Latest S2 Update on Ukraine

[Ninurta]

I am guessing again but it seems Putin is the boogey man for any and every thing this last week. Rising gas prices, inflation, and bad breath. 

The propaganda and BS flying on the media on the matter is enough to turn my stomach. It's bad enough Russia invaded their neighbor and their neighbor doesn't like it. Understandable. If the news stopped there, I would be OK with it. 

Instead what we have is every failure and mis-step of the last two years somehow tied to Russia. POS politicians playing the shell game like the public is historically illiterate. And to be fair, a lot are. I have a family member who texts me with every affront to human decency spelled out on the media AM shows. Did you know Russians eat babies? 

The sin here, IMHO, the problems are not being addressed. Weasels are allowed to skate away (read: Trudeau/Biden/Harris/BJ). Meanwhile the people of Ukraine suffer as merely stage props for liars. I sure do want to pick up a weapon but it's not about Russia and Ukraine. 

I'll shut up now.

I think it is entirely possible that there are more of us out here who are seeing this shit show for what it really is, just propaganda laden political theater, than they realize. What is going on, in my opinion, is that they are making their propaganda way too obvious, and not nearly believable enough, and a large patch of the population are seeing right through that. Another large patch are looking around and asking themselves "who is going to address our problems HERE instead of running off to 'over there' and ignoring us?"

What I'm hoping for is that they have made another bone-headed political miscalculation in their efforts to distract the proles, and that it will show in the upcoming US mid terms despite their best efforts to distract.

I feel for the Ukrainian population, I really do, but we here have already been there and done that. It truly sucked, a lot of folks died, a lot of shit got tore up. But that is the nature of war, and folks need to expect to get hurt when they start agitating for it. I learned the hard way that if you don't take care of yourself first, you will not have the strength left to take care of anyone else...

... and THAT is where the current regime is failing us (and failing Ukraine too, ultimately) biggly.

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[Ninurta]

Agree or disagree either way interesting

"They bounce from press conference to press conference..." 

*Adjusts tin foil hat.

I am guessing that is their role. They do not call the shots. It is consistent with what I outlined in my response to Sky. 

They are clearly puppets. And it's not even a good puppet show either.

No one with two functioning brain cells would stop buying Russian oil and then ask the same Russia to help negotiate a new oil deal with Iran and expect people to believe it all makes sense.

Aye. All those Talking Heads are just puppet-rigged cheerleaders trying to whip the masses into a feeding frenzy on behalf of the Little Men Behind the Curtain... but it's harder to whip the masses into anything when you are allowing them to starve beyond the ability to give a shit about what you are trying to get them to care about and believe in. If they don't start looking to the problems then are creating in our immediate vicinity, they are going to lose followers for the problems they are trying to create farther away.

That always has a political price, some price tags bloodier than others.

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[Kenzo]

Former US general Wesley Clark says Putin may escalate no matter what does NATO do .

[Kenzo]

This Dutch site list equipment Losses , wow....


 Attack On Europe: Documenting Equipment Losses During The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine

[Ninurta]

Former US general Wesley Clark says Putin may escalate no matter what does NATO do .

If they are telling the truth about Putin wanting to reconstruct the old Soviet Union complete with it's Warsaw Pact buffer zone between Russia and NATO, then it's a safe bet that he will escalate no matter what we do. He HAS to escalate to get the buffer zone, since a number of those former Warsaw Pact nations are now NATO nations, and an attack on any one of them would trigger Article 5 of the NATO charter.

I still can't understand why folks are carrying on about those Polish MIGs. It's my understanding that Ukraine already has aircraft on bases that they have not even attempted to use yet, so why would NATO agonize over sending them more aircraft that they will not use?

Unless it's just more smoke and mirrors.

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[Kenzo]

   

Former US general Wesley Clark says Putin may escalate no matter what does NATO do .

If they are telling the truth about Putin wanting to reconstruct the old Soviet Union complete with it's Warsaw Pact buffer zone between Russia and NATO, then it's a safe bet that he will escalate no matter what we do. He HAS to escalate to get the buffer zone, since a number of those former Warsaw Pact nations are now NATO nations, and an attack on any one of them would trigger Article 5 of the NATO charter.

I still can't understand why folks are carrying on about those Polish MIGs. It's my understanding that Ukraine already has aircraft on bases that they have not even attempted to use yet, so why would NATO agonize over sending them more aircraft that they will not use?

