Russia attacks Ukraine as defiant Putin warns U.S., NATO

How could Donald Trump have let this happen?

Why is Trump sleeping when Ukraine is being invaded?

Oh wait.....

It begins.

Russia will become even more of a pariah than it is now. This is what you get when you don't stand up to a megalomaniacal, amoral, kleptocratic dictator.

Let's hear again from our resident Putin supporters about the MSM, intelligence agencies, and "the left" all "exaggerating" this.

This is the more sinister version of the da-kine ‘Cuban Crisis’ since Putin is no JFK.

Wait a second - didn't multiple resident "experts" tell us Russia would "never invade", it was all a dastardly "Western ploy"/conspiracy of the media?

The rest of us knew the intelligence was spot on.

God help the Ukrainians. I hope they take down whatever aggressors they can in any way.

As Putin spoke, big explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv and other areas of Ukraine.

If the above is factual, it sounds to me like Putin is in fact a warmonger, no better than the US or other NATO state's war pigs..

Do Putin-philes, Russian or Western, expect Russia's neighbors who'd freed themselves from the grasp of the USSR to just accept Lord Putin, as his cultists call him, to put them behind another Iron Curtain, this time called perhaps USSR2. without putting up a fight.

The former SSRs arguably have been somewhat freer since they left Russian control. Now they can probably once again look forward to their media being controlled from Moscow, and their journalists, especially any who do not obey Lord Putin and his oligarchs to be disappeared. Those who had been able to travel beyond their state's borders might see further restrictions on travel, just like back in the days of Stalin.

The world might expect a refugee crisis in Europe, maybe elsewhere, too.

This is entirely Putin’s doing. His choice. His move.

Is this gonna be a next world war? (|

There is a lot of US should this or that, but actually this is the job of NATO and European powers to stand against the Russian aggression. Putin just attacked a sovereign nation in Europe, and there are treaties that oblige the Ukraine allies to help.

Unfortunately, many of the posters on this site see everything happening in the world through their maniacal Biden/Trump perspective.

it has started. This is a dark day for the world.

Prior to a couple of months ago I didn't really have a strong opinion either way on Ukraine's dispute with Russia. It seemed to me that Russia had some legitimate concerns with NATO on the one hand, and there are some serious human rights issues with the Ukraine government's actions in the breakaway regions as well. On the other hand Ukraine obviously had some legitimate concerns with Russia and its annexation of Crimea, which was completely against international law, and Russia itself has some very serious human rights issues as well.

I'm not on the fence anymore though. Russia is starting a war of aggression against a neighboring country. They've been lying for weeks about what their intentions were, as have their apologists on here. Count me firmly on the side of the Ukrainians now.

Only this week the Kremlin was saying that they "would never invade", and that talk of invasion was "American disinformation"....

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ukraine-ambassador-anatoly-antonov-no-such-plans-invasion-face-the-nation/

The same Russian lies being spread by third column pro-Putin cheerleaders here and on Fox News...

Even with this clear evidence of Russia's overt invasion of another sovereign country, they'll continue to spread Russian propaganda....and praise Putin while criticizing their own government....

It's called aiding an abetting the enemy...or in a more simple word, treason...

NATO must do everything in it's power to support, defend the Ukrainian people and their democracy. Even if it escalator to full scale war.

Putin declared he a campaign of denazification of Ukraine too which I don't know why was left out of this report

Probably because this is a lie, ad Putin is a neo-Nazi himself. Just read his speech.

A made for TV war. Nothing is adding up folks. Wake up.

The World reaping the effects of the USA having a pathetic, clueless idiot for a President.

So Ukrainians who have really done nothing, are to be attacked. Not sure I see the cause.it’s an ageing delusional man who is devastating so many people on a personal whim. If he wasn’t by accident President he would still be at best a deranged taxi driver, he.should be pushing a shopping trolley begging for food. Ranting at the sky.

Putin will invade Ukraine and NATO and the US won’t do anything except to protest and impose sanctions. When Europe starts getting oil from Israel through its EastMed pipeline and not from Russia’s Nordstream pipeline, this will be the hook that will be put in the mouth of Putin to bring him to the Holy Land. Russia will lead a coalition of nations including Iran, Turkey, Sudan, Libya and many other central Asian nations to invade Israel to plunder and take booty. Ezekiel 38-39 prophecsied that They will meet their doom on the mountains of Israel and put an end to strong powers and Shia radical Islam. This will create a power vacuum which will usher in the final one world govt of the AntiChrist which Jesus will destroy when he comes back with his raptured saints to establish his millennial kingdom. Maranatha.

The World reaping the effects of the USA having a pathetic, clueless idiot for a President.

No actually the world is reaping the effects of a dictator who wants to return to the era of the Soviet Union.

It amazes me how folks complain about the US sticking their nose into everything, complaining about them being the "world's policemen" and then turn around and EXPECT the US to solve all the problems.

Hypocrites!

To all those who said putin wouldn’t invade, another egg on your faces.

putin did exactly what President Biden say he would!

The focus on wokeness and political correctness destroyed the military and intelligence agencies of the West. Russia in China is simply now capitalizing on it.

This is so uncalled for and so cruel. Russia is lobbing missiles and bombs on the defenseless cities of a peaceful country in the dead of night, and they have sunk so low as to call themselves peacekeepers. Such liars and hypocrites! Hopefully Putin and the Russian people will regret this barbaric act.

putin has the support of China, N.Korea and the GOP.

With the axis of evil backing him, no doubt he is cocky!!!

The world might expect a refugee crisis in Europe, maybe elsewhere, too.

Europe has been suffering a refugee crisis since ISIS started their genocidal crap in the Middle East in 2014, Russia went to war with Ukraine that same year (this invasion is just a new initiative after a long dormancy), and with the aftereffects of the Libya Revolution of 2011 (along with Black African refugees fleeing to southern Europe via Libya to escape the crazy ethnic wars in central and western Africa).

AnonymousToday  01:07 pm JST

This is entirely Putin’s doing. His choice. His move.

He's been determined to do this right from the start. He kept making his excuses, now he's doing the act. Dictators cannot be negotiated with or trusted at all.

I hope those Russians are vaccinated before they cross the border into Ukraine.

Russia is just rolling through right now, it could be over in a few days

People were saying the same thing as the US went into Afghanistan and Iraq 20 years ago.

Surely this is fake msm news. I was constantly assured that it was never going to happen despite Biden and several other international intelligence agencies giving a clear warning.

How could this happen? /s

Putin just attacked a sovereign nation in Europe, and there are treaties that oblige the Ukraine allies to help.

What treaties?

If you push a bear to the edge of a cliff, it will attack you. Russia had no choice. Sanctions, media attacks, pipeline blocked, attacks the economy…meanwhile offensive weapons given to Ukraine to murder Russian speakers.

I hate war. But Russia had no choice.

German news says the Russians also shot missiles on Kiev.

“consequences you have never seen.”

It is exactly what I said, Putin is insane.

Russia starts a war with a terrible impact for the rest of the world.

And I really hope that the world will take Russia under full responsibility.

This will also have another impact, this will sheer bad blood against all the good and nice Russians who are living in different countries all over the world.

I am attempting from friends to obtain a full transcript of Presidents Putin full 5.50am address to the Russian nation.

He said the attack was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine  

Basically, an identity-kit playbook rerun of the Georgian invasion.

However, on a huge scale.

President Biden US government, along with EU/NATO/UK will have to face the prospect of unleashing unprecedented sanctions.

Germany and its people have to be fully commended for its shelving of NORD Stream 2 gas pipe line.

The economic ramifications will be punitive.

I believe the invasion will be carried out in phases.

For the west, It is wake up and smell the coffee decision making time.

Does the Global community sit back and watch, or hold Putin to account providing country by country full lethal aid?

It is worth keeping in mind Ukraine is not a member of NATO.

