Putin Calls For Ukrainian Military 2 Seize Power Fr Govt., Zelensky Promises 2 Defend

[Gunny]

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 1:51 PM PT – Friday, February 25, 2022Russian President Vladimir Putin is calling for a military coup in Ukraine. In a televised speech Friday, Putin told the Ukrainian military to seize power from its government and overthrow democratically-elected President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Putin said it would be easier to make a deal with military personnel than “a gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis.” This comes as Zelensky, who is Jewish, posted a video message to the Ukrainian people in which he stated he’s not leaving the nation’s capital and will defend his country.

“Our troops are here, citizens are here, all of us are here protecting our independence of our country,” said the Ukrainian president. “And it will continue to be this way. Glory to our defenders, glory to Ukraine, glory to heroes.”
Additionally, Zelenskyy said he spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden for 40-minutes Friday and discussed sanctions, defense assistance and an anti-war coalition. The U.S. plans to sanction Putin directly, according to reports.
The Russian president would be the most high-profile target of the U.S.’s campaign to apply punitive measures against Russia. Other members of Putin’s inner circle are also likely to be targeted. This follows similar sanctions announced by the European Union and the U.K. against Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Meanwhile, China said it supports Russia amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with President Putin Friday and said while he respects the security concerns of all countries, he supports Russia in resolving the issue through negotiation.

Putin reportedly told Xi the Kremlin is ready to hold high level talks with Ukraine’s government. Russia is seeking the full demilitarization of Ukraine and assurances the country will not be joining NATO.
According to a Kremlin spokesman, Putin is prepared to send a delegation to Minsk for talks, but Ukraine has gone silent on possible negotiations. This all comes as Russia’s onslaught of the Ukrainian capital of Kiev continues.
https://www.oann.com/putin-calls-for-ukrainian-military-to-seize-power-from-govt-zelensky-promises-to-defend-country/

[Kathianne]

https://www.oann.com/putin-calls-for-ukrainian-military-to-seize-power-from-govt-zelensky-promises-to-defend-country/
Just after 1am, MST; Ukraine is still in control of Kiev. I don't see victory, but they are holding on, while it looks like Putin's emotional outbreaks, name calling, and threats, are bringing the West closer to sanctions on Putin personally and much greater chance of removing Russia from Swift.

[Kathianne]

I'm really impressed by Zelensky:

https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2022/02/25/zelensky-the-fate-of-ukraine-is-now-being-decided-n451348

[Kathianne]

Yep:

https://hotair.com/jazz-shaw/2022/02/26/zelensky-i-need-ammo-not-a-ride-n451362

[Gunny]

Yep:

https://hotair.com/jazz-shaw/2022/02/26/zelensky-i-need-ammo-not-a-ride-n451362I really like this guy. That word so casually bandied about in this country, "hero"? THIS is what one looks like.

[Kathianne]

And it's beginning to look like Putin seriously misjudged the repercussions. As always, the real jury is at home. Russia has arrested thousands and now this, while protests continue to grow:

https://hotair.com/ed-morrissey/2022/02/26/kazakhstan-to-putin-pound-sand-n451388

[Gunny]

And it's beginning to look like Putin seriously misjudged the repercussions. As always, the real jury is at home. Russia has arrested thousands and now this, while protests continue to grow:

https://hotair.com/ed-morrissey/2022/02/26/kazakhstan-to-putin-pound-sand-n451388

I was wondering about this. Specifically, what so-far "Silent" Erdogan was going to do. No former Soviet satellite has fond memories of Soviet occupation. Didn't expect Khazakstan to turn on him.

Ref Zelensky, I don't think Putin has calculated correctly if Z gets killed.

[Gunny]

Note that it is former Soviet satellites that are into playing the hardest ball. Guess someone has to step up. Sure isn't Biden.


