Ukraine and Russia: Answering common questions and issues

[WhatsGoingOn2022]

Hi, I am starting this thread due to the amount of misinformation and speculation I have seen on the boards around what is happening with Russia's war on Ukraine.

While I am by no means a leading specialist, I have a master's degree focusing on the defence and economics aspect of international relations, I work today in politics and have a lot of links in the area. Anything I can't answer I can at least point you to the people who can-- I naturally follow this incredibly closely.

I thought it might be helpful if myself and others with specific knowledge in this area could help to answer any questions you have, on anything from the war, to sanctions, to Russia's actions, to the fallout.

Paper I agree, but we have built up in ourselves such a state of 'fear', not just of 'nuclear options, but od what 'Putin might do next'.

Meanwhile, many, many innocent people are being killed and dying and more innocent people will be killed/sacrificed whilst we wait to see 'what Putin might do next'.

If they aren't already planning an attack (and I suspect the UK Govt might be from BJ's recent words to The Navy) then we have to. Unfortunately, I think this is our only option.

@TheHateIsNotGood what recent words?

Hi everyone, with reports from the last few hours that Russia and Belarus have staged a false flag attack in Belarus, to get the Belarus military to invade Ukraine, I thought I'd share this little BBC piece on the history of false flags:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60434579

A false flag is when a military does an act intentionally to blame the other side for it. So in this case it seems Russia bombs Belarus to blame it on Ukraine.

We've seen a major will-they-won't-they from Belarus the last few weeks, it is not confirmed yet but it looks like Belarus may now be planning to fully enter the fray. There has been a lot of internal resistance in Belarus which has caused some rethinking from Lukashenko. However we met Putin today and it seemed they reached an agreement.

@MagicFox - Oh gosh, it was during a recent visit (last 24hrs) to a Naval Base/Ship where he said "you must prepare yourselves" - twas broadcast very early this morning on sky/bbc.

Control of the Northern/whole Black Sea is another Front that needs some pre-emptive action.

icds.ee/en/the-belarusian-armed-forces-structures-capabilities-and-defence-relations-with-russia/

The Belarus army isn't up to much either 🙄

Putin must be totally desperate if he's relying on Syrian henchmen and Belarusians with crappy 70s weapons.

@TheHateIsNotGood But the small mater of Putin's stash of nuclear weapons and total lack of conscience? If the world unites and stands up to Putin he'll destroy it all. The ironic thing is that Putin will be safe in his nuclear bunker, as I'm sure will many other billionaire bad guys, so what's left of the planet will be their when they emerge. Tossers.

@WhatsGoingOn2022

For anyone with friends inside Russia: it looks now like Instagram and WhatsApp may go soon. So if you need to, please establish alternative lines of communication ASAP.

Because Putin is banning them or because they're choosing to withdraw like the other big companies?

The Russian ambassador to the UN is live on Al Jazeera right now accusing Ukraine and the US of intricate network of bio labs/research & plans/ research involving spreading viruses via birds and bats.

Astounding. I can’t believe what I’m hearing

@Supersocks - again I agree. However, who really wants to live life and continue life in Bunkers? Maybe Putin does but I suspect not as he's too keen on riding bare-chested on the Steppes, maybe even 'bare-back on the plains' (haha - there's a thought - Putin needs 'outing' from his closet).

None of us do and that's the end game. So, whatever Putin's Game is, he'll lose and won't submit like a Judoga (now excommunicated) should.

Therefore, as we already know the end result, I'd rather not sacrifice any more innocent lives proving it.

Having got my ducks in a row (all anti-missile defences armed and ready) just air-bomb the Russian positions in Ukraine and encircle the North Black Sea with NATO Navy on exercises or 'battle ready'.

And cope with any Russian escalations.

@TheHateIsNotGood I certainly don't see Putin stopping. Once he's got Ukraine he'll have a little confidence boost because nobody argued, and he'll crack on with his next target. I wish somebody would take him out, but then I suppose his next-in-command will be happy to fill his shoes anyway.

I understand supersocks I really do. And whatever Putin once was and I admit to having a previous admiration for him, as I often do for people that are great at pissing-off our 'Capitalist Masters, he has now gone too far and all my sympathies/empathies are gone.

We can always wait for someone else to do what needs to be done, but we aready know:

"If something needs doing - best do it yourself"

The hate is good, what do you mean excommunicated?
Has the pope said anything?

Maybe a stronger statement condemning this would be good?

Bidens voice sound's so incredibly weak.
I know he's got an impendiment but it's got no thrust to it.
I wish someone else could do more talking

"pissing off our capitalist master's"

Oh dear.

I'm lost with some of the latest comments.