However, the people of Ukraine must not be abandoned.

I bet NATO don't do anything,

Ukraine is NOT part of NATO. NATO does not have a security agreement with Ukraine.

So, yeah, if 'don't do anything' means not declaring war on Russia, you win that bet.

But in English, "don't do anything' dont mean that. Hell, the pipeline has already been nixed. That's quite somthin'.

Well, this is another failed attempt for this administration to thwart Putin and what’s next? How will the US or Europe bring Putin to his knees, they will hit him with sanctions but that’s not going to work at least immediately. Ukraine is lost, nothing we can do about it. It’s sad, I hope all Americans are out and I hope the Ukrainians do at the very minimum what they can to stall Putin and his military. Sad, Ukraine is a beautiful country.

Russia will become even more of a pariah than it is now. This is what you get when you don't stand up to a megalomaniacal, amoral, kleptocratic dictator.

I’m from Russia by the way. What are you talking about? For one thousand years Russia is a part of a world politics. You cannot exclude this country from real world.

We're (the US) not gonna do a damn thing about it, nor should we.

Sucks as it may, it's not worth turning the world into a puddle of molten glass with a few cockroaches scurrying about.

It's Only Rock and Roll

Strategically, Ukraine is vital to Russia. I predicted right here on this site what a mistake it would be to try to bring Ukraine into NATO. I said:

Russia will be willing to go to war to stop that, and would do so prior to Ukraine having NATO membership;

NATO would not be willing to go to war prior to Ukaine joining, and would perhaps balk even after Ukraine joined;

In the event of a Russian invasion, the West would hit Russia economically hard;

Russia would be willing to endure a lot of suffering to prevent a hostile Ukraine on its border.

I hate being right.

What are you talking about?

The fact that Russia is run by a kleptocrat war criminal.

You cannot exclude this country from real world.

We certainly don't have to accept the lying thievery from Putin, that we can do.

You cannot exclude this country from real world.

A country who starts a war with its peaceful neighbour and starts to kill innocent people men, women and children has to be excluded from the real world.

You cannot exclude this country from real world.

Can and will.

this is another failed attempt for this administration to thwart Putin 

You've shifted to this line for the last couple of days, and I still don't know what you think POTUS should do. You're against military action, and you think sanctions are too weak a response. And you think Putin is moving because Biden did something or other. What exactly is your analysis and what is your solution?

I did read recently that (and I haven't checked it out so all or some of it may be true):

How the nation of Ukraine ranks:

1st) in Europe in proven recoverable reserves of uranium ores;

2nd) place in Europe and 10th place in the world in terms of titanium ore reserves;

2nd) place in the world in terms of explored reserves of manganese ores (2.3 billion tons, or 12% of the world's reserves);

2nd) largest iron ore reserves in the world (30 billion tons);

2nd) place in Europe in terms of mercury ore reserves;

3rd) place in Europe (13th place in the world) in shale gas reserves (22 trillion cubic meters)4th in the world by the total value of natural resources;

7th) place in the world in coal reserves (33.9 billion tons)

  Ukraine is an agricultural country:

1st) in Europe in terms of arable land area;

3rd) place in the world by the area of black soil (25% of world's volume);

1st) place in the world in exports of sunflower and sunflower oil;

2nd) place in the world in barley production and 4th place in barley exports;

3rd) largest producer and 4th largest exporter of corn in the world;

4th) largest producer of potatoes in the world;

5th) largest rye producer in the world;

5th) place in the world in bee production (75,000 tons);

8th) place in the world in wheat exports;

9th) place in the world in the production of chicken eggs;

16th) place in the world in cheese exports.

Ukraine can meet the food needs of 600 million people.

Ukraine is an industrialized country:

1st) in Europe in ammonia production;

4th largest natural gas pipeline system in the world (142.5 bln cubic meters of gas throughput capacity in the EU);

3rd) largest in Europe and 8th largest in the world in terms of installed capacity of nuclear power plants;

3rd) place in Europe and 11th in the world in terms of rail network length (21,700 km);

3rd) place in the world (after the U.S. and France) in production of locators and locating equipment;

3rd) largest iron exporter in the world 4th) largest exporter of turbines for nuclear power plants in the world;

4th) world's largest manufacturer of rocket launchers;

4th) place in the world in clay exports 4th) place in the world in titanium exports

8th) place in the world in exports of ores and concentrates;

9th) place in the world in exports of defence industry products;

10th) largest steel producer in the world (32.4 million tons).

I hope he knows what he's doing.

@Monty peaceful neighbour? Please.

You've shifted to this line for the last couple of days, and I still don't know what you think POTUS should do.

I was extremely on what he should have done.

You're against military action, and you think sanctions are too weak a response. And you think Putin is moving because Biden did something or other. What exactly is your analysis and what is your solution?

-Not getting involved

-Pushing Europe to take up a bigger role in fighting and confronting Russia.

-Giving assurances that Ukraine doesn’t join NATO.

-Trying to build a relationship with Russia

For starters

-Not getting involved

-Pushing Europe to take up a bigger role in fighting and confronting Russia.

-Giving assurances that Ukraine doesn’t join NATO.

-Trying to build a relationship with Russia

So in other words appeasement?

Why would that work?

Also, your suggestions are mutually contradictory. How is "pushing Europe to take a bigger role in fighting and confronting Russia" commensurate with "trying to build a relationship with Russia"??? This makes no sense.

Not being involved in something that has nothing to do with you is not “appeasement”.

there are no demands to the USA other than don’t be involved.

The World reaping the effects of the USA having a pathetic, clueless idiot for a President.

Typical extremist response, it's Biden's fault, not their idol Putin's. Some US Americans wear T-shirts and carry banners saying "I'd rather be a Russian than a Democrat", and then call themselves patriots, meaning they only pledge allegiance to Trump. And when stores stopped selling the T shirts, they claimed the stores were taking their freedoms away.

The Trump QGOP herds have become the greatest danger to the American republic. And they are heavily armed, not just with bear spray.

No more brother wars.

Having an aggressive neighbour with a civil law for the past 8 years and a stand-up comedian for a president who never worked in politics before, constant warmongering on the US/NATO side, buildup of NATO bases and troops on Russian border, I'm not entirely surprised that Putin decided to clean the border up. Donetsk & Lugansk have needed protection since the beginning being a territory with a large ethnic Russian population.

Olegek,

Any country that demands, then uses overwhelming force to force a neighbouring country bend to its will, irrespective of the propaganda/histrionics are over.

President Putin today took a decision, not forced upon by his people or government.

President Putin let not beat around the bush singularly on behalf of the Russian people chose to wage war.

With all the weapons a 21st century super power can provide.

President Macron provided an escape route, affording President Putin with careful consideration a full forum to obtain a negotiated Security agreement. EU/UK/ Ukraine would have compromised.

However in a fit of paranoia, President Putin has chosen a path of no return.

President Biden, with a coming mid term nail Putin economic feet to the floor.

You wait until the Ukraine people, civilians, families, women, children, blood start flowing on prime time TV.

Tell me then the definition of what a pariah looks like!

For starters

What about another of them ‘Small sizable forces’ you often recommend?

What about another of them ‘Small sizable forces’ you often recommend?

I already made my exact outlined points.

Not being involved in something that has nothing to do with you is not “appeasement”.

Oh yes it bloody well is. Apply the same logic to 1938, Nazi apologists in the UK were no doubt asking what business their government had in a little dispute between Germany and Czechoslovakia and that it was better to just let Germany do its thing.

Your position is a textbook example of appeasement.

Well, this is another failed attempt for this administration to thwart Putin and what’s next? How will the US or Europe bring Putin to his knees, they will hit him with sanctions but that’s not going to work at least immediately. Ukraine is lost, nothing we can do about it. It’s sad, I hope all Americans are out and I hope the Ukrainians do at the very minimum what they can to stall Putin and his military. Sad, Ukraine is a beautiful country.

