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Japan to impose sanctions on Russia over Ukraine crisis

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Outside of Moscow and a few other areas, Russia is a grim, grim country with a depressed and hopeless population.

I'm afraid you have your own problems. As like as you country.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The best way for Japan to help Ukraine now is to use this opportunity to retake the Northern Territories while Putin and his generals are busy in Kiev.

Sigh. Please read my earlier post on this same subject. Japan's amphibious lift capability is three ships each able to land 300 soldiers. Russia has about five times that many soldiers, a full brigade, defending the largest and populated Kurile Islands along with shore based anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles. Japan has no heavy surface to surface or air to surface missiles able to degrade the Russians defenses before landing those 900 total troops. It is not even remotely doable.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Rolling over like Japan has done for a foreign power and constitution is not a choice for the Russians.

Poor analogy. The outcome of WWII changed the world order.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Outside of Moscow and a few other areas, Russia is a grim, grim country with a depressed and hopeless population. How much more Russians take?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Sanctions? Nah!

The best way for Japan to help Ukraine now is to use this opportunity to retake the Northern Territories while Putin and his generals are busy in Kiev.

Nippon will be hitting two birds with one stone!

Banzai!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The NATO situation should have been defused some time ago and the Russians reassured with solid agreements that there would be no NATO expansion to threaten their borders.

NATO has never threatened any country's borders. In fact, it defends countries' borders from aggressors like Russia.

The only reason Russia doesn't want neighboring countries to join NATO is it renders them immune to invasion and Russian expansion.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Japan at least showing the flag and what about South Korea?

South Korea too

"Russia-Ukraine crisis: South Korea to support sanctions on Russia"

https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/russia-ukraine-crisis-south-korea-to-support-sanctions-on-russia-122022400327_1.html

Top democratic countries have already agreed on this

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Japan has chosen to be in the good and right side of history. Russia together with Turkey and Iran will meet their doom when they invade Israel to plunder and take booty. This will fulfill Ezekiel 38 war.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

The NATO situation should have been defused some time ago and the Russians reassured with solid agreements that there would be no NATO expansion to threaten their borders. In a radical gesture the Ukrainian government might have been able to get ahead of the Kremlin by holding a plebiscite in Eastern Ukraine to give the Russian-speaking majority the choice of staying or being "repatriated" with monetary incentives. But perhaps sooner or later Ukrainians and Russians would inevitably have to solve their fraternal disputes by the usual violent means since the symbolic power of Kiev in the narrative of Russian history and its place in the Russian national identity are factors that trump all other considerations among Russian nationalists who deeply believe Russia and Ukraine are joined like "Siamese twins" by history and culture. Sanctions will never be enough to deter Putin from his ambition to join the ranks of Catherine and Peter the Great. More likely, he'll be remembered as "Vlad the Bloody Oligarch" on both sides of the fence.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Putin dies not have a choice but to invade Ukraine; the alternative is to have US bases all over, as Japan does, pointing missiles at Russia.

Does anyone here think that America would allow the same thing in Cuba again?

Anyone doubting that should check out the Monroe doctrine.

Rolling over like Japan has done for a foreign power and constitution is not a choice for the Russians.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Thomas GoodtimeFeb. 23  05:02 pm JST

Russia must be beside itself with fear. Sanctions from Japan? Hahaha

Given that Russia exports 11.6 billion dollars worth of goods to Japan every year, yes, Russia will be afraid of these sanctions.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Do sanction work?, it more likely benefit oil companies, it hurt the poor citizen.

it is better to have dialogue.

Look at the sanction US has impose over the last 20 years, they only hurt the peoples not the ruling governments.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I love Japan.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Now is the time for Japan to assert itself and invade the Kuril Islands occupied by Russia.

Lol, the JMSDF has exactly three amphibious assault ships each of which can carry a grand total of 300 troops. So your notional Japanese invasion force can put at most 900 soldiers, basically a reinforced battalion, on the beach assuming those three ships are not sunk on the way in by the anti-ship cruise missiles Russia has emplaced on a couple of those larger Kurile Islands. Japan has no surface to surface missiles it can fire at an entrenched enemy before landing. No Tomahawks in the VLS tubes of their otherwise excellent Aegis equipped DDGs. The JASDF doesn't have bombers and it doesn't have a heavy cruise missile it can fire from their F-15Js. The Russians have a Brigade (4000 - 5000) soldiers defending the Kuriles along with anti ship and air defense missiles. Their fighters would also be a whole lot closer to their home airfields than their JASDF counterparts would be. As good as the JSDF is in their element I think they know their limitations, and invading someone else's island is one of them.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Would sanctions have stopped Hitler?

