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War fears grow as Putin orders troops to eastern Ukraine

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By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV, YURAS KARMANAU and LORNE COOK

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132 Comments

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Civilian casualties in the Donbass now far exceed anything we saw during the Kosovo conflict, but the same western powers who were so quick to recognise Kosovo's independence and the disintegration of Serbia's borders are now going to lecture us on how Russia is violating Ukraine's sovereignty by doing exactly the same. Hypocrisy and double-standards will always come back around to bite you.

-4 ( +21 / -25 )

I guess the Russia apologists have lost there “Russia is just doing what it wants to within its own borders” talking point.

Civilian casualties in the Donbass now far exceed anything we saw during the Kosovo conflict, but the same western powers who were so quick to recognise Kosovo's independence and the disintegration of Serbia's borders are now going to lecture us on how Russia is violating Ukraine's sovereignty by doing exactly the same. Hypocrisy and double-standards will always come back around to bite you.

I was firmly against the NATO war against Serbia, and the criticism is deserved. That said, the mere fact that NATO did the wrong thing 23 years ago doesn’t make what Russia is doing now right. If they go ahead with a full scale invasion it will make the destruction wrought by the Kosovo war seem tiny in comparison.

10 ( +23 / -13 )

Completely expected, shameful and dangerous behaviour by little Putin and Russia. Unilaterally declaring parts of sovereign nations "independent" is an outrageous violation of rule of law.

But, our Russiaphile "experts" on here would argue white was black if Putin declared it so with endless such comments:

Yawn hasn’t this imminent invasion now been happening for months ?

Invasion “any time now” for weeks.

maybe “tomorrow”?

11 ( +23 / -12 )

Same moves Nazi Germany used on the Sudetenland, Poland. Ironic that Russia of all countries would use the Nazi playbook to start a war. And claim innocence. Appeasement didn’t work then won’t work now.

12 ( +21 / -9 )

U.S., British and EU officials called it a breach of international law.

'International law', has long been whatever the largest empire with the largest military that it's willing and able to use, wants to do. And now Lord Putin, as his extreme rightwing cultists call him, is invoking his version of international law.

And European nations know because they've allowed Putin to control fuel lines and have not developed more and better sources of alternative energy that Putin and his oligarchs have got them by the fuel lines and so their hearts and minds will follow.

War in Europe Part 3? I hope not, and also hope Putin's war does not move beyond the former SSRs and Europe. If Putin's war does encroach on China's Belt and Road territories will Lord Xi, as the Xi cultists call him, get his military involved to make it an even larger global conflict. Cults of personality should have disappeared long long ago. As should have the globe's dependence on burning huge amounts of fossil fuels.

2 ( +11 / -9 )

Ukraine is now a European Korea. If Biden was serious about helping Ukraine and preventing a war, he would be supporting the very rapid creation of a DMZ between Ukraine as it now is and the pro-Russia Crimea region in the East. That is the only way to prevent a conflict. Then they can do what the Koreas do and snipe at each other over the barbed wire for the next 50 years without a full-blown war.

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

Amid the heightened invasion fears, the U.S. administration sent a letter to the United Nations human rights chief claiming that Moscow has compiled a list of Ukrainians to be killed or sent to detention camps after the invasion.

Straight out of the dictator's handbook.

9 ( +16 / -7 )

NovemberIsComing!

@raindays - maybe we should allow the people of Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic to decide democratically their choice?!?

By sending in the Russian military? I don't think so.

14 ( +20 / -6 )

Vlad my dear friend. As a loyal ally of Russia, I am asking this one favor. Please refrain from any action over Ukraine before our Olympics is over.

Sincerely,

Xi

5 ( +16 / -11 )

What happened from all those who for weeks have stated this would never happen? Putin is sending his troops into Eastern Ukraine.

Maybe they’ve found somewhere else to complain about the MSM

-2 ( +9 / -11 )

Kosovo finally came back to haunt Nato. Over 4 years later 4000 Nato troops are still there.

This move by Putin stops Ukraine joining either Nato or the EU, unless Ukraine is willing to cede the territory, which it won't. Nato should have negotiated.

6 ( +13 / -7 )

US to stop Russia from. using billion of US dollars they hold

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Zichi, Russian soldiers have low morale and or poorly equip, do. not have adequately food, are resorting to begging

-8 ( +8 / -16 )

Putin is a funny little man. Who is he to change anything?

-12 ( +6 / -18 )

If the people in those states do not wish to remain and wish to democratically choose this path, then yes, of course, I support.

Thats rich. Are you familiar with anti-separatism laws in Russia?

