannot send even one little destroyer with a weathering mural on the prow to Cyprus doesn’t change how it is.
Back to the Trump main point. There’s no such thing as a deal. There’s no deal in tens of thousands dying to defend their land, life and liberty. There’s bravery, desperation, innovation, a will in those people to protect what is theirs unsupported by Trump and backbonefree Europe, bar those next threatened.
Does anyone not p£ssed out of their brains think Putin wants to negotiate? Talk about having a laugh. But I guess distorting truth into lies is all part of the deal.
I fear for the world, especially the country in which I live. I don’t care about me particularly. I’ve had a great time and so be it if it ends tomorrow. It’s future generations I worry for. It shouldn’t be this way. Madmen aplenty and selfish, senseless, weak, clueless nobodies like the European leaders of the three largest economies.
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The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 07:16 - Mar 6 with 935 views
There's a certain irony here but I'm sure it will count for nothing in Trump's eyes.
Ukraine will help the US and its allies counter Iran’s Shahed drones, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, after the US requested assistance.
Russia has sent tens of thousands of Shaheds into Ukraine since it invaded its neighbour just over four years ago, at one point launching a swarm of more than 800 drones and decoys in its biggest night-time barrage.
Iran has responded to joint US-Israeli strikes by launching the same type of drones at countries in the Middle East.
In a post to social media, Zelenskyy said he had received a US request for support to defend against the drones in the Middle East and had given the order for equipment to be provided along with Ukrainian experts, without providing further details.
Ukraine helps partners who help our security and the protection of our people’s lives.
Ukraine has pioneered the development of cut-price drone-killing equipment that cost as little as $1,000, rewriting the air defence rulebook and making other countries take notice.
The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 07:16 - Mar 6 by DJR
There's a certain irony here but I'm sure it will count for nothing in Trump's eyes.
Ukraine will help the US and its allies counter Iran’s Shahed drones, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, after the US requested assistance.
Russia has sent tens of thousands of Shaheds into Ukraine since it invaded its neighbour just over four years ago, at one point launching a swarm of more than 800 drones and decoys in its biggest night-time barrage.
Iran has responded to joint US-Israeli strikes by launching the same type of drones at countries in the Middle East.
In a post to social media, Zelenskyy said he had received a US request for support to defend against the drones in the Middle East and had given the order for equipment to be provided along with Ukrainian experts, without providing further details.
Ukraine helps partners who help our security and the protection of our people’s lives.
Ukraine has pioneered the development of cut-price drone-killing equipment that cost as little as $1,000, rewriting the air defence rulebook and making other countries take notice.
[Post edited 6 Mar 7:17]
Drones have certainly added a layer to defence and offence requirements. With regard to the future and laser/microwave technologies this is quite interesting:
Britain’s offering is called Dragonfire. It looks to be a brilliant piece of kit that can be mounted on land or sea and will bring a drone for £10 a go.
'Downing Street said the deal would bring together "Ukrainian expertise and the UK's industrial base" to manufacture and supply drones and other capabilities...Last week, teams of Ukrainian military experts were sent to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to help them defend against drones launched from Iran.'
'Downing Street said the deal would bring together "Ukrainian expertise and the UK's industrial base" to manufacture and supply drones and other capabilities...Last week, teams of Ukrainian military experts were sent to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to help them defend against drones launched from Iran.'
About time too. Let’s hope it’s not Starmer-waffle as so much is, especially when it comes to military related stuff.
There is a really weird irony in Ukraine looking to help the Middle East and indeed the US out when it comes to drone technology, yet the US President openly supports verbally and economically (with oil sanctions lifting) his best mate Putin and Russia. Art of the deal?
Mind you, Ukraine did start the war by not surrendering before it took place. Wicked Zelenski!
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The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 12:51 - Mar 17 with 680 views
The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 11:23 - Mar 17 by Churchman
About time too. Let’s hope it’s not Starmer-waffle as so much is, especially when it comes to military related stuff.
There is a really weird irony in Ukraine looking to help the Middle East and indeed the US out when it comes to drone technology, yet the US President openly supports verbally and economically (with oil sanctions lifting) his best mate Putin and Russia. Art of the deal?
Mind you, Ukraine did start the war by not surrendering before it took place. Wicked Zelenski!
It’s a messy world isn’t it. On the other hand Ukraine will benefit from the depletion of Iran’s drone inventory in the Middle East - meaning they won’t make their way to the front lines in Ukraine. Whilst some have tried to rewrite history on Iran being a benign power, let’s not forget they’ve supplied 10’s thousands of drones to the Russian to rain down terror on Ukrainian civilians and armed forces.
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The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 14:57 - Jun 5 with 398 views
That should suitably enrage Russia’s dear leader and probably won’t please Vlad’s best mate Trump either.
Oh well, never mind. Perhaps Putin should ask Trump for military aid and maybe some boots on the ground given Zelenski started the war and Russia are just innocent victims.
I wonder what Putin will do next?
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The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 17:17 - Jun 5 with 328 views
The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 16:22 - Jun 5 by Churchman
That should suitably enrage Russia’s dear leader and probably won’t please Vlad’s best mate Trump either.
Oh well, never mind. Perhaps Putin should ask Trump for military aid and maybe some boots on the ground given Zelenski started the war and Russia are just innocent victims.
I wonder what Putin will do next?
