Why Are We in Ukraine?

678,956 Views | 8688 Replies | Last: 45 min ago by ATL Bear
perrynative
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LOL
sombear
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Putin obviously melting under Trump's "pressure"

historian
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Assassin said:

Another way to look at it, Ukraine is about 9,400 miles away from us. Russia is our neighbor, 2.4 miles across the Bering Strait. Work out relations with Russia by any means possible, even if it means getting their attention first.

I think the Berlin Strait is more than 20 miles. Decimal is in the wrong place
“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!”
Psalm 119:36
Assassin
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sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
Why do you think Zelensky did all that?
Did all what?
Caused all that to happen? Get all those Ukrainians and Russian young men killed?

Dude, stop trying to blame Trump for Zelensky's screwups
I'm blaming Trump for pulling support and intel, which directly caused civilian and solider deaths and potential loss of Kursk. Trump even forced a private American satellite company to cut off access. It's actually sick.

What exactly are Zelensky's screwups? Please list them.
Som, you are a lost cause because your so called sources are the Misinformation Stream Media, aka MSM's . No matter what true information is shown to you here, because you listen to those channels, you will refute them with the lies they spread. You wonder why 95% of the folks here are calling you out. That is why.

Watch Fox to get you some unbiased news. They actually have both Democrats and Republicans on their shows. And those Dems are currently apologizing for their party's stances. And rightly so.
What sources have I cited, and what have I said that's not true today?

I've mostly used Trump's own quotes about Russia and Ukraine.

Since you won't answer questions or even engage in specifics, I'll try some yes/no.

Did Trump stop all support and intel, including making a private satellite company cut-off Ukraine?

Did Trump specifically state that he did these things to send a message to Ukraine?

Has Putin bombed major civilian targets and energy infrastructure since we stopped finding and intel?

Did Trump say today that he's mad at Russia for escalating and then threaten to hit Russia with severe sanctions?

Did Trump later today seemingly reverse course and say he expected Russia to do what it is doing (escalate, including civilian targets) then also say he still think Russia wants a deal?

[Hint: The answer to all of these is yes.]

BTW people call me out because I'm one of the few who is willing to criticize (but also compliment) Trump.
Actually, what you are saying is that you are not seeing between the lines. I can just about guarantee you that this is going nearly exactly the way Trump wanted it to once Zelensky renigged AGAIN on signing the mineral rights deal that DID NOT include US security. Trump would never sign something like that. They had the deal worked out and then Zelensky re-opened negotiations. Zelensky did this to his own people
If it was going exactly the way Trump wanted, why did he say yesterday he was pissed at Putin and threaten severe sanctions? And you are saying he wanted Putin to escalate in civilian targets and civilian energy infrastructure?

As Rubio admitted, the parties never had agreed to all the key terms of the mineral deal. Only the mineral portion itself. Trump and Zelensky gambled that they could close the gap in person. They didn't. As I've said from the second it happened, Zelensky made a huge mistake that day, but he never reneged.
You are still playing checkers while Trump is playing 3D chess. Don't take him literally; read between the lines.
Facebook Groups at; Memories of: Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, Through a Texas Lens and also Dallas History Guild. Come visit!
Assassin
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historian said:

Assassin said:

Another way to look at it, Ukraine is about 9,400 miles away from us. Russia is our neighbor, 2.4 miles across the Bering Strait. Work out relations with Russia by any means possible, even if it means getting their attention first.
I think the Berlin Strait is more than 20 miles. Decimal is in the wrong place
A mistype. Thanks, Big Diomede and Little Diomede are not very far apart, Russia has the latter and we have the former. Think Waco to West. We are damned close to them
Facebook Groups at; Memories of: Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, Through a Texas Lens and also Dallas History Guild. Come visit!
sombear
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Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
Why do you think Zelensky did all that?
Did all what?
Caused all that to happen? Get all those Ukrainians and Russian young men killed?

Dude, stop trying to blame Trump for Zelensky's screwups
I'm blaming Trump for pulling support and intel, which directly caused civilian and solider deaths and potential loss of Kursk. Trump even forced a private American satellite company to cut off access. It's actually sick.

What exactly are Zelensky's screwups? Please list them.
Som, you are a lost cause because your so called sources are the Misinformation Stream Media, aka MSM's . No matter what true information is shown to you here, because you listen to those channels, you will refute them with the lies they spread. You wonder why 95% of the folks here are calling you out. That is why.

Watch Fox to get you some unbiased news. They actually have both Democrats and Republicans on their shows. And those Dems are currently apologizing for their party's stances. And rightly so.
What sources have I cited, and what have I said that's not true today?

I've mostly used Trump's own quotes about Russia and Ukraine.

Since you won't answer questions or even engage in specifics, I'll try some yes/no.

Did Trump stop all support and intel, including making a private satellite company cut-off Ukraine?

Did Trump specifically state that he did these things to send a message to Ukraine?

Has Putin bombed major civilian targets and energy infrastructure since we stopped finding and intel?

Did Trump say today that he's mad at Russia for escalating and then threaten to hit Russia with severe sanctions?

Did Trump later today seemingly reverse course and say he expected Russia to do what it is doing (escalate, including civilian targets) then also say he still think Russia wants a deal?

[Hint: The answer to all of these is yes.]