Unless it's just more smoke and mirrors.

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Yeeh if they have MIGs  in Ukraine , they should use them .

Good anti-aircraft defense and anti tank defence seems to go long way , if we look Ukraine against Russia .

[727Sky]

$3000 a month for Syrian fighters who will go to Ukraine

[F2d5thCav]

@"727Sky" 

First Syrian "volunteer" already dead per the twitter feed of another Syrian.

Cheers

[Kenzo]

$3000 a month for Syrian fighters who will go to Ukraine

Hiring Syrians tell``s me that russia is actually short of own troops, or near....so they have to pay merceneries .

[Kenzo]

Is China going to be happy what Russia is doing, or realize that the war hurts also China and then show middle finger to Putin ?



China May Be Set To Turn Against Russia For Its Epic Miscalculation In Ukraine

[F2d5thCav]

@"Kenzo" 

I bet the Chinese are watching Putin like a hawk since he threatened to use nukes.  I don't see the men in Beijing being amused by such loose talk.

Cheers

[Kenzo]

@"Kenzo" 

I bet the Chinese are watching Putin like a hawk since he threatened to use nukes.  I don't see the men in Beijing being amused by such loose talk.

Cheers

I forget that, yes agree ....the CCP wants continuance, some sort of status quo for them, and nukes flying dont really suit well in that .

[Kenzo]

   

@"Kenzo" 

I bet the Chinese are watching Putin like a hawk since he threatened to use nukes.  I don't see the men in Beijing being amused by such loose talk.

Cheers

[Ninurta]

@"Kenzo" 

I bet the Chinese are watching Putin like a hawk since he threatened to use nukes.  I don't see the men in Beijing being amused by such loose talk.

Cheers

You know, I've heard a lot of folks claiming that Putin threatened nukes, but I've not been able to find where he made such a threat. I've found several non-specific, generic sort of threats of the "you'll be sorry if you do that" variety, but I have not found a specific nuclear threat. Weird, huh?

Now, it can be fairly said that a nuclear threat is the only credible threat he has left. What else is he gonna do? Send in the Russian army? Their performance in the Ukraine indicates that an average America Boy Scout troop could put an end to their depredations - God help 'em if they ran up against the Wolverines from Red Dawn! Still, even though that is  his only credible threat, it's not the only threat he could make - uncredible or incredible threats are always an option for megalomaniacs -  and the fact is his threats are pretty non-specific, and I've not been able to find a nuclear one.

Be that as it may, the CCP is very jealous of their reputation, and it's taking a hit by them associating themselves with Putin as one of the only friends (along with Syria and Iran, and maybe North Korea if anyone has bothered to tell Little Kimmie that there is a war on in Europe) that he has left in the world. I'm wondering just how long they will tolerate that threat to their reputation on the world stage.

The CCP worries more about their reputation than a teenage American schoolgirl does. It gives me the giggles that they care so much what other folks think about them, as if they weren't even adults, who need to make grown-up decisions without worrying about hurt feewings (and to keep it honest, entirely fair, BidenHarris really hasn't got the hang of that yet, either - he's kinda CCP like that), but there it is.

Evidence: the CCP pissed all over itself over maintaining a good appearance at the Olympics, to the point of threatening folks with "dire consequences" if they boycotted the same. Really? You're gonna levy "dire consequences" if folks refuse to come to your garden party because you beat your own damned kids? Gimme a goddamned break!

I think the 2022 Olympics had the lowest rating of any sporting event in US history. Whatcha gonna do, Chairman Xi? Spank us all? Fuck off, bro, We got shit to do that don't include your irrelevant ass...

.

[Ninurta]

@"Kenzo" 

I bet the Chinese are watching Putin like a hawk since he threatened to use nukes.  I don't see the men in Beijing being amused by such loose talk.

Cheers

I forget that, yes agree ....the CCP wants continuance, some sort of status quo for them, and nukes flying dont really suit well in that .

Agreed. what good is owning a world that has become a nuclear wasteland? They want to own the world, but if it's glowing, it might be pretty but still not have any value as a possession. Of what value is being Lord and Master over a really big cemetery? Corpses, as a rule, don't do what you tell them to do, and are not very good slaves on balance.

