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Ukraine Invasion: Part 54

1000 replies

MagicFox · 16/02/2025 18:23

We're on 54. Slava Ukraini πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦
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69
Llttledrummergirl · 17/02/2025 20:41

My hope is that Trump and the shit show he's turned America into, coupled with Musk accessing everyone's information, might just give most people food for thought when placing their votes, particularly in Germany. History has a lot to say.

Trump may have been a wake up call in Europe.

Hillsmakeyoustrong · 17/02/2025 21:32

I think the issue with the far right groups, wherever they are, is that they are typically made up of uneducated males whose perception is that they have been allocated 'bottom of the pile' status by Society. The riots following the Southport murders, last summer, was just a snapshot of the undercurrent of rage felt by these disenfranchised 'patriots.' @Littledrummergirl I'm not sure that these voters are aware of or affected by outcomes in other countries. They are too focused on "making (insert your country's name) great again." That is what my Texan friends were voting for when they voted for Trump, he was the strong arm to an increasingly woke, licentious society, much like Hitler was the answer to communism.

I'm aware that the far right still haven't clinched Europe but it does feel alarmingly close at the moment and I too hope the pendulum swings back!

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 17/02/2025 22:39

I am desperately afraid that the pendulum won't swing back until people have lived under active authoritarianism for some time and have ended up in a war. I sincerely hope that that's just a deep-in-the-night fear.

dibly · 18/02/2025 01:01

I just don’t understand how European peace keepers would work. What happens if Europe goes increasingly far right in different countries election after election and countries then fall away? How long would the peace force need to be there for? Maybe indefinitely- given that Putin waited 8 years between attacking Crimea and 2022. I really want Ukraine to get the best possible deal, and not be betrayed again, but basically that means NATO.

Natsku · 18/02/2025 05:40

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 17/02/2025 22:39

I am desperately afraid that the pendulum won't swing back until people have lived under active authoritarianism for some time and have ended up in a war. I sincerely hope that that's just a deep-in-the-night fear.

That is my fear too

mids2019 · 18/02/2025 07:28

What a diplomatic shit show......

Trump has now started parallel diplomacy between the US and Europe showing strains openly in policy to a gleeful Putin. With the US in talks with Russia now and Europe desperately trying to come up with some way of influencing the negotiations the prospect of a lasting diplomatic argument between the US and Europe will become a reality.

Both Europe and Ukraine are being backed into a corner. Europe is hastily trying to gain consent on a nebulous peacekeeping concept and there is obviously going to be a huge debate about its consistency without the US backing the group. The open argument both within Europe and the US will show fractures to a delighted Putin.

I personally think we can't think about some peace keeping force on Ukrainian soil with negotiations that seem globally chaotic with Russia still believing in a Ukraine win. The situation is far too dangerous and there any be a future point where if major conflict resumes the peace keeping forces are quickly withdrawn for political reasons leading to a huge embarrassment for Europe. We also would definitely back into the world of nuclear sabre rattling and the chances of misstep would be huge especially with doubt of US involement.

Dangerous times. The US should stand down the talks and talk with European leaders including Ukraine for a joint stance before everything goes to shit.

StatuteofLiberty · 18/02/2025 07:43

@Hillsmakeyoustrong I'm not sure how many years ago but a survey did say at some point it was young white men who were the bottom of the pile in the UK.

StatuteofLiberty · 18/02/2025 07:45

@mids2019 surely starmer getting ahead and offering a peace division is also jumping the gun and siding with Trump?
Sholz stormed out of the emergency summit?

notimagain · 18/02/2025 08:03

StatuteofLiberty · 18/02/2025 07:45

@mids2019 surely starmer getting ahead and offering a peace division is also jumping the gun and siding with Trump?
Sholz stormed out of the emergency summit?

Looks horribly like Starmer is/was grandstanding for the sake of the domestic audience who like the idea of the Uk leading Europe.

TBH I think the UK army would be very very pushed to provide a division, and if they could, it wouldn’t be for long.