But on this: Has the pope said anything? the Pope went personally to the Russian embassy as soon as the war started, this was widely reported. I think generally the Vatican's view is more insignificant than ever these days. And just to add, sorry if that's obvious, but the Pope is Roman Catholic and Russia is largely Russian Orthodox. Consequently, the likes of VP cannot be excluded from a church they don't belong to.

The pope is still an extremely powerful figure..I know he went to Putin but has a string statement been released since?

Whether Putin is orthodox or not the Pope is still an intense religious figure for millions of Christians who respect him.

Many people in Russia and more in Belarus are Catholic. For more condemnation from him is more information about this assault reaching the masses living under propaganda.

I'm not sure why the Idea of the pope more openly condemning Putin is confusing.i think it's more powerful than Macdonald's pulling out.

The Pope was a very powerful figure in helping the Soviet Union crumble.

@Papertyger

The pope is still an extremely powerful figure..I know he went to Putin but has a string statement been released since?

Whether Putin is orthodox or not the Pope is still an intense religious figure for millions of Christians who respect him.

Many people in Russia and more in Belarus are Catholic. For more condemnation from him is more information about this assault reaching the masses living under propaganda.

I'm not sure why the Idea of the pope more openly condemning Putin is confusing.i think it's more powerful than Macdonald's pulling out.

The Pope was a very powerful figure in helping the Soviet Union crumble.

The Catholic Church has been shaken up by so many scandals in recent years that it is treated far less seriously than ever. Catholics are a minority in Belarus.

The obvious difference between the role of Vatican in the fall of the Soviet Union and now is:

1. The Vatican was far more respected worldwide at the time;
2. There were far more practising Catholics in the Soviet Union and satellite countries then than now;
3. Catholic Church in Poland assisted directly with the Polish underground working against the Soviet regime;
4. People sought comfort within CC in Eastern Europe and their faith and belief in the church and its views was much stronger, religion was the only bastion of freedom left for many; and the most obvious one -
5. John Paul II was Polish. His entire pontificate was aimed at reinforcing the spirit in Eastern Europe in fight for independence. This is why he was selected in the first place.

These are most definitely not comparable circumstances.

Francis didn't visit VP either, he walked to the Russian embassy I believe. I agree he should be more vocal, though.

@Papertyger

"pissing off our capitalist master's"

Oh dear.

"TheHateIsNotGoodBut the small mater of Putin's stash of nuclear weapons and total lack of conscience? If the world unites and stands up to Putin he'll destroy it all."

Well....if Putin loses the rag, decides to go out in a blaze of glory and presses all 6000 red buttons at once, will anything actually happen? Like, somebody has to drag those yokes out onto the tarmac and point them in the right direction. May require a folie à...deux? trois? cinquante? Are there enough old drunk bitter ex KGB heads who don't give a toss their grandkids with their fingers on the buttons to descend into MADness?

*about their grandkids
I have drink taken so probably not the best commentator on international brinkmanship.
But if we shit the bed about the ICBMs and are afraid to do anything then...well he can take over all the non Nato countries at will. Then invade Poland and what then? Sorry Poland it seems there was a spelling mistake on your annual NATO renewal form you didn't pay your subs by the deadline, here's the Berlitz guide to Russian, good luck?

Is there any way of knowing the truth about Putin's health @WhatsGoingOn2022? There are rumours he has Parkinsons and/or cancer.

Obviously, if the rumours are true then it's worrying as he won't give a fuck about anything except his 'legacy'. Maybe that's why he's been so paranoid about catching Covid. Where is the Pandemic when you need it

@PandoraRocks
Putin’s health has been discussed on this thread, at least once, referenced 06/03/2022 00:12 Kendodd

🤦‍♀️ OP as a Russian with a Ukrainian grandmother, and having lived in both Russia and Ukraine, I have to say unfortunately you completely misunderstood the nation's mentality. A lot of misinformation here. It's terrifying reading this and realising that people are actually absorbing this opinion.

You might have studied this as part of your masters but I have grown up there; I've lived through this for decades. I'm sorry but this is all new to majority of the people, to Russians it's old news and we do know a hell of a lot more on this topic. You got it wrong in most of your points, sad to read really.

@otille

🤦‍♀️ OP as a Russian with a Ukrainian grandmother, and having lived in both Russia and Ukraine, I have to say unfortunately you completely misunderstood the nation's mentality. A lot of misinformation here. It's terrifying reading this and realising that people are actually absorbing this opinion.

You might have studied this as part of your masters but I have grown up there; I've lived through this for decades. I'm sorry but this is all new to majority of the people, to Russians it's old news and we do know a hell of a lot more on this topic. You got it wrong in most of your points, sad to read really.

Can you clarify, which nation’s mentality?