Putin playing chess while US war mongers playing propaganda.

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 1:07pm

Edited to add this sub title.

"Putin reacts to events with his back against the wall."

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/595140-sullivan-russia-plann...

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday the U.S. believes Russia is planning an "extremely violent" invasion of Ukraine, saying Moscow will seek to "crush" the Ukrainian people.

"We believe that any military operation of the size, scope and magnitude of what we believe the Russians are planning will be extremely violent. It will cost the lives of Ukrainians and Russians, civilians and military personnel alike," Sullivan said during an appearance on NBC's "Today."

"But we also have intelligence to suggest that there will be an even greater form of brutality because this will not simply be some conventional war between two armies," he added. "It will be a war waged by Russia on the Ukrainian people to repress them, to crush them, to harm them."

Russian President Vladimir Putin told the leaders of France and Germany that he planned to sign a decree recognizing the two breakaway regions of Ukraine as independent entities shortly, the Kremlin said https://t.co/Tn2IEPQ98v

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 21, 2022

The EU, via pathetic Borrell, is now BEGGING Putin not to recognize DPR and LPR.

Because EU already sees the sanction tsunami in the horizon mercilessly drowning them.

Putin called Macron and Scholz - and told them, cryptically, he will "sign a decree" on Donbass.

— Pepe Escobar (@RealPepeEscobar) February 21, 2022

I think Putin will announce that he would if Minsk is dead - and wait with his decision till he knows what answer the West will have is store.
It's a mind game. https://t.co/XIZLIAQAn7

— -- GEROMAN -- - (@GeromanAT) February 21, 2022

Putin says Macron told him Ukraine leadership is ready to implement Minsk peace deal https://t.co/KOwnWRsHSI pic.twitter.com/qW9XFnXqyc

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 21, 2022

Tags:

Will Blinken etal blink

Vote

Comments

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 1:08pm

I will add more as the events occur.

I am sure that the will be no shortage.

Submitted by Pluto's Republic on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 5:49pm

You are covering this very well

@humphrey

Making the key points and revealing the underlying strategies. one cannot really call Blinken and his neocon flutters, "strategists." They have never had a strategy. They are simply invaders and attackers. They tear up their negotiated treaties and agreements. Their sanctions never achieve their objectives, and the US is constantly slapped in the face by the unintended consequences of its actions. As tactical bullies, American war mongers forfeit every war they try to fight because they cannot finesse the asymmetry.

The role Putin is playing is his natural state. I notice he surrounds himself with personalities similar to his own. His leadership has conferred on Russia an image of sophisticated wit, with narrative skills bordering on Zen of "less is more." Dry humor and the art of the understatement have given Russia a negotiating edge.This often leaves his opponents 'uncertain,' not sure if they understand what really transpired. In this current case, this uncertainty forces the US into continuous escalation on the world stage — which leaves observers with the impression that the US bidding against itself in a high-stakes auction. The artificial press that covers these events, while propagating the mendacity of the State Department narrative, seems to have lost all sense or self-awareness.

The journalistic buffoonery of the Western media would be a welcome spectacle of self-mockery and comic relief — If it were not so potentially deadly. Personally, I find it bewildering that people actually believe for a single moment that Russia has plans to invade Ukraine (Kiev, no less!). But they do. As we speak.

It's as if the familiar and demoralizing patterns of behavior over the past 70 years of destructive diplomacy has been repeated with monotonous regularity. But for most Americans, every day is Groundhog Day.

—

Carry a flame and share the light.

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 5:36pm

Thanks. I try my best to be accurate. NT

@Pluto's Republic

Submitted by Pluto's Republic on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 5:54pm

I know you do.

@humphrey

I try my best to be accurate.

.
That's what makes it so devastating.

The only way the US can win is by destroying the world.

—

Carry a flame and share the light.

Submitted by Lookout on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 1:21pm

An operation of mass distraction

and money generator for the US war economy.

Thanks for the update!

—

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 1:29pm

Putin makes a statement following the Security Council meeting

on Donbass recognition.

It is now live but the complete version will likely be available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjMnTo85S4A

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 1:33pm

A little background as to what is leading up to today's events.

.@derspiegel find in UK archives shows that in 1991 the West "made it clear during...negotiations that we would not extend Nato beyond the Elbe", the river that runs through Germany.

Agreement that central and eastern European countries joining Nato was "unacceptable". pic.twitter.com/DxfFERVsOw

— Declassified UK (@declassifiedUK) February 21, 2022

Submitted by snoopydawg on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 4:40pm

This is at least the 2nd report I’ve seen that states that

@humphrey

Russia was given assurances that NATO wouldn’t expand east of where it was when Russia made the wall deal. But Blinken, Biden and NATO's mouthpiece keep saying that they never did that. Now who’s being dishonest?

—

Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.

Submitted by Blue Republic on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 11:44pm

IIRC

@snoopydawg

That was a verbal commitment mad by Bush the First - it was not otherwise formalized or mad official AFAIK...