Whilst I agree the US can’t be deemed a reliable ally of Ukraine right now, I tend to differ on your view that they are in bed with the Russians. It’s a complex and (frankly bizarre) relationship where on one hand they appear to be in cahoots, yet they are still actively undermining each other. The Russians let’s not forget have helped Iran vs the US in the Middle East, and the US is still providing stocks of wraponry to the Ukrainians (Trump just doesn’t want to pay for it so Europe is picking up the tab).
There’s also a new round of US sanctions on Russia coming, and quietly the Americans have been diverting Venezuelan oil that was intended for China to India (so as to stop India buying Russian stocks and hit Russia’s ability to fund the war). It’s a nuanced and odd situation, my reading is that both US and Russia will simply look after their own interests above each other’s, (and therefore Trump has little interest in Ukraine).
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The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 22:00 - Jun 5 with 247 views
The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 17:17 - Jun 5 by SuperKieranMcKenna
Whilst I agree the US can’t be deemed a reliable ally of Ukraine right now, I tend to differ on your view that they are in bed with the Russians. It’s a complex and (frankly bizarre) relationship where on one hand they appear to be in cahoots, yet they are still actively undermining each other. The Russians let’s not forget have helped Iran vs the US in the Middle East, and the US is still providing stocks of wraponry to the Ukrainians (Trump just doesn’t want to pay for it so Europe is picking up the tab).
There’s also a new round of US sanctions on Russia coming, and quietly the Americans have been diverting Venezuelan oil that was intended for China to India (so as to stop India buying Russian stocks and hit Russia’s ability to fund the war). It’s a nuanced and odd situation, my reading is that both US and Russia will simply look after their own interests above each other’s, (and therefore Trump has little interest in Ukraine).
Trump is interested in Trump, a peace medal and his financial boots being filled. He likes Putin because the latter is strong but simple. Let’s face it Trump is simple. He’s as transparent as a sheet of glass. He needs a surrender from Ukraine so that he can cut a deal with Putin.
The problem is that every month that goes by makes it harder for Putin who is now stuck and Trump who appears out of step. Mid terms not far away, Trump needs Zelenski’s knee bent now, not six months time.
Attached is an interesting article on the dynamic. I’ve no idea of the stance of who wrote it or accuracy but it’s worth a read
The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 22:00 - Jun 5 by Churchman
Trump is interested in Trump, a peace medal and his financial boots being filled. He likes Putin because the latter is strong but simple. Let’s face it Trump is simple. He’s as transparent as a sheet of glass. He needs a surrender from Ukraine so that he can cut a deal with Putin.
The problem is that every month that goes by makes it harder for Putin who is now stuck and Trump who appears out of step. Mid terms not far away, Trump needs Zelenski’s knee bent now, not six months time.
Attached is an interesting article on the dynamic. I’ve no idea of the stance of who wrote it or accuracy but it’s worth a read
Interesting article, it has been published by an Estonian think tank:
'ICDS was founded in 2006 by the decision of the Estonian Government, in the form of a foundation. The Estonian Foreign Policy Institute merged with the ICDS as of January the 1st, 2018.' https://icds.ee/en/about/
Couple of United Kingdom citizens on the board, one is an OBE and has links to Chatham House.
The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 17:17 - Jun 5 by SuperKieranMcKenna
Whilst I agree the US can’t be deemed a reliable ally of Ukraine right now, I tend to differ on your view that they are in bed with the Russians. It’s a complex and (frankly bizarre) relationship where on one hand they appear to be in cahoots, yet they are still actively undermining each other. The Russians let’s not forget have helped Iran vs the US in the Middle East, and the US is still providing stocks of wraponry to the Ukrainians (Trump just doesn’t want to pay for it so Europe is picking up the tab).
There’s also a new round of US sanctions on Russia coming, and quietly the Americans have been diverting Venezuelan oil that was intended for China to India (so as to stop India buying Russian stocks and hit Russia’s ability to fund the war). It’s a nuanced and odd situation, my reading is that both US and Russia will simply look after their own interests above each other’s, (and therefore Trump has little interest in Ukraine).
This thread seems the appropriate place to drop this. Ireland claims to support Ukraine but 80% of its aluminium production goes to russia.
Some superb journalism.
[Post edited 5 Jun 23:47]
“What is a club in any case? Not the buildings or the directors or the people who are paid to represent it........."
The 'special military operation' continues to reach new lows. PART 2 on 17:17 - Jun 5 by SuperKieranMcKenna
Whilst I agree the US can’t be deemed a reliable ally of Ukraine right now, I tend to differ on your view that they are in bed with the Russians. It’s a complex and (frankly bizarre) relationship where on one hand they appear to be in cahoots, yet they are still actively undermining each other. The Russians let’s not forget have helped Iran vs the US in the Middle East, and the US is still providing stocks of wraponry to the Ukrainians (Trump just doesn’t want to pay for it so Europe is picking up the tab).
There’s also a new round of US sanctions on Russia coming, and quietly the Americans have been diverting Venezuelan oil that was intended for China to India (so as to stop India buying Russian stocks and hit Russia’s ability to fund the war). It’s a nuanced and odd situation, my reading is that both US and Russia will simply look after their own interests above each other’s, (and therefore Trump has little interest in Ukraine).
You maybe correct about Trump being in bed with the Russians ( a case still unproven!! ) but the US administration favours Russia over Ukraine. Also their reluctance to supply Patriot missiles for their defence against Russian attacks and redirecting them to the Gulf is causing unnecessary hardship to the civilian population. https://www.theguardian.com/wo
They definitely favour the Russians over their alleged allies, Europe and NATO.
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