BTW people call me out because I'm one of the few who is willing to criticize (but also compliment) Trump.
Actually, what you are saying is that you are not seeing between the lines. I can just about guarantee you that this is going nearly exactly the way Trump wanted it to once Zelensky renigged AGAIN on signing the mineral rights deal that DID NOT include US security. Trump would never sign something like that. They had the deal worked out and then Zelensky re-opened negotiations. Zelensky did this to his own people
If it was going exactly the way Trump wanted, why did he say yesterday he was pissed at Putin and threaten severe sanctions? And you are saying he wanted Putin to escalate in civilian targets and civilian energy infrastructure?

As Rubio admitted, the parties never had agreed to all the key terms of the mineral deal. Only the mineral portion itself. Trump and Zelensky gambled that they could close the gap in person. They didn't. As I've said from the second it happened, Zelensky made a huge mistake that day, but he never reneged.
You are still playing checkers while Trump is playing 3D chess. Don't take him literally; read between the lines.


I hope you're right. I'm rooting for him.
Assassin
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sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
Why do you think Zelensky did all that?
Did all what?
Caused all that to happen? Get all those Ukrainians and Russian young men killed?

Dude, stop trying to blame Trump for Zelensky's screwups
I'm blaming Trump for pulling support and intel, which directly caused civilian and solider deaths and potential loss of Kursk. Trump even forced a private American satellite company to cut off access. It's actually sick.

What exactly are Zelensky's screwups? Please list them.
Som, you are a lost cause because your so called sources are the Misinformation Stream Media, aka MSM's . No matter what true information is shown to you here, because you listen to those channels, you will refute them with the lies they spread. You wonder why 95% of the folks here are calling you out. That is why.

Watch Fox to get you some unbiased news. They actually have both Democrats and Republicans on their shows. And those Dems are currently apologizing for their party's stances. And rightly so.
What sources have I cited, and what have I said that's not true today?

I've mostly used Trump's own quotes about Russia and Ukraine.

Since you won't answer questions or even engage in specifics, I'll try some yes/no.

Did Trump stop all support and intel, including making a private satellite company cut-off Ukraine?

Did Trump specifically state that he did these things to send a message to Ukraine?

Has Putin bombed major civilian targets and energy infrastructure since we stopped finding and intel?

Did Trump say today that he's mad at Russia for escalating and then threaten to hit Russia with severe sanctions?

Did Trump later today seemingly reverse course and say he expected Russia to do what it is doing (escalate, including civilian targets) then also say he still think Russia wants a deal?

[Hint: The answer to all of these is yes.]

BTW people call me out because I'm one of the few who is willing to criticize (but also compliment) Trump.
Actually, what you are saying is that you are not seeing between the lines. I can just about guarantee you that this is going nearly exactly the way Trump wanted it to once Zelensky renigged AGAIN on signing the mineral rights deal that DID NOT include US security. Trump would never sign something like that. They had the deal worked out and then Zelensky re-opened negotiations. Zelensky did this to his own people
If it was going exactly the way Trump wanted, why did he say yesterday he was pissed at Putin and threaten severe sanctions? And you are saying he wanted Putin to escalate in civilian targets and civilian energy infrastructure?

As Rubio admitted, the parties never had agreed to all the key terms of the mineral deal. Only the mineral portion itself. Trump and Zelensky gambled that they could close the gap in person. They didn't. As I've said from the second it happened, Zelensky made a huge mistake that day, but he never reneged.
You are still playing checkers while Trump is playing 3D chess. Don't take him literally; read between the lines.
I hope you're right. I'm rooting for him.
I'm pretty sure that Trump has planned most of this stuff out. He knows how Putin will react. He understands the EU really well. And George Soros. He is playing a long game to knock Soros' Open Society off it's blocks. Then the EU folds and these countries can either form a new EU type group or oust the EU-demanded immigration of their countries, out of their countries, and they can get back to being Italy, France, Spain and all the others.

Whatever the Open Society does is designed for the Soros family to benefit. However, with Trump undercutting the belly of groups like USAID, that does a lot of damage to them. Soros has been using our own tax dollars to support the elections of local and state liberal judges, DA's and so forth. Now Musk is matching whatever Soros puts into these elections, so we shall start seeing a lot of change hopefully by the midterms.

The tariffs are extremely well thought out and designed to promote USA, bringing jobs and security back to us. I think Trump knew exactly what every reaction would be and played his hand well. "The threat" of tariffs means nothing - unless the other country thinks it will actually happen. Canada has been screwing us for years with tariffs on the common air that we breathe. Now they are going to be forced to drop all those tariffs or they will go bankrupt.

As for Zelensky, nobody can trust him. Trump wants him off the table as he is too unpredictable from a business standpoint. Get that chess piece off the board and replace him with someone that folks can trust.
Facebook Groups at; Memories of: Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, Through a Texas Lens and also Dallas History Guild. Come visit!
Sam Lowry
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sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
Why do you think Zelensky did all that?
Did all what?
Caused all that to happen? Get all those Ukrainians and Russian young men killed?

Dude, stop trying to blame Trump for Zelensky's screwups
I'm blaming Trump for pulling support and intel, which directly caused civilian and solider deaths and potential loss of Kursk. Trump even forced a private American satellite company to cut off access. It's actually sick.