You, sir have been continuously wrong about this. The whole way. Anything you add now is equally as ridiculous as anything before. It’s a good thing we all know you don’t really believe it.

The only reason there is even an expectation of the US to do anything at all here is because of Biden’s ego. He can go toe to toe with Putin and win then be praised by the world! (He thought).

Instead he could have simply chosen to let Europe handle it. Which is what most Americans want.

no one is asking what Japan or Korea are doing because there was no expectation that they be involved.

Russia is one-upping "shock and awe" MASSIVELY, to let the West know hands had best be kept off. Shock and awe was not like this, not so fast, and Ukraine was far better equipped than Saddam.

FACT: Ukraine is getting wiped out like dirt off a windshield.

The only reason there is even an expectation of the US to do anything at all here is because of Biden’s ego. He can go toe to toe with Putin and win then be praised by the world! (He thought).

lol No, there's the expectation the Us would get involved, because we are allies and have the largest economy and military in the world. Japan is comparatively smaller and doesn't have the legal ability wage an offensive war.

He’ll just easily walk through to the Portuguese Algarve coast if not getting now the smaller things of what he wants. Then he would finally possess the pipelines, bank systems and western technologies within his bigger area and also sanctions are getting of no use. They have not even military or weapons that work in the rest of Europe, maybe France has still a few but not sufficient, and all have own economic and social problems with Covid, the massive costs , divided societies and of course the melting pot societies with unsuccessful immigration in all significant cities and places. Or do you think, all the returners from IS and such similar or quite some Africans on welfare will now happily fight for the democratic country they are now in , together with a few military untrained civilians consisting of seniors battalions? They’ll bomb it right away additionally to the Russian missiles in a hope for making it Islamic a minute before the incoming Russian tanks might grab it. Remains in fact only the atomic option, but that’s multiple suicidal for everyone on this planet and of course better should be excluded by all sides.

It appears Ukraine has been able to return fire to Russia, with explosions reported in the province of Belgorod.

Black Sabbath, I agree it would be madness for Ukraine to ever be considered for membership of NATO.

It would be an act of folly to expect Russian government to just rollover with Kiev and Moscow 860 km apart.

NATO membership for Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania could, with the benefit of hindsight been managed with a tad more foresight.

President Putin could still take a deep smart breath and negotiate, some would conclude from a position of strength.

If not Putin could back himself, his country, his people into a corner.

.

Why do we care? Why do we get involved? Wouldn't it be easier just to ignore them and let them fight? Why does the west have to get involved?

You, sir have been continuously wrong about this.

Nope, watch the news. This is a giant cluster…..

Anything you add now is equally as ridiculous as anything before. It’s a good thing we all know you don’t really believe it.

Ok, you can think whatever you like. Europe and this administration failed to dissuade Putin with assurances from going into Ukraine and here we are.

Olegek, a favour, you don't have a English transcript of President Putin early morning address to the nation today?

Just because we have the largest economy and military means nothing if we shouldnt be involved to begin with.

Again with the appeasement. Glad previous generations weren't as cowardly in the face of aggression.

Just because we have the largest economy and military means nothing if we shouldnt be involved to begin with.

You've yet to explain why we shouldn't get involved. Repeatedly claiming "it's not our job" doesn't make it so.

Ukraine is a huge source of rare minerals and metals for the world that are used to manufacture everything. So of course Putin wants Ukraine for Russia.

Russian invasion that could cause massive casualties and topple Ukraine’s democratically elected government.

Again no skin in this game other than I don't want my country involved again in a European war.

But I find the above a little funny seeing it was a western backed coup that removed the Democratically elected Ukrainian government that started this whole mess in the first place.

Putin announces 'special operation' in Donbass.

The special military operation will be aimed at "the defense of" the newly-recognized republics of Donetsk and Lugansk

https://www.rt.com/russia/550408-special-operation-putin-donbass/

This is Russia Today take on current events.

Europe and this administration failed to dissuade Putin with assurances from going into Ukraine and here we are.

Ukraine gets to decide whether or not it joins NATO. It's not up to Biden or any other responsible world leader, and it certainly isn't up to Putin.

You're promoting appeasement of a dictator who has expansionist ambitions. Your position is clear.

Putin's major beef with Ukraine is any chance of that country joining NATO. So far as I know, NATO has no yet sent a formal invitation. If NATO is smart it won't.

There will be a war. Likely not just Russia vs Ukraine, but also a civil war with ethnic Russians vs ethnic Ukrainians. What will follow will be a mess beyond imagination. What might happen would be the fall of Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine gets to decide whether or not it joins NATO.

Well, apparently they don’t!

It's not up to Biden or any other responsible world leader, and it certainly isn't up to Putin.

Ok, I believe you, now please try and convince Putin of that.

You're promoting appeasement of a dictator who has expansionist ambitions. Your position is clear.

No, I am promoting clear thoughts and trying and hoping and praying that our leaders will take this as serious as they can now going forward, we should’ve never supported the Ukraine for NATO membership. This thing can spill over into other regions of Europe, the Baltics and Poland…

How many here calling on the west, NATO, the USA, etc... To get involved are of military age and are going to join up and fight?

Did he stop the invasion like he bragged? he knew it was coming, right?

You've already said you don't care about Ukraine. So what do you care? Just more petty bickering, because you hate Biden. Pathetic.

we should’ve never supported the Ukraine for NATO membership. 

The US hasn't ever supported Ukraine for NATO membership. They've simply refused to shut the door to the possibility of it.

"Everyone has a plan until they get smacked in the mouth." Let that happen quickly to Putin on the Blitz.

This should be the beginning of any/all anti Russian factions in Europe to begin moving into the western border areas of Ukraine. Those anti Russian factions financed & armed by the west for a proxy/asymmetric war in Ukraine. Very real possibility this is going to get very messy. ;-(

Putin's tanks roll into Ukraine over the Belarus border 120 miles from Kiev as he launches full-scale invasion to 'denazify' the nation: Martial law declared and 'hundreds' of Ukrainians dead

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10545389/BREAKING-NEWS-Explosions-heard-Ukraine-port-city-Mariupol.html

What little chance they was of a negotiated settlement could become a distant memory.

President Putin could have presented his case, now he will have to face the consequences of becoming a Lord of War.

A special place in hell awaits Putin.

No surprise that the GOP support to Russia is at the same levels as China, Iran and N.Korea.

The mistakes people made in the 1930s are being repeated all over again, they allowed a Uyghur genocide while the former president was trying to make money off China, now the same guy is counting on putin to help him ward off bankruptcy and cannot stop praising him!!!

Who would have thought the GOP would be part of an axis of evil!!!

He never said such a thing that he supports his actions on taking Crimea. Not once.

He has, and he knows that his followers will lie for him!!!

If you look around it’s neither him nor his followers ruining everything in the country. Slow walk that one.

They are the ones bending over backwards to praise putin, just like their master.

The most important thing right now over anything else is to make sure the Ukraine stays free and it doesn’t seem like that’s working out.

The GOP has joined China, N.Korea and Iran in supporting Russia, so no surprise this is happening!!!

It's sad that the Ukrainians & their Western sponsors did not learn from history & always underestimated Russia. Here I'd like to provide some historical famous quotes regarding people who underestimated Russia....

"Russia is a midget, I will get her on her knees!" - Carl XII, Sweden, XVIII century.

In its wars against Russia’s Peter the Great, Sweden lost her great power status forever.

"I will conquer backward Russia!" - Friedrich, mid-XVIII century.

In 1759 Russian army entered Berlin.

"Russia is a giant on clay legs!" - Napoleon, XIX century, France.

In 1814 Russian army entered Paris.

"I will conquer USSR by the end of the year!" - Hitler, XX century, Germany.

In 1945 Hitler committed suicide & Russian army entered Berlin.