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 2:07pm

I am sure that this is only the beginning.

Putin has recognised the sovereignty of the so-called Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics pic.twitter.com/vIsumzDhap

— Hanna Liubakova (@HannaLiubakova) February 21, 2022

TV then immediately cuts to Putin in the Kremlin signing decrees doing just that, with the separatist leaders in tow.

He's also signing agreements about "friendship and mutual aid" with both republics. pic.twitter.com/JkYQDUtQ0I

— max seddon (@maxseddon) February 21, 2022

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 2:12pm

I expect Blinken will soon have to update his last tweet.

The chorus is growing louder every day. We urge the Russian government to de-escalate and choose the path of diplomacy. I stand alongside leaders who are #UnitedWithUkraine. pic.twitter.com/aoM2UfMAdm

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 20, 2022

Submitted by Pluto's Republic on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 6:02pm

Blinken has such a hard time understanding

@humphrey

...that this crisis has nothing to do with Ukraine

...and everything to do with NATO expansion.

Isn't there someone in the State Department who can explain it to him?

—

Carry a flame and share the light.

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 6:06pm

Not likely since he has surrounded himself with ....

@Pluto's Republic

neocon retreads from previous administrations.

Submitted by ggersh on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 2:44pm

It's insanity 101. It takes america's best and brightest

to come up with this? Either they're this dumb or they don't realize how dumb they are

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/ukraine-crisis-now-has-its-versio...

BREAKING: America has told the United Nations that Russia has created a "kill or capture" list of Ukrainians who will be hunted down post-invasion.

It claims that "LGBTQI+ persons" and others may be put in concentration camps. pic.twitter.com/1p31JF3m3n

— Clint Ehrlich (@ClintEhrlich) February 21, 2022

Do the journalists who are recipients of these constant “intel” leaks ever even bother to ask for independent corroboration? Or do they just say “Gee, thanks mister” and fire off a tweet https://t.co/u3ajPjk5AZ

— Michael Tracey (@mtracey) February 20, 2022

—

I never knew that the term "Never Again" only pertained to
those born Jewish

"Antisemite used to be someone who didn't like Jews
now it's someone who Jews don't like"

Heard from Margaret Kimberley

Submitted by snoopydawg on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 4:32pm

Imagine wanting to grow up and be a journalist

@ggersh

and then spending years in school to become one only to later be just a stenographer and repeat whatever nonsense they are told to. I’d be embarrassed, but I don’t know how much money it would take to give up my principles. How about you?

—

Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.

Submitted by ggersh on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 5:11pm

Well supposedly everyone has their price.

@snoopydawg At 69 I'm long past that problem, but then again I'll post
narrative shit here on C99 for $100K a month

Upton Sinclair

“It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.”

—

I never knew that the term "Never Again" only pertained to
those born Jewish

"Antisemite used to be someone who didn't like Jews
now it's someone who Jews don't like"

Heard from Margaret Kimberley

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 2:55pm

An expected reaction

Donetsk celebrate pic.twitter.com/QfGkYwyowe

— ZOKA (@200_zoka) February 21, 2022

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 3:06pm

Psychosaki reacts as expected!

Psaki announces sanctions re the Russian-recognized areas of eastern Ukraine, and makes clear that previously discussed, harsher sanctions await should Russia further invade Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/Ls31JO1k2T

— S.V. Dáte (@svdate) February 21, 2022

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 3:21pm

Oops!

Had Biden admin been willing to give up on making Ukraine a proxy on Russia’s border, it could’ve had a demilitarized Donbas in a neutral Ukraine. It instead shunned Minsk & targeted Nordstream 2. Rather than a Russian invasion, it got Russia’s recognition of breakaway republics.

— Aaron Maté (@aaronjmate) February 21, 2022

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 3:47pm

The think tanks are now putting on their thinking caps.

Fred Kempe is the CEO of the Atlantic Council.

"In every crisis lies opportunity, but it’s anyone’s bet how deep the crisis Putin unleashes will be, or how lasting the Western response," writes @FredKempe in his special dispatch from Munich: https://t.co/fVSlONEm4F

— Atlantic Council (@AtlanticCouncil) February 21, 2022

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 4:08pm

It appears as if Putin doesn't do things half heartedly.

Putin has ordered Russian troops into Ukraine.

The decrees on recognizing the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics order the Russian armed forces to go into separatist territory on peacekeeping missions. pic.twitter.com/cjKMidlD4Q

— max seddon (@maxseddon) February 21, 2022

Submitted by snoopydawg on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 4:27pm

Here comes the sanctions

Biden has just been waiting for a chance to put sanctions on Russia regardless of what they did or didn’t do. So now that is going to happen. Nowhere in the article is there mention of Obama’s brutal coup on Ukraine or how he overthrew the democratically elected president and installed a puppet president who would let the US loot the country. Funny that. No it’s all Russia’s fault for all the violence there since. Also not mentioned is how we have been supporting actual Nazis in Ukraine whilst calling people who support Trump Nazis.