It will take more than that to stop Putin.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Russian soldiers will be defecting in the thousands, when they have no motivation to. fight, easy way to get out of a backward country like Russia, by fleeing

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

These aren't complete sanctions, like they need to be, unfortunately. They are specifically tied to Russian politicians that voted the way Putin wanted for the invasion and a few huge business owners and all Russian banks with international ties.

When you say this keep Russian troops so far have only entered separatist areas they already effectively controlled. They are technically inside Ukraine but Ukraine has not controlled these two regions since the Russian invasion of 2014. The most severe sanctions would be imposed if Russians cross into Ukraine proper, the parts outside of those two separatist regions. Booting Russia from SWIFT and prohibiting any form of trade with Russia using the US Dollar and US banking system will do grave harm to their economy and standard of living. A lot of Russian oligarchs live in and around London. UK is about to revoke their visas and make them leave.

Those sanctions will not be costless to the west. Nations all over the world buy wheat from Russia, including some important US regional allies, NATO members like Turkey and some nations in Latin America. When they can no longer pay for their wheat in US Dollars things will become difficult for those regional allies. The price of Russian gas will either skyrocket or be cut off entirely to the west, imposing major hardships on the EU. European and Asian car makers will be forced to withdraw from Russia. Caterpillar will have to leave. Major western aircraft component makers will lose a market (Russia couldn't certify a modern jet without western engines and avionics). The west will also have to face hostility from neutral nations who will find their trade with Russia through SWIFT and/or using the US Dollar suddenly cut off. Inflation will be exacerbated in the west, which has political implications. All of these have to be weighed when imposing sanctions on the Russians.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It's unfortunate that Ukraine made absolutely no effort in engaging in diplomacy with the separatists.

That simply isn't true. There has been negotiations going on since 2014. It is called the Normandy Format after the name of the negotiating site as the first negotiations occurred on the sidelines of a commemoration of the 1944 Normandy landings. The Russians however have steadfastly refused engage in any negotiations claiming they were not involved in the original invasion of the two separatist regions of Ukraine. Everyone knows that is simply not true but the Russians stick to this fiction and use it as a reason to refuse to negotiate with Ukraine. Without Russian participation the negotiations have been futile.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Now is the time for Japan to assert itself and invade the Kuril Islands occupied by Russia.

Show Putin that more than one can play that game, and send a message to the Chinese as well that Japan is not to be trifles with!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Lets see more countries do as much as Japan is doing.

I don't hear S. Korea having sanctions on anyone.

Japan is already part of Quad Alliance to Balance China and has made emergency plans for Taiwan..... S. Korea is not part of either, and has not sanction anyone over Ukraine crisis.

You want Japan to move a mountain, yet give a complete pass to half the world who won't even do as much as pacifist Japan is doing, with all the restrictions we have. Japan is doing more then S. Korea is. More reliable then S. Korea. Already Japan took a side and standing strong. On both Russia and China Japan is doing a lot more to maintain the balance. Fact

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Thanks for the legitimate answer to that question theFu. I wasn't expecting one from anyone, so it was interesting that the one I got was a nuanced response, unlike the toxic political attacks criticizing the current actions, without explaining what should have been done instead.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

This is not a Japanese problem..

Japan, please stop imitating the stupid things that the US does..

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Oops. that's N 55.731944 and E 37.196667.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

These aren't complete sanctions, like they need to be, unfortunately. They are specifically tied to Russian politicians that voted the way Putin wanted for the invasion and a few huge business owners and all Russian banks with international ties.

What will happen is that the specific people involved will get a "close friend" to start a shell company to perform the same transactions that banned people and companies aren't allowed to perform. Bet that will be in place within the next week. Wealthy Russians have been doing this for decades now. The only way to stop it is by closing all border traffic in/out of Russia.

NED, GER, BLR and USA are the largest trading countries with RUS. And China, but China won't be doing any sanctions. We already know they consider Ukraine to be an "internal issue for Russia".

So how soon do you feel America should attack Russia in war to defend Ukraine?