"Russia is just a regional power!" - Obama, XXI century (2014) USA.

I wonder how it feels to be a Russian soldier and have to go invade a country that didn’t provoke anything and kill innocent people. While the world looks on in disgust at you.

They must be on some good medication and brainwashing to be Putin’s pawns in all this.

Putin Will liberate the East Ukraine. The Kiev Junta must blame itself only.

There was a time this could have been avoided.

That time was years ago if both sides were willing to talk.

Had Ukraine been willing to even discuss partial autonomy or at least protections for ethnic minorities (remember the first thing the new Nationalists Ukrainian government did after ousting Yanukovych, was to remove protection especially minority languages and not just Russian).

But Ukraine had no incentive to negotiate, the west dangling EU and NATO membership and promises of backing up the return of the breakaway territories gave zero reason for Ukraine to negotiate.

Oh sell Ukraine weapons, now that was a big concern as each western country wanted a piece of that pie.

ulyssesToday  01:34 pm JST

putin has the support of China, N.Korea and the GOP.

With the axis of evil backing him, no doubt he is cocky!!!

Hahaha! GOP who?

Putin, the new poster boy of evil? Well, whether you agree or not, he certainly is a crazy little beast, isn't he?

A country is being invaded / tens of thousands of innocent dead people and...

...

Condemnation and sanctions... Yep, that’ll do it.

I wonder how it feels to be a Russian soldier and have to go invade a country that didn’t provoke anything and kill innocent people.

I imagine not much different than the ultra Nationalist in Ukraine that since 2014 have called for the ethic cleansing of non Ukrainians just like their hero Stepan Bandera and The OUN and the Ukrainian members of the SS.

Interesting when one knows history.

I ask again.

Those that seem critical of the non military response by western powers, are you of military age, are you going to join up and go fight if they do, are you going to send your military aged children to fight?

If the answers are all no, then stop trying to push for a war you are not willing to die in.

The America-centric news feeds on here will always paint Russia and Putin exactly as the US government wants. The US even changed the spelling of Kiev to Kyiv so it would not sound as "Russian." Ukraine did change the western spelling.

The US went nuts when the old Soviet Union started placing missiles in Cuba. Imagine if today, Canada and Mexico aligned with Russia and started arming to surround the US?

This is not a US issue. Putin's warning to say out should not be ignored. I said long ago that Putin doesn't care what the west says or does.

The west is again being spun up with one-sided rhetoric. Most people couldn't find Ukraine on a map.

xi is watching carefully how the world responds to putin.

He will copy putin's rule book to start a Taiwan invasion.

Two insecure little men encouraged by the followers of trump, the most insecure little man the world has ever seen!!!

We really need to do more than just sanctions, the longer we wait the bigger the war we will need to have in the future. China is looking at this and seeing that we are not even trying to protect a neighboring democratic country, implying that taking Taiwan or other countries in Asia would be a walk in the park.

"I hope those Russians are vaccinated before they cross the border into Ukraine."

It might be much worse than that. The present-day Russians represent a different type of virus and pandemic potentially far, far worse and dangerous than the present one. Hopefully it won't spread to other countries.

Russia is a pariah from this day.

Interesting how a simple question of are you willing to fight in a war that you are saying the west should get involved got only down votes but not one brave down voter dates say if they would got fight or if they wouldn't.

Armchair warriors, ready to sacrifice others and other's children.

I for one am not willing to fight for either side, I am not willing to sacrifice my children, nieces and nephews or any on my countrymen.

These two have been at this game for centuries.

Time to stay out and if you want to intervene militarily, then you be first in line for the front.

Russians are doing wrong in attacking,but so the US did many times in different scenarios in the last decades but for many reasons they always had a green card.

The arrogance in interfering in Europe and even consider to install bases next to Russia brought this.

We don’t need the Russians or the US playing the police world.

WobotToday  01:35 pm JST

I bet NATO don't do anything, it would start a full-blown war.

Russia already started a full-blown war.

Xi is most definitely watching this war on full and it’s probably making plans on how to execute a similar move when he goes into Taiwan and when that happens the world is in for some serious, serious problems that will further destabilize the entire Asian Pacific

History repeating. One crazy in Europe, and one crazy in Asia. Both would have no hesitation in using nukes.

rainydayToday  04:02 pm JST

Are you ready to go fight? (Either side).

Yes or No.

Are you ready to send your children if of military age, or your family members? Yes or No

If yes then do it.

If No then you are not in a position to advocate sending other to their death.

Ukraine and Russia want to play some stupid game like they have for centuries, let them it is not our business.

The US is torn between asking China to mediate with Russia and throwing China into the same basket to condemn as Russia.

The former requires savvy diplomacy but elevates China’s status if successful. The latter strengthens the Russia China Iran alliance.

Do nothing and make the US look like a barking chihuahua against a Russian Doberman.

What would you do?

Remember when Putin keeps insisting he has no plans to invade Ukraine, despite all the evidence presented to him to the contrary?

Well, that's a lie. Again. Like when he insisted the green men on Crimea weren't Russian troops, despite even the local pro-Russia Crimeans admitting they're happy to see those Russian troops

So next time Putin insists he has no plans to invade despite all the evidence to the contrary, he should not be given the benefit of the doubt

When there's so much evidence to the contrary, Putin's insistences don't mean much. Better to remember that

If Xi were to go into Taiwan next week, he would go literally in his own style of a Blitzkrieg and the US will not be able at this point and time to stop him.

Interesting to check out how Ukraine has been going about trying to defuse the situation.

I mean it passed language laws, then passed in 2021 a bill on the status of the indigenous peoples of the Ukraine which also included, Crimean Tatars, Karaites and Krymchaks, as indigenous.

But made sure to leave out ethnic Russians.

I mean let's face it Ukraine must have really expected to get NATO status as it was clearly looking to not peacefully get those breakaway regions back.

The two independent zones of Ukraine has been wanting separation from Ukraine for a long time and the Western countries paid no attention to this. The people there were terrorized by the Ukrainian military but no efforts were made to help them. In fact it’s because of the President of Ukraine who was pushing for NATO member openly and challenging Russia! And of course Putin is the main culprit! This is beyond the control of The US so no use blaming either side.

Russian ground vehicles are already crossing into Ukraine. (APC's and tanks)

Russia is now claiming it completely neutralized Ukraine's entire air force before Ukraine managed to get a single plane off the ground.

lostrune2Today  04:20 pm JST

No one believes the 2 headed snakes.

And their are 2 of them.

One is Putin

The other is Ukraine.

Putin says he is open to talks while amassing and army.

Ukraine says it is open to talks while doing everything to alienate the breakaway Russians by passing more and more anti Russian laws.

I mean it passed language laws, then passed in 2021 a bill on the status of the indigenous peoples of the Ukraine which also included, Crimean Tatars, Karaites and Krymchaks, as indigenous.

But made sure to leave out ethnic Russians.

So a country having language and indigenous people laws that do not adequately recognize the Russian language/people provides a valid pretext for Russia to launch a full scale war against that country now? Is that your argument?

This conflict started in 2014, thanks to US interference and coup in Ukraine. It was almost an inevitable slide to this after that happened.

I will admit, I am surprised as anyone else to see it move as quickly as it has, but I am also not going to pretend to be shocked by it. I am no fan of Russia, but neither am I a fan of nazis. There's no winner here.

I am sorry for the innocents that will inevitably get caught in the crossfire, and can only hope this resolves as soon as possible. As much as we have the luxury of sitting back as armchair politicans, civilians getting caught up in the machinations of imperialist forces only end up getting hurt through no fault of their own.

Putin s laughing at us.

2022: Diseases, war. Brought by your nearest friendly communist regime

there are two points not to forgete:

War is the worst answer to a problem.

Dont analyze everything with only western thinking.