If I was Russia I would cut off all the things that it’s supplying America with such as diesel fuel and tell Europe to find other ways to keep warm this winter. Why continue trying to find diplomatic ways to deal with warmongers who have no concerns about the people who are in harm’s way because of what the US and its NATO poodles are doing? As Aaron said all Biden had to do was tell Russia that he wouldn’t allow Ukraine into NATO which many countries have said isn’t going to happen.

What’s sad is seeing the shitlibs parroting the Washington Post and NYT verbatim and believing that Putin has WMDs. They’re even cheering McCaffery who oversaw us destroy the Iraqi army when they were returning from Kuwait in a definite war crime. Cheering for the guy who did the highway of death. 10,000 people were slaughtered by America’s military. I have been wearing protective gear to pursue the site, but if I continue I’ll have to get a hazmat suit. But I’m almost to the point of stopping. My friends can email me their stories if they want me to read them. I cannot find words to describe what many people have become. If anyone had told me that they would in just a few years I would have laughed. Now… shudder!

—

Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.

Submitted by Blue Republic on Tue, 02/22/2022 - 6:17am

Russia sanction-proofed?

@snoopydawg

I posted about this better than a year ago - based on a Zerohedge article I can't find at the moment.

The article was looking at the various measures Russia had taken to respond to sanctions already imposed on it but to render its economy as bulletproof as possible from global economic meltdowns and/or harsher future sanctions.

What they have accomplished is impressive - their level of debt is very low, reserves (only 15% or so in dollars) are high (around US$ 630 billion), they have a high level of food self-sufficiency and generally the lowest dependence on imports of any major country. They would at least be breaking even on their oil production at only half the current going price.

Russia can be hurt by sanctions, but the damage may end up being far greater to those attempting to impose them and those associated with them. Should the US double down on sanctions and then fail it may be pivotal in terms of US influence. And painful for Americans in the short term.

Longer term, the sooner we end the practice of trying to bully whoever we disapprove of with economic sanctions, the better off America will be - a painful but necessary step in getting out of the empire business and back to the basics of re-establishing a working democratic constitutional republic (or two or three) or confederation (or two or three...).

MAN BITES DOG!

Well, actually not. But, NY TIMES DOES JOURNALISM! (for a change) and covers a fair bit of the same ground as the Zerohedge article about how Russia has prepared defenses against sanctions over recent years:

From the article:

Russia has drastically reduced its use of dollars, and therefore Washington’s leverage. It has stockpiled enormous currency reserves, and trimmed its budgets, to keep its economy and government services going even under isolation. It has reoriented trade and sought to replace Western imports.

Russian economic officials “are pretty proud, and have good reasons to be, for the work they have done to make the Russian economy more immune to sanctions,” said Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center.

This transformation, among the most dramatic examples of what is known as “sanctions-proofing” worldwide, comes less than eight years after Western sanctions over Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 mired Russia in economic and political upheaval.

Russia’s bolstered economic defenses may help explain why Mr. Putin may now be willing to stage another military incursion into Ukraine despite the lasting cost of his move in Crimea.

Still, his changes provide only a cushion against sanctions, not an impenetrable shield. The harshest measures under consideration in Washington would almost certainly break through, wreaking potentially devastating damage — though harming Western economies in the process.

A factor the chickenhawks may be overlooking is that Russians, in general, are *tough* - and far more motivated to prevail in this situation. Aside from those who stand to benefit from the distraction from real problems (Jan. 6 trials and accompanying Fedsurrection revelations, Covid/vax debacle, Great Reset, Russiagate indictments, border issues, inflation, supply chain meltdowns, crime...) or materially (Black Rock, Northrup Grumman...) normal Americans have no compelling interest in propping up fascists and profiteering Western grifters in someplace most couldn't find on a map.

Quick pick from the NYT Comment section:

(by "EXPAT" from Zurich)

Sanctions will only drive Russia towards China increasing
the Chinese sphere of influence.

That is the strategic error

And force Russia to deliver very advanced weapons to XI,
to get the tech products it needs

That is the military error

Next place of action: Taiwan

Except that those are not 'errors' if they are actually the intentional goal of US policy makers (whoever *they* really are).

Submitted by snoopydawg on Tue, 02/22/2022 - 9:53am

Driving Russia and China together

@Blue Republic

Is that a mistake or a goal as you wondered? We can’t forget that we helped make China what it is by moving our manufacturing over there and hollowing out America. In the Catherine Fitts video she says it was the plan from decades ago. She worked for the first Bush.

https://www.bitchute.com/video/y1ddq4cynzA2/

One article I read about sanctions on Russia said that when countries stop selling things to Russia they learn how to make them themselves and then when sanctions are relaxed those countries can’t sell their products to Russia because they aren’t needed. Might be too simple, but sanctions can hurt the countries doing them too. We might not have the stomach for propping up fascists, but we don’t have any say in it do we?

