AnnieA
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Countdown to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Thread starter Irwin
- Start date
Tish
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Murrmurr
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Looks that way.
US military and intelligence have been fractured and basically snoozing since the wall came down, Soviet side has struggled economically but probably got more support from the CCP than we're aware of ...because we been snoozing. I'm afraid we aren't prepared for what could go down.
Murrmurr
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True about waiting for an opportunity to attack the west.. His upper echelon are far more concerned about the sanctions. That could get interesting. I wonder if they would go as far as an assassination?
AnnieA
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One Russian born journalist (Julia Ioffe) with a Princeton degree in history with an emphasis in Soviet history --I posted about her in a PBS thread several days ago-- thinks there are three or four running the show and that Putin is the most sane of them all.
(edited to add Putin in the total number)
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Murrmurr
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So, an assassination is within the realm of possibilities.
Tish
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Good God in heaven, we are well and properly screwed
Tish
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So praying for that.
Harry Le Hermit
Member
There seems to be an assumption that things would be better if Putin were to somehow leave office and that democracy and western style thinking would reign throughout.
While he might be surrounded with "yes" men, it is not inconceivable that one or more have a substantial thirst for power and after saying yes, yes and yes, might see (and have helped create) a weakened Putin and therefore an opening to seize that power. Not exactly someone having moral scruples in my opinion.
While he might be surrounded with "yes" men, it is not inconceivable that one or more have a substantial thirst for power and after saying yes, yes and yes, might see (and have helped create) a weakened Putin and therefore an opening to seize that power. Not exactly someone having moral scruples in my opinion.
AnnieA
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I'm beginning to think he's never been at it totally alone. Just like our leaders have since the 80s (with one exception) have had puppet masters, he has as well ...or at least a circle of a few who rule together with him.
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Murrmurr
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I agree. I don't assume a Putin assassination or arrest would improve the situation. But I do assume it's a possibility.
Jules
SF VIP
The was an interesting, if disturbing, talk she gave.
mellowyellow
Well-known Member
WASHINGTON, March 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal, a rare show of unity in the deeply divided Congress.
Furryanimal
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LVIV/KYIV, Ukraine, March 16 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday peace talks were sounding more realistic but more time was needed, as Russian air strikes killed five people in the capital Kyiv and the refugee tally from Moscow's invasion reached 3 million.
They continue today.
They continue today.
Furryanimal
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It’ll be a surprise when we are nuked!
The UK Government has no active system in place to provide the public with early warning of a nuclear attack despite the possibility of Nato nations becoming embroiled in Russia’s war in Ukraine,’ i‘can reveal.
Civil defence, military and local council sources have all confirmed no UK cities have had air raid sirens or civil defence systems in place since they were wound up at the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s.
The Government has been working on a new emergency system that will use push text alerts to mobile devices since last year, but disputes between ministers over which Government department will pay for it has led to delays in its implementation.
One senior advisor to the Cabinet Office told i that in the event of an attack, especially if the war in Ukraine escalates to Nato nations, the UK is “totally unprepared” to advise the public on how to best protect themselves.
President Vladimir Putin has around 4,500 operational nuclear warheads and has put his forces on heightened alert in the event that he chooses to use them against Ukraine or any other nation.
Last weekend, cabinet member Michael Gove was asked whether the possibility that the Putin regime could use nuclear weapons was a real concern for the UK government.
“Yes,” he said, adding Putin was capable of “terrible, terrible violence”.
Despite such a concern over Putin’s potential to use nuclear weapons among senior ministers, the Cabinet Office refused to comment on when the new emergency alert system would be operational
The UK Government has no active system in place to provide the public with early warning of a nuclear attack despite the possibility of Nato nations becoming embroiled in Russia’s war in Ukraine,’ i‘can reveal.
Civil defence, military and local council sources have all confirmed no UK cities have had air raid sirens or civil defence systems in place since they were wound up at the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s.