Igotjelly · 18/02/2025 08:13

The pictures coming out of Saudi of the Russians and US delegation sitting at that table as equals is making me feel nauseous 🀒

Hillsmakeyoustrong · 18/02/2025 08:31

@StatueofLiberty yes im not surprised. I have forgotten the source (apologies) but another report said that white, working class boys in the UK had worse school outcomes than any other demographic. I'm quite sure this is an increasingly disenfranchised cohort who feel powerless, voiceless and displaced. I abhor the far right but I do think we ignore this problem at our peril.

Llttledrummergirl · 18/02/2025 08:33

I wonder if the Saudis will push for Ukraine? That would make those talks more palatable.

Igotjelly · 18/02/2025 08:40

Llttledrummergirl · 18/02/2025 08:33

I wonder if the Saudis will push for Ukraine? That would make those talks more palatable.

I would highly doubt it.

1dayatatime · 18/02/2025 08:48

@StatuteofLiberty

"@mids2019 surely starmer getting ahead and offering a peace division is also jumping the gun and siding with Trump?
Sholz stormed out of the emergency summit?"

Starmer offered peace keeping troops in a desperate attempt for the UK to be seen (to the US) as relevant and actually doing something.

Scholz stormed out because there is an election in Germany this weekend and a public commitment to be sending German troops on the ground to Ukraine would be massively unpopular (as it would in the UK) and a guaranteed vote loser.

Sadly it seems that European nations and voters are quick to insist that the US troops are on the ground in the US and that the US taxpayer supports Ukraine with military aid. But when it comes to doing the same then they quietly back away with excuses like "well it's complicated you see etc etc "

The real appeasement has been European countries spending less than 2% GDP on defence for decades, not the US.

For example Spain has been spending less than 1.3% for years - this is taking the piss and then they wonder why their opinions are irrelevant on Ukraine.

Igotjelly · 18/02/2025 09:32

Breaking news out of the Kremlin is that Putin is ready and willing to speak to Zelenskyy as part of the negotiations.

StatuteofLiberty · 18/02/2025 09:46

@1dayatatime thanks so it looks like they think that starmer has also undermined negotiations.

1dayatatime · 18/02/2025 10:42

StatuteofLiberty · 18/02/2025 09:46

@1dayatatime thanks so it looks like they think that starmer has also undermined negotiations.

I think Starmer is trying to keep a foot in both camps and act as some kind of bridge between the US and the EU. But his announcement about putting British troops on the ground as peacekeepers in Ukraine is undeliverable because the UK simply doesn't have the military capability to do this. So it's an empty offer.

Scholz is more focused on the German election this weekend and knows any announcement about German troops on the ground in Ukraine will be a vote loser.

And the rest of European NATO countries are facing the harsh reality that when you spend less than 2% of GDP on defence for decades and are unwilling to put your troops in harms way but expect the US and Europe S taxpayers to do it for you then your opinion becomes irrelevant.

Meanwhile whilst these embarrassing European squabbles carry on, Ukraine continues to suffer and gets thrown under a bus.

StatuteofLiberty · 18/02/2025 10:44

@littledrummergirl
Well he wasn't a wake up call last time

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 18/02/2025 10:47

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️ US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia begin (https://kyivindependent.com/us-russia-talks-in-saudi-arabia-begin/).
Though the U.S. and Russia are meeting without Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky will also head to Saudi Arabia this week.

⚑️'Now is a critical moment' β€” EU chief von der Leyen meets (kyivindependent.com/now-is-a-critical-moment-eu-chief-von-der-leyen-meets-kellogg-to-discuss-ukraine/) Kellogg to discuss Ukraine.

⚑️Ukraine 'progresses meaningfully' in talks on foreign troop presence (kyivindependent.com/foreign-military-contingent-in-ukraine-could-lead-to-unified-european-force-zelensky-says/), Zelensky says.
Ukraine has made progress towards establishing a foreign military contingent on its territory, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 17, following his visit to the United Arab Emirates.
Zelensky described the development as a concrete step beyond diplomatic discussions, signaling a shift toward tangible international security cooperation.