@Expat

Nothing about Crimea, I am specifically referring to the US-backed coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Ukraine in 2014, prior to any actions taking place in Crimea. Replacing it with fascists that led to the exact situation we are in now.

Just for context, I do realize it was quite some time ago and a VERY busy year, the coup was in February and Crimea's declaration of independence was in March of that year.

So a country having language and indigenous people laws that do not adequately recognize the Russian language/people provides a valid pretext for Russia to launch a full scale war against that country now? Is that your argument?

Do you understand the meaning of action leading to reactio.

People need to learn history.

Russia was founded by the Rus that broke away from the Kievan rulers founding what is Moscow today.

To on one hand say to the ethni6 Russians in Ukraine, "we want you back, trust us we will do you no harm" then on the other hand pass laws basically calling these Russians outsiders, when in fact both ethnic groups have been in the region going back a 1,000 years or more, is not going to fix things. At some point those living in the breakaway regions that have been under international blockade have not many choices.

Either join Russia, declare independence they know no Western country will recognize or abandoned their homes and given to the ethnic cleansing the Nationalist Ukraine's want.

Ok, you can think whatever you like. Europe and this administration failed to dissuade Putin with assurances from going into Ukraine and here we are

and what do you expect them to do if Ukraine isnt part of NATO, make assurances that they wont let Ukraine join NATO, what assurances Putin wouldn't invade at a later date!? Seems like they should have joined afterall

This means a war with Russia is inevitable. It can happen now, at the closest point to the Russian border, or can happen later when Russia has all of Ukraine as a buffer to protect Russia as it advances westwards.

Those who poo poo'd a Russian invasion are left with egg on their faces. Russia has now proven it is no peaceful world leader. It is a despicable Autocratic nation hell bent on domination and getting it's way no matter the cost.

The world must fight them now, along side Ukraine, rather than later without Ukraine help.

Russia has started WWIII. Let us hope it does not end in nuclear winter for the world.

Russia must be confronted and defeated.

This makes no sense to me. Unfortunately Russia has had a very long history of pushing the self-destruct button on itself. Russia's biggest issue is that of demographic decline, and a sanctions hit economy is not going to encourage Russians to have more children. This is dumb from Putin and the cost of annexing Russian speaking parts of East Ukraine is not worth the cost of doing so.

How naïve…you simply can’t defend the Donbas or the Ukraine, but if showing quite some effort you might be luckily have still a few days left to defend the rest of Central and Western Europe.

Expect massive cyber attacks as backlash for messing with Russia.

Best to just stay out of it.

Do you understand the meaning of action leading to reactio.

I'm just trying to get a better understanding of your position with respect to the actual war that is happening today.

I get it, Russia has a long history that is interconnected with Ukraine's. I also get it, Ukraine's government was mean to Russia.

But.....SO WHAT? None of this even remotely justifies Russia in invading the whole country and killing god only knows how many people.

I think Russia and Putin have had enough of the US constantly pushing and pushing to surround Russia and constantly telling nations and people what to do.

The US has 800 bases outside the US and troops in 177 countries.

If the US sticks its nose in this, it's going to get a broken nose, or worse.

Ukraine is not a member of NATO. Ukraine has also been in a protracted civil war.

Putin s laughing at us.

He doesn't seem like the laughing type. And he's just put his nation at war to almost complete global condemnation. His citizens are about to get even more pisspoor (but not him of course).

But.....SO WHAT? None of this even remotely justifies Russia in invading the whole country and killing god only knows how many people.

That will happen and Putin doesn’t care about any repercussions and that’s the scary part about all this, so what’s the solution and what will happen..? It’s anyones guess. So far the only thing that they’re destroying it’s all of their surveillance systems. Cut the visuals and once that’s done, you expect ground forces to go in and that’s when the craziness will happen. The Russians are going to do a regime change, that’s the end goal.

None of this even remotely justifies Russia in invading the whole country and killing god only knows how many people.

I guess one question is whether it will lead to more or less killings than have taken place in the Donbas region over the last few years.

I generally share Addfwyn's view above:

I am no fan of Russia, but neither am I a fan of nazis.

I will admit that Ukraine has done a far better public relations job on all fronts.

Ask anyone about the Holodomor and they will say it was Russia and Russians responsible.

Nevermind, that it was the Soviet Union which includeed Ukraine, nevermind the leaders were Joseph Stalin (An ethnic Georgian), Lavrentiy Beria (also Georgian), Lazar Kaganovich (Ukrainian).

Nevermind it affected most of the Soviet Union, and include millions of ethnic Russian death also.

Let's blame Russia, afterall "Russia" is a better Boogeyman than Georgia.

They did a great job avoiding any association with the Nazi regime many Ukrainians joined in an effort to get rid of unwanted people the included Russians, Poles, Latvians, Jews, etc...

Hats off to an excellent PR campaign that started the day after WW2 ended in Europe.

He doesn't seem like the laughing type.

Then you need to look a bit more closely. So many times did the guy chuckle, snicker, mocking…

And he's just put his nation at war to almost complete global condemnation. His citizens are about to get even more pisspoor (but not him of course).

Yup and he could care less, his belly will always be full

The wonderful Tusli Gabbard sums it up best. If only she was President and not the warmongering Biden.

Gabbard @TulsiGabbard

This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if Biden Admin/NATO had simply acknowledged Russia’s legitimate security concerns regarding Ukraine’s becoming a member of NATO, which would mean US/NATO forces right on Russia’s border

“Gabbard is in Putin’s pocket” coming in 3, 2, 1…

AkulaToday  04:52 pm JST

Have we read the same world history?

Now I may be dyslexic but I can read multiple languages and in all my extensive historical literature (again dyslexic so reading fiction or fantasy isn't fun or relaxing so I read to learn) in most of history, when it comes to Russia, nearly everyone that decide to pick a fight with them generally regretted it at some point even the rare few that did succeed in winning later got the tables turned on them losing more to Russia than they originally won.

Still haven't seen one Armchair warrior here saying we have to join Ukraine and fight Russia say they are packing their bags to go help fight Russia.

So come on folks, you are all so gung ho for war put your physical Boby ( or if to old those of your children) where your moths are and go fight.

So easy to say junk like "we need to fight", "Biden and NATO need to send help" etc... when you aren't going to be the ones on the front line.

Some strong language there...as Antiquesaving said....are you & your family members ready to gear up and ship out? If not, why are you expecting others to fight this ...did you feel the same during the US/ Iraq war?

Yes, I am third generation military having served my nation and if asked to serve again and fight I will take my place.

How about you? are you willing to fight and die for your freedoms and beliefs? somehow I doubt it.

The perception that Yanukovych was trying to establish closer ties with Russia played a major role in the protests, which started when Yanukovich refused to sign a free trade agreement with the EU (at the behest of Moscow) at a time when the population was in favor of closer ties with the West. Protests continued, and Yanukovich then set the security services on the protesters killing over 100.

Not bad but a little off. The EU deal was fraught with more debt and high interest payments, you know, like they do to small African nations, Yanukovich was looking out for his country and simply Russia had a better deal. Que Victoria Nuland, the spin doctors, CIA NGO’s and Ukraine nazis to turn the protest violent.

@Expat

Your (erroneous) interpretation of events notwithstanding, no country has the right to move militarily on a sovreign state in an attempt to annex it. The US govt and military played no significant role in the Maidan Revolution.

Given we even have recorded phone conversations that implies, at the very least, the US was involved in choosing Yatsenyuk to take over. Even if we take absolutely everything the US says at face value and believe that was their only involvement, that is definitely a significant one.

As far as your statement that Russia has no right to move military on a state in an attempt to annex it, I agree as I said in my first post. I do not support Russia in this matter, nor have I ever. Just because I don't support US/NATO imperialism doesn't mean I support Russia imperialism either.

expatToday 05:09 pm JST

@Addfwyn

In point of fact, the Maidan Revolution that removed Yanukovich was not caused or abetted by the US

Not this again. It was funded by the US, organised by the CIA and carried out by neo-Nazis:

https://jacobinmag.com/2022/02/maidan-protests-neo-nazis-russia-nato-crimea

I generally share Addfwyn's view above:

I am no fan of Russia, but neither am I a fan of nazis.