7 ( +11 / -4 )

What happened from all those who for weeks have stated this would never happen? Putin is sending his troops into Eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine is pretty much done, even if he takes Eastern Europe. Sanctions don’t work and even if they would have had some sort of effect they should have been handed down the moment he uttered this incursion move. He’s playing Biden and he knows Biden and Europe will not go the full scale route to deter him, it’s not going to happen. Whatever the world hits Russia with in sanctions the Chinese will compensate for that. This was a bad move from the beginning. The US should have never gotten involved in this mess. Now Putin knows the US is under this administration weak and powerless and watch China become more emboldened with China that’s just around the corner and it’s coming fast.

-13 ( +7 / -20 )

It fascinates me how a few individuals here just copy+paste articles from RT or Sputnik. They don't even bother to change the verbiage a bit, just dull copying.

And popular whatabaoutisms are "Kosovo", "fascism", "It's the West's fault", "genocide in eastern Ukraine", etc.

It just goes to show that Russia is not a partner but an enemy. Frustration prevails in Russia to this day over developments that were of their own making. And instead of self-reflection, they always blame others. They need to hear from the batushka how good they actually have it, that the world is normal for them and the West is trying to hurt them.

The only thing they live on is winning WW2, alcohol, violence and obsession with war.

2 ( +17 / -15 )

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered forces Monday to “maintain peace” in separatist regions of eastern Ukraine, hours after the Kremlin recognized the area’s independence. The announcement raised fears that an invasion was imminent, if not already underway.

Yes indeed, Putin has started his invasion and annexation of another sovereign country....and I'm sure our US far-right friends will be rejoicing....praising his strength, his foresight, his audacity....as innocent people are killed, rights trampled, borders violated...

Depending on the day, Biden will be either a weak peace-nik or a NEOCON warmonger - it changes every few hours based on who the talking head is on Fox...

But we do know Tucker Carlson will be swooning tonight...

8 ( +18 / -10 )

President Putin was never going to snow/rain on Xi Jinping Olympic parade.

President Macron has been foolish, Putin has played Macron like a harp.

President Marcon I believe genuinely wanted a diplomatic solution.

It is time to face the inevitable facts, and stand up to Putin's lies and deceitful maneuvering.

Putin will not stop at just the break away regions.

The size of the Military force indicates Putin will launch a full invasion of Ukraine.

9 ( +17 / -8 )

Novemberiscoming...

@raindays - maybe we should allow the people of Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic to decide democratically their choice?!?

Those people you refer to are ethnic Russians, they speak Russian, they are flying Russian flags from their windows. You think the puppets in Kiev will give them their choice?

-7 ( +9 / -16 )

Breakaway Ukraine regions are Ukraine.

.. and so the invasion begins.

Friendlier regions first, resisting areas to follow.

10 ( +15 / -5 )

What happened from all those who for weeks have stated this would never happen? Putin is sending his troops into Eastern Ukraine.

Maybe they’ve found somewhere else to complain about the MSM

Wait what? For weeks Biden/MSM was warning of a full scale invasion with Russia wanting to take Kiev, the main city. Last time I looked, Kiev is not in eastern Ukraine. I’ve also posted reports from the OSCE of bombs from Ukraine being lobbed at these two regions. The OSCE Special monitoring Mission to Ukraine have daily reports are available on the net so look for yourself.

https://www.osce.org/special-monitoring-mission-to-ukraine

-9 ( +4 / -13 )

@MR. Kipling - yes, I know and I agree. When the leaders don't listen to the people, that is when we have problems.

Except in Russia, right?

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Actually this is a good outcome for almost everyone.

The EU has enough problems with eastern European countries like Poland and Hungary to try and absorb Ukraine.

Nato is far more secure without Ukraine than with it. A neutered Ukraine is almost as good as a neutral one.

Even Ukraine is better off for the short to medium term at least, as their annoying Russian minority will no longer be voting and things will calm down.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

You have held a somewhat apologetic position for weeks.

None.

Tough sanctions will bring Putin and the Russian economy to their knees.

No, it won’t, it didn’t in 2014 and now that they have China as an ally, Putin is more emboldened than ever.

You have opposed military actions

Yes

so sanctions are the only other way.

Ok, but they won’t help. The US should have never gotten involved. Let the Europeans deal with Putin and let them lead the way. We can help them by arming and sending heavy military arms. that’s more than enough aid.

China is unable to carry the Russian economy for any length of time.

But China can help Russia with the most essential necessities and nations like Germany that heavily depend on Russia for its energy consumption will not rock the boat to fully punish Russia, won’t happen.

If world markets fall that will also hurt the USA economy.

Mot nearly as much or even close to how it would completely devastate Europe. This is once again another Biden disaster waiting to unfold.