⚑️'Europe is ready and willing to step up (kyivindependent.com/europe-is-ready-and-willing-to-step-up-rutte-on-security-guarantees-for-ukraine/)' β€” Rutte on security guarantees for Ukraine.
Europe is ready and willing to take a leadership role in providing Ukraine with security guarantees, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte wrote on Feb. 17 on X

⚑️Up to 30,000 European troops reportedly (kyivindependent.com/up-to-30-000-european-troops-may-be-reportedly-deployed-to-monitor-ukraine-ceasefire/) could be deployed to monitor Ukraine ceasefire, Washington Post reports.

⚑️'Hot phase' of war in Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/russias-un-envoy-says-hot-phase-of-ukraine-invasion-may-soon-end-with-republican-us-leadership/) may 'end soon' with new US leadership, Russian UN envoy says.

⚑️'US is saying things that are very pleasant for Putin' β€” Zelensky warns (kyivindependent.com/us-is-saying-things-that-are-very-pleasant-for-putin-zelensky-says-ahead-of-us-russia-meeting/) against peace deal without Ukraine's participation ahead of US-Russia meeting.

⚑️Macron pushes for strong security guarantees (kyivindependent.com/macron-pushes-for-strong-security-guarantees-for-ukraine-after-talks-with-trump-zelensky/) for Ukraine after talks with Trump, Zelensky.

⚑️Ukraine calls for Europe to appoint (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-calls-for-europe-to-appoint-high-level-negotiator-for-us-russia-peace-talks/) high-level negotiator for US, Russia peace talks.

⚑️ 'Drone sanctions (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hit-oil-refinery-in-russias-krasnodar-krai-largest-oil-pumping-station-of-caspian-pipeline-consortium-sbu-source-says/)' β€” Ukraine strikes Ilsky Oil Refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, SBU source says.

⚑️Russia close (kyivindependent.com/russia-close-to-deal-with-syria-for-post-assad-military-presence-bloomberg-reports/) to deal with Syria for post-Assad military presence, Bloomberg reports.
Russia is reportedly nearing a deal with Syria to maintain a limited military presence in the country after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 17, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Since Assad's overthrow in December, Russia has begun withdrawing military assets from Syria, raising doubts about its future role in the region.

⚑️Over 10,000 applications to join military submitted (kyivindependent.com/over-10-000-applications-to-join-military-received-from-young-recruits-following-introduction-of-special-contracts-defense-ministry-says/) by young recruits following introduction of 'special contracts,' Defense Ministry says.
The contracts, aimed at recruiting additional military personnel who are not subject to mobilization, provide a number of benefits, including a Hr 1 million ($24,000) annual salary, 0% interest mortgage rates, and free higher education.
Ukraine's Defense Ministry also said those who complete one year of service would be allowed to travel abroad. Currently, with a few exemptions, all men aged 18-60 are prohibited from travelling overseas while martial law is in place.

Ukraine’s long-awaited weapons tech investment boom is finally kicking off (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-long-awaited-weapons-tech-investment-boom-is-finally-kicking-off/)
Ukrainian weapons startups are finally seeing an inflow of funds from Western investors who have long been intrigued by the Ukraine's defense tech sector but have so far kept their money out of the war-torn country.

Kurt Volker's guide to US-Russia Ukraine peace talks in Saudi Arabia (https://kyivindependent.com/an-experts-guide-to-us-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-in-saudi-arabia/)
The Kyiv Independent asked Ambassador Kurt Volker, who served as the U.S. special representative for Ukraine negotiations in 2017-2019, and U.S. ambassador to NATO in 2008-2009, for his thoughts.

⚑️Media investigation identifies (kyivindependent.com/media-investigation-identifies-over-93-000-russian-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine/) over 93,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine.