If Moscow, soon. Go after the C&C. E 55.731944, N 37.196667

For Russian troops deployed to any location inside Ukraine since the 1991 fall of the USSR, never. The US/NATO should only provide weapons to Ukrainian people so they can fight as they see fit to get their land back and keep it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Sanctions are rarely effective and take too long to bite, hurting mostly the general population, but never the ruling elite who always continue to feather their nests while living in the luxurious manner they are accustomed to.

So how soon do you feel America should attack Russia in war to defend Ukraine?

Or, if not that, what you suggesting instead of sanctions?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The sanctions are similar to those announced Tuesday by the United States

Well, surprise, surprise. Do we always need to hear from Kishida? I think hearing it straight from USA is enough. Cut out the middleman, and stop pretending Japan has an independent foreign policy.

quercetum:

One of the few comments that make sense. The only way China will use force is when they have to defend themselves against an attack from USA. They're not stupid - they are not going to hurt their brothers and sisters across the straits just for the fun of it and they know nothing good ever comes from a war - something which USA never learns.

Right, so is USA going to supply energy to Germany now? It worked out well, didn't it?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

China never said they sided with Russia, what China did, and what China does is play the hand that serves them best. What does China get from Russia, NOTHING! What does China get from the US, trade and lots of it. Russia is BROKE!!! China said to Russia and the world " we would like for those involved to solve this issue through diplomacy. That is not taking sides, that is playing it safe with words not to ruffle the Russians or the West. If China was to join sides with Russia, there goes their economy, all China is giving Russia is a ear shot and photo opportunities between the two leaders.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Sanctions, schmanctions!

Sanctions are rarely effective and take too long to bite, hurting mostly the general population, but never the ruling elite who always continue to feather their nests while living in the luxurious manner they are accustomed to. The Russian people will consequently pay the price for little man Putin's overweening ambitions to go down in history as the heroic leader who "reunified" Russian lands to "Make Russia Great Again". But it's also very probable that reality-challenged Putin has already lost the plot because the Ukrainians will resist a large-scale Russian incursion and fight back and the Kremlin cabal cannot even be sure that the Russian people, sickened should there be much bloodshed, will not rise up and put an end to Putin's repressive oligarchy. To paraphrase a Russian proverb: winning wars is not like walking across a field (or simply crossing borders).

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Prime-minister Kishida, this is not our problem.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Im reminded of a famous quote that says "Don't quote laws to men who have swords"

Soft Millennials taking a naive stab at international diplomacy cannot possible fathom the real-world realities of men like Putin in countries like Russia.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Peter14

It would be nice if Japan could "hit em hard" with sanctions.

Any particular suggestions that might help Japan hit them hard? I ask simply because I can't see any.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

"Japan to impose sanctions on Russia over Ukraine crisis". Sorry, Russian neighbors, we know that will hurt us too, but these are the orders coming to us from Washington.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

If Russia annexes Ukraine, China will definitely invade Taiwan.

I don't know about that. Russia has one international industry which is oil and gas. China on the other hand likes money and is quite successful at selling goods globally in a variety of industries. They were on the road to prosperity. Theirs is a much harder calculation.

@Reckless

You sure got the money part right but the calculation is not hard at all and in fact very easy. Political problems don’t always have to be solved through military means.

Ninety-seven of Ukraine's top 100 richest people has fled to Western countries, leaving behind a group of poor people chanting democratic slogans.

The top 100 richest people in Taiwan have invested in the mainland, and 2 million Taiwanese work, study and live in the mainland.

Taiwan's economy is highly dependent on the mainland, and cross-strait economic relations are close. Taiwan and China are in discussions on building an underwater tunnel connecting mainland and the island across the straights like the Channel Tunnel between England and France.

Simply put, China is not going to invade Taiwan just like the US wouldn’t fight a war against Canada, Australia, or the UK.

People from Michigan are not going to go to war against Ohio. Georgia is not going to fight Alabama because both are Americans. There was the Civil War in the US and China but people don’t want war.

PRC strategy regarding Taiwan is something that lasts decades, and it is mainly political rather than military. Even with military and economics, the longer the PRC waits, the stronger mainland China will be, so it makes sense for the PRC to postpone any action for as long as possible.

The preferred solution for Beijing is to have Taiwan elect a mainland-friendly government, or failing that, keep Taiwan from declaring independence and just maintain the status quo.

