Ukraine Escalation (2014, theatre, contractors)

[MissionIMPOSSIBRU]

I'm surprised so little mention of the Ukraine crisis here, given that the dominoes seem to be rapidly tumbling towards a potential NATO-Russia conflict.

The day's events so far H/T Zerohedge:

14:11 (GMT) - Vladimir Putin officially asks parliament for permission to intervene militarily in Ukraine.

15:35 - Ukraine's Acting President Calls Emergency Meeting Of Security Chiefs; Russia Threatens To Cut Off The Gas

16:17 - Pro-Russian Protesters Storm Kharkiv City Administration Building; Russian Flags Hoisted Across East Ukraine

17:03 - Britain Summons Russian Ambassador; Russian Ambassador To US May Be Recalled

19:50 - Ukraine's Acting President Puts All Armed Forces On Full Combat Alert

20:31 - Ukraine formally requests NATO protection



Infographic of invasion so far H/T Contemporary Issues and Geography:

[barneyg]

Originally Posted by MissionIMPOSSIBRU

I'm surprised so little mention of the Ukraine crisis here, given that the dominoes seem to be rapidly tumbling towards a potential NATO-Russia conflict.

There's a pretty sizable thread in the Europe forum (where it belongs).

Nice map.

[viribusunitis]

//www.city-data.com/forum/europ...kraine-27.html
//www.city-data.com/forum/europ...untries-5.html

[MissionIMPOSSIBRU]

Originally Posted by barneyg

There's a pretty sizable thread in the Europe forum (where it belongs).

Nice map.

I've just seen it now. It's somewhat disappointing, with little mention of today's political and military escalation.

I'd be grateful if the mods could either delete this thread or move the OP to the appropriate thread.

[BennyBucks]

Originally Posted by barneyg

There's a pretty sizable thread in the Europe forum (where it belongs).

Nice map.

If it involves Nato and telephone calls with Obozo, then it becomes a "world" issue, not just a european one.

[amylewis]

I saw an article that speculates on the possibility that Putin is using mercenaries or private military contractors in the Ukraine, which would be a pretty cagey move on his part if true.

[viribusunitis]

Originally Posted by amylewis

I saw an article that speculates on the possibility that Putin is using mercenaries or private military contractors in the Ukraine, which would be a pretty cagey move on his part if true.

Hello.

http://www.independent.co.uk/incomin...parliament.jpg

[MissionIMPOSSIBRU]

Originally Posted by BennyBucks

If it involves Nato and telephone calls with Obozo, then it becomes a "world" issue, not just a european one.

The Ukraine crisis is a world forum topic even without the prospect of NATO intervention, given that it concerns whether the country integrates with Europe or solidifies ties with Russia, and involves intimate US diplomatic intervention. In other words, it is grand geopolitics extending far beyond the European theatre and has potential economic ramifications upon the rest of the world.

Still, if there's a thread on this accruing elsewhere, then it may be worth adding to that, rather than starting a new splinter here.

[Rozenn]

Better to close this thread, as posting times coincide with the other one in the Europe forum. Links have been given in post #3.