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[F2d5thCav]

@"Ninurta" 

I don't think he threatened such in so many literal words, but this quote illustrates why many consider his speech and actions to be a threat to use nuclear weapons:

During the rant announcing his attack on Ukraine, Putin sent this not-too-subtle message to the West: Try to stop me and “you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history. [...] I hope you hear me.” A couple of days later he ordered his country’s nuclear forces to adopt “special combat readiness.”

It may all be a risky bluff.  But again, if I were the big guys in Beijing, I would find this combination of threats and actions worrying.

Cheers

[Kenzo]

Person who is near Chinese goverment writes this in NYT


China just publicly warned Russia it’s time to end the Ukraine war



It’s Time to Offer Russia an Offramp. China Can Help With That.

The longer the war goes on, though, China may find itself in a position of diminishing returns in its close relationship with Russia. This makes the argument for Beijing to take on an active mediation role even more compelling.

[BIAD]

I had to giggle to myself last night when two Journalists were doing the usual thing on TV of discussing what their
fellow-scribblers had written for today's newspapers. The latest trend in the UK is the Government offering £350-per
-month ($456) to take in a Ukrainian refugee.

The two Journos thought it was a grand idea until the moderator asked them if they would allow those fleeing the troubles
in Ukraine to live in their spare bedroom. Both of them flapped and dithered and then explained such undertaking requires a
knowledge in dealing with trauma. At the end they both declined.

Ukraine war: UK households offered £350 a month for hosting refugees

'Households in the UK will be offered £350 a month to open their homes to people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove told the BBC tens of thousands of people could come to the UK under the
scheme and he may offer a room to a refugee. But the Refugee Council is concerned about the level of support
for those traumatised by war.

Labour said there were unanswered questions, accusing the government of "dragging its feet" over the crisis.

Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, people will be able to nominate a named individual or a family to stay with
them rent-free, or in another property, for at least six months. A website to express an interest in being a sponsor
will launch on Monday.

Mr Gove also told the BBC's Sunday Morning programme the government was looking at using the properties of
Russian oligarchs sanctioned by the UK for "humanitarian purposes" but there was "quite a high legal bar" and
this measure would lapse as sanctions ended.

Retailers Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer and Morrisons are among the UK companies offering to employ Ukrainian
refugees. Asos said it wanted to attract Ukraine's strong technology engineering skill set, while soap shop Lush said
it would open up internal vacancies to refugees.

Addressing a rally outside Downing Street on Sunday, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, called for
more support, weapons and humanitarian assistance. Local authorities will also receive £10,500 in extra funding per
refugee for support services - with more for children of school age, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and
Communities said.

More than 2.5 million people have so far fled Ukraine because of Russia's invasion, in what the UN has called the
fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War Two. The government has faced criticism -including from its own MPs
-over the speed and scale of its response. Defending the government's response, Mr Gove told the BBC the number
of Ukrainians fleeing the war who had been granted visas had now risen to 3,000.

At the moment, only those fleeing the conflict who have family connections in the UK are able to make an application via
the Ukraine Family Scheme. Other visas are available but application centres in Ukraine are closed.
Under the new scheme sponsors in the UK will not be required to know the refugees in advance and there will be no limit
on numbers. Ukrainians on the scheme will be given leave to remain for three years, with the right to work and access public
services.

Mr Gove told the BBC that he anticipated "tens of thousands" of Ukrainians might be taken in by UK families with the first
arrivals "within a week". Two weeks since it was announced, we now have some details of the scheme allowing people to
host refugees in their homes.

The idea is a simple one, but the practicalities of matching those fleeing Russia's invasion with willing households in the UK
won't be easy. Aiming to place people with hosts within a fortnight is ambitious and the system is untested.
Ministers are keen to avoid using hotels or other temporary accommodation used by Afghans last year, and are adamant that
security checks should stay in place on those fleeing Ukraine.

But for some Conservative MPs, let alone Labour and other opposition parties, the government's response has fallen short.
And it's no accident that Michael Gove - and not the Home Secretary Priti Patel - is fronting the latest efforts to smooth out
and speed up the process of settling people in the UK.

What ministers have described as a cross-government approach has looked at times like inter-departmental wrangling over
who's best placed to get things done...'