China hopes to develop to be a power that wealthy Taiwanese will want to be a part of. Xi will have used “soft” power instead of hitting Taiwan over the head and shooting at them or bombing them and taking them by force.

Political problems don’t always have to be solved through military means.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

The Ukraine is a pawn - the USA has been mucking around in the region for decades. 

Typical, is the Albright Stonebridge Group. One might note Victoria Nuland, is a senior counselor at ASG. Nuland cut her chops in the Reagan administration. While a member of the Obama administration, an examination of the Nuland-Pratt conversation during that period reveals purposeful interference in the affairs of a sovereign state, purposefully determining which candidate should be enshrined as head-of-state. Alongside that floating a billion dollar 'loan' to the Ukraine and encouraging the sale and purchase of 'defensive' weapons to the Ukraine. 

Nuland, who exemplifies the policies of he USA, was and is a hardliner opposed to the Russian state, working to thwart diplomatic and economic relations between Russia and the EU.  Her purport and those she represents intent to expand the American Empire into eastern Europe, up to the Russian borders. Such is the geopolitical stratagem aka foreign policy of the current administration which is reflected in her 'service in government' and work within NGOs who serve various corporate interests. The intent is not cooperation and diplomacy, but the use of power to achieve aims that serve a very narrow, right-wing, conservative elite. Hunter Biden is another flaming example of the less than savory machinations at work in the Ukraine.

Anyone who thinks Putin and the Russians are to blame have no clue as to US involvement in the Ukraine.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

It would be much better for Japan to be a neutral nation, but the US won't allow it.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Trump 101: It's stupid to push china and Russia together.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Japan is a G7 member and the third largest economic power. Combined with the other G7 members it's doubtful that Russia will be laughing.

They are certainly not crying. They wouldn’t be doing this if they didn’t have countermeasures for the sanctions

US Cannot go after Russian Dollar Deposits in the United States because Russia doesn't have any. They’ve already unloaded them.

“ban exports to and imports from the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk” So, sanctions on Ukraine then? Since yknow, Ukraine still considers them Ukrainian territories. My only thoughts on this is just “Japan, sit down”

Couldn’t have said it better. Japan just stay out of this Focus on your economy. How many years ago were the bubble years?

Well that's the whole point LOL. This whole sanctions are just face saving attempt from the west as they have nothing else on the table.

US could sanction all countries trading with Russia but even democratic countries wouldn’t go along with it.

Lets take India. Russia supplies 65% of all Indian defense imports today. What would happen if US threatened to sanction India? Would India forfeit $260 billion of orders to Russia? Who will pay India back? Some of the largest orders were between May 2020 and January 2022 and the US was going to sanction India for that to begin with Biden has lost this one and Putin won this round.

Get ready for decades of sanctions that limit and repress Russia's economy, investments, trade and future. 

We’ll see. China neutralizes western sanctions; it will buy energy and natural resources, buy and sell with Russia, in euro and RMB. Did sanctions on Russia work in 2014?

China gained the biggest strategic partner in the world, by forming the biggest partnership in the world with Russia.

The US left the Middle East to focus on China, the moment US left, China tripled its investment in the Middle East by 361% in 2021.

Biden didn’t expect Europe to be in trouble when he planned on focusing all firepower on China. And in doing so this pushed China towards Russia.

The scenario I see where sanctions may work would be a) if China doesn’t help Russia b) if Germany and France both go along with the sanctions.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Japan supporting the International Community against the Russian aggression is welcome and a good & responsible action.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Kishida is a tool of the west...

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Well, a nice gesture, but rather empty. How much trade and how many visas are issued to people of those regions? and how many assets do they have in Japan? How about freezing ALL Russian assets, not just from those regions of Ukraine, but the entire nation, and barring entry... well, they're doing that to everyone anyway, but also to ambassadors and businesses, and freezing the assets of any Russian businesses in Japan.

That would have some teeth, maybe.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Don't sanctions usually mean the prices go up?

Don't be so cheap. Democracy is at stake.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Gorbachev was the only decent leader Russia has had for decades. He was a reasonable normal guy, who got along with everyone and did his best for Russia with his enlightened policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (rebuilding), in order to present a normalised civilised image to the rest of the world following the breakdown of the decrepit Communism of the Soviet Union.