-10 ( +6 / -16 )

The Winter Olympics ended Sunday, Putin moves Monday. Will Taiwan be next?

No, it will not be next. China and Taiwan are in discussions of building an underwater tunnel connecting the island to mainland. Just let status quo be. Trade and business across the straights continue.

The American Constitution is not a thing of the past. In Northern Ireland, the Irish Republicans have wanted to leave the UK for more than 100 years. In Spain, Catalonia declared illegal independence.

It is up to all the people of a country not the few from some area.

Are you saying it’s up to all the people of China, not the few from Taiwan? Why the CCP view all of a sudden?

3 ( +8 / -5 )

I think this shows that Putin realizes that he can not get all of Ukraine, or get any agreement that Ukraine will not become a NATO member if thy so wish. So he opted for the next best thing, create a new country between Ukraine and Russia that will never become a NATO member. Splitting countries for it's own benefit, be it Germany or Korea, is a time honored Russian tactic. Putin will absolutely invade Eastern Ukraine (a different country to Russia) to "support them" against the rest of Ukraine, and put the West in a position of having to decide whether they want to escalate the issue into a Ukrainian Civil War. All while having already achieved what Russia really wanted.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Emergency UN Security meeting tonight

Ok and then what?

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

It is Imperative that the allies link arms in complete solidarity. EU/UK/NATO/US. No wavering.

The sanctions must be unparalleled and global.

Any country or state that breaks or attempts to undermine sanctions must be made to face the consequences.

So the government of China pay attention.

Putin and his regime must be ground into economic extinction.

It can be done. There will be a hefty price to pay, the time is now.

Start the sanctions now. and ratchet them up.

It is also time to provide Ukraine with lethal aid.

4 ( +11 / -7 )

zichi, I do believe you have hit a nerve, got right up Putin cyber nostril.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

The first victim in war is truth.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

@zichi Russia shares its borders with NATO countries.

Yes it does.

Adding Ukraine to Nato adds 2200 km to that border (with Russial and another 1000km for the border with Belarus. This combined is the length of the US/Mexican border.

Putin is not mad to oppose this.

If Nato wants this they outcome they will need cold war level troop strengths again. Madness.

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

A crime in progress. Putin the war criminal.

4 ( +13 / -9 )

It is time for personal and unexpected sanctions or other actions against Putin.

6 ( +12 / -6 )

waiting around for Russia to not be aggressive is a joke. Full monetary deletion sanctions now

6 ( +10 / -4 )

As Orwell reminded us, in government smoke 'n' mirrors rhetoric WAR=peace, and Putin is now using the usual weasel-worded excuses while reciting from the old dog-eared playbook of false flag/ "fake news" (Gleiwitz, Gulf of Tonkin, WoMD etc. etc.). The Kremlin snake has now started on its long-anticipated second course of its Goldilocks meal swallowing the next limb of the Ukraine and salivating over the course to come, the pièce de résistance: "Chicken Kiev". As a gesture of its "peace-keeping mission" the Russians military may eventually only halt at the "borders" of western Ukraine where the Ukrainian language is spoken by the majority leaving a rump state for a Russian dessert at some later date. Btw., Belarus's goose is also cooked and "oven-ready" for Putin's Kremlin banquet to celebrate the" Unification of the Motherland".

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Lord Putin setting the example of how things should be done..

Let the little circus of Nato clowns continue barking at the rate that the US sends them, making a fool of the world again..

Go Lord Putin !!..

-13 ( +3 / -16 )

Kiev government had 8 long years to discuss situation in Lugansk and Donetsk with its citizens and yes-never did so.they have never found time for talk,had just spent money for a\so called "antiterrorist action" against own citizens in Lugansk and Donetsk,killed some 15k+ civilians and never followed up results from Minsk agreement signed by Ukraine as well.

so problem is solved in other way.

i am not surprised at all if other parts of Ukraine may follow as country is broken inside for a long time.

say tensions in Zakarpattya region,Galichyna region as good example.

near future may confirm my words.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

putin ordering peace is like trump telling truth!

7 ( +14 / -7 )

This article sure doesn't sound biased against Russia, at all. /s

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

NATO doesn't want Ukraine joining them, they only want to taunt and support 'subtly' (not so subtly anymore).

With all the reports of shootings on the border coming from the Ukrainian side, thousands of civilians are evactuating from Luhansk/Donetsk. Where are they going? Not Ukraine or any other NATO state, they're going to Russia, and that says something.

-3 ( +9 / -12 )

Kiev government had 8 long years to discuss situation in Lugansk and Donetsk with its citizens and yes-never did so

That's not a justification for another foreign power to invade.

