Ukraine Invasion: Part 31

[MagicFox]

31st thread, welcome all and thanks as usual.

That's my hope too: that he saying all this to pull them in ie it's directed at them as well as the west. Join us, they've been bastards to you! Hopefully it doesn't work.

Talking about anti colonialism while attempting one of the most egregious acts of colonialism of the modern age.

Do you think he sounds as deranged to China,India and Iran as he does to us

I don't think anything was said that people were not expecting. I'm quite surprised he didn't reiterate that an attack on the new regions would be considered an attack on Russia and would bare consequences. As its been noted his speech I don't think was aimed at us but at his own people to try and give reasoning behind his invasion.

I would be surprised if China and India aren't holding their heads in their hands (not that China would say anything out loud). Iran is another matter as their leadership is as batshit as Putin.

I know its all very serious but can we take a minute to laugh at how tiny a man Putin is, he must hate it 😂

Agreed, I thought the omission of that threat was quite telling to be honest.

His ranting was entirely predictable, nothing new just more of the same amplified a bit.

Also how cringe was that handshake... like something 10 year old boys do.

I particularly liked that his Botox prevented him from shouting Russia, Russia, Russia to full effect.

Response from the EU:

www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/09/30/statement-by-the-members-of-the-european-council/

Absolutely, he knows the fighting won't stop in the annexed regions. The fact he's asking Ukraine to negotiate is telling aswell rather than asking them to surrender. Sounds like he's going to put all troops in these regions now and ask as if he's being attacked to gain public support.

Yesterday, there was a report on the World Service that Putin was claiming that he was "calling the West's bluff" about nuclear force.

Surely the boot is on the other foot? He's the one who has been bluffing all year.

It reminds me a lot of Trump: if he accused someone of something, that was a sure sign he was doing or had done it himself.

I think he mentioned Ukraine once

@maxsneddon

Putin's key line on nukes: "The US is the only country in history that has ever used nuclear weapons. Creating a precedent, by the way."

Typical Putin: using nuclear weapons is bad, but since the US did it, he would also be justified in doing so to force Ukraine's surrender.

Not a massive fan of Italy's new right-wing President but her words on this matter are spot on "Mr Putin once again demonstrates his Soviet-style, neo-imperialist vision that threatens the security of the entire European continent."

She described the ceremony as a "Kremlin freak show" that was legally meaningless.

Wow good for her

Zelensky's response is very interesting:

"President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is applying for accelerated accession to NATO. He also added that Kyiv does not give up negotiations with Russia, but will do so only with the new Russian president."

Not sure how he plans to apply for NATO membership given the disputed borders - wonder if this is what Jen's Stotenberg's comments later are about, and what the Defence Minister (referred to upthread) meant by good news coming.

God, I'm really nervous about that

My thought is that it will be largely symbolic. I suspect that there will be existing members who are equally nervous.

Catching up on posts. Sex change?

@Ijsbear Ducklings are thriving. Hope the one who got seized by the cat and your Ukrainian guest is ok. I did not think about a tactical nuclear attack on Kjiv but now that you have mentioned it, won't put it past Putin to use that as a spiteful farewell. I can only hope that no one implements his order.

Feel anxious about the NATO statement (joint with UN) tonight. I wonder if ukraine and membership has been discussed prior to putins speech and the speech has green lighted it

I wouldn’t be nervous, it’ll just be to condemn what’s happened today. I really don’t think they’ll do anything escalators as they don’t need to, Putin is digging his own grave.

Escalatory

Statement from President Biden on Russia’s Attempts to Annex Ukrainian Territory
September 30, 2022

The United States condemns Russia’s fraudulent attempt today to annex sovereign Ukrainian territory. Russia is violating international law, trampling on the United Nations Charter, and showing its contempt for peaceful nations everywhere.
 
Make no mistake: these actions have no legitimacy. The United States will always honor Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. We will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to regain control of its territory by strengthening its hand militarily and diplomatically, including through the $1.1 billion in additional security assistance the United States announced this week.
 
In response to Russia’s phony claims of annexation, the United States, together with our Allies and partners, are announcing new sanctions today. These sanctions will impose costs on individuals and entities — inside and outside of Russia — that provide political or economic support to illegal attempts to change the status of Ukrainian territory. We will rally the international community to both denounce these moves and to hold Russia accountable. We will continue to provide Ukraine with the equipment it needs to defend itself, undeterred by Russia’s brazen effort to redraw the borders of its neighbor. And I look forward to signing legislation from Congress that will provide an additional $12 billion to support Ukraine.
 
I urge all members of the international community to reject Russia’s illegal attempts at annexation and to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Hope so Jelly

I fear we are moving towards generalized war. Not because the West wants it but because Putin does and he is actively trying to engineer it. It doesn't take two to make a fight; it takes one bully who starts flailing around with his fists.