Putin however, is trying to recreate himself as a Tsarist totalitarian Dictator, his kleptomania knows no boundaries, and most worryingly, he is mentally unstable with a bloodlust of disturbing psychological and sadistic significance. This stems from his early days as a thuggish KGB enforcer, who delighted in beating, torturing and murdering possibly thousands of innocent people.

He will stop at nothing until the blood-letting reaches unbelievable proportions, and I think we're talking of hundreds of thousands of people dying.

Why is the free, democratic civilised world sitting back and doing almost zero to stop this evil tyrant - there are horrible similarities here to the way the world looked away for the years preceding WW2, who the hell is going to step up to the plate and take some Big Global Responsibility...... wake up time United Nations, what the hell are you doing ??

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

You fooling yourself if you think this is going to hurt Russia more than Japanese people. Now they can charge us more for the things that we're getting from Russia. Are you ready to pay more for your corn flakes? Wheat flakes? Don't sanctions usually mean the prices go up?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Sometimes, I feel I am the god.

V.Putin

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Udondashi

It's a mistake of the United States and Japan, the real enemy is China not Russia.

It is not one or the other. They are both adversaries of the free nations of the world.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

The corruption is so politically poisonous and toxic, the retched stink has reached into every vein of Russian government.

Good thing there is no corruption in western governments and institutions, an example to live by!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

The Gulf Kingdoms have done a better job of looking after their respective citizens

Like stoning people and giving no rights to women?

8 ( +10 / -2 )

This all started with US voting for Trump.

US is like, "Hey, we've been superpower for a long time now. How 'bout we mix things up a little so the world can see us as a bunch of losers choosing a loser to lead us."

er How many countries were invading others under the president that hasn't been in office for over a year?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

The Government of Japan, people want the Russian people to persuade Putin to take a deep breath.

Putin won't, he can't, it is not within in his nature, so bitter and twisted, Putin views his very quietus intertwined with his own failure to accept global change.

The corruption is so politically poisonous and toxic, the retched stink has reached into every vein of Russian government.

Leading to an inevitable War.

The question remains is how the global community is going to respond.

Forget about Trump and Biden.

It is the here and now.

President Biden will need to call, make a decision, there is no pretence of isolation.

No!!!

Pick a side and hammer down

3 ( +6 / -3 )

PaulToday  06:14 pm JST

LOL I really doubt that there are any assets from those regions in Japan nor do I think that Japan does any exporting to those regions either. It is all totally meaningless!

How do you know this?

https://japan.mfa.gov.ua/en/partnership/trade-and-economic-cooperation

0 ( +5 / -5 )

@Paul

It is all totally meaningless!

Well that's the whole point LOL. This whole sanctions are just face saving attempt from the west as they have nothing else on the table. Japan of course only does it for the show.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Japan at least showing the flag and what about South Korea?

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

If Russia annexes Ukraine, China will definitely invade Taiwan.

This all started with US voting for Trump.

US is like, "Hey, we've been superpower for a long time now. How 'bout we mix things up a little so the world can see us as a bunch of losers choosing a loser to lead us."

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

President Putin has turned his extreme paranoia into refusing to accept freedom and democratic choice of government into a hell on earth nightmare of nuclear engagement.

This is the ultimate last roll of the dice.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

“ban exports to and imports from the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk” So, sanctions on Ukraine then? Since yknow, Ukraine still considers them Ukrainian territories. My only thoughts on this is just “Japan, sit down”

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

will suspend visa issuance for officials from the two regions and freeze their assets. It will ban exports to and imports from the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk

LOL I really doubt that there are any assets from those regions in Japan nor do I think that Japan does any exporting to those regions either. It is all totally meaningless!

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

Japanese government had no way but to introduce its own sanctions as part of the G-7’s collective action against Russia. Same time, Japan is not keen shooting its own feet and thus introduced such laughable set of sanctions. The wolves are full and the sheep are whole.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

with so much knowledge and insight, I wonder why posters here aren't running the world.... (^_-)

-4 ( +9 / -13 )

Good for Japan. But as we saw post 2014, Russia seems to find ways around the light sanctions. Lets hope they have an effect this time around. Germany cutting the gas deal - as promised - may have an effect.

5 ( +12 / -7 )

Kishida the strong leader :)

Japan should really stay out and mind his own business.

Kishida is going to kill the economy with the energy prices to come.