February 26, 2022
By Alicja Ptak and Andrius Sytas
WARSAW/VILNIUS (Reuters) – Leaders from Poland and Lithuania urged the European Union on Saturday to go further in their support for Ukraine in the face of a Russian invasion, as they headed into a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said all sanctions against Russia should be on the table, including shutting the Nord Stream pipelines that supply Russian gas to Europe and halting its access to the SWIFT global payments system.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda also said it was important that Ukraine was provided with “real military help.”
Russian forces pounded Ukrainian cities with artillery and cruise missiles on Saturday for a third day running but a defiant President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the capital Kyiv remained in Ukrainian hands.
Poland and Lithuania both share borders with Russia and Belarus, while Poland also borders Ukraine.
“I came to Berlin to shake the conscience of Germany so that they would finally decide on truly harsh sanctions that will influence the Kremlin’s decisions,” Morawiecki told reporters outside Scholz’s office.
“We need to shut down Nord Stream 1 and 2, we need to cut reliance on raw materials, cut off Russian financial institutions from capital markets, confiscate assets of oligarchs, close off SWIFT for Russia… All sanctions against Russia should be on the table.”
Speaking alongside Morawiecki, Nauseda said he would ask Scholz to support giving Ukraine the status of a EU candidate country, and sending it significant military help.
“I talked to Zelenskiy on the way here, and he said that European perspective would be a large motivation to Ukrainians to fight for their and their children future,” said Nauseda.
“And it is important to provide real military help to Ukraine now. This is most important … we need a quick decision,” he added.
(Reporting by Alicja Ptak in Warsaw and Andrius Sytas in Vilnius; Editing by Michael Kahn and Mark Potter)
https://www.oann.com/send-military-help-to-ukraine-sanction-russia-harshly-east-eu-leaders-tell-scholz/

[Gunny]

I'm really impressed by Zelensky:

https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2022/02/25/zelensky-the-fate-of-ukraine-is-now-being-decided-n451348

Zelensky was an actor before becoming President? I love the contrast: Putin hiding out from covid while this guy's out in the street leading.


February 26, 2022
By Matthias Williams
LVIV, Ukraine (Reuters) – The morning after Russian missiles rained down on Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed the nation in his favourite style: the selfie video.
Unshaven, wearing a khaki jacket and flashing a smile, he told the nation that contrary to reports of him trying to flee, he was staying put in the capital.
“Good morning to all Ukrainians! Lately there has been a lot of fake information online that I am calling on our army to lay down their arms and to evacuate. Listen. I am here,” he said, in a video that received 3 million views on Instagram in an hour.
The setting was suitably eerie, with Zelenskiy standing in the morning light in front of the “House with Chimeras”, an Art Nouveau landmark covered in otherworldly animal figures across the road from his presidential office in Kyiv.
It has been an unlikely transformation for the 44-year-old, who was a comedian and actor with no political experience before he was elected as president in 2019 – except when he played a fictional president in a satirical TV series.
At the beginning of the crisis, some Ukrainians on social media feared Zelenskiy was out of his depth against veteran Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Moscow massed troops on the border to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
He had been criticised for taking public swipes at the United States and other friendly powers when he felt they were not being sufficiently supportive.
But Zelenskiy’s refusal to evacuate with Russian troops closing in on Kyiv and his calm presence in social media videos has won plaudits, even from self-described sceptics.
“Whatever happens next, history will remember the simple physical courage Volodymyr Zelens’kyi displays in remaining in his capital, with his people, amidst a horrible invasion, knowing that he is its target,” Timothy Snyder, a history professor specialising in Ukraine at Yale said on Twitter.
Olena Halushka, an activist at a well-known Ukrainian anti-corruption organisation, said on Twitter she had misjudged him. “I couldn’t imagine I’ll be proud of him as the supreme commander. He is worthy of our incredible nation.”
THE PRESIDENT STAYS
Zelenskiy has been a prolific social media user throughout his time in politics, goading his rivals during the election campaign in 2019, snapping pictures and videos of himself at the gym, in his office or addressing the nation with instructions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Critics and political rivals have often sought to label him as a “clown” unsuited for high office.
Before 2019, he dressed up in buffoonish costumes on stage, performed song and dance acts and, as the fictional president on TV, drunkenly fell into a swimming pool after a meeting with the head of the International Monetary Fund.
Now, he is posting videos trying to give reassurance.
In a previous selfie video, he stood on the street with his inner circle, showing them that his chief of staff, prime minister and closest advisers had also not left the capital.
His style stands in contrast with Putin, who has often kept even close officials on the other side of a long table during meetings during the coronavirus pandemic.
Nassim Taleb, the best-selling author of the book “The Black Swan”, compared Zelenskiy to the images that Putin has used in the past to project strength, including images of him riding bare-chested on horseback.
“Putin the poseur on horseback is hiding in his remote bunker, while Zelenski, the former comedian, is risking his life on the frontline,” he said.
On camera, Zelenskiy has spoken mainly in Ukrainian but also switched to Russian to address the Russian people, urging them to come out into the streets to protest the war.
Vyachslav Volodin, speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, asserted on Saturday without evidence that Zelenskiy had fled to the western city of Lviv and that his self-recorded video appearances were in fact pre-recorded.
There was heavy fighting in several parts of the country on Saturday including clashes in the capital, and there have been media reports of Zelenskiy declining offers from foreign governments to be evacuated.
Asked to comment on the reports, Zelenskiy’s spokesman said: “The president stays in Kyiv, the president stays with his people. No one will run away or drop weapons.”
(Additional reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by David Clarke)
https://www.oann.com/smartphone-in-hand-ukraines-president-takes-centre-stage-in-a-capital-under-attack/

