Day 333. “Ukraine will get all the help in needs,” Biden responded to a question about Leopard tanks. Ukrainian Defense Minister satisfied by Ramstein meeting, says not all aid was publicly disclosed. The US and its allies agreed to introduce two price caps for Russian oil products. https://euromaidanpress.com/.../russo-ukrainian-war.../...
I keep waiting for some kind of surprise by Ukraine. I think they have enough soviet style tanks and personnel to stage an offensive somewhere but they are being very cautious. They probably understand the situation better than me. "Germany can transfer 19 out of over 200 Leopard tanks to Ukraine. President Zelenskyy appeals to Ramstein participants to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters. Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin made uncredible threats of nuclear escalation." https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/01...any-supply-leopard-tanks-to-ukraine/?swcfpc=1
Excellent point. You're probably right. Russia would really have to think twice about it's actions then...
Especially it would allow Ukraine to cut off Crimea from russia by finishing destroying the Kerch bridge and destroying supply routes on the two narrow land bridges from mainland Ukraine to Crimea. That just made me think: what if Ukraine agreed to use only for that purpose and not to strike into russia itself? Would USA be more likely to agree then?
Good question. I'm not sure. As you say, that would be an absolute game changer. I wonder if the US is just happy to let Ukraine and Russia duke it out while supporting Ukraine just enough to force another Russian collapse?
Well, Biden has some legitimate fears about what russia might do if they get pushed back much further. Chemical? Biological? Nuclear? Ukraine hsas been trying to introduce the idea of retaking Crimea gradually so russians can get accustomed to the idea.
My son, who is a recent graduate from Lakeridge HS, told me that one of his classmates volunteered for the Ukrainian Army. From what I understand he was not Ukrainian and did not even have family there but thought it would be fun. He apparently stepped on a land mine and was killed. I have no way to confirm this, can not find anything on the internet about conscripts from here or even confirmation that it is possible to walk into the Ukrainian Embassy and enlist which is what I was told. If it is true holy #$%^& that is sad.
Here is quite a thorough discussion of weapons and strategy: Gian Gentile of the rand Corporation, a think-tank, recognises that, as a cavalry officer commanding Bradleys in Iraq, “I didn’t have to worry about anything flying above me”; now Russia and Ukraine both lack control of the air. He also acknowledges the risk to the Ukrainians of going on the offence. Clausewitz, a 19th-century Prussian general and strategist, argued that defence was the stronger form of war. But, Colonel Gentile says, “ultimately it’s the offensive that produces the decisive results. The attackers have the initiative: they know when, and where and how they want to strike.” https://www.economist.com/europe/20...ur-gives-ukraine-in-the-next-round-of-the-war
In the last two days, Ukraine has brought down 4 russian helicopters and 2 warplanes. Usually they are lucky to hit one of either in an entire week. NATO chief says Ukraine will be getting Leopard tanks for sure and have already started training on them. There are about 100 available from various NATO countries. Apparently USA will be sending 10 Abrams tanks, not sure if they would be in use within 6 months, may be doing it just to call Germany's bluff to delay Leopards until USA sends Abrams.
Yes, Ukraine has a process where anybody can apply for their international brigades. They have strict requirements about physical fitness and previous combat experience. I hope no one is going to Ukraine because they think it will be fun. Several Americans and British have already died there.
USA sending 31 Abrams tanks, Germany sending 14 Leopard tanks and allowing a coalition to send dozens more, hopefully over 100. Swiss have changed policy and will allow countries to esport their ammo to Ukraine, especially for the Gepard anti aircraft guns. Most of those tanks will not be ready fo action for 90 days or more so I assume Ukraine will hold defensive positionsm killing a lot of russians and destroying a lot of ammo dumps, while preparing for a late spring offensive. Ukraine acknowledges they have withdrawn from the village of Soledar to more defensible positions. Ukraine shot down 4 russian helicopters and 2 warplanes in a day, usually that is a month's worth. Ukraine claims they killed 920 russian soldiers yesterday. one of the highest totals of the war.
Ukraine’s Zelensky Sends Love Letter To US Corporations, Promising ‘Big Business’ For Wall Street https://popularresistance.org/ukrai...tions-promising-big-business-for-wall-street/ America, bringing our brand of corruption to Ukraine. I hope they thank us for it someday.
FFS! Ukraine is under the gun. They have been invaded and occupied for nearly a year. Their infrastructure is in ruins. Thousands killed, made refugees and forcibly brought into Russia. They are going to thank any damn body who helps them. President Zelensky said at Congress aid to Ukraine is an investment. So easy to sit safe and comfortable and attack those in a desperate unequal fight for survival.
'The Definition of War Profiteering': Chevron Posts Record $35.5 Billion in Profit for 2022 "It has price-gouged consumers in plain sight and it's going to get away with it," lamented one consumer advocate. https://www.commondreams.org/news/chevron-war-profiteering If people can't see that one corporation pocketing more profit in one year than it would take to get all of America's homeless off of our streets... We already live in a dystopian society. I believe we do already live in a dystopian world. No matter what beliefs they may hold personally. If you can stand by and not get all over your party/politicians for allowing this blatant theft of Americans ... You don't care about Americans, at all.
Advocate for change. Call out corruption when it is seen. Support those who also call it out. Try to build momentum for change. Probably more, but can't think of it off the top of my head. What more is a poor person supposed to do?