The Government has been working on a new emergency system that will use push text alerts to mobile devices since last year, but disputes between ministers over which Government department will pay for it has led to delays in its implementation.
One senior advisor to the Cabinet Office told i that in the event of an attack, especially if the war in Ukraine escalates to Nato nations, the UK is “totally unprepared” to advise the public on how to best protect themselves.
President Vladimir Putin has around 4,500 operational nuclear warheads and has put his forces on heightened alert in the event that he chooses to use them against Ukraine or any other nation.
Last weekend, cabinet member Michael Gove was asked whether the possibility that the Putin regime could use nuclear weapons was a real concern for the UK government.
“Yes,” he said, adding Putin was capable of “terrible, terrible violence”.
Despite such a concern over Putin’s potential to use nuclear weapons among senior ministers, the Cabinet Office refused to comment on when the new emergency alert system would be operational
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Paco Dennis
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hollydolly
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I suspect Russia didn't realise or was unprepared for the backlash from the west in this age... Rather than immediate backlash in war.....but cutting them off from western civilisation... removing services and goods that Russian People have become used to , such as Amazon, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, KFC, and McDonalds have all ceased trading.
BP & Shell closed their petrol and aviation fuelling stations in Russia.
Apple , Amazon, Google and Tik-Tok, have all suspended services to Russia.
Samsung has suspended shipments The South Korean tech company is Russia’s largest smartphone manufacturer.
Airbnb has blocked Russians from booking rooms on its platform and dropped Russian listings from its site.
Mastercard suspended its network services in Russia at the weekend. Russian banks will no longer be supported by the Mastercard network regardless of whether their cards are used inside or outside the country.
Other consumer-facing brands that have halted sales in Russia include the UK carmakers Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin.
Internationally, Ford, GE, Ferrari and Mercedes Benz owner Daimler have all curtailed operations in the country. US motorcycle maker Harley Davidson has also suspended all business.
Many fashion brands and retailers are taking part in the boycott.
At the top of the market, Burberry, Canada Goose and LVMH - owner of luxury brands including Louis Vuitton - have stopped shipments and shut shops in a blow to oligarchs.
Retailers including H&M and Zara-owner Inditex have curtailed activities in Russia.
And brands ranging from Levi to Adidas and Nike have stopped shipping to the country. IKEA and Lego have also joined the international corporate shunning.
Russians are also having their entertainment cut off: streaming services Netflix has suspended operations there and studios including Disney, Warner Brothers, Sony and Universal have pledged not to release new films there for the foreseeable future.
Spotify has shut its offices in Russia in response to what it called Moscow’s “unprovoked attack” on Ukraine.
The exodus extends to finance and professional services: UK-based “big four” business consultants and accountants – Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC – have insisted they will shut their Russia offices. Most major consultants, including Bain and McKinsey, have cut back on business.
Banks are pulling out too, including major international players HSBC and JPMorgan.
Russians are also having their entertainment cut off: streaming services Netflix has suspended operations there and studios including Disney, Warner Brothers, Sony and Universal have pledged not to release new films there for the foreseeable future.
Spotify has shut its offices in Russia in response to what it called Moscow’s “unprovoked attack” on Ukraine.
Instead of closing its sites in Russia, Burger King is said to be donating the profits from its 800 franchised restaurants in Russia to Ukrainian relief efforts.
BP & Shell closed their petrol and aviation fuelling stations in Russia.
Apple , Amazon, Google and Tik-Tok, have all suspended services to Russia.
Samsung has suspended shipments The South Korean tech company is Russia’s largest smartphone manufacturer.
Airbnb has blocked Russians from booking rooms on its platform and dropped Russian listings from its site.
Mastercard suspended its network services in Russia at the weekend. Russian banks will no longer be supported by the Mastercard network regardless of whether their cards are used inside or outside the country.
Other consumer-facing brands that have halted sales in Russia include the UK carmakers Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin.
Internationally, Ford, GE, Ferrari and Mercedes Benz owner Daimler have all curtailed operations in the country. US motorcycle maker Harley Davidson has also suspended all business.