What exactly are Zelensky's screwups? Please list them.
Som, you are a lost cause because your so called sources are the Misinformation Stream Media, aka MSM's . No matter what true information is shown to you here, because you listen to those channels, you will refute them with the lies they spread. You wonder why 95% of the folks here are calling you out. That is why.

Watch Fox to get you some unbiased news. They actually have both Democrats and Republicans on their shows. And those Dems are currently apologizing for their party's stances. And rightly so.
What sources have I cited, and what have I said that's not true today?

I've mostly used Trump's own quotes about Russia and Ukraine.

Since you won't answer questions or even engage in specifics, I'll try some yes/no.

Did Trump stop all support and intel, including making a private satellite company cut-off Ukraine?

Did Trump specifically state that he did these things to send a message to Ukraine?

Has Putin bombed major civilian targets and energy infrastructure since we stopped finding and intel?

Did Trump say today that he's mad at Russia for escalating and then threaten to hit Russia with severe sanctions?

Did Trump later today seemingly reverse course and say he expected Russia to do what it is doing (escalate, including civilian targets) then also say he still think Russia wants a deal?

[Hint: The answer to all of these is yes.]

BTW people call me out because I'm one of the few who is willing to criticize (but also compliment) Trump.
Actually, what you are saying is that you are not seeing between the lines. I can just about guarantee you that this is going nearly exactly the way Trump wanted it to once Zelensky renigged AGAIN on signing the mineral rights deal that DID NOT include US security. Trump would never sign something like that. They had the deal worked out and then Zelensky re-opened negotiations. Zelensky did this to his own people
If it was going exactly the way Trump wanted, why did he say yesterday he was pissed at Putin and threaten severe sanctions? And you are saying he wanted Putin to escalate in civilian targets and civilian energy infrastructure?

As Rubio admitted, the parties never had agreed to all the key terms of the mineral deal. Only the mineral portion itself. Trump and Zelensky gambled that they could close the gap in person. They didn't. As I've said from the second it happened, Zelensky made a huge mistake that day, but he never reneged.
Zelensky's presence at the signing meeting implies, or should imply, that he's ready to sign the deal as is. My understanding is that Trump's people wanted to cancel the meeting, but Zelensky insisted on showing up and negotiating in front of the cameras.

I agree with you in one sense, that is, freezing aid to Ukraine and threatening Russia at the same time is a poor negotiating tactic. Anything he does to pressure one side will only embolden the other.
sombear
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Sam Lowry said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
Why do you think Zelensky did all that?
Did all what?
Caused all that to happen? Get all those Ukrainians and Russian young men killed?

Dude, stop trying to blame Trump for Zelensky's screwups
I'm blaming Trump for pulling support and intel, which directly caused civilian and solider deaths and potential loss of Kursk. Trump even forced a private American satellite company to cut off access. It's actually sick.

What exactly are Zelensky's screwups? Please list them.
Som, you are a lost cause because your so called sources are the Misinformation Stream Media, aka MSM's . No matter what true information is shown to you here, because you listen to those channels, you will refute them with the lies they spread. You wonder why 95% of the folks here are calling you out. That is why.

Watch Fox to get you some unbiased news. They actually have both Democrats and Republicans on their shows. And those Dems are currently apologizing for their party's stances. And rightly so.
What sources have I cited, and what have I said that's not true today?

I've mostly used Trump's own quotes about Russia and Ukraine.

Since you won't answer questions or even engage in specifics, I'll try some yes/no.

Did Trump stop all support and intel, including making a private satellite company cut-off Ukraine?

Did Trump specifically state that he did these things to send a message to Ukraine?

Has Putin bombed major civilian targets and energy infrastructure since we stopped finding and intel?

Did Trump say today that he's mad at Russia for escalating and then threaten to hit Russia with severe sanctions?

Did Trump later today seemingly reverse course and say he expected Russia to do what it is doing (escalate, including civilian targets) then also say he still think Russia wants a deal?

[Hint: The answer to all of these is yes.]

BTW people call me out because I'm one of the few who is willing to criticize (but also compliment) Trump.
Actually, what you are saying is that you are not seeing between the lines. I can just about guarantee you that this is going nearly exactly the way Trump wanted it to once Zelensky renigged AGAIN on signing the mineral rights deal that DID NOT include US security. Trump would never sign something like that. They had the deal worked out and then Zelensky re-opened negotiations. Zelensky did this to his own people
If it was going exactly the way Trump wanted, why did he say yesterday he was pissed at Putin and threaten severe sanctions? And you are saying he wanted Putin to escalate in civilian targets and civilian energy infrastructure?

As Rubio admitted, the parties never had agreed to all the key terms of the mineral deal. Only the mineral portion itself. Trump and Zelensky gambled that they could close the gap in person. They didn't. As I've said from the second it happened, Zelensky made a huge mistake that day, but he never reneged.
Zelensky's presence at the signing meeting implies, or should imply, that he's ready to sign the deal as is. My understanding is that Trump's people wanted to cancel the meeting, but Zelensky insisted on showing up and negotiating in front of the cameras.

I agree with you in one sense, that is, freezing aid to Ukraine and threatening Russia at the same time is a poor negotiating tactic. Anything he does to pressure one side will only embolden the other.
Not only that, if Trump knew anything about the Ukrainian people, he'd know that ridiculing Zelensky and pulling military support would only increase public support for Zelensky and for the war.

