Russia-Ukraine war and related tensions Megathread

[Sir Mohamed]

Seizing total control of Ukraine with a puppet govt is definitely what this is coming down to. This is no longer about the 2 separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine. Zelensky will most likely head into exile by next week, if not earlier. Europe possibly needs to be prepared for a major wave of Ukrainian refugees in the coming weeks or months.

That said, Putler pretty much exposed himself that this was never about a "safe distance" to NATO borders. With this move, HE moves closer to NATO, not the former is coming close to him as Ukraine membership was never a question within the next years. It was always a lie from the Russian regime.

[StateBoiler]

“Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.”

Where do you think we in western Europe are currently on this circle?

Exactly
No matter what Pole's opinion is the West has emboldened Russia as it appears too concerned with not upsetting anyone
Don’t think the Chinese are not watching with interest either

Yep. As a geopolitical entity, the "West" is probably at an historic low with weak, chinless leaders installed across the entire area. Hard lessons are going to have to be learned I'm afraid.

I wish the best to the Ukrainians.

[Vaccinated Russian Bear]

https://twitter.com/KevinRothrock/status/1496854863401021442

[John Dule]

Seizing total control of Ukraine with a puppet govt is definitely what this is coming down to. This is no longer about the 2 separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine. Zelensky will most likely head into exile by next week, if not earlier. Europe possibly needs to be prepared for a major wave of Ukrainian refugees in the coming weeks or months.

That said, Putler pretty much exposed himself that this was never about a "safe distance" to NATO borders. With this move, HE moves closer to NATO, not the former is coming close to him as Ukraine membership was never a question within the next years. It was always a lie from the Russian regime.

I seriously can't believe that the Chamberlain crew actually thought there was some kind of treaty or agreement that could've abated this. This has never been about NATO "encirclement." It's about land.

[DavidB.]

Classic EU.

https://twitter.com/MatinaStevis/status/1496758467943866374?s=20

[It’s so Joever]

Even my heavy left leaning friends at a liberal university are for sending troops now. Biden better do what is desired.

[Gass3268]

https://twitter.com/richardengel/status/1496856147336495112?s=21

[Astatine]

https://twitter.com/claumnzzz/status/1496823195550326790

From April 2008.

[Omega21]

Even my heavy left leaning friends at a liberal university are for sending troops now. Biden better do what is desired.

For the love of God, Biden CAN'T directly engage a nuclear power over a country he is not legally obliged to protect.

Second, it's too late anyway. Russians are setting up landing zones 15 miles from Kyiv. If they don't get pushed back, this won't last long.

[Splash]

https://twitter.com/richardengel/status/1496856147336495112?s=21

I was afraid of this. I dearly hope the sarcophagus over the blown nuclear reactor is intact.  

[Sir Mohamed]

Seizing total control of Ukraine with a puppet govt is definitely what this is coming down to. This is no longer about the 2 separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine. Zelensky will most likely head into exile by next week, if not earlier. Europe possibly needs to be prepared for a major wave of Ukrainian refugees in the coming weeks or months.

That said, Putler pretty much exposed himself that this was never about a "safe distance" to NATO borders. With this move, HE moves closer to NATO, not the former is coming close to him as Ukraine membership was never a question within the next years. It was always a lie from the Russian regime.

I seriously can't believe that the Chamberlain crew actually thought there was some kind of treaty or agreement that could've abated this. This has never been about NATO "encirclement." It's about land.

Yup, and it's especially about Russian neighbors becoming stable democracies. More than anything, Putin is afraid this "spreads" to Russia and threatens his power and the influence of oligarchs.

[Former President tack50]

Seems like Ukraine is folding insanely quickly? What even is the plan on the Ukranian side? I understand a war would almost certainly be lost long term but I don't think anyone expected Ukraine to fold this fast?

[Splash]

Classic EU.

https://twitter.com/MatinaStevis/status/1496758467943866374?s=20

https://twitter.com/MatinaStevis/status/1496831724038377479

[Vaccinated Russian Bear]

https://twitter.com/richardengel/status/1496856147336495112?s=21

I was afraid of this. I dearly hope the sarcophagus over the blown nuclear reactor is intact.  

I think, it's wrong. Russian entered and it *might* lead to destroying of a nuclear waste storage facility. But it hasn't happened yet, if I understood correctly.

[Middle-aged Europe]

Seems like Ukraine is folding insanely quickly? What even is the plan on the Ukranian side? I understand a war would almost certainly be lost long term but I don't think anyone expected Ukraine to fold this fast?

It's Kabul 2.0, unfortunately.

[KaiserDave]

Seems like Ukraine is folding insanely quickly? What even is the plan on the Ukranian side? I understand a war would almost certainly be lost long term but I don't think anyone expected Ukraine to fold this fast?

The situation is dire but I don’t think Ukraine is in fact folding very fast I think there’s been a lot of disinformation on that subject

[John Dule]

Seems like Ukraine is folding insanely quickly? What even is the plan on the Ukranian side? I understand a war would almost certainly be lost long term but I don't think anyone expected Ukraine to fold this fast?

I mean, they're up against one of the most well-funded and well-trained armies in the world. Not many European countries have armies that would actually last more than a week against Russia.

[Omega21]

Seems like Ukraine is folding insanely quickly? What even is the plan on the Ukranian side? I understand a war would almost certainly be lost long term but I don't think anyone expected Ukraine to fold this fast?

Russia has experience (Georgia, Ukraine etc.), loads of modern/semi-modern equipment, and well-trained elite units.

I'm surprised too, but it goes to show the West cannot afford to treat Russia as a second-rate threat. In reality, they're probably more militarily capable than China.

[KaiserDave]

https://twitter.com/avindman/status/1496828413935562757?s=21

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I would be very careful about believing everything you see online. There are a lot of false claims flying around and it is still very early: troop movements, even these days, are a lot slower than people think.

[jaichind]

The benchmark European gas prices are up 50% in some cases are many buyers are halting purchase of Russian gas for now until they are more clear about the nature of sanctions.

[Aurelius]

https://twitter.com/MEMRIReports/status/1496797619825352706

As usual, John Kerry needs to STFU.

[Aurelius]

https://twitter.com/RichardEngel/status/1496860722059517958

Chernobyl tweets earlier appear to be misinfo, thank God.

[Aurelius]

https://twitter.com/lymanstoneky/status/1496861412781613057

[Badger]

Classic EU.

https://twitter.com/MatinaStevis/status/1496758467943866374?s=20

 "Gee, we really genuinely support the concept of of liberal democratic governments not being crushed by an authoritarian imperialist invading force right on our border--but what about our diamonds and  luxury goods?!?? "

Pathetic. Literally satire level.