Many fashion brands and retailers are taking part in the boycott.
At the top of the market, Burberry, Canada Goose and LVMH - owner of luxury brands including Louis Vuitton - have stopped shipments and shut shops in a blow to oligarchs.
Retailers including H&M and Zara-owner Inditex have curtailed activities in Russia.
And brands ranging from Levi to Adidas and Nike have stopped shipping to the country. IKEA and Lego have also joined the international corporate shunning.
Russians are also having their entertainment cut off: streaming services Netflix has suspended operations there and studios including Disney, Warner Brothers, Sony and Universal have pledged not to release new films there for the foreseeable future.
Spotify has shut its offices in Russia in response to what it called Moscow’s “unprovoked attack” on Ukraine.
The exodus extends to finance and professional services: UK-based “big four” business consultants and accountants – Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC – have insisted they will shut their Russia offices. Most major consultants, including Bain and McKinsey, have cut back on business.
Banks are pulling out too, including major international players HSBC and JPMorgan.
Russians are also having their entertainment cut off: streaming services Netflix has suspended operations there and studios including Disney, Warner Brothers, Sony and Universal have pledged not to release new films there for the foreseeable future.
Spotify has shut its offices in Russia in response to what it called Moscow’s “unprovoked attack” on Ukraine.
Instead of closing its sites in Russia, Burger King is said to be donating the profits from its 800 franchised restaurants in Russia to Ukrainian relief efforts.
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Furryanimal
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FT: Ukraine, Russia draw up tentative peace plan to end war.
The 15-point draft deal includes a ceasefire and Russian troop withdrawal if Kyiv renounces NATO membership ambitions and accepts limits on its armed forces.
hollydolly
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hmmm... so where does it end ?.. This is a real concern...Russia or any other country could use the same tactics on any country to get them to give into their demands ..just bomb the crap outta them until they do as they're told...The 15-point draft deal includes a ceasefire and Russian troop withdrawal if Kyiv renounces NATO membership ambitions and accepts limits on its armed forces.
Ukraine has lost 2 cities, and 3 million people. 3 Million people have lost their homes... and hundreds have died..including children.. and young men barely out of school who were sent to their deaths under the guise of protecting Ukraine rather than attacking..
Ukraine may want to have this all stopped of course, who wouldn't but at what price to them, and what price to the world from Bullying countries.. if they give into these demands ?
AnnieA
Well-known Member
- Location
- Down South
Exactly. This guy tweets really long threads (interesting ones) and he's usually right on the mark. When he refers in point #3 of above the second pic to "Comes out a saviour" it's because point #1 "Manufacture a conflict" always involves some spin about keeping Russia safe. One commenter in the thread said it's like negotiating with an arsonist to put out a fire.
*Easier way to read Galeev's threads: https://threadreaderapp.com/user/kamilkazani
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Murrmurr
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A possible invitation for Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and maybe Moldova to allow US military bases and build-up.The 15-point draft deal includes a ceasefire and Russian troop withdrawal if Kyiv renounces NATO membership ambitions and accepts limits on its armed forces.
Furryanimal
Y gath o Gymru
- Location
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This was always going to happen.
And could have been agreed before it even started.
Nothing unexpected but Zelensky is a realist.
Most of his enormous country is actually still intact and he wants to keep it that way.
It will take years for Ukraine to recover from this but Putin won’t be in power forever.
It seems generally agreed he is terminally ill.
But assuming my friend is okay I know what she will think of this.
But we were agreed Ukraine could never win.
And better this than more needless death and destruction.
If it was us Putin was doing this to I’d want such a deal too.
hollydolly
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- London England
Putin, today sent a chilling warning to the West and oligarchs telling 'scum' traitors that Russians will 'spit them out like a midge that flew into their mouths' - as he claimed Western 'attempts to have global dominance' is coming to an end.