Zelensky's approvals had dropped into the 50s and are back up to the high 60s.
The_barBEARian
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Redbrickbear said:

Assassin said:




Moving them to Poland would be cheaper or Latvia (better for their local economies as well)

Germany is an expensive place to station troops

Recall them and get out of Europe all together.
trey3216
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whiterock said:

TinFoilHatPreacherBear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.


Don't know, sounds about right, and just a guess but I'm betting Putin won't let anyone but Trump "win" for making peace. Putin absolutely must say no to everyone in Europe. Trump's posturing towards Russia to date has been one of being willing to cooperate.
We'll see.
so he's been so willing to cooperate that he's been called a Russian asset. Now, we see him starting to spank the Russians. will his critics spin on a dime and call him a war-monger? Or will calmer heads see that he uses the carrot & stick rather dispassionately as needed to achieve a clear objective?
he's done zero spanking of the Russians, only talked about it. And when know he'll change his tune as the wind changes direction.

Mr. Treehorn treats objects like women, man.
historian
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Yes. I was being a bit of a nit picky school teacher!

Your pint is definitely valid although few Americans will ever go there to see for themselves.
“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!”
Psalm 119:36
FLBear5630
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ATL Bear said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
Whiterock of all people should know a former KGB agent knows how to exploit someone with a need for ego and validation in the midst of discontent with high tendencies toward emotional instability.
Whiterock is very reasonable on ever subject, except on Trump. Blind spot, the guy can do no wrong...
FLBear5630
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The_barBEARian said:

Redbrickbear said:

Assassin said:




Moving them to Poland would be cheaper or Latvia (better for their local economies as well)

Germany is an expensive place to station troops

Recall them and get out of Europe all together.
But, Germany is a great duty station! Get rid of Ft Polk, that sucks. Germany is a reason to re-enlist..
Sam Lowry
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sombear said:

Sam Lowry said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
Why do you think Zelensky did all that?
Did all what?
Caused all that to happen? Get all those Ukrainians and Russian young men killed?

Dude, stop trying to blame Trump for Zelensky's screwups
I'm blaming Trump for pulling support and intel, which directly caused civilian and solider deaths and potential loss of Kursk. Trump even forced a private American satellite company to cut off access. It's actually sick.

What exactly are Zelensky's screwups? Please list them.
Som, you are a lost cause because your so called sources are the Misinformation Stream Media, aka MSM's . No matter what true information is shown to you here, because you listen to those channels, you will refute them with the lies they spread. You wonder why 95% of the folks here are calling you out. That is why.

Watch Fox to get you some unbiased news. They actually have both Democrats and Republicans on their shows. And those Dems are currently apologizing for their party's stances. And rightly so.
What sources have I cited, and what have I said that's not true today?

I've mostly used Trump's own quotes about Russia and Ukraine.

Since you won't answer questions or even engage in specifics, I'll try some yes/no.

Did Trump stop all support and intel, including making a private satellite company cut-off Ukraine?

Did Trump specifically state that he did these things to send a message to Ukraine?

Has Putin bombed major civilian targets and energy infrastructure since we stopped finding and intel?

Did Trump say today that he's mad at Russia for escalating and then threaten to hit Russia with severe sanctions?

Did Trump later today seemingly reverse course and say he expected Russia to do what it is doing (escalate, including civilian targets) then also say he still think Russia wants a deal?

[Hint: The answer to all of these is yes.]

BTW people call me out because I'm one of the few who is willing to criticize (but also compliment) Trump.
Actually, what you are saying is that you are not seeing between the lines. I can just about guarantee you that this is going nearly exactly the way Trump wanted it to once Zelensky renigged AGAIN on signing the mineral rights deal that DID NOT include US security. Trump would never sign something like that. They had the deal worked out and then Zelensky re-opened negotiations. Zelensky did this to his own people
If it was going exactly the way Trump wanted, why did he say yesterday he was pissed at Putin and threaten severe sanctions? And you are saying he wanted Putin to escalate in civilian targets and civilian energy infrastructure?

As Rubio admitted, the parties never had agreed to all the key terms of the mineral deal. Only the mineral portion itself. Trump and Zelensky gambled that they could close the gap in person. They didn't. As I've said from the second it happened, Zelensky made a huge mistake that day, but he never reneged.
Zelensky's presence at the signing meeting implies, or should imply, that he's ready to sign the deal as is. My understanding is that Trump's people wanted to cancel the meeting, but Zelensky insisted on showing up and negotiating in front of the cameras.

I agree with you in one sense, that is, freezing aid to Ukraine and threatening Russia at the same time is a poor negotiating tactic. Anything he does to pressure one side will only embolden the other.
Not only that, if Trump knew anything about the Ukrainian people, he'd know that ridiculing Zelensky and pulling military support would only increase public support for Zelensky and for the war.

Zelensky's approvals had dropped into the 50s and are back up to the high 60s.
I suspect that Trump was trying to look tough for his domestic audience and he knew the Russians would take it as an empty threat. We import a trivial amount of goods from Russia, and there are few if any financial sanctions we haven't already imposed. My concern is that Zelensky isn't bright enough to understand this.
TinFoilHatPreacherBear
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Sam Lowry said:

sombear said:

Sam Lowry said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

Assassin said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
Why do you think Zelensky did all that?
Did all what?
Caused all that to happen? Get all those Ukrainians and Russian young men killed?