#13 I posted about this better than a year ago - based on a Zerohedge article I can't find at the moment. The article was looking at the various measures Russia had taken to respond to sanctions already imposed on it but to render its economy as bulletproof as possible from global economic meltdowns and/or harsher future sanctions. What they have accomplished is impressive - their level of debt is very low, reserves (only 15% or so in dollars) are high (around US$ 630 billion), they have a high level of food self-sufficiency and generally the lowest dependence on imports of any major country. They would at least be breaking even on their oil production at only half the current going price. Russia can be hurt by sanctions, but the damage may end up being far greater to those attempting to impose them and those associated with them. Should the US double down on sanctions and then fail it may be pivotal in terms of US influence. And painful for Americans in the short term. Longer term, the sooner we end the practice of trying to bully whoever we disapprove of with economic sanctions, the better off America will be - a painful but necessary step in getting out of the empire business and back to the basics of re-establishing a working democratic constitutional republic (or two or three) or confederation (or two or three...). MAN BITES DOG! Well, actually not. But, NY TIMES DOES JOURNALISM! (for a change) and covers a fair bit of the same ground as the Zerohedge article about how Russia has prepared defenses against sanctions over recent years: From the article: Russia has drastically reduced its use of dollars, and therefore Washington’s leverage. It has stockpiled enormous currency reserves, and trimmed its budgets, to keep its economy and government services going even under isolation. It has reoriented trade and sought to replace Western imports. Russian economic officials “are pretty proud, and have good reasons to be, for the work they have done to make the Russian economy more immune to sanctions,” said Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center. This transformation, among the most dramatic examples of what is known as “sanctions-proofing” worldwide, comes less than eight years after Western sanctions over Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 mired Russia in economic and political upheaval. Russia’s bolstered economic defenses may help explain why Mr. Putin may now be willing to stage another military incursion into Ukraine despite the lasting cost of his move in Crimea. Still, his changes provide only a cushion against sanctions, not an impenetrable shield. The harshest measures under consideration in Washington would almost certainly break through, wreaking potentially devastating damage — though harming Western economies in the process. A factor the chickenhawks may be overlooking is that Russians, in general, are *tough* - and far more motivated to prevail in this situation. Aside from those who stand to benefit from the distraction from real problems (Jan. 6 trials and accompanying Fedsurrection revelations, Covid/vax debacle, Great Reset, Russiagate indictments, border issues, inflation, supply chain meltdowns, crime...) or materially (Black Rock, Northrup Grumman...) normal Americans have no compelling interest in propping up fascists and profiteering Western grifters in someplace most couldn't find on a map. Quick pick from the NYT Comment section: (by "EXPAT" from Zurich) Sanctions will only drive Russia towards China increasing the Chinese sphere of influence. That is the strategic error And force Russia to deliver very advanced weapons to XI, to get the tech products it needs That is the military error Next place of action: Taiwan Except that those are not 'errors' if they are actually the intentional goal of US policy makers (whoever *they* really are).

—

Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.

Submitted by snoopydawg on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 4:58pm

Yep this

Moscow tried to solve this problem in the way most likely to generate long-term regional stability, which is Russia's true interest, not crude territorial expansion. But that's not what NATO wants, which is why it sponsored this reactionary Ukrainian coup gov. They created this.

— Morgan Artyukhina (@LavenderNRed) February 21, 2022

Weird how Biden’s handlers have never suggested doing that, but then they couldn’t get their warmongering on. Can’t have peace anywhere because the military industrial complex wouldn’t make obscene profits.

This thread is just sad.

More Sullivan, this time on ABC: “All signs look like President Putin and the Russians are proceeding with a plan to execute a major military invasion of Ukraine. We have seen just in the last 24 hours further moves of Russian units to the border…getting in position to attack.”

— Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) February 21, 2022

People actually want more aggressive moves towards Russia. They have learned nothing in all our years of being lied to. Just sad!

—

Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 4:53pm

Not sure if this is related to today's events.

China sanctions Lockheed and Raytheon over arms sales to Taiwan. The sanctions are countermeasures against the two companies over a $100-million February 7 arms sale that 'undermined China's security interests,' the government said https://t.co/BpvYUoWYkn pic.twitter.com/8RGwWJXWQV

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 21, 2022

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 5:03pm

I haven't verified this but it sounds reasonable.

Russian troops enter Donabss. All sounds of shelling and explosions stopped in Donetsk and Luhansk pic.twitter.com/LGcDqj79lY

— ZOKA (@200_zoka) February 21, 2022

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 5:10pm

The puppet master has spoken!