The Russian President, speaking in a bombastic televised address from the Kremlin nearly three weeks into Moscow's invasion, warned the West would use 'those who earn their money here, but live over there' as a 'fifth column' to 'divide our society'.
'I do not judge those with villas in Miami or the French Riviera. Or who can't get by without oysters or foie gras or so-called 'gender freedoms.' The problem is they mentally exist there, and not here, with our people, with Russia,' he said. 'The West will try to bet on the so-called fifth column, on traitors... to divide our society.. to provoke civil confrontation... to strive to achieve its aim. And there is one aim - the destruction of Russia.'
He claimed that the conflict was merely a pretext for the West to impose sanctions because 'they just don't want a strong and sovereign Russia' and insisted the 'military operation' in Ukraine is going to plan despite his troops' advance remaining largely stalled on the outskirts of Kyiv. But he also told Russians, in words ironically reminiscent of Zelensky's speeches, that 'we are fighting for our sovereignty and the future of our children'.
It is the latest in the propaganda pushed by Moscow in a bid to justify their invasion of Ukraine to Russian citizens - including claims the war is about 'de-nazifying' the country and preventing a genocide of minorities waged by Kyiv.
Putin spoke as Zelensky spoke to US lawmakers in a landmark virtual address to Congress in which he invoked Pearl Harbour, the 9/11 attacks and Martin Luther King Jr as he called for greater Western intervention against Russia.
In a coordinated move last month Britain, the US, Canada and the EU, barred Moscow from the Swift international banking system to prevent the Russian Central Bank from deploying its international reserves 'in ways that undermine the impact of our sanctions'.
The states have since imposed a sweeping range of sanctions on exports of champagne, high-end cars, fashion apparel, expensive electronics, sports gear and even vodka among other things as they attempt to bring the Russian economy to its knees in a punishment over Putin's war in Ukraine.
And in the most recent measures, hundreds of Russian oligarchs, organisations and individuals are set to be hit with sanctions from the Government after a fast-tracked bill to target 'dirty money' in the UK is passed. Several oligarchs, including Chelsea owner Roman Abramovitch, have already been targeted with sanctions.
Video of Putin talking here... https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...ests-attempt-global-dominance-coming-end.html
The Russian President, speaking in a bombastic televised address from the Kremlin nearly three weeks into Moscow's invasion, warned the West would use 'those who earn their money here, but live over there' as a 'fifth column' to 'divide our society'.
'I do not judge those with villas in Miami or the French Riviera. Or who can't get by without oysters or foie gras or so-called 'gender freedoms.' The problem is they mentally exist there, and not here, with our people, with Russia,' he said. 'The West will try to bet on the so-called fifth column, on traitors... to divide our society.. to provoke civil confrontation... to strive to achieve its aim. And there is one aim - the destruction of Russia.'
He claimed that the conflict was merely a pretext for the West to impose sanctions because 'they just don't want a strong and sovereign Russia' and insisted the 'military operation' in Ukraine is going to plan despite his troops' advance remaining largely stalled on the outskirts of Kyiv. But he also told Russians, in words ironically reminiscent of Zelensky's speeches, that 'we are fighting for our sovereignty and the future of our children'.
It is the latest in the propaganda pushed by Moscow in a bid to justify their invasion of Ukraine to Russian citizens - including claims the war is about 'de-nazifying' the country and preventing a genocide of minorities waged by Kyiv.
Putin spoke as Zelensky spoke to US lawmakers in a landmark virtual address to Congress in which he invoked Pearl Harbour, the 9/11 attacks and Martin Luther King Jr as he called for greater Western intervention against Russia.
In a coordinated move last month Britain, the US, Canada and the EU, barred Moscow from the Swift international banking system to prevent the Russian Central Bank from deploying its international reserves 'in ways that undermine the impact of our sanctions'.
The states have since imposed a sweeping range of sanctions on exports of champagne, high-end cars, fashion apparel, expensive electronics, sports gear and even vodka among other things as they attempt to bring the Russian economy to its knees in a punishment over Putin's war in Ukraine.