BBC:

[ABNARTY]

I had to giggle to myself last night when two Journalists were doing the usual thing on TV of discussing what their
fellow-scribblers had written for today's newspapers. The latest trend in the UK is the Government offering £350-per
-month ($456) to take in a Ukrainian refugee.

The two Journos thought it was a grand idea until the moderator asked them if they would allow those fleeing the troubles
in Ukraine to live in their spare bedroom. Both of them flapped and dithered and then explained such undertaking requires a
knowledge in dealing with trauma. At the end they both declined.

Ukraine war: UK households offered £350 a month for hosting refugees

'Households in the UK will be offered £350 a month to open their homes to people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove told the BBC tens of thousands of people could come to the UK under the
scheme and he may offer a room to a refugee. But the Refugee Council is concerned about the level of support
for those traumatised by war.

Labour said there were unanswered questions, accusing the government of "dragging its feet" over the crisis.

Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, people will be able to nominate a named individual or a family to stay with
them rent-free, or in another property, for at least six months. A website to express an interest in being a sponsor
will launch on Monday.

Mr Gove also told the BBC's Sunday Morning programme the government was looking at using the properties of
Russian oligarchs sanctioned by the UK for "humanitarian purposes" but there was "quite a high legal bar" and
this measure would lapse as sanctions ended.

Retailers Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer and Morrisons are among the UK companies offering to employ Ukrainian
refugees. Asos said it wanted to attract Ukraine's strong technology engineering skill set, while soap shop Lush said
it would open up internal vacancies to refugees.

Addressing a rally outside Downing Street on Sunday, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, called for
more support, weapons and humanitarian assistance. Local authorities will also receive £10,500 in extra funding per
refugee for support services - with more for children of school age, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and
Communities said.

More than 2.5 million people have so far fled Ukraine because of Russia's invasion, in what the UN has called the
fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War Two. The government has faced criticism -including from its own MPs
-over the speed and scale of its response. Defending the government's response, Mr Gove told the BBC the number
of Ukrainians fleeing the war who had been granted visas had now risen to 3,000.

At the moment, only those fleeing the conflict who have family connections in the UK are able to make an application via
the Ukraine Family Scheme. Other visas are available but application centres in Ukraine are closed.
Under the new scheme sponsors in the UK will not be required to know the refugees in advance and there will be no limit
on numbers. Ukrainians on the scheme will be given leave to remain for three years, with the right to work and access public
services.

Mr Gove told the BBC that he anticipated "tens of thousands" of Ukrainians might be taken in by UK families with the first
arrivals "within a week". Two weeks since it was announced, we now have some details of the scheme allowing people to
host refugees in their homes.

The idea is a simple one, but the practicalities of matching those fleeing Russia's invasion with willing households in the UK
won't be easy. Aiming to place people with hosts within a fortnight is ambitious and the system is untested.
Ministers are keen to avoid using hotels or other temporary accommodation used by Afghans last year, and are adamant that
security checks should stay in place on those fleeing Ukraine.

But for some Conservative MPs, let alone Labour and other opposition parties, the government's response has fallen short.
And it's no accident that Michael Gove - and not the Home Secretary Priti Patel - is fronting the latest efforts to smooth out
and speed up the process of settling people in the UK.

What ministers have described as a cross-government approach has looked at times like inter-departmental wrangling over
who's best placed to get things done...'

BBC:

Same old, same old. YOU need to do something. Us? Not so much. Our job is to sit here and bloviate on how righteous our ideas are for someone else.  

And in two weeks! Tens of thousands! Just moving in to homes everywhere across the country. No need to ask if it's OK or not with the home owners. Of course it is! 

*My offer to take in Ukrainian girls in their early twenty's is still not going over big with my wife. Something about my dead body yada yada...

[Ninurta]

I had to giggle to myself last night when two Journalists were doing the usual thing on TV of discussing what their
fellow-scribblers had written for today's newspapers. The latest trend in the UK is the Government offering £350-per
-month ($456) to take in a Ukrainian refugee.

The two Journos thought it was a grand idea until the moderator asked them if they would allow those fleeing the troubles
in Ukraine to live in their spare bedroom. Both of them flapped and dithered and then explained such undertaking requires a
knowledge in dealing with trauma. At the end they both declined.


BBC:

This is meant to assist BIAD in preparing for the inevitable influx of Eastern European refugees at his regular Saturday Night disco session. Consider it a public service.





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