3 ( +10 / -7 )

@Bass

This is once again another Biden disaster waiting to unfold.

Can't you just leave your delusional view of American politics out of it for once? In the same post, you verified your opinion that the US should not get involved in the actual shooting war, but that sanctions were the only other option (although they might not work). So what else is Biden supposed to have done? How on earth is it his disaster?

If Trump was in office still, what do you think he'd be doing? Saying there are "some fine people on both sides" is my guess. If you couldn't before, you can see now why Putin wanted him in the White House. He did his best to wreck NATO during his 4 years. There wouldn't even be a question of unified Western opposition now if the orange filth had stayed on.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

'Modern Ukraine was entirely and completely created by Russia, Ukraine should be called 'Ukraine of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin'

Putin own words.

Every treaty or agreement Putin signs is worthless.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

@Zichi

What happened from all those who for weeks have stated this would never happen? Putin is sending his troops into Eastern Ukraine.

It looks like I got it wrong. He seems hell-bent on going ahead with it. Russia will pay a price, but Putin seems ready to pay it. Europe will pay a price too. It's really tragic, and it looks like we're set for some gut-wrenching scenes, but it's hard to see a way out of it now, unless the Ukrainians back down and make some kind of deal whereby they agree never to apply for NATO membership, or to host NATO forces on their soil. That's probably not going to happen, and it might be too late now anyway.

@stormcrow

A crime in progress. Putin the war criminal.

Okay.... outrage at Putin's phoney justifications for the bloodshed ahead is fine, let's not forget that it was only 20 years ago the US was constructing an equally fake excuse for the invasion of Iraq, regime change, and looting of that country. The situation sucks, but the "holier than thou" crap doesn't really wash.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Putin orders Russian military to Donbass Republics as peacekeepers:

Besides, Putin officially recognizes Donbass regions' sovereignty.

This is tantamount to hit the West directly for their continual mess-up in Ukraine.

The ball is now in West's court.

Next, anything goes..

0 ( +4 / -4 )

I hope that this will stop the genocide that the West had chosen to ignore.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Sadly i think the only option is for a major conflict in Europe to push Russia back into Russia and to free territories it has taken from Ukraine and Georgia. They just will not stop until confronted by weapons rather than sanctions.

It seems Russia wants a war very badly. Time to give them what they want.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

Putin's illegal actions will force Ukraine to join NATO.

That will never happen.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

So frustrating! Who could EVER trust this man? I guess his lies enable him to maintain on the surface a justifiable reason for annexing the Ukraine, but the result is that he will lose all trust that anyone ever might have had for him. I guess in retrospect, he has already lost people's trust, so what the heck?

He WANTS the Ukraine for Russia and he is going to get it.

Next will be China storming the beaches of Taiwan!

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

@Blackstar

Fair enough and I agree with your assessment. I guess I’m just being wishful that everybody would respect their neighbors’ boundaries. On the brighter side, the US hasn’t massed its military forces on its Canadian and Mexican borders. It would be a cakewalk, but it hasn’t happened . . . yet. And hopefully it never will.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

NATO is a shadow of its cold war strength.

The preposterous assertion that NATO could mount a strike on Russia is a ludicrous fairy story.

Biden embraces NATO, but European allies are weak

https://www.politico.eu/article/us-president-joe-biden-embraces-nato-but-european-allies-are-weak/

President Putin is terrified of is his own demise.

Ukraine association agreement with the EU sparked the democratic process to a life free from the old soviet malaise.

EU relations with Ukraine

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eastern-partnership/ukraine/

It is not NATO moving east it is EU membership that has Putin in a hissy fit

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Putin is a funny little man.

There was another funny little man with a funny little moustache who caused a lot of bother nearly a hundred years ago now. Beware funny little men with big egos, there is nothing funny about them.

thousands of civilians are evactuating from Luhansk/Donetsk. Where are they going? Not Ukraine or any other NATO state, they're going to Russia, and that says something.

It says that the pro-Russia leaders in the proxy states are ordering people to evacuate to Russia. The option of heading in the opposite direction is not available. Putin has announced a payment of 10,000 rubles to every evacuee crossing the border into Russia.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/18/pro-russian-separatist-order-mass-evacuation-eastern-ukraine-fear-moscow-seeking-create-pretext-invasion

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/east-ukraine-shelling-russian-invasion-fears-putin-pretext-rcna16773

5 ( +10 / -5 )

It is not NATO moving east it is EU membership that has Putin in a hissy fit

I think it is important to remember the US and EU coup in Ukraine in 2014 that installed an EU/US muppet. Imagine if Russia/Putin held a coup and installed a muppet favorable to Russia in Mexico City?