⚑️Ukraine wins (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-wins-30-medals-at-invictus-games/) 30 medals at Invictus Games.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦β€¬ - FEB 18, 2025
β–  Casualties below avg while casualties slightly above it
β–  Equipment below avg but drone & artillery losses above it
β–  Visually confirmed: 45 πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί 22 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ (2.0x), last 30 days 1.3x
β–  Fewer strikes, ratio stays in the single-digits

Ukraine Invasion: Part 54
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 18/02/2025 10:57

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

⚑️ Ukraine was not informed about the negotiations in Saudi Arabia, will not participate in them, and will not recognize any agreements, β€” Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy said that China could take part in peace talks but emphasized that only countries ready to take responsibility for security guarantees, support Ukraine, and help stop Russian aggression should be at the negotiating table.

❗️Greece to transfer all 32 of its F-16 Block 30 to Ukraine β€” Le Monde

❗️Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will discuss lowering oil prices in Saudi Arabia, a proposal previously put forward by US President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy believes that reducing prices could accelerate efforts to end the war. He also noted that Trump has the greatest leverage over the energy sector and that lower oil prices would weaken Putin’s position.

Zelenskyy believes the Munich Conference energized Europe and sped up processes crucial for Ukraine.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and a member of the Russian delegation, stated that Russia and the United States should move toward joint projects, including in the Arctic.
He noted that the current US administration "is ready to listen to and understand Russia's position" and suggested that progress in negotiations "is possible in the next two to three months."
Meanwhile, the Arctic LNG-2 plant, one of Russia's largest projects, has nearly halted operations due to US sanctions.

French President Emmanuel Macron shared his impressions of the emergency summit in Paris, mentioning that he had spoken with both Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy afterward.
He emphasized that the leaders agree on the need for Europe to invest more in its defense and strengthen its competitiveness to meet current and future challenges.

❗️Zaporizhzhia NPP should be part of security guarantee conditions, said President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He emphasized that nuclear power plants saved Ukraine’s population from a total energy catastrophe during three winters.

US President Donald Trump said today that he is ready to allow European countries to buy American-made weapons for transfer to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a video meeting with Ukrainian journalists, emphasized the need for a dedicated fund to finance the Ukrainian army.

Several β€œpacifying” or β€œdeterrent” brigades of 25,000 to 30,000 troops are the latest version of the European peacekeeping plan for Ukraine, The Washington Post reports.
These forces will not be deployed directly on the front lines but will remain on standby to demonstrate force in case of renewed Russian aggression. They will also be able to quickly receive reinforcements from outside Ukraine if needed.
France has taken the lead in military planning and estimates it can send nearly 10,000 troops. Other European allies remain more cautious or face resource limitations, two sources told the publication.

❗️ Germany has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, the government said.
It includes 56 MRAP armored vehicles, ammunition for Leopard 1 tanks and Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and 282,000 rounds for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. The package also provides Gepard ammunition, missiles for IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS air defense systems, and four Zuzana 2 howitzers as part of a joint project with Norway and Denmark.
Additionally, Ukraine will receive 50,000 155 mm and 2,000 122 mm artillery shells, 300 HF-1 strike drones, and 51 Vector reconnaissance drones with spare parts. The package includes 245 RQ-35 Heidrun, 29 Songbird, and 14 Hornet XR reconnaissance drones, as well as demining equipment, over 600 laser rangefinders, and vehicles for border guards.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that financial assistance to Ukraine from the EU could reach 700 billion euros.