Ditto, especially when the Nazis are being trained, funded and armed by the UK and the US.

https://consortiumnews.com/2022/02/15/uk-denies-it-agreed-to-train-neo-nazi-linked-ukraine-unit/

I always enjoy reading the “Blame the US”. For weeks people have been saying on here This won’t happen I they stated the US is “lying” and blaming the MSM for lying. Maybe it’s time to stop believing everything you read on Facebook.

Putin is using the exact same strategy As other famous dictators have used in Europe.

sucks it has to come down this way but Putin had no other choice. If Ukraine joins NATO Russia would undergo the second round of falling apart once he retires.

With Ukraine Russia will be a full superpower again.

US will have Europe in tighter grip

Winner: Russia, US

Loser: Europe

This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if Biden Admin/NATO had simply acknowledged Russia’s legitimate security concerns regarding Ukraine’s becoming a member of NATO, which would mean US/NATO forces right on Russia’s border

The claims of Putin having legitimate concerns about NATO as being justification for the invasion are nonsense. NATO was very unlikely to ever accept the Ukraine and certainly not imminently. It is just Russian propaganda that is being either deliberately or unwittingly spread by many.

Putin n Xi dont want to retire or want elections so only way out is with bullet in the head by his bodyguard for peace in the world n keeping their country economically stable

And he's just put his nation at war to almost complete global condemnation. His citizens are about to get even more pisspoor (but not him of course).

Yup and he could care less, his belly will always be full

Despicable excuse for a person. Putin too.

so what’s the solution and what will happen..? It’s anyones guess.

You could have just said thst weeks ago and then stopped posting. It would have been better for everyone.

It’s a basic concept. “Our” troops on “their” border is totally acceptable and even desired.

But “their” troops near “our” border or even near a border of a distant kind of friend, no way man!

Russia’s lost its mind! This violent attack is so unnecessary.

And dont go trying to blame America for a Russian pre-planned invasion.

Why not?

Was it not the USA/CIA that backed the 2014 coup?

The USA's own documents and leaked information shows it did.

The the USA not accept the overthrow of the elected president of Ukraine without so much as a "hey wait what about the democratic process?" No it backed up the coup, it sided with neo-nazis we all saw them on the news beating non ethnic Ukrainians and giving the Ukrainian nazi salute including government officials of the newly formed coup government.

Does Ukraine not deserve it's freedom? 

Yes and had it wanted it it would have taken steps to alleviate the fears of the Russian minority and negotiated the possible return of the breakaway regions, instead they built up their army instead they passed laws against their minorities instead they passed laws recognizing only certain groups as being natives of Ukraine which conveniently did not include Russians who have been there for centuries.

Instead of trying to peacefully resolve the problem they pushed for NATO membership and military equipment these were not people looking for peaceful resolution they were the neo-nazis that helped the Germans in their ethnic cleansing and plan on ethnic cleansing the rest of their country if they could today.

Was it not the USA/CIA that backed the 2014 coup?

No, it was not.

The USA's own documents and leaked information shows it did.

Shows that the US took no action to dissuade the coup. Big difference.

he USA not accept the overthrow of the elected president of Ukraine without so much as a "hey wait what about the democratic process?"

The US like the world acknowledged the vote was heavily rigged and the "winner" did not actually win a free and fair election. Russia to cowardly to acknowledge that as it does exactly the same thing in its own domestic "elections".

Yes and had it wanted it it would have taken steps to alleviate the fears of the Russian minority and negotiated the possible return of the breakaway regions

So If Ukraine had have promised not to join NATO if Russia quit CSTO and Russia downgraded its fearsome military to allay Ukraine fears they would have agreed to that right? Cause Russia has equal concerns for other nations right?

Not this again. It was funded by the US, organised by the CIA and carried out by neo-Nazis:

Not this again indeed. We've read your links, this is nothing new. Any thoughts on Russia invading the Ukraine, Alfie? Any thoughts on Putin's blood and soil comments?

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/23/world/europe/putin-speech-russia-ukraine.html

http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67828

I keep reading from the "let's send in NATO etc..." Crowd "Russia may have a lot of men but their equipment is not up to the level of NATO, etc..."

As an avid reader of history, I think I remember certain military leaders saying that same thing several decades ago just before something called operation Barbarossa, not sure that went so well.

While this is terrible, can America really make all these claims and statements with a straight face after the gulf affairs?!?

both “power houses” are as bad as each other and only act in self interest while trying to boss about and threaten the rest of the world.

Now, why is USA supporting neo-Nazis in Ukraine? Could the western MSM tell us? In fact, can they even admit to this fact?

Now, why is USA supporting neo-Nazis in Ukraine? Could the western MSM tell us? In fact, can they even admit to this fact?

Does the justify Russia invading Ukraine? Does that justify Putin's little blood and soil speech?

This is yet another U.S. democrat-led foreign policy that is a lesson on how not to do it. The world is plunging into a hot mess that the West has no control over while a group of NWO globalist European leaders allowing an American democrat administration toothless tiger foreign policy to control the horizontal and the vertical. We should all be worried.  I know I am.

Now, why is USA supporting neo-Nazis in Ukraine? Could the western MSM tell us? In fact, can they even admit to this fact?

There are zero neo-nazi's in the elected Ukraine government. Your statement is both faulty and offensive. In 2014 some few neo-nazis were identified in one battalion fighting the terrorists. To you that means all Ukrainians are neo-nazis, but to anyone able to see for themselves it is a BS argument meant to make people sympathetic to the Russians murdering Ukrainians.

There are more neo-nazis in Russia than almost any other nation. In fact Russia is run by the biggest fascist of all.

Does the justify Russia invading Ukraine? Does that justify Putin's little blood and soil speech?

The eastern part and Crimea are either predominantly ethnic Russians or Russian-speaking and they chose to leave. Crimea was Russian territory until the Soviets decided to shift it to Ukraine after WWII purely for administrative reasons. Russia would have been fine with the status quo had America not meddled, stirring up trouble, propping up neo-Nazis and other puppet politicians, and renegaded on their promise to not expand NATO when the Soviet Union collapsed. USA should stop with their fake outrage. They meddled enough in Yugoslavia. You can bet your life USA would support terrorist organization ETIM to invade Xinjiang.

Peter14Today  06:10 pm JST

I now understand your position.

You don't actually know anything more than what your USA propaganda tells you.

The fact you did not even grasp the meaning of negotiation and alleviate the fears of Russian minorities and instead went straight to nato tells me there is little point in explaining.

But I will try anyway.

Baby steps.

If Ukraine wanted a peaceful resolution, then one would expect them to offer something to the breakaway regions that would make them want to return.

Following so far?

Now instead of offering these people something to make them want to return, Ukraine went the other way, the passed laws even further alienating ethnic Russians.

Ukraine going to Nato just upset Putin and has nothing to do with the breakaway regions.

But Ukraine thought joining NATO was the way it could finally forcibly retake these regions and Russia wouldn't intervene.

Ukraine has made if very clear it was never going to offer protection to the Russian minority and as long as that was the way, war was going to be inevitable one way or the other either Russia was going to take the region s by force or Ukraine was ( it hoped with NATO to protect it) this situation was sealed when in July Ukraine passed the indigenous peoples bill specifically excluding ethnic Russians.

Once that bill passed war was near inevitable.

