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Which makes sense. The Ukrainian tactic seems to be making a big deal about preparing for an offensive in one area. Russians gather up who they can and send them in that direction,. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian army offensive is actually back at the original area, which is now less well defended.
Wouldn't want reporters giving their moves away.
I just don't make any conclusions based on postings of a random youtube dude. That's all.
Watching the energy crisis in Europe unfold, Russia is clearly on the ropes
The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that turning the gas off was a political own goal, and a big one.
After the initial failure to take Kyiv, install a puppet government and present the world with a fait accompli, Russia's best hope would have been for Europe to get bored with the war. They should have worked on crafting a narrative of it being essentially a border scuffle. Hey, the world accepted Crimea, right? "News from Ukraine? Booo-ring, they're always fighting over there. Not our problem. Let's get back to business as usual."
Instead, Russia has now provided every European with a constant reminder of what they're doing. They've put themselves in an oppositional position from which they simply can't withdraw. And that was stupid. I thought chess was supposed to be the national pastime over there.
Russia has flipped the financial world upside down. Good wake up call showing that the USA is not in charge of the globe. Not so full of swagger any more. Bunch of Chicken Littles reacting to the media scare tactics, using food, and creature comforts as a psychological weapon. Ukraine captured a few villages, planted flags for "proof" that they are "beating" the mighty "Russkies" and sending them on the run. lol.
Russia wants to call an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council because of "western" weapons shipments to Ukraine.
Jesus...if that's not a clear sign that Ukrainians are taking the Russians behind the woodshed right now, I don't know what is.
Reports are coming out that Ukrainian forces have captured Russian ammo dumps and are now thoughtfully returning the shells to the rightful owners. So there is that.
The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that turning the gas off was a political own goal, and a big one.
After the initial failure to take Kyiv, install a puppet government and present the world with a fait accompli, Russia's best hope would have been for Europe to get bored with the war. They should have worked on crafting a narrative of it being essentially a border scuffle. Hey, the world accepted Crimea, right? "News from Ukraine? Booo-ring, they're always fighting over there. Not our problem. Let's get back to business as usual."
Instead, Russia has now provided every European with a constant reminder of what they're doing. They've put themselves in an oppositional position from which they simply can't withdraw. And that was stupid. I thought chess was supposed to be the national pastime over there.
I can agree with much of that.
Then you have the longer term impacts of this. If the war ends in a year, how long is it going to be before Russia has people in Europe interested in paying them good prices for fuel given the risks shown?
While they're creating some temporary problems for Europe, they're burning economic bridges for decades to come.
Then you have the longer term impacts of this. If the war ends in a year, how long is it going to be before Russia has people in Europe interested in paying them good prices for fuel given the risks shown?
While they're creating some temporary problems for Europe, they're burning economic bridges for decades to come.
I think you are looking at wrong. Europe and the U.S. are the ones going after Russia. They literally weaponized the financial system. They have shown the world the potential pitfalls of relying on Western based currencies and financial systems. Russia counters are understandable especially considering the circumstances. The world needs oil and gas. As such there will always be a market. Putin believes (whether real or imagined) that other markets will pick up the slack, even if he has to sale at a discount. So far, he has been right. Regardless Europe is still buying Russian energy. Basically, Saudi Arabia and China purchase the Russian energy products at a discount and then resell it to Europe (and even America) at full price.
An Indian opinion piece from July 1, and you want to talk to me about propaganda. Gee, I can't wait to hear what China's take on this is.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news for ya, but this is September, and things have changed since July 1. I recommend taking a gander at the eastern front right now. Russia is having a bad day, and they're in the UN howling like a wounded dog.
I would have pity on the dog and render aid.
I do not pity Russia. Russia has spent decades killing whichever civilian got in their way or spoke out against Russia. Now they feel picked on.
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