Russia is likely to keep a reduced military presence in Syria even after the fall of the Assad regime, which Putin supported, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.
While there is no guarantee of an agreement, Bloomberg notes that the first-ever phone call between the new Syrian president and Putin on Wednesday signals growing momentum.
If finalized, the deal would mark Russia’s second major foreign policy success this month, following the US announcement of peace talks with Russia on Ukraine. It also suggests improving ties between Moscow and Syria’s new leadership.
Sources say Russia could assist in combating the Islamic State in eastern Syria and help Syrian leaders counter Turkey’s growing influence.
Some European officials have pushed for Russia's full withdrawal from Syria. However, othersβ€”especially in southern Europeβ€”worry that losing its bases in Syria could lead Moscow to refocus on Libya.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 54
blueshoes · 18/02/2025 10:59

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-17-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kremlin reiterated its demands that Ukraine cede additional territory in eastern and southern Ukraine to Russia and disband the Ukrainian military in the future while continuing to message that the Kremlin is unwilling to make territorial concessions itself in any future peace negotiations.
  • Lavrov and Nebenzya also categorically rejected European involvement in future peace negotiations and accused European countries of being aggressive toward Russia.
  • The Kremlin also appears to be resurrecting Putin's previous demands and information operations aimed at delegitimizing Ukraine and its government in the eyes of the West – notably ahead of the February 18 Russia-US bilateral meeting in Saudi Arabia.
  • The Russian delegation participating in Russian-American talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 18 does not include one of the members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's innermost circle who had been reported as a likely negotiator.
  • Ukrainian forces continue to conduct drone strikes against Russian energy facilities supplying the Russian military.
  • Russian commanders continue to give orders for Russian forces to execute Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) on the frontline.
  • Unspecified sources told Bloomberg that Russia appears to be nearing a deal with the Syrian interim government to maintain a β€œreduced” military presence in Syria.
  • Russian forces advanced near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka.
  • Russian occupation authorities continue to violate the Geneva Convention by conscripting civilians in occupied Ukraine to serve in the Russian military.
* *
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 18/02/2025 11:03

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

The US will not force Ukraine to sign a peace deal but will listen to all parties involved β€” Keith Kellogg

EU leaders in Paris urged Ukraine not to cease fire without a peace deal β€” Reuters
Europe is ready to offer security guarantees, but they will be β€œconsidered individually, depending on the level of US support.”

Suffering catastrophic losses and replacing thousands of destroyed tanks and armored vehicles with waves of infantry, Russia continues to push forward, hoping to outlast Ukraine and its Western allies.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/47288

Political infighting? Russia fines its own Central Bank for weapon storage violations.
www.kyivpost.com/post/47296

After a week of intense talks on both sides of the Atlantic, Kyiv Post talks to Ukrainians in the capital about their feelings on a potential US-brokered peace deal and what it means for Ukraine.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/47305

Zelenskyi has arrived in Turkey for a meeting with Erdoğan.
Key topics on the agenda: prisoner exchanges and food security.

On the sidelines of the 61st Munich Security Conference Bill Browder, who spearheaded the Magnitsky campaign against Russia, gives his take on options after the war in Ukraine ends.
www.kyivpost.com/post/47327

Russian drones attacked residential buildings in Kirovohrad overnight. Among the victims β€” a mother and two children.
Rescue efforts continue.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 18/02/2025 11:10

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️❗️FT: Trump may withdraw (archive.ph/UTpRt#selection-2471.0-2475.195) troops from the Baltic states at Putin’s request.
Putin wants NATO to completely remove its forces from all former Soviet states. European politicians fear that U.S. President Donald Trump might agree to this and pull American troops from the region. Some American diplomats share these concerns.

❗️European leaders failed to agree on sending troops to Ukraine, Politico reports.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated after the meeting that any discussions about deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine are β€œcompletely premature” and β€œhighly inappropriate” while the war is ongoing.
Danish representative Mette Frederiksen noted that β€œmany, many” aspects need to be clarified before troops could be sent to Ukraine.
Politico highlights that European leaders did not present any new joint initiatives and instead repeated β€œbanalities” about supporting Ukraine and increasing defense spending.
β–ͺ️The day before, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated for the first time that his country is ready to deploy troops to Ukraine to implement any peace agreement.
β–ͺ️Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Poland will not send its military to Ukraine as a security guarantee after a potential ceasefire with Russia but will continue supporting Kyiv as before.