The eastern part and Crimea are either predominantly ethnic Russians or Russian-speaking and they chose to leave

No they didn't. No one recognizes those elections. And I must admit, it's rather funny of you to sight the ethnicity/race of people in Eastern Ukraine to justify Russia invading areas of Ukraine. That sounds an awful lot like ethno-nationalism, does it not?

peter14:

There are zero neo-nazi's in the elected Ukraine government. Your statement is both faulty and offensive. In 2014 some few neo-nazis were identified in one battalion fighting the terrorists. To you that means all Ukrainians are neo-nazis, but to anyone able to see for themselves it is a BS argument meant to make people sympathetic to the Russians murdering Ukrainians.

Stop putting words in my mouth. I never said all Ukrainians were neo-Nazis. That's how racist and warmongering people like you twist everything and sway opinions. Remember the granny with the gun? Guess who was training her? I'll give you a clue - they were wearing SS insignia on their clothes. And this was being praised by the western MSM like BBC???!!!!!!

You don't actually know anything more than what your USA propaganda tells you.

I read China daily, TASS, DW, JT, BBC and CNN. I get balanced and oposing views but I can see you do not. You believe the rubbish the Russian propaganda machine prints and can not research anything else and decide for yourself. A shame.

Nato invoking Article 4. This means they are going to have a powow but no decision to react has been reached yet.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/european-allies-declare-russian-attack-on-ukraine-a-threat-to-nato-territory-under-article-4

Remember the granny with the gun? Guess who was training her? I'll give you a clue - they were wearing SS insignia on their clothes. And this was being praised by the western MSM like BBC???!!!!!!

Yes I saw that picture and the insignia were not Nazi SS patches. And in my opinion anyone training others to fight for their freedom against Russian invasion is to be applauded. Think what you like.

If Russians were attacking me I would welcome anyone willing to defend me. I also do not follow religions do I get upset if a Catholic or a Hindu fights for me also?

You provide no proof of the US supporting a handful of neo-nazis but make the claim anyway.

takeda.shingen.1991@gmail.comToday  06:28 pm JST

Here is something interesting.

Ukraine blames Russia for the 1930s not the USSR of which it was part of.

The Ukrainian parliament voted to condemn the Soviet Union calling it an illegitimate government and its actions in the past ( I think it was in 2010 was when this was done)

But despite that Ukraine says the transfer of the Crimean region to Ukrainian administration was legitimate and the territory is Ukrainian.

How does that work, Soviet Union = bad and illegitimate but Soviet Union transfer of territory = good and legitimate.

Let me remind you Crimea was part of Russia from 1783 to 1954 when the USSR ( remember that illegitimate government according to Ukraine) transferred it to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic).

takeda:

it's rather funny of you to sight the ethnicity/race of people in Eastern Ukraine to justify Russia invading areas of Ukraine. That sounds an awful lot like ethno-nationalism, does it not?

I sighted (SIC) that? You talk about ethno-nationalism and yet people like you probably want an East Turkestan where all Han people are thrown out.

The areas in question were subject to language laws which would 'wipe out' the Russian language, as supporters of East Turkestan would put it.

Yes. It is Putin. Not Russians. Not North Koreans. Yes it is CCP, Not Chinese.

Let me remind you Crimea was part of Russia from 1783 to 1954 when the USSR ( remember that illegitimate government according to Ukraine) transferred it to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic).

Here is what is interesting, If Russia considers the Ukraine position was wrong and that the USSR was legitimate then it must also agree that the transfer of Crimea to Ukraine was legal and binding and that Russia no longer has any rights to that region.

I sighted (SIC) that? You talk about ethno-nationalism and yet people like you probably want an East Turkestan where all Han people are thrown out.

Lmao People like me? What does that even mean? You're the one trying to make it seem as if Ukraine is full of neo-Nazis in order to justify Russia's actions to delegitimize western efforts to send munitions for Ukraine defend itself. By your own words now, you know that's not true.

And if you're really considered about Nazis, I probably wouldn't use the ethnic ties between southeast Ukraine and Russia to justify an illegal invasion.

takeda:

Quoting the New York Times? Boy, that is getting low.

You believe the rubbish the Russian propaganda machine prints 

Can't read Russian French And English yes,

I go by want western news and history says.

Look it up Ukraine indigenous people's bill.

You may find it interesting.

It wasn't the so-called liberal news that broke the news on the USA involvement in the 2014 coup, it was Fox and the rest of the so-called right wing news.

Very few people left or right still deny the US had a major role in overthrowing the government of Ukraine in 2014.

Quoting the New York Times? Boy, that is getting low.

I also quoted the Kremlin too. I agree, that is getting low.

If Russians were attacking me I would welcome anyone willing to defend me. I also do not follow religions do I get upset if a Catholic or a Hindu fights for me also?

I imagine so would the Ukrainian as long as they and the rest of the none ethnic Ukrainians vacate their territory once the fighting is over.

Can't have non Ukrainians in Ukraine.

I would recommend some reading, look up Stepan Bandera, The OUN, Ukraine SS, and then look up the modern day polit6 parties in ukra6 and their "views" and " connection the the above people and groups.

You may find it interesting.

It wasn't the so-called liberal news that broke the news on the USA involvement in the 2014 coup, it was Fox and the rest of the so-called right wing news.

Fox news in an opinion service not a news service. Do not let the name fool you.

Very few people left or right still deny the US had a major role in overthrowing the government of Ukraine in 2014.

The only people I see or hear saying what you propose are pro Putin. I see nobody else in America saying anything even close. But then I dont live in the US.

The only people I see or hear saying what you propose are pro Putin. 

Well I am saying it and a have no stake in any of this except I don't want my country involved.

I have zero connection to Russia, or the Ukraine.

However I do know my history and facts.

Putin is a 2 headed snake that will bite and eat you with one head while smiling and making promises with the other head.

But at the same time the present people in power in the Ukraine are also a 2 headed snake and will promise democracy and freedom, with one head while the other poisons and eats the ethnic groups it sees as inferior or unwanted in their territory.

This is not what you seem to think it is a war of the bad Russian vs The goo Ukraine, it is a war between to evils, different kinds of evils but both at this point evil.

Neither side has any moral high ground.

I hope we are finally witnessing the end of the evil Dictator Putin - today he has become a War Criminal. He is satisfying his sadistic blood-lust by going to war against the innocent democratic people of Ukraine, he is forcing the situation in which all Ukrainian people are taking up lethal weapons to fight on their streets man v. man, woman v. woman...... this is the barbaric uncivilised behaviour he has precipitated right now in every town and city of Ukraine. He has absolutely no respect for the sanctity of human life.

Putin is a particularly nasty little man of very low intelligence, which is a very bad mix when you take into account his current psychotic state - his TV performance the night before last in which he berated his "colleagues" was the clearest evidence so far of how pathetic and isolated he actually is.

He has zero mandate from the people of Russia to do this, and so I sincerely hope that they will turn on Putin quickly before this escalates. His appearance before an International Court facing the charge of genocide will be the minimum demanded by the international community, that's if he makes it out of Russia alive. I can only hope that his enemies are getting closer.

Neither side has any moral high ground.

Who is doing the invading / annexing in that part of the world?

My grandfather fell fighting the Nazis in Europe defending his homeland but thanks for the lesson in grandstanding.

Sorry to hear of your courageous grandfather, but when you think simply telling the truth is grandstanding I have no comeback.

are you Ukranian?

No.

If not, why would you take your place' and fight in this particular conflict?

I believe this is just the beginning of a much wider world conflict and I will join the ranks of those fighting for freedom against oppression if called to do so.

Would you also fight on the side of the underdog in other conflicts? How about when Iraq was attacked because 'Saddam had WMD,s he was going to use against the US?

While the WMD was found to be false, overthrowing a dictator and bringing democracy to a people largely oppressed is not something I am totally opposed to as I live free in a democracy myself.

The Ukrainians are free but under Russian boots they will lose that freedom and future elections will be rigged again in the Russian style so that they remain under Russian control. I do not think Russia will stop with Ukraine, once they get going it is hard for warmongers to stop.

zichiToday  07:05 pm JST

When the Nazis rolled into Poland, people at the time thought it would stop there. The rest is history.