If Putin is in a hissy fit then your understanding of that phrase is a little off.

-4 ( +6 / -10 )

zichiToday  07:04 am JST

What happened from all those who for weeks have stated this would never happen? Putin is sending his troops into Eastern Ukraine.

And there's been a rebellion there since at least 2014.

NovemberIsComing!Today  07:15 am JST

There is no war, only the first step in peaceful return of peoples of Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic to RF.

There has been a war, all this time. It's been going on in a sitzkrieg since 2014 and this is a marked continuation of it.

2020hindsightsToday  12:27 pm JST

indigo

most of the Ukrainian people want to be russian again. Ukraine is part of Russia.

If that were true, Putin would have been able to get Ukraine to voluntarily join with Russia.

And that hasn't happened.

Putin reinstalled the Kazakh president last month but now Kazakhistan is a puppet state. And Ukraine will not give in so easily.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

but now Kazakhistan is a puppet state. And Ukraine will not give in so easily.

Not so sure about that one.

-8 ( +5 / -13 )

NovemberIsComing!

@2020 - Maybe you didn't read. Russian military will only come by invitation and for joint-security concerns. This is not an invasion and not a war as so many media claims.

Pretty sure Zelenskyy didn't invite them.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

I think it is important to remember the US and EU coup in Ukraine in 2014 that installed an EU/US muppet. Imagine if Russia/Putin held a coup and installed a muppet favorable to Russia in Mexico City?

I keep seeing this talking point bandied about, but where is the evidence to back it up? I've seen no evidence presented that US or the EU instigated, armed or organized the 2014 coup/revolution/whatever-you-want-to-call-it.

Certainly political leaders in the EU and US expressed support for it, but that isn't the same as this being a "US and EU coup".

2 ( +6 / -4 )

So technically, Putin is not invading Ukraine but the independent republics of Donetsk and Luhansk.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

What happened from all those who for weeks have stated this would never happen? Putin is sending his troops into Eastern Ukraine.

Where is that written in the article, that he is sending his troops into Eastern Ukraine?

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

On the other hand, what’s really wrong is with that is, those new two constructions are neither a ‘republic’ nor have any independence or sovereignty. lol in this regard he’s of course lying like no one else.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Where is that written in the article, that he is sending his troops into Eastern Ukraine?

The very first paragraph.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered forces Monday to “maintain peace” in separatist regions of eastern Ukraine, hours after the Kremlin recognized the area’s independence. The announcement raised fears that an invasion was imminent, if not already underway.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

So Putin recognized the Dombas. Understandable move, since he had to react Bidens warmongering but did not want to march into Kiev.

There is an interesting dilemma for our corporate "news" media here: They have claimed for years that the Dombas separatists in fact are Russian troops. So if they now claim that Russian troops in Dombas are something new, where does that leave their previous reporting? Ooops...

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

rainyday

I think it is important to remember the US and EU coup in Ukraine in 2014 that installed an EU/US muppet. Imagine if Russia/Putin held a coup and installed a muppet favorable to Russia in Mexico City?

I keep seeing this talking point bandied about, but where is the evidence to back it up? I've seen no evidence presented that US or the EU instigated, armed or organized the 2014 coup/revolution/whatever-you-want-to-call-

That is because you are only looking at the corporate bubble media. There are plenty of issues that are completely blanked out there.

-8 ( +5 / -13 )

Putin had to respond to Western warmongering, which would have left him look like a) the aggressor if had actually attacked Ukraine, or b) look weak if he just had let them have their way. So, recognizing Dombas is an intelligent move.

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

Putin had to respond to Western warmongering, which would have left him look like a

Utter nonsense. This is a crisis of Putin's making. It isn't a coincidence that the violence/ceasefire violations just happened to coincide with the amassing of troops at the border with Ukraine. Nothing would have happened if Putin hadn't caused this all to kick off.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

OK how about this? Anyone, but especially the Brits, have an issue with Putin protecting Donbas, how about the UK get out of Northern Ireland first, you know, to set an example?

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

Well we really have come full circle haven't we ?

US conservatives putting on their finest lingerie for Putin. Is it a daddy thing ?

5 ( +9 / -4 )

US conservatives putting on their finest lingerie for Putin. Is it a daddy thing ?

amazing isnt it, that so many people are rooting for Putin, so they can blame Biden for high gas prices, blame him for Putin invading Ukraine!?

oh im sure the US will supply Ukraine with all the weapons they need should a war start, but as we know in Afganistan Syria etc US or Russia had no problem supply the opposing forces with their weapons

3 ( +6 / -3 )

That is because you are only looking at the corporate bubble media. There are plenty of issues that are completely blanked out there.