Putin is ready for negotiations with Zelensky but questions his legitimacy, says Peskov

Strike on the Chornobyl NPP shelter: Rescuers are still working to eliminate the consequences.
Currently, three groups of climbers are partially dismantling the shelter’s structures and extinguishing three smoldering insulation spots on the roof. Radiation levels remain within normal limits.
Fires are preventing the start of repair work. The rescue operation is further complicated by subzero temperatures, snow, and ice formation on the structure.

πŸ‡΅πŸ‡±Poland will not send its soldiers to Ukraine but will support other countries.
This was stated by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He added that countries discussing security guarantees for Ukraine must be 100% sure they can provide them.

Ukraine and the UAE have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
The document provides for free trade and market access liberalization for both countries. In particular, 99% of Ukrainian goods will gain full access to the UAE market.
The agreement also covers services, investments, and the digital economy. Ukrainian exports are expected to grow in key sectors such as metallurgy and the food industry.

Potential Peace Deal Between Ukraine and Russia – NYT Analysis (www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/world/europe/russia-ukraine-peace-explained.html)
Currently, Ukraine finds itself isolated, as President Zelensky was not invited to discussions this week between Trump’s aides and their Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia. European nations may also be excluded, despite their combined aid to Ukraine exceeding $140 billion since the war began. Trump stated that he is β€œlikely” to meet with Putin in Saudi Arabia.
Ukraine insists on not recognizing any changes to its borders. Meanwhile, Russia claims not only the approximately 20% of Ukraine it currently occupies but also additional territories in four regions that it does not fully control. A possible compromise might involve freezing the conflict, with Russia retaining control over captured territories but halting further military actions, while Ukraine and the West do not formally recognize the annexation.
The agreement could stipulate that territorial disputes will be resolved through peaceful means at some future dateβ€”perhaps in 10 or 15 years.
Ukraine sees NATO membership as essential for its security, while Russia views it as a threat. The Trump administration has already signaled that it expects Russia to prevail on this issue. Leaving the door open for Ukraine’s EU accession might be presented as a compromise.
Without NATO membership, President Zelensky has proposed stationing 200,000 foreign troops in Ukraine to ensure any ceasefire holds. However, analysts suggest that the West would be unable to deploy such a large force. As a compromise, a smaller international contingent of 7,500 troops, drawn from countries acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine, could be deployed to maintain peace along the front line.
The durability of any peace agreement may depend on the details of the ceasefire arrangement. Key aspects include defining the separation line, establishing a buffer zone between forces, and implementing monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.
Putin claims that his war is not just about Ukraine but also about reshaping Europe’s security architecture. Russia may demand concessions beyond Ukraine, such as halting NATO’s eastward expansion and withdrawing troops from certain parts of Europe. America’s allies may argue that such NATO retrenchment would increase the risk of Russian aggression against countries like Poland.

🀑Alexander Dugin, a key ideologue of Vladimir Putin’s regime, has made statements suggesting that Russia could occupy Germany and divide it with the United States.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 54
1dayatatime · 18/02/2025 11:28

StatuteofLiberty · 18/02/2025 10:44

@littledrummergirl
Well he wasn't a wake up call last time

Harsh but true.

Maybe the European NATO countries either don't see Russia as a threat (which would be incredibly naive) or don't care enough to increase their defence spending (which would be incredibly stupid).

Igotjelly · 18/02/2025 11:34

1dayatatime · 18/02/2025 11:28

Harsh but true.

Maybe the European NATO countries either don't see Russia as a threat (which would be incredibly naive) or don't care enough to increase their defence spending (which would be incredibly stupid).

I think it’s more that the peace dividend has lulled people into a sense that it couldn’t possibly happen again in Europe. Which is obviously a dangerously naive assumption.

That and spending on defence is unpopular with the general public in a time when they are facing increasing pressures in multiple areas of life and they don’t understand or comprehend the immediacy of the risk. Functioning democracy is great but it leaves Govts reliant on public opinion which in Europe has for years seen war as someone else’s problem.

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