Kremlin recognition of the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” as “independent” requires a swift and firm response, and we will take appropriate steps in coordination with partners.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 21, 2022

And so it begins.

he European Union must impose sanctions on Russia immediately after it recognized two Ukrainian breakaway regions as independent, the governments of the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said after Russia's announcement https://t.co/BVCIXicFoF pic.twitter.com/N5p75q4FP3

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 21, 2022

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 5:40pm

Biden gets an extra serving of ice cream for this. /S

U.S. casts doubt on Biden summit with Putin, eyes new sanctions Tuesday -official https://t.co/uGNTPFgkQV pic.twitter.com/p3rVNPK3fS

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 21, 2022

Biden condemns Putin's recognition of Ukraine breakaway regions https://t.co/tYHRz7B7SE pic.twitter.com/38iKPKm0uV

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 21, 2022

Submitted by snoopydawg on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 5:54pm

Putin’s statement

Speaking as part of a televised address to the nation on Monday evening, Putin signed the decree, saying that “I deem it necessary to make a decision that should have been made a long time ago to immediately recognize the Donetsk (DPR) and Lugansk (LPR) People’s Republics.” Lawmakers will now be asked to consider statements of friendship and support with the two regions.

The move, he said, was a direct result of the failure of the 2014 Minsk agreements, designed to put an end to fighting. “They are not interested in peaceful solutions – they want to start Blitzkreig,” he claimed. “Every day they are amassing troops in the Donbass,” Putin went on.

At the same time, he slammed Ukraine for “extreme nationalism,” “Nazism" and “Russophobia,” pointing to the shuttering of Russian-language news outlets and laws he said discriminate against Russian speakers.

The head of state also alleged that Kiev is sending saboteurs to target Russian infrastructure and attempting to “drag foreign states into conflict with our country.” Ukraine's ambitions to join NATO, he insisted, would mean an “immediate threat of attack against our country.”

Putin began the address by setting out his version of Ukrainian history and the former Soviet Republic's ties to Russia.“Let me stress once again that Ukraine is not just a neighboring country for us. It is an integral part of our own history, culture, and spiritual world,” he said, emphasizing that Ukrainians are “people Russians have blood and family ties with,” as well as friends, neighbors and colleagues.

Putin asserted that “modern Ukraine was completely created by Russia, or to be more exact, by Bolshevik Communist Russia.” According to him, “Lenin and his supporters did it in a crude way, alienating Russia’s historical territories. Millions of people living there weren’t asked at all.”

The Russian President pointed out that since the fall of the USSR, Kiev has turned its back on its role in the Soviet Union, toppling statues of leading Marxists. “If you want de–communization, we are happy with that. But don’t stop halfway – we are ready to show what de–communization really looks like,” he went on.

Interesting that he said that he should have made the move 8 years ago, but he probably wanted to see if Ukraine would uphold the Minks agreement. But none of this would be happening if Obama hadn’t done his coup there. It’s good to see him calling out the Nazis in Ukraine too. People should be appalled by that, but then they would have to be told about it and our stenographers won’t do that.

Remember just a few days ago we saw our media posting pictures of Nazis training granny to shoot a gun. Heh guess I’ll wonder over and see how the shitlibs are freaking out. Go Biden! I’m sure is one thing they’re saying and gosh it’s good that Trump isn’t president.

—

Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 6:02pm

He did all this without the aid of a teleprompter.

@snoopydawg

Just imagine dementia Joe trying to do the same thing.

The Kremlin ordered Russia’s defense ministry to deploy troops in 2 Russia-backed separatist territories to carry out “peacekeeping functions”.Putin told his nation that he had decided to recognize Russia-backed separatists in the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. pic.twitter.com/vah8hvtxr9

— Armando Guzman (@Armandoreporta) February 21, 2022

Speaking as part of a televised address to the nation on Monday evening, Putin signed the decree, saying that “I deem it necessary to make a decision that should have been made a long time ago to immediately recognize the Donetsk (DPR) and Lugansk (LPR) People’s Republics.” Lawmakers will now be asked to consider statements of friendship and support with the two regions. The move, he said, was a direct result of the failure of the 2014 Minsk agreements, designed to put an end to fighting. “They are not interested in peaceful solutions – they want to start Blitzkreig,” he claimed. “Every day they are amassing troops in the Donbass,” Putin went on. At the same time, he slammed Ukraine for “extreme nationalism,” “Nazism" and “Russophobia,” pointing to the shuttering of Russian-language news outlets and laws he said discriminate against Russian speakers. The head of state also alleged that Kiev is sending saboteurs to target Russian infrastructure and attempting to “drag foreign states into conflict with our country.” Ukraine's ambitions to join NATO, he insisted, would mean an “immediate threat of attack against our country.” Putin began the address by setting out his version of Ukrainian history and the former Soviet Republic's ties to Russia.“Let me stress once again that Ukraine is not just a neighboring country for us. It is an integral part of our own history, culture, and spiritual world,” he said, emphasizing that Ukrainians are “people Russians have blood and family ties with,” as well as friends, neighbors and colleagues. Putin asserted that “modern Ukraine was completely created by Russia, or to be more exact, by Bolshevik Communist Russia.” According to him, “Lenin and his supporters did it in a crude way, alienating Russia’s historical territories. Millions of people living there weren’t asked at all.” The Russian President pointed out that since the fall of the USSR, Kiev has turned its back on its role in the Soviet Union, toppling statues of leading Marxists. “If you want de–communization, we are happy with that. But don’t stop halfway – we are ready to show what de–communization really looks like,” he went on. Interesting that he said that he should have made the move 8 years ago, but he probably wanted to see if Ukraine would uphold the Minks agreement. But none of this would be happening if Obama hadn’t done his coup there. It’s good to see him calling out the Nazis in Ukraine too. People should be appalled by that, but then they would have to be told about it and our stenographers won’t do that. Remember just a few days ago we saw our media posting pictures of Nazis training granny to shoot a gun. Heh guess I’ll wonder over and see how the shitlibs are freaking out. Go Biden! I’m sure is one thing they’re saying and gosh it’s good that Trump isn’t president.