Yes it is and so is the fact that Ukrainians welcomed the Nazis, joined then in their ethnic cleansing, helped hide Ukrainian war criminals around the world. Etc....

Russia is not Nazi Germany, and Ukraine is not Poland,

Poland was not on the middle of an ethnic war/division.

Comparing rocks and potatoes

NATO member states Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have triggered NATO Article 4 to launch consultations within the alliance over Russia's attack on Ukraine.

The Baltic states are being proven right to protect themselves, especially since they have sizable Russian populations too when the USSR tried to "Russify" the Baltic states by transporting masses of Russians there

Americans just use freedom as a excuse to do as they please and the naive believe the propaganda.

I told you I make my own determinations.

So the next time the USA backs a dictator like Pinochet, the Shah, Barista, etc... You are ready to defend the freedom of those that pro USA dictator is crushing?

You forgot to add Putin, XI and Kim to that illustrious group.

I was against the Trump foreign policy. My own determination.

If the US backs someone "I believe" to be a dictator or despot or autocrat they will do so without any help from me. But when I believe it is worth my life I will fight for that cause.

lostrune2Today  07:26 pm JST

Perhaps you are right regarding the Baltic States.

But ask any one in Poland, Latvia if they trust Ukraine any more than the trust Russia.

You might be surprised by the answer.

The conflicts in that region run very very very deep and despite or intense modern media droning on about Russia those living in those regions know the real history and Ukraine is no innocent bystander.

Russia and Ukraine deserve each other they can both be horrible in different ways.

Antiquesaving,

Ukraine is an independent country.

We can debate whether Ukraine should be either a EU member state or apply for NATO membership.

However President Putin is unable or unwilling to offer an acceptable political alternative.

So Putin is waving his baseball bat akin to delinquent racketeer.

A desperado.

Ukraine, It's mine so anyone that says it not well Putin's own words any countries that tried to interfere with Russia’s actions would face “consequences they have never seen.”

Where was all the pushback when the US invaded numerous countries in the past with which they had absolutely nothing in common?

Ukranians, the vast majority speak and understand Russian and many want to be part of Russia again unlike say, Libyans.

Russia is a superpower with more advanced weapons than the US so expecting ‘boots on the ground’ is just wishful

thinking.

Better for Ukraine to become Russia again to save lives…

You forgot to add Putin, XI and Kim to that illustrious group.

Ok I see the problem.

You do realise the above 3 were not included because the USA/CIA didn't put them into power like the rest I listened.

So I guess limited knowledge is a problem trying to explain things to some here.

I was mistaken when I made my previous post on the subject. I didn't realise that Putin is a psychopath! My only hope now is that Russian people will standup against him.

itsonlyrocknrollToday  07:33 pm JST

Antiquesaving,

Ukraine is an independent country.

We can debate whether Ukraine should be either a EU member state or apply for NATO membership.

itsonlyrocknrollToday  07:33 pm JST

Antiquesaving,

Ukraine is an independent country.

We can debate whether Ukraine should be either a EU member state or apply for NATO membership.

However President Putin is unable or unwilling to offer an acceptable political alternative

Nice now let's play reverse that point.

itsonlyrocknrollToday  07:33 pm JST

Antiquesaving,

Ukraine is an independent country.

We can debate whether Ukraine should be either a EU member state or apply for NATO membership.

However Ukraine is unable or unwilling to offer an acceptable political alternative, it not only didn't and wouldn't negotiate with the breakaway regions, it actively went about antagonizing them and pushing them even further into Putin's waiting arms.

Did Ukraine think it was going to win the hearts of these breakaway regions by passing laws restricting their native language, did the Ukrainian government think it was going to win them back by deliberately excluding ethnic Russians from the list of indigenous people to the Ukraine region?

Let's be honest here, Putin sat back and waited for Ukraine to alienate the Russians of these regions until they had no choice but to say Ok to Russian annexation.

Antiquesaving

You know that Russia has an unrivaled history of some of the most gifted Academics and Scholars

Biographical Sources for Russian/Soviet Academics and Scholars

https://www.library.illinois.edu/ias/spx/slavicresearchguides/biography/russianbio/rubioacad2/

This is just a few, a taste.....

Tell me Antiquesaving there legacy is not going to be run over by Putin's 21st century thuggery.

The Russian people deserve better.

Tell me Antiquesaving there legacy is not going to be run over by Putin's 21st century thuggery.

The Russian people deserve better.

Putin?!?!

Where have you been the past 100 year with regards to history.

Lenin,

Stalin,

Etc...

Putin is a puppy dog compared to these guys.

Heck the Russian czars were more brutal and ruthless than Putin.

The Russian economy is already in a shambles, and it will get much worse, very quickly.

Over 50% of the Russian economy is dependent on petroleum exports, and those are about to end. Putin was able to build up his conventional forces by funneling most of the money from Oil exports into rebuilding them, but they cannot function for more than a few months before his money is all gone.

Many thousands of people are going to die because of the megalomania of a madman, and in the end, Russia will be weaker militarily than it is now.

This gonna impact our life too!

Put-in brain!

U-krai(zy) Put-in!

As much as some want to make this what it is not, this is all about Russia and Putin.

Putin wants Russian power and influence back. Putin began a conflict in Ukraine in 2014 and then annexed Crimea. Putin has tried to turn the Ukraine away from its majority desire to be closer to western Europe and he failed miserably. Now through conquest he will achieve his goal of making Ukraine part of Russia no matter how long the casualty list grows. The blood since 2014 is all over Putin's hands and he will be bathing in it before this invasion is over. Nobody made Russia invade but Putin. Nobody wanted war but Putin.

All the soldiers, all the civilians, the elderly and the children that die are blood on Putins hands. He has no conscience like all warmongers.

This is not on NATO, the UK or Ukraine. This is 100% on Russia and Putin and his enablers.

War crimes tribunal should get a cell ready for him in advance.

Antiquesaving, every country has a history that would prefer just to brush under the carpet and forget.

My home country UK is in many respects soaked in its own peoples blood, century after century, slave after slave.

And still wanders around in a political coma. Preferring to party instead run government

Antiquesaving, What England does not do is invade Scotland because Nicola Sturgeon calls for a independence referendum.

No! all bark and shout and debate in a open parliament, every so many years the people have a vote to hold then all accountable.

It that so difficult to accept, my friend

Putin is imitatin Dubya's ' WMD' claim vs Iraq as a pretext to launch his own ' Operation Ukraine Storm'.

Putin began a conflict in Ukraine in 2014 

Wow, you have no clue of what you’re trying to talking about.

Wow, you have no clue of what you’re trying to talking about.

Of course Putin started the conflict in 2014, when he encouraged pro Russians to break away from the Ukraine, he armed them and sent his own troops in (calling them volunteers), shot down a Malaysian airlines plane and then stole Crimea.

If you believe otherwise I would categorize you as not having a clue to the actual truth. Another victim of Russian propaganda.

The terrible thing is that Putin will now have to invade and conquor all of Ukraine.

Because if he doesn't, he just gave them an absolutely irrefutable reason to apply for NATO membership.

How trustworthy would you imagine Putin is ??

His salary as Russian president is around $ 300,000 pa., so if we pretend he saved all of this during the last 20 years, he would be worth around $ 6 million..... How could he possibly be worth c. $ 200 billion now ?? Where could this enormous wealth have come from - this must rate as the world's biggest kleptocracy, and yet he's free to walk the streets. He was reported as giving each of his daughters $ 2 billion each last year so they could have a good life.

How many times did he tell the world's media " I have no intention to invade Ukraine whatsoever " ?? We've lost count.

I think we can safely say he's the Olympic and World Champion Liar, nobody would get remotely near such a disgraceful accolade.