-8 ( +8 / -16 )

I don't think sanctions will make much of a difference to Putin - he's so blinkered that he'll barely notice. All he wants is to recreate the USSR and bring back the Cold War, and can't see anything beyond that. He should have been ousted or, ahem, removed some years ago.

Since Russia will take Ukraine without getting into a shooting war against NATO, I see China invading Taiwan very soon. No-one wants to risk a nuclear war, so that's why dictators can just roll over whoever they want.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

It's unfortunate that Ukraine made absolutely no effort in engaging in diplomacy with the separatists.

-6 ( +11 / -17 )

It's a mistake of the United States and Japan, the real enemy is China not Russia.

Actually it is a mistake of Russia. The west is not it's enemy, China is. When the wall came down it was the west that helped keep Russia stable. Spending money assisting ex Soviet states to dismantle unwanted nuclear weapons and nuclear powered submarines. Russia was welcomed into the fold but turned away when Putin got in and wanted Russian power to grow and world influence the return.

Japan for the most part, minds its own business. On occasion when asked, and when it agrees, it diplomatically gets involved. As it is now. This is an international issue and all nations have a right to comment and get involved. A sovereign nation is being invaded and that demands involvement.

8 ( +18 / -10 )

It's a mistake of the United States and Japan, the real enemy is China not Russia.

-20 ( +5 / -25 )

Putin laid out his plans last night, the unstoppable is on the move, I doubt very much if any sunctions means anything at this point.

1 ( +11 / -10 )

Why does japan need to get involved in this thing? It's not your fight...Nobody cares about your "sanctions" anyways, you'll only create enemies.

Did it come to your mind that Japan has a territory conflict with Russia and is military supported by the US for all regional disputes ?

:facepalm:

15 ( +21 / -6 )

VM

Why does japan need to get involved in this thing? It's not your fight...Nobody cares about your "sanctions" anyways, you'll only create enemies.

Because this is a litmus test for another invasion, much closer to home and one that would impact Japan on a massive scale. The invasion of Taiwan. You think they should/would just stand back and do nothing? Putin and Xi certainly hope so,

20 ( +27 / -7 )

It would be nice if Japan could "hit em hard" with sanctions. Since that is not really possible the next best thing is to pick a side, and they have. The more nations on the side of freedom and democracy the better the chances for an outcome that will show the price to Russia is not really worth it.

Get ready for decades of sanctions that limit and repress Russia's economy, investments, trade and future. The people of Russia will not thank Putin but will emigrate away in droves for a much better life. Many smart people have already been leaving Russia for decades. This will accelerate now.

7 ( +21 / -14 )

international law.

Russia has shown it's adhering to the ages old international law, which is the biggest empire with the biggest military (in Russia's case nearly the biggest) a military that its leader is willing to use, sets the laws.

Russia has also shown its willing to actively engage in cyberwarfare to do harm to nations unwilling to bend to Putin's demands. Included in Russia's version of cyberwarfare are armies of keyboard warriors, paid and volunteer, that will use whichever media they can to rile up citizens in democracies, in attempts to pit those citizens against each other to weaken the democracy Putin sees as his enemy, using the ages old principle of divide and conquer.

Putin has taken on the characteristics of cult leaders from the 1940s, and has attracted many around the globe to his cult. He also appears to be siding with Xi and the CCP, but who knows how long two narcissistic megalomaniacs can work together as they both try to increase the territories they control and compete for even greater control of the planet's resources.

Given Putin is reputed to be one of the globe's richest men, and that he's probably like most greedy megalomaniacs in that he a wants even more money to buy more palaces and luxury yachts. Maybe hurting his bank accounts is a way to slow down his desire to become the global emperor.

If Putin steps down, maybe Russia's oil and gas wealth can be shared among the Russian people, not just between Putin and his oligarchs. Russia is like Venezuela in that it's oil rich, but the money from the nation's state controlled oil and gas has not been fairly distributed.

The Gulf Kingdoms have done a better job of looking after their respective citizens than Putin's Russia has. The Gulf kingdoms are also more advanced technologically. Maybe Russi put too much emphasis on cyberwarfare.

7 ( +19 / -12 )

Thomas GoodtimeToday  05:02 pm JST

Russia must be beside itself with fear. Sanctions from Japan? Hahaha

Japan is a G7 member and the third largest economic power. Combined with the other G7 members it's doubtful that Russia will be laughing.

6 ( +33 / -27 )

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