And in the most recent measures, hundreds of Russian oligarchs, organisations and individuals are set to be hit with sanctions from the Government after a fast-tracked bill to target 'dirty money' in the UK is passed. Several oligarchs, including Chelsea owner Roman Abramovitch, have already been targeted with sanctions.
Video of Putin talking here... https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...ests-attempt-global-dominance-coming-end.html
hollydolly
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Ukraine has today rejected a Russian plan to become 'neutral' like Sweden or Austria as the warring sides try to hash out a deal to end the bloodshed in eastern Europe.
Moscow is thought to be demanding that Ukraine refuse to join any military alliance or host foreign military bases on its soil in exchange for a ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops currently terrorising the country.
But Kyiv has said any deal will need to include security guarantees underwritten by 'international partners' who would agree to come to Ukraine's defence in the event it is attacked again.
Mikhailo Podolyak, Ukraine's top negotiator, said the international community cannot be allowed 'to stand aside in the event of an attack on Ukraine, as they do today' should fighting restart.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today confirmed that neutrality is taking centre stage with Moscow and Kyiv 'close to agreeing' the wording of an agreement, as it was revealed a 15-point plan for peace is being discussed.
The plan includes 'limits' on Ukraine's armed forces in return for Russia withdrawing from areas captured since the start of war on February 24, including along the Black Sea coast in the south, and Ukraine's northern and eastern borders.
But it is unclear what would become of Crimea - which Russia insists must be recognised as part of its territory - and Donetsk and Luhansk - which the Kremlin says should be recognised as independent.
Putin insists that the whole of Donetsk and Luhansk - known as the Donbass - should split from Ukraine, and not just the parts occupied by pro-Moscow rebel forces before fighting broke out. It is unclear if Kyiv would agree to such terms.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...s-neutrality-Ukraine-seriously-discussed.html
Moscow is thought to be demanding that Ukraine refuse to join any military alliance or host foreign military bases on its soil in exchange for a ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops currently terrorising the country.
But Kyiv has said any deal will need to include security guarantees underwritten by 'international partners' who would agree to come to Ukraine's defence in the event it is attacked again.
Mikhailo Podolyak, Ukraine's top negotiator, said the international community cannot be allowed 'to stand aside in the event of an attack on Ukraine, as they do today' should fighting restart.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today confirmed that neutrality is taking centre stage with Moscow and Kyiv 'close to agreeing' the wording of an agreement, as it was revealed a 15-point plan for peace is being discussed.
The plan includes 'limits' on Ukraine's armed forces in return for Russia withdrawing from areas captured since the start of war on February 24, including along the Black Sea coast in the south, and Ukraine's northern and eastern borders.
But it is unclear what would become of Crimea - which Russia insists must be recognised as part of its territory - and Donetsk and Luhansk - which the Kremlin says should be recognised as independent.
Putin insists that the whole of Donetsk and Luhansk - known as the Donbass - should split from Ukraine, and not just the parts occupied by pro-Moscow rebel forces before fighting broke out. It is unclear if Kyiv would agree to such terms.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...s-neutrality-Ukraine-seriously-discussed.html
The 15 point agreement was Russia proposal. However, Podolyak ejected the claims via Twitter, saying: "Briefly. FT published a draft, which represents the requesting position of the Russian side. Nothing more. The Ukraine side has its own positions."
https://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-and-russia-draw-up-15-point-ceasefire-peace-plan-150220659.html
Among them was limit Ukraine military. No mention of reparations for Russian damage done. And implied trust Putin. On top of that some Russian lawmakers want USA to pay reparations to Russia because of sanctions. Also some want Alaska and part of California back.
https://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-and-russia-draw-up-15-point-ceasefire-peace-plan-150220659.html
Among them was limit Ukraine military. No mention of reparations for Russian damage done. And implied trust Putin. On top of that some Russian lawmakers want USA to pay reparations to Russia because of sanctions. Also some want Alaska and part of California back.