Submitted by Pricknick on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 6:16pm

Well done hump!

I've been watching for a sign that other powerful nations have had enough of exceptionalism.
Russia and China have now both stepped up.
Todays events are world changing.
If our so-called leaders do not learn to negotiate, our once great nation will soon be an afterthought. Perhaps that's a good thing.

—

Regardless of the path in life I chose, I realize it's always forward, never straight.

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 6:18pm

This coming from an entirely unbiased source. /S

I just couldn't pass this up.

'GOD HELP US ALL': Critics concluded 'we are being led by total buffoons' after Harris' 'word salad' of a speech on Russia-Ukraine crisis. https://t.co/JUwPbhiwgn pic.twitter.com/kjGrQLXhMc

— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 21, 2022

Submitted by snoopydawg on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 6:32pm

I heard her say that

@humphrey

pic.twitter.com/yRvu3vbFon

— Taylor (@dejasnafu) February 21, 2022

My goodness just thinking that she’s a heartbeat away from becoming president. My friend and I were talking about her word salads today and how she is so ignorant of things and listening to her speak proves it.

—

Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.

Submitted by Pluto's Republic on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 6:49pm

That old SNL/Jane Curtain dismissal will have to suffice:

@snoopydawg

"Kamala, you ignorant slut."

—

Carry a flame and share the light.

Submitted by snoopydawg on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 7:02pm

Chuckling…

@Pluto's Republic

Good one! I didn’t want to say that out loud, but yeah. I will always be thankful for Tulsi destroying Harris at the debate.

I miss SNL not being silly snarky crap for democrats. I find no humor in any of their shows for the last 4 years. I don’t find humor in attacking or bringing others down.

—

Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.

Submitted by Pluto's Republic on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 7:08pm

Same here.

@snoopydawg

Perhaps I lost my sense of humor.

I have nothing in common with America anymore.

—

Carry a flame and share the light.

Submitted by Creosote. on Fri, 02/25/2022 - 6:34am

Some modestly worded ads in women's magazines

@snoopydawg
used to state that use of what they were selling would promote "regularity."

Submitted by Blue Republic on Tue, 02/22/2022 - 3:12am

And I had been under the impression

@humphrey

that valley girls were from *Southern* California.

Shows you how much I know...

Submitted by gjohnsit on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 6:45pm

This was a bad move

I don't understand why Putin invaded the separatist regions. He has so little to gain from it and so much to lose.
Putin has made a huge mistake.

Submitted by Pricknick on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 6:50pm

Was that snark?

@gjohnsit
Invaded?

—

Regardless of the path in life I chose, I realize it's always forward, never straight.

Submitted by gjohnsit on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 7:18pm

No. It was serious

@Pricknick
When you move troops across a border, it's an invasion.
I just don't understand it. He gains so little, while potentially losing so much.

Submitted by Pricknick on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 7:51pm

It's not about "He".

@gjohnsit
It's about nationalism. Human costs.
Something this nation forgot about about long ago.
And yes, I'm a Russian sympathizer.

—

Regardless of the path in life I chose, I realize it's always forward, never straight.

Submitted by Pluto's Republic on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 7:04pm

Perhaps the Russians don't want to watch

@gjohnsit

...their fellow countrymen executed by the Nazis, one by one.

25,000 of them have been slaughtered since the Minsk agreement was written.

And, still, that is not what this crisis is about. It is about NATO planting WMD on Russia's border. What sovereign nation would submit to this? As Putin explained:
"You're on our border. We have nowhere to retreat."

Let's not confuse an American death wish
with random stories in the newspaper.

—

Carry a flame and share the light.

Submitted by gjohnsit on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 7:20pm

America could have prevented this simply by doing one thing

@Pluto's Republic
By agreeing not to let Ukraine into NATO.
So I'm not giving the U.S. a pass on this by any means.

But Putin didn't play all of his cards here. There were still European nations that would listen to him.
Not anymore.

Submitted by Pricknick on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 7:44pm

Which ones?

@gjohnsit

There were still European nations that would listen to him.