Dude, stop trying to blame Trump for Zelensky's screwups
I'm blaming Trump for pulling support and intel, which directly caused civilian and solider deaths and potential loss of Kursk. Trump even forced a private American satellite company to cut off access. It's actually sick.

What exactly are Zelensky's screwups? Please list them.
Som, you are a lost cause because your so called sources are the Misinformation Stream Media, aka MSM's . No matter what true information is shown to you here, because you listen to those channels, you will refute them with the lies they spread. You wonder why 95% of the folks here are calling you out. That is why.

Watch Fox to get you some unbiased news. They actually have both Democrats and Republicans on their shows. And those Dems are currently apologizing for their party's stances. And rightly so.
What sources have I cited, and what have I said that's not true today?

I've mostly used Trump's own quotes about Russia and Ukraine.

Since you won't answer questions or even engage in specifics, I'll try some yes/no.

Did Trump stop all support and intel, including making a private satellite company cut-off Ukraine?

Did Trump specifically state that he did these things to send a message to Ukraine?

Has Putin bombed major civilian targets and energy infrastructure since we stopped finding and intel?

Did Trump say today that he's mad at Russia for escalating and then threaten to hit Russia with severe sanctions?

Did Trump later today seemingly reverse course and say he expected Russia to do what it is doing (escalate, including civilian targets) then also say he still think Russia wants a deal?

[Hint: The answer to all of these is yes.]

BTW people call me out because I'm one of the few who is willing to criticize (but also compliment) Trump.
Actually, what you are saying is that you are not seeing between the lines. I can just about guarantee you that this is going nearly exactly the way Trump wanted it to once Zelensky renigged AGAIN on signing the mineral rights deal that DID NOT include US security. Trump would never sign something like that. They had the deal worked out and then Zelensky re-opened negotiations. Zelensky did this to his own people
If it was going exactly the way Trump wanted, why did he say yesterday he was pissed at Putin and threaten severe sanctions? And you are saying he wanted Putin to escalate in civilian targets and civilian energy infrastructure?

As Rubio admitted, the parties never had agreed to all the key terms of the mineral deal. Only the mineral portion itself. Trump and Zelensky gambled that they could close the gap in person. They didn't. As I've said from the second it happened, Zelensky made a huge mistake that day, but he never reneged.
Zelensky's presence at the signing meeting implies, or should imply, that he's ready to sign the deal as is. My understanding is that Trump's people wanted to cancel the meeting, but Zelensky insisted on showing up and negotiating in front of the cameras.

I agree with you in one sense, that is, freezing aid to Ukraine and threatening Russia at the same time is a poor negotiating tactic. Anything he does to pressure one side will only embolden the other.
Not only that, if Trump knew anything about the Ukrainian people, he'd know that ridiculing Zelensky and pulling military support would only increase public support for Zelensky and for the war.

Zelensky's approvals had dropped into the 50s and are back up to the high 60s.
I suspect that Trump was trying to look tough for his domestic audience and he knew the Russians would take it as an empty threat. We import a trivial amount of goods from Russia, and there are few if any financial sanctions we haven't already imposed. My concern is that Zelensky isn't bright enough to understand this.
Nah, I think at this point, it's likely all political theatre in that the concerned parties probably have a good idea where each stands.

Trump tough on Ukraine, genuinely so. Europe rattling their sabers to justify increasing their military budgets for the next decade. Trump now acting tough on Russia, can't have the plebes thinking that Russia gets it easy.



Thee tinfoil hat couch-potato prognosticator, not a bible school preacher.


historian
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“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!”
Psalm 119:36
whiterock
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trey3216 said:

whiterock said:

TinFoilHatPreacherBear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.


Don't know, sounds about right, and just a guess but I'm betting Putin won't let anyone but Trump "win" for making peace. Putin absolutely must say no to everyone in Europe. Trump's posturing towards Russia to date has been one of being willing to cooperate.
We'll see.
so he's been so willing to cooperate that he's been called a Russian asset. Now, we see him starting to spank the Russians. will his critics spin on a dime and call him a war-monger? Or will calmer heads see that he uses the carrot & stick rather dispassionately as needed to achieve a clear objective?
he's done zero spanking of the Russians, only talked about it. And when know he'll change his tune as the wind changes direction.


LOL the neverTrumpers sure do get bent out of shape they hear him talking, yet somehow never manage to see what he's actually doing.

whiterock
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sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
when Zelensky signs the deal, the aid & intel will quietly resume, if for no other reason than to pressure Russia to come to the table. He's beating two ol' jersey cows who are sulling at the gate, trying to force them into the barn (peace talks).

But if the Europeans want to step up their game and send what it takes for Ukraine to soldier on for another 12-24 months, that's fine, too. In the short term, that will allow us to focus our resources on China and our debt/deficit. In the long term, that will finally make Nato a robust alliance, instead of primarily a US force with minor augmentation from various (and mostly reluctant) EU countries.

Trump is playing a win/win hand here.......