No, that isn't an answer. I am asking you, as a proponent of that view, what is the factual basis for your statement that it was an EU/US coup?

If you want me to conclude that you are correct, persuade me with evidence to back up your claim. Generic wailing against the "corporate media" alone isn't going to cut it.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Biden is fully responsible for Putin moving into Donbas since Ukraine did not fulfill the Minsk agreements and Biden put no pressure onto Ukraine to do so.

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

amazing isnt it, that so many people are rooting for Putin,

No one is rooting for Putin. What is up with the left thinking that people that are against going to war with Russia or that Ukraine is not worth going to war over is a supporter of Putin, that’s just ludicrous. People are rightly questioning Biden’s actions and this administration just will not give us full details or will even sit and allow reporters to ask them very important questions about this crisis

so they can blame Biden for high gas prices, blame him for Putin invading Ukraine!?

Biden made this choice without even consulting the American people, yes, we do blame him as of now and looking how Afghanistan turned out, millions don’t trust this administration when it comes to geopolitical politics.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Biden is fully responsible for Putin moving into Donbas since Ukraine did not fulfill the Minsk agreements and Biden put no pressure onto Ukraine to do so.

lmao Nope. Russia invading its neighbor isn't a valid response to whatever shortcomings you perceive coming from the Biden administration. Putin is the aggressor.

Biden made this choice without even consulting the American people, yes, we do blame him as of now and looking how Afghanistan turned out, millions don’t trust this administration when it comes to geopolitical politics.

A) What choice are you talking about?

B) Since when did the US leave foreign policy decisions up for popular vote?

If you don't like Biden's handling of this situation, fair enough, but this seems an odd criticism to make.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Biden is fully responsible for Putin moving into Donbas since Ukraine did not fulfill the Minsk agreements and Biden put no pressure onto Ukraine to do so.

100% agreed

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

Biden is not responsible for Putin invading Ukraine.

But others (including himself) have already lined up praise for him if Russia doesn’t.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

what is the factual basis for your statement that it was an EU/US coup?

Really? Every man and his dog knows the 2014 coup was funded by the US, organized by the CIA and carried out by neo-Nazis. Well, they're not neo-Nazis, they're just real Nazis. Now the British Army is in Ukraine training these Nazis, members of the Ukraine National Guard.

If you have few minutes you should read this brief history:

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

Article by veteran Aussie journalist John Pilger. Please pay attention to the part where fascist Ukrainian thugs killed 41 people in Donbass in 2014, by setting fire to the building they were trapped in.

https://consortiumnews.com/2022/02/17/war-in-europe-the-rise-of-raw-propaganda/

UK military training neo-Nazis in Ukraine

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

2014 Robert Parry article about neo-Nazis in Ukraine.

https://theecologist.org/2014/aug/14/ignoring-ukraines-neo-nazi-storm-troopers

It's a testament to the power of propaganda that so many people have virtually no idea what's happened in the Ukraine in the last 10 years or so and what's actually happening now.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

What happened from all those who for weeks have stated this would never happen? Putin is sending his troops into Eastern Ukraine.

Close but recognizing them as independent and invasion with troops are not the same.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

OK how about this? Anyone, but especially the Brits, have an issue with Putin protecting Donbas, how about the UK get out of Northern Ireland first, you know, to set an example?

It's a fair point. The reason is that the people of Northern Ireland (so far) have chosen to remain part of the UK. So shouldn't it be up to the peoples of  Donetsk and Luhansk to decide their future? The UN Charter would seem to say so (respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples).

I think the West can be criticized for not pushing Ukraine with regard to the Minsk agreements. It seems there is some hypocrisy when looking at attitudes to independence for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bosnian regions, Catalonia, Crimea, and now Donbas.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Sanctions won't stop him, especially as he has China willing to buy his gas and coal. Putin just called the West's bluff and the West is not willing to go to war over the Ukraine.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

they're just real Nazis. Now the British Army is in Ukraine training these Nazis, members of the Ukraine National Guard.

And does that somehow make Russia's invasion reasonable?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

So the "non" invasion has actually started and Russian forces stream into Eastern Ukraine.

All the pro Russian posters will now need to change their story to continue to support Putin the warmonger.

The recognition of terrorist organizations controlling areas of eastern Ukraine is the "false flag" that was warned about and denied by Russia. Russian forces are in Ukraine in Crimea and now Donbas expanding their hold on Ukraine territory.

Sanctions will be applied and war may follow. Russian belligerence must be halted by any and all means possible. NATO must immediately send forces and missile systems to Estonia and Latvia and prepare for a fight.

Russian promises have been broken. Putin looks like Hitler 2.0 taking more and more.