If they aren't lapdogs to the u.s., they'll understand.
And just maybe russia doesn't need them anyways.
Let the sanctions begin and let us both see what prevails.

—

Regardless of the path in life I chose, I realize it's always forward, never straight.

Submitted by snoopydawg on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 8:06pm

So Putin tries to talk some sense into other countries

@gjohnsit

and sits back and watches as ethnic Russians get slaughtered by the Nazis that Eric Prince has trained? How much longer do you think he should do that? If you read his speech that I posted he has been trying for 8 years to get both sides to adhere to the agreement in vain. The troops he’s moving into the area are for peace keeping. It’d be nice if some of the countries that don’t want war or even the UN had done that. The question is why haven’t they?

And no I’m not defending Putin or glad that he’s doing that. But as he says NATO has backed him into a corner and he has nowhere else to back up to. I think anyone who defends people from Nazis and Prince’s troops is on the right side. Joe posted about it in the blues tonight.

—

Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 7:21pm

And from the US perspective it is not about the Ukraine.

@Pluto's Republic

It is about the stopping of Nord Stream 2 and the selling of weapons to the Europeans. I suppose one could include the maintaining of the US hegemony.

Submitted by snoopydawg on Tue, 02/22/2022 - 12:14am

It’s about so much more than that

@humphrey

I’ve posted a link from what Michael Hudson said about why we’re pushing for NATO to follow our lead on Ukraine. It’s not only to keep Nordstrom from happening, but for all of Europe to stay in our economic orbit and not make any deals with Russia. I hope people got a chance to read it because it was excellent.

—

Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.

Submitted by The Wizard on Tue, 02/22/2022 - 11:57am

Actually you do understand the gravity of the situation

@gjohnsit
President Putin did not do this lightly. The one sentence summary is that ethnic Russians were suffering from racism and bodily harm from self-described Nazis, and he felt the overwhelming need to protect them. He also had run out of patience as Kiev absolutely refused to implement the Minsk Accords after 7 years. Consider that Putin was the only party trying to put Ukraine back together again, after the US had pushed Zelensky off the wall. You cannot understand how strong the bond is amongst ethnic Russians and between Russians and their cousins in Ukraine.

The West is massively and irrationally Russophobic. Russia tried cooperation, but it never works in any situation of racism like this. How do you cooperate with a Nation that despises you and is agreement incapable? You should understand that this was a move of last resort and that he understood that this would probably happen at some point and is well prepared for it. His world now is from Belarus to the East, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, 88% of the world's population. That's more than sufficient. Let Anglo-Europeans wail away. They just look pathetic.

—

Capitalism has always been the rule of the people by the oligarchs. You only have two choices, eliminate them or restrict their power.

Submitted by gjohnsit on Tue, 02/22/2022 - 12:48pm

My loyalty lies with peace

@The Wizard
What Putin did does not enhance peace in the world.
I guess Putin did what was right for Russia. IDK. I don't have all the information.

But I can't see how this makes peace more likely.

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 9:03pm

Such heroes. Stir up the hornet's nest then head for the hills.

First Kiev to Lviv now this!

#UPDATE US says it is sending all of its diplomats in Ukraine to Poland out of security fears, after Russia ordered troops into two rebel regions of Ukraine.

"For security reasons, Department of State personnel currently in Lviv will spend the night in Poland" says Blinken pic.twitter.com/gScPMSEX7t

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 22, 2022

Submitted by Marie on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 10:22pm

Do they return to Ukraine after

@humphrey
spending the night in Poland? Does that mean that even Blinken expects this to be over within 24 hours?

Whatever these US State Dept personnel do in UKR, it doesn't bear any resemblance to diplomacy.

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 9:31pm

Sanction those who sold them the fireworks.

We can't have people celebrating!

Biden signs order targeting economic activity with Ukraine rebel regions https://t.co/Varua0Iwzw pic.twitter.com/9RoWMVNsqJ

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 22, 2022

Supporters in Donetsk set off fireworks and waved Russian flags as President Vladimir Putin announced he was recognizing the independence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine https://t.co/ub4Lgomn9K pic.twitter.com/1vr6KDn4sS

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 22, 2022

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 10:46pm

Time should delete this cover page dated June 28, 2021

Thank goodness Biden has restored deterrence against Russia as the establishment promised: pic.twitter.com/EMNB0qQXQb

— Max Abrahms (@MaxAbrahms) February 21, 2022

Submitted by Pricknick on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 11:41pm

It should never be deleted

@humphrey
as it shows the fallacy of power, democratic style.

—

Regardless of the path in life I chose, I realize it's always forward, never straight.

Submitted by humphrey on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 10:36pm

These sadly could be words of wisdom.

Problem is when you stand up to a bully they usually stand down. The Americans aren't bullies. They are psychos and they double down.

— Joe Lauria (@unjoe) February 21, 2022

Submitted by Blue Republic on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 11:25pm

Establishing a precedent

What with most Americans having the attention span, historical and geographical knowledge somewhere in the range of an above average goldfish...