What's happening is pretty simple. Why do you refuse to see it?
whiterock
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FLBear5630 said:

ATL Bear said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
Whiterock of all people should know a former KGB agent knows how to exploit someone with a need for ego and validation in the midst of discontent with high tendencies toward emotional instability.
Whiterock is very reasonable on ever subject, except on Trump. Blind spot, the guy can do no wrong...
or, maybe I'm reasonable on Trump, too and you are the one with the blind spot.
FLBear5630
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whiterock said:

FLBear5630 said:

ATL Bear said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
Whiterock of all people should know a former KGB agent knows how to exploit someone with a need for ego and validation in the midst of discontent with high tendencies toward emotional instability.
Whiterock is very reasonable on ever subject, except on Trump. Blind spot, the guy can do no wrong...
or, maybe I'm reasonable on Trump, too and you are the one with the blind spot.
Probably, a little bit of both. 90% of my comment was compliment..
sombear
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whiterock said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
when Zelensky signs the deal, the aid & intel will quietly resume, if for no other reason than to pressure Russia to come to the table. He's beating two ol' jersey cows who are sulling at the gate, trying to force them into the barn (peace talks).

But if the Europeans want to step up their game and send what it takes for Ukraine to soldier on for another 12-24 months, that's fine, too. In the short term, that will allow us to focus our resources on China and our debt/deficit. In the long term, that will finally make Nato a robust alliance, instead of primarily a US force with minor augmentation from various (and mostly reluctant) EU countries.

Trump is playing a win/win hand here.......

What's happening is pretty simple. Why do you refuse to see it?
I've mostly deferred to Trump on Ukraine for years.

But you have to blind and deaf to argue he's been tough on Russia. In words and actions, he's beating the hell out of our ally and treating Putin as a friend and partner.
TinFoilHatPreacherBear
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sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
when Zelensky signs the deal, the aid & intel will quietly resume, if for no other reason than to pressure Russia to come to the table. He's beating two ol' jersey cows who are sulling at the gate, trying to force them into the barn (peace talks).

But if the Europeans want to step up their game and send what it takes for Ukraine to soldier on for another 12-24 months, that's fine, too. In the short term, that will allow us to focus our resources on China and our debt/deficit. In the long term, that will finally make Nato a robust alliance, instead of primarily a US force with minor augmentation from various (and mostly reluctant) EU countries.

Trump is playing a win/win hand here.......

What's happening is pretty simple. Why do you refuse to see it?
I've mostly deferred to Trump on Ukraine for years.

But you have to blind and deaf to argue he's been tough on Russia. In words and actions, he's beating the hell out of our ally and treating Putin as a friend and partner.


Zelensky won't make peace until Russia is out, Ukraine has no fighting men left, or WW3 happens.

I don't know what the best path here is, do you?
Thee tinfoil hat couch-potato prognosticator, not a bible school preacher.


sombear
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TinFoilHatPreacherBear said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
when Zelensky signs the deal, the aid & intel will quietly resume, if for no other reason than to pressure Russia to come to the table. He's beating two ol' jersey cows who are sulling at the gate, trying to force them into the barn (peace talks).

But if the Europeans want to step up their game and send what it takes for Ukraine to soldier on for another 12-24 months, that's fine, too. In the short term, that will allow us to focus our resources on China and our debt/deficit. In the long term, that will finally make Nato a robust alliance, instead of primarily a US force with minor augmentation from various (and mostly reluctant) EU countries.

Trump is playing a win/win hand here.......

What's happening is pretty simple. Why do you refuse to see it?
I've mostly deferred to Trump on Ukraine for years.

But you have to blind and deaf to argue he's been tough on Russia. In words and actions, he's beating the hell out of our ally and treating Putin as a friend and partner.


Zelensky won't make peace until Russia is out, Ukraine has no fighting men left, or WW3 happens.

I don't know what the best path here is, do you?
No, I don't know what the best path is. It's crazy complex.

And I keep emphasizing, all of us our going solely off reports; we don't know exactly what is going on behind the scenes.

But, if all the reporting is accurate, Ukraine is showing far more willingness to compromise than Russia. Ukraine has basically conceded even before formal talks that (1) NATO is off the table, (2) Russia will stay in much of the East, and (3) Ukraine will remain neutral military even outside of NATO.

Russia, on the other hand, has told anyone who will listen that it is not compromising. Russia says it is not moving on (1) keeping everything it now controls, (2) 85% minimum reduction in Ukraine military, (3) regime change, (4) neutrality not only on military but formal economic partnerships; (5) oil and gas guarantees, (6) no foreign troops of any kind in peace-keeping roles, and (7) no no-fly zones.

If Russia maintains that position, Ukraine will continue to fight, period. Who can blame them?

And Trump will then have a choice: Do we continue to support Ukraine or walk away?

Until the last few weeks, I would have bet a ton of $ that Trump would continue to support. Now, I'd bet a ton of $ he'll walk away.

We will see. I hope I'm wrong.
FLBear5630
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sombear said:

TinFoilHatPreacherBear said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
when Zelensky signs the deal, the aid & intel will quietly resume, if for no other reason than to pressure Russia to come to the table. He's beating two ol' jersey cows who are sulling at the gate, trying to force them into the barn (peace talks).

But if the Europeans want to step up their game and send what it takes for Ukraine to soldier on for another 12-24 months, that's fine, too. In the short term, that will allow us to focus our resources on China and our debt/deficit. In the long term, that will finally make Nato a robust alliance, instead of primarily a US force with minor augmentation from various (and mostly reluctant) EU countries.