Shame on Russia.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Sanctions won't stop him, especially as he has China willing to buy his gas and coal. Putin just called the West's bluff and the West is not willing to go to war over the Ukraine.

Exactly.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@Alfie Noakes

Thanks. Interesting reading.

On Dec. 16, the United Nations tabled a resolution that called for “combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism.” The only nations to vote against it were the United States and Ukraine.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

putin is frustrated that his investment in trump didn't pay off, so he wants other ways to redeem himself.

But like his investment in trump this will end badly for him!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

The GOP is taking Putin's side, not a surprise!

Their love for skin color supersedes their love for their country.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

The GOP is taking Putin's side

No, they’re taking the side of not wanting to go to war over a nation that holds no national interests for Americans and where losing a life for a country that has questionable issues about its own human rights abuses. We are on the side in non-interventionists and since Russia only wants assurances that Ukraine doesn’t become part of NATO given its proximity to Russia and historical context over the last 100 years it is not a bad play to discuss the issue of that can avert going to war with our European nuclear counterpart. So far Biden’s handling of this issue has been anything but less than lackluster.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

putin has delusions about creating another USSR.

trump has delusions of becoming rich again.

Both these corrupt wannabe dictators will realize that delusions don't take you too far.

hitler learnt it the hard way!!!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

No, they’re taking the side of not wanting to go to war over a nation......

The idiots who were cheering Soleimani's killings suddenly want peace just because racial affinity is more important to them than the rule of law!!!!

They forget that putin had a bounty out for American soldiers in Afghanistan, he is no friend!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

And does that somehow make Russia's invasion reasonable?

What?

"What is curiously lacking in Western media reports of events in Donbass is any mention of the size of Ukraine government forces along the line of confrontation. U.S. and European newspapers and television repeatedly show detailed maps of Russian forces near the Ukrainian border but never show any Ukrainian military positions. It’s like setting up a chess board with only black pieces.

Understanding the size of the government deployment is key in helping to determine if an offensive has begun. Not mentioning it at all suspiciously appears as if an offensive is being covered up.

Last Thursday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin told the U.N. Security Council that 122,000 Ukrainian military forces were lined up at the front with Donbass with the possible intention of launching an offensive. It is a number difficult to verify. (There also unknown numbers of neo-Nazi groups, such as Azov Battalion and Right Sektor reportedly at the border.)"

https://consortiumnews.com/2022/02/21/putin-recognizes-donbass-independence-as-violence-soars/

The Ukraine army has been attacking Donetsk and Lugansk since last Friday in an attempt to provoke Russia into entering the two areas to protect the ethnic Russians there. That will trigger US sanctions against Russia, which is the whole point of this charade.

The neo-Nazis in Ukraine are ISIS-in-Europe for the US.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

There is no justification for President Putin actions and behaviour in Ukraine.

There is no Justification for President Putin actions and behaviour in Georgia.

The similarities are startling.

The false flags, the pretense and constant denial of invasion.

Now Putin is about to commit the same fragrant brutal acts using overwhelming force.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordering forces into separatist regions of eastern Ukraine.

All Putin pledges are a sham, lies.

Putin fears democracy.

Sooner or later the people of Russia are going to realise Putin regime is the root of all the counties ills.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

So far Biden’s handling of this issue has been anything but less than lackluster.

I am sure the right wing thinks trump playing fetch for putin was dynamic!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

putin has delusions about creating another USSR.

Seems like that could happen in some sort of modern form, doubt it.

trump has delusions of becoming rich again.

No, there are always book deals and a few in the works now and then there’s the property and investments

Both these corrupt wannabe dictators

We never had a dictator in the US when people are treated like Back in the days of Saddam then I would agree.

hitler learnt it the hard way!!!

As bad as Putin is and he is the worst, he doesn’t come anywhere close to what Hitler did.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

No, there are always book deals and a few in the works now and then there’s the property and investments

Book deals on what??? Is there a demand for 'how to attempt to overthrow democracy and fail'???

Unless people want to learn how to be a failure there are no book deals!

We never had a dictator in the US when people are treated like Back in the days of Saddam then I would agree.

I suggest looking up what wannabe means! trump tried his best to be a dictator but democracy was stronger!

As bad as Putin is and he is the worst, he doesn’t come anywhere close to what Hitler did.

putin is about to start, this is his last attempt at being someone, so dont come to conclusions just yet!

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Russia is obviously a massive threat to stability, and yet we see so many not just accepting of his aggression, but apparently approving it.

