icemann on 3/9/2014 at 11:30
NATO is also considering sending the troops in. The shit will really hit the fan if that happens. I'm extremely doubtful of them sending them in though. Far too many countries scared of pissing Russia off and starting WW3.
demagogue on 4/9/2014 at 03:47
It seems admittedly strange that we could have made it ~50 years without direct conflict during the Cold War only to see conflict now over this. How is it that Russia is taking bigger chances now than it did then? But I guess then it did what it wanted within its sphere without batting an eye, and now it's expected not to and behave by the rules as if Ukraine were any other state.
PS My Ukrainian-Russian friend is working in Odessa now and she's apparently in a very slim minority of people advocating for peace. The jingoism is stoked pretty high on both sides from her reports.
icemann on 4/9/2014 at 14:59
The overall impression I've been getting from the speeches Putin throughout the year has made is that he see's Ukraine, Georgia + the other ex-U.S.S.R countries as belonging to Russia since they had been part of it for so long prior and that NATO has no right to be stepping in (or be even considering it) and assisting those countries since they hold no "sovereignty" to them, and even the mere suggestion of them joining NATO (which would thus protect those countries from invasion) is an extreme offense.
That's just the impression I've taken from it all. Or it could just be him longing for the days of the U.S.S.R when they had far more power and overall influence on the world as a whole.
nemyax on 4/9/2014 at 16:27
Quote Posted by icemann
even the mere suggestion of them joining NATO (which would thus protect those countries from invasion) is an extreme offense
That is correct. And I'd like to remind you that Nato is not a grassroots charity for helping old ladies cross the road, but a military organization created specifically for fighting russkies. Russia taking offense in this case is perfectly understandable.
nemyax on 4/9/2014 at 16:58
bukary
Eat an apple. I hear it keeps Putin away.
hopper on 5/9/2014 at 11:24
Quote Posted by nemyax
Russia taking offense in this case is perfectly understandable.
If only it weren't the only thing they've taken. It happens they've taken bits of Georgia, and now large chunks of Ukraine, as well. Perhaps you'd consider it understandable if Georgians and Ukrainians "took offense", as well? Or do only Russia's feelings count?
nemyax on 5/9/2014 at 12:36
Quote Posted by hopper
Perhaps you'd consider it understandable if Georgians and Ukrainians "took offense", as well?
I do. Everybody's feelings count. Including Russia's.
The "they've taken bits of Georgia" part is wrong, by the way. Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not annexed territories, but self-proclaimed independent states. Frankly, Russia doesn't give a toss whether or not they exist.
hopper on 5/9/2014 at 15:02
Quote Posted by nemyax
Frankly, Russia doesn't give a toss whether or not they exist.
Bullshit. They went wo war over South Ossetia, and are occupying both territories to support their "statehood" as we speak.
icemann on 11/9/2014 at 03:46
And in a complete turn around, where a few weeks ago Ukrainian troops were all set for a complete retaking of all rebel held cities, now all of eastern Ukraine is under rebel control after the influx of russian troops and vehicles. Ukrainian army in full retreat. Looks like the east will be switching hands shortly.