Trump is playing a win/win hand here.......

What's happening is pretty simple. Why do you refuse to see it?
I've mostly deferred to Trump on Ukraine for years.

But you have to blind and deaf to argue he's been tough on Russia. In words and actions, he's beating the hell out of our ally and treating Putin as a friend and partner.


Zelensky won't make peace until Russia is out, Ukraine has no fighting men left, or WW3 happens.

I don't know what the best path here is, do you?
No, I don't know what the best path is. It's crazy complex.

And I keep emphasizing, all of us our going solely off reports; we don't know exactly what is going on behind the scenes.

But, if all the reporting is accurate, Ukraine is showing far more willingness to compromise than Russia. Ukraine has basically conceded even before formal talks that (1) NATO is off the table, (2) Russia will stay in much of the East, and (3) Ukraine will remain neutral military even outside of NATO.

Russia, on the other hand, has told anyone who will listen that it is not compromising. Russia says it is not moving on (1) keeping everything it now controls, (2) 85% minimum reduction in Ukraine military, (3) regime change, (4) neutrality not only on military but formal economic partnerships; (5) oil and gas guarantees, (6) no foreign troops of any kind in peace-keeping roles, and (7) no no-fly zones.

If Russia maintains that position, Ukraine will continue to fight, period. Who can blame them?

And Trump will then have a choice: Do we continue to support Ukraine or walk away?

Until the last few weeks, I would have bet a ton of $ that Trump would continue to support. Now, I'd bet a ton of $ he'll walk away.

We will see. I hope I'm wrong.
The wild card is Europe. They bring troops to the field, that puts Trump in a very bad position. He picks Putin over the rest of NATO, the US is isolated in the Atlantic.

The Pacific will take notice, if you are Korea or Japan you have to reconsider alliance strength and start working with China.

Dominoes start to fall if Europe helps Ukraine. What will Trump do on Taiwan? He walks from Pacific, you have Trump, XI and Putin...
Sam Lowry
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Quote:

Yushchenko claimed that he had been poisoned by government agents.
It's funny how we just ignored that, kind of like we ignored Yushchenko testifying against Tymoshenko, and Zelensky charging Poroshenko with treason. Kind of makes you wonder how much of Ukraine's dysfunction is really Putin's doing and how much is just Ukraine being its banana republic self.
Sam Lowry
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FLBear5630 said:

sombear said:

TinFoilHatPreacherBear said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

whiterock said:

sombear said:

Someone… anyone … please try to explain what Trump is doing.


he's manhandled Ukraine into coming to sign the trade deal. Now he's going to beat up on Russia just as bad as he's beat up on Ukraine, to get them to the table.

He's being even handed.

Makes perfect sense.
Even handed? He stopped all support and intel, and it costs numerous civilian and soldier deaths and led to a disaster in Kursk.

And on the same day (today) he first threatened Russia, he later said Russia did what anyone would do and expected them to do it. In other words, he knowingly allowed Russia to bomb civilian targets and encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
when Zelensky signs the deal, the aid & intel will quietly resume, if for no other reason than to pressure Russia to come to the table. He's beating two ol' jersey cows who are sulling at the gate, trying to force them into the barn (peace talks).

But if the Europeans want to step up their game and send what it takes for Ukraine to soldier on for another 12-24 months, that's fine, too. In the short term, that will allow us to focus our resources on China and our debt/deficit. In the long term, that will finally make Nato a robust alliance, instead of primarily a US force with minor augmentation from various (and mostly reluctant) EU countries.

Trump is playing a win/win hand here.......

What's happening is pretty simple. Why do you refuse to see it?
I've mostly deferred to Trump on Ukraine for years.

But you have to blind and deaf to argue he's been tough on Russia. In words and actions, he's beating the hell out of our ally and treating Putin as a friend and partner.


Zelensky won't make peace until Russia is out, Ukraine has no fighting men left, or WW3 happens.

I don't know what the best path here is, do you?
No, I don't know what the best path is. It's crazy complex.

And I keep emphasizing, all of us our going solely off reports; we don't know exactly what is going on behind the scenes.

But, if all the reporting is accurate, Ukraine is showing far more willingness to compromise than Russia. Ukraine has basically conceded even before formal talks that (1) NATO is off the table, (2) Russia will stay in much of the East, and (3) Ukraine will remain neutral military even outside of NATO.

Russia, on the other hand, has told anyone who will listen that it is not compromising. Russia says it is not moving on (1) keeping everything it now controls, (2) 85% minimum reduction in Ukraine military, (3) regime change, (4) neutrality not only on military but formal economic partnerships; (5) oil and gas guarantees, (6) no foreign troops of any kind in peace-keeping roles, and (7) no no-fly zones.

If Russia maintains that position, Ukraine will continue to fight, period. Who can blame them?

And Trump will then have a choice: Do we continue to support Ukraine or walk away?

Until the last few weeks, I would have bet a ton of $ that Trump would continue to support. Now, I'd bet a ton of $ he'll walk away.

We will see. I hope I'm wrong.
The wild card is Europe. They bring troops to the field, that puts Trump in a very bad position.
Not nearly as bad as Europe's.
Assassin
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[url=https://x.com/elonmusk][/url]Elon Musk
[url=https://x.com/elonmusk][/url]@elonmusk

I literally challenged Putin to one on one physical combat over Ukraine and my Starlink system is the backbone of the Ukrainian army. Their entire front line would collapse if I turned it off.