It shows the success of Putin's long-term propaganda war that has worked with through a number of angles:

the 'Internet Research Agency' that pumped out thousands of memes, first in support of Trump, attacking Clinton, and then causing division in the West over COVID.

the use of thousands of fake Twitter and Facebook accounts to spread the memes.

painting China and the CCP as the big threat, rather than Russia.

inflitrating online forums and comments sections to post pro-Russia comments.

spreading of the QAnon conspiracy theory through internet memes.

And the net effect is that we have a West that is inward looking and divided (especially the US), and when an obviously fascist power moves aggressively on its neighbour, a large section of the world is so suckered in that they take the side of the aggressor.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Biden is fully responsible for Putin moving into Donbas since Ukraine did not fulfill the Minsk agreements and Biden put no pressure onto Ukraine to do so.

Yeah, Biden actually flew over to Moscow and put a revolver to Putin's head until he agreed to invade.

It had nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with Putin's aggressive nationalism, and his deep desire to see Russia become the world's top power and right what he sees as the wrong not Ukraine becoming independent. Nothing, I tell you!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Book deals on what???

How the Democrats lost the House

trump tried his best to be a dictator but democracy was stronger!

Now we have the Democrats instead and this dictatorial administration will be out the door soon enough

putin is about to start, this is his last attempt at being someone,

He is someone, someone who checkmated the US and the rest of Europe, don’t see him worried or flinching.

….Not coming to conclusions, but anyone can see, Putin is controlling this issue and everyone else is playing catch-up.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

The comparisons between President Putin is Adolf Hitler are ridiculous.

And misses the point.

Putin see the west/EU form of democracy as the villain.

Both Ukraine and Georgia fledging democracies have and are being strangled at birth.

Putin want to roll any thought of EU membership back to the German boarder.

Because with EU membership comes the possibility of NATO calling card.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The GOP is taking Putin's side, not a surprise!

The hard facts are this. Obama promised to help Russia and was caught because his mike was on. He approved their pipeline to Germany and did nothing while they invaded Crimea. Trump cancelled the pipeline, was very hard on Russia, and Russia didn't invade anyone. Biden, in the first year re-approved the pipeline and now Russian is invading Ukraine.

These are the facts. Now which party is taking Putin's side again?

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Trump cancelled the pipeline, was very hard on Russia

Don't let facts get in your way, trump said he believed putin over his own intelligence services.

Doesn't get more traitorous than that!!!

and Russia didn't invade anyone. 

The Russian State TV said yesterday, under trump we got a 4 year reprieve!

These are the facts.

No they are not

Now which party is taking Putin's side again?

GOP

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Last Thursday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin told the U.N. Security Council that 122,000 Ukrainian military forces were lined up at the front with Donbass with the possible intention of launching an offensive

Ukraine forces in the middle of Ukraine territory. That threatens Russia in no way at all.

The Ukraine army has been attacking Donetsk and Lugansk since last Friday in an attempt to provoke Russia into entering the two areas to protect the ethnic Russians there.

The Ukrainians have been returning fire coming from the Donbas terrorists who are provoking a Ukraine response that gives Russia the excuse it wants to move on into Ukrainian territory.

For those who believe China has the right to force Taiwan to be under CCP control, you must also support the Ukraine returning wayward territory to its control. Both Crimea and Donbas.

For those who back Russian right to annex Crimean and support Donbas independence you must also support Taiwan's right to choose independence.

Yet China and Russia seem to agree to each others aims in contrast with each other.

Russia has no right to interfere in a domestic Ukraine issue in such a way. If they are concerned for ethnic Russians they should welcome them into Russia and evacuate them. Instead it is ethnic Ukrainians (those not considering themselves to be Russian) who were displaced from Crimea and Donbas.

Donbas shells Ukraine towns and civilians daily. Terrorists like that need to be dealt with.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Sanctions won't stop him, especially as he has China willing to buy his gas and coal. Putin just called the West's bluff and the West is not willing to go to war over the Ukraine.

Germany is donating helmets or something like that.

Biden is incompetent beyond obvious. It was over when Macron met with Putin. Afghanistan and Ukraine will show Biden is not up to the task.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

The neo-Nazis in Ukraine are ISIS-in-Europe for the US.

This is exactly what I am talking about.

Nary a word about the fact the Russian military illegally invaded Ukraine today. Somehow the fact that an indeterminate number of Ukrainian military personnel might be Neo-nazis is of more concern than the fact Russia invaded Ukraine. Why?

The Ukraine army has been attacking Donetsk and Lugansk since last Friday in an attempt to provoke Russia into entering the two areas to protect the ethnic Russians there. That will trigger US sanctions against Russia, which is the whole point of this charade.

Nonsense. How would Ukraine benefit from Russia getting sanctioned? What benefit is there that could possibly justify the risk of being invaded by Russia?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

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