It's not likely that 'Kosovo' rings any bells or connects in any way to the Ukraine situation.

Doesn't mean it isn't connected though - Putin, in recognizing the the independence of breakaway Russian-speaking regions of Ukraine is following precedent - precedent set by the US.

When Albanian Kosovars rebelled against Serbian rule and declared themselves independent, Russia refused to sign off on any agreement that was not satisfactory to both Albania and Serbia - the US then threatened to recognize the Kosovo Republic unilaterally, and was warned against it by Russia, which stated that to do so would set a dangerous precedent:

OCTOBER 25, 2007 5:04 AM UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Russia warns of Kosovo "precedent" for separatists
By Reuters Staff

MOSCOW, Oct 24 (Reuters) - A Russian official gave a strong hint on Wednesday Moscow could recognise two separatist regions of Georgia as independent states if Western powers recognise Kosovo's split from Serbia.

Russian officials oppose proposals to give Kosovo independence, and have said for months it could set a precedent that would encourage separatists elsewhere, including in parts of the former Soviet Union.

But Moscow has never said explicitly if it would respond to recognition of Kosovo by granting recognition to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two regions of ex-Soviet Georgia which have run their own affairs since separatist wars in the 1990s.

Asked what might happen in the two regions if Kosovo is recognised, the official said: "My firm feeling is that we will view it as a decision that sets a precedent."

The official, who did not want to be identified, refused to give more specific details. "I think from my diplomats' language you will be able to draw your own conclusions," he said.

If Russia were to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent from Georgia, it would anger the United States and the European Union, which insist that Georgia's territorial integrity should be respected.

Kosovo's majority Albanian population wants to split from Serbia. Belgrade does not want to give the province independence and Russia has backed that stance.

Russia helped block a proposal from a United Nations envoy to set the province on the path to independence.

The Kosovo issue, which has created a major rift between Russia and Western powers, could come to a head on Dec. 10. That is the date when international negotiators are due to submit their report to the United Nations.

Kosovo Albanians say if there is no agreement after that, they will declare unilateral independence. Washington has indicated it may back this declaration.

Source

In the event, the US went ahead unilaterally, Kosovo now 'hosts' the US Army's Camp Bondsteel (has been characterized as a mini-Guantanamo, alleged host of 'black site' detention), and the US' decision - like so many others, now comes back to bite it in the ass.

Submitted by snoopydawg on Tue, 02/22/2022 - 12:10am

Heh…there’s always receipts

@Blue Republic

Thanks for posting that.

What with most Americans having the attention span, historical and geographical knowledge somewhere in the range of an above average goldfish... It's not likely that 'Kosovo' rings any bells or connects in any way to the Ukraine situation. Doesn't mean it isn't connected though - Putin, in recognizing the the independence of breakaway Russian-speaking regions of Ukraine is following precedent - precedent set by the US. When Albanian Kosovars rebelled against Serbian rule and declared themselves independent, Russia refused to sign off on any agreement that was not satisfactory to both Albania and Serbia - the US then threatened to recognize the Kosovo Republic unilaterally, and was warned against it by Russia, which stated that to do so would set a dangerous precedent: OCTOBER 25, 2007 5:04 AM UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO Russia warns of Kosovo "precedent" for separatists By Reuters Staff MOSCOW, Oct 24 (Reuters) - A Russian official gave a strong hint on Wednesday Moscow could recognise two separatist regions of Georgia as independent states if Western powers recognise Kosovo's split from Serbia. Russian officials oppose proposals to give Kosovo independence, and have said for months it could set a precedent that would encourage separatists elsewhere, including in parts of the former Soviet Union. But Moscow has never said explicitly if it would respond to recognition of Kosovo by granting recognition to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two regions of ex-Soviet Georgia which have run their own affairs since separatist wars in the 1990s. Asked what might happen in the two regions if Kosovo is recognised, the official said: "My firm feeling is that we will view it as a decision that sets a precedent." The official, who did not want to be identified, refused to give more specific details. "I think from my diplomats' language you will be able to draw your own conclusions," he said. If Russia were to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent from Georgia, it would anger the United States and the European Union, which insist that Georgia's territorial integrity should be respected. Kosovo's majority Albanian population wants to split from Serbia. Belgrade does not want to give the province independence and Russia has backed that stance. Russia helped block a proposal from a United Nations envoy to set the province on the path to independence. The Kosovo issue, which has created a major rift between Russia and Western powers, could come to a head on Dec. 10. That is the date when international negotiators are due to submit their report to the United Nations. Kosovo Albanians say if there is no agreement after that, they will declare unilateral independence. Washington has indicated it may back this declaration. Source In the event, the US went ahead unilaterally, Kosovo now 'hosts' the US Army's Camp Bondsteel (has been characterized as a mini-Guantanamo, alleged host of 'black site' detention), and the US' decision - like so many others, now comes back to bite it in the ass.