What I am sickened by is years of slaughter in a stalemate that Ukraine will inevitably lose.

Anyone who really cares, really thinks and really understands wants the meat grinder to stop.

PEACE NOW!!

11:49 PM Mar 8, 2025
Facebook Groups at; Memories of: Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, Through a Texas Lens and also Dallas History Guild. Come visit!
Mothra
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Sam Lowry said:

Quote:

Yushchenko claimed that he had been poisoned by government agents.
It's funny how we just ignored that, kind of like we ignored Yushchenko testifying against Tymoshenko, and Zelensky charging Poroshenko with treason. Kind of makes you wonder how much of Ukraine's dysfunction is really Putin's doing and how much is just Ukraine being its banana republic self.
There is no question that Ukraine is a banana republic. The mistake is believing that this makes Putin anything less than a cold-blooded killer, willing to assassinate rivals, and change laws to cement himself as dictator of Russia. No doubt Putin has been able to successfully use Ukraine's dysfunction to his gain. He's a calculated killer. Nobody has ever accused him of being stupid.
Redbrickbear
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Mothra said:

Sam Lowry said:

Quote:

Yushchenko claimed that he had been poisoned by government agents.
It's funny how we just ignored that, kind of like we ignored Yushchenko testifying against Tymoshenko, and Zelensky charging Poroshenko with treason. Kind of makes you wonder how much of Ukraine's dysfunction is really Putin's doing and how much is just Ukraine being its banana republic self.
No doubt Putin has been able to successfully use Ukraine's dysfunction to his gain. He's a calculated killer. Nobody has ever accused him of being stupid.


No but he also appears entirely average in intelligence

Despite attempts by some in the West paint him as some kind of genius level opponent

FLBear5630
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Mothra said:

Sam Lowry said:

Quote:

Yushchenko claimed that he had been poisoned by government agents.
It's funny how we just ignored that, kind of like we ignored Yushchenko testifying against Tymoshenko, and Zelensky charging Poroshenko with treason. Kind of makes you wonder how much of Ukraine's dysfunction is really Putin's doing and how much is just Ukraine being its banana republic self.
There is no question that Ukraine is a banana republic. The mistake is believing that this makes Putin anything less than a cold-blooded killer, willing to assassinate rivals, and change laws to cement himself as dictator of Russia. No doubt Putin has been able to successfully use Ukraine's dysfunction to his gain. He's a calculated killer. Nobody has ever accused him of being stupid.
Everyone knew Ukraine was a Banana Republic or they would have been in NATO with the Baltics, Bulgaria, and the others. Ukraine had corruption and Russian influence issues, that was the point to bring them to the West. We worked for decades to get them to move to the West and the EU. Now when Russia gives NATO the reason to do it, they stop short.

You guys act like Ukraine had its act together, ever. The whole exercise is to add Ukraine to the West and the Western economies. Obama, Biden and now Trump have pretty much killed that idea. Russia is going to come out of it better than they wanted. So far the only benefit has been getting Sweden and Finland off the fence and into the NATO camp.
Sam Lowry
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Mothra said:

Sam Lowry said:

Quote:

Yushchenko claimed that he had been poisoned by government agents.
It's funny how we just ignored that, kind of like we ignored Yushchenko testifying against Tymoshenko, and Zelensky charging Poroshenko with treason. Kind of makes you wonder how much of Ukraine's dysfunction is really Putin's doing and how much is just Ukraine being its banana republic self.
There is no question that Ukraine is a banana republic. The mistake is believing that this makes Putin anything less than a cold-blooded killer, willing to assassinate rivals, and change laws to cement himself as dictator of Russia. No doubt Putin has been able to successfully use Ukraine's dysfunction to his gain. He's a calculated killer. Nobody has ever accused him of being stupid.
No, but many have accused him of ordering political assassinations. The evidence is less than clear.
Redbrickbear
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Redbrickbear
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JD is awesome


Mothra
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Sam Lowry said:

Mothra said:

Sam Lowry said:

Quote:

Yushchenko claimed that he had been poisoned by government agents.
It's funny how we just ignored that, kind of like we ignored Yushchenko testifying against Tymoshenko, and Zelensky charging Poroshenko with treason. Kind of makes you wonder how much of Ukraine's dysfunction is really Putin's doing and how much is just Ukraine being its banana republic self.
There is no question that Ukraine is a banana republic. The mistake is believing that this makes Putin anything less than a cold-blooded killer, willing to assassinate rivals, and change laws to cement himself as dictator of Russia. No doubt Putin has been able to successfully use Ukraine's dysfunction to his gain. He's a calculated killer. Nobody has ever accused him of being stupid.
No, but many have accused him of ordering political assassinations. The evidence is less than clear.


So typically you're not going to find direct evidence of a regime ordering assassinations, if that's what you're expecting. It just doesn't happen unless someone close to the despot defects.

But when you see that a number of Putin's rivals and political opponents either get poisoned, fall out of tall buildings, fly on planes that "malfunction" in mid-flight or have other "accidental" deaths, and you have a former KGB officer in charge who has essentially said those disloyal to the regime should be put to death, you have to be a special kind of stupid not to be able to connect the dots.
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