[Kathianne]

Might be my fantasy, but I'm beginning to wonder who will be done first, Zelensky or Putin.

[Kathianne]

Well then,

https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2022/02/26/amazing-kyiv-is-still-holding-out-and-putin-is-reportedly-furious-n528406

[Kathianne]

Reuters is reporting in breaking news that Russian attacks in Kiev are not advancing. Now it seems that Zelensky is saying the same. Meanwhile the West is gathering weapons, Poland and Finland working out how to insert them into Ukraine. Czech Republic might be used.

[Gunny]

Well then,

https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2022/02/26/amazing-kyiv-is-still-holding-out-and-putin-is-reportedly-furious-n528406

tit for tat :)

https://www.oann.com/heavy-fighting-in-kyiv-outskirts-as-russia-ukraine-signal-possibility-of-talks/

This is looking more and more like a major blunder-bordering-disaster for Putin, regardless the outcome on the ground in Ukraine. SERIOUSLY misjudged the people of Ukraine.

I'll add this, maybe expound later: I'm NOT impressed by the Russian military. Technologically advanced? Maybe moreso than average citizens and some 3rd World countries. The attack itself was jacked up. Classic pincers movement designed for a surprise attack, or if one has enough overwhelming numerical superiority it can't be stalled. Wrong tactic for months-long build-up of forces, telegraphing the attack.

Intel sucks. Resistance was not prepared for.

I wouldn't bet anything on Russian troop morale either. I wouldn't be "into it". Then facing off against a people refusing to lay down? Double whammy for morale.

[Gunny]

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/26/russian-troops-invading-ukraine-00012089

Whoever is holding off cutting Russia off from SWIFT and cutting Russia's bank off needs a good talking to :rolleyes:

[Kathianne]

tit for tat :)

https://www.oann.com/heavy-fighting-in-kyiv-outskirts-as-russia-ukraine-signal-possibility-of-talks/

This is looking more and more like a major blunder-bordering-disaster for Putin, regardless the outcome on the ground in Ukraine. SERIOUSLY misjudged the people of Ukraine.

I'll add this, maybe expound later: I'm NOT impressed by the Russian military. Technologically advanced? Maybe moreso than average citizens and some 3rd World countries. The attack itself was jacked up. Classic pincers movement designed for a surprise attack, or if one has enough overwhelming numerical superiority it can't be stalled. Wrong tactic for months-long build-up of forces, telegraphing the attack.

Intel sucks. Resistance was not prepared for.

I wouldn't bet anything on Russian troop morale either. I wouldn't be "into it". Then facing off against a people refusing to lay down? Double whammy for morale.

Getting a weird feeling that this may have been a desperation move on Putin's part, none of what's happened or happening adds up. UNLESS Russia is economically, militarily in much worse shape than widely believed.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/ukraine-russian-troops-underfunded-equipment-subpar

[Gunny]

Getting a weird feeling that this may have been a desperation move on Putin's part, none of what's happened or happening adds up. UNLESS Russia is economically, militarily in much worse shape than widely believed.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/ukraine-russian-troops-underfunded-equipment-subpar"Desperation" might be close to the right word. I agree with NT ... this is about rebuilding the Soviet Union. Putin/Russia is feeling left out of the "Super Power" game. Everything's "US v China". Truth be told, Ukraine basically propped up the Soviets. There's just everything right about controlling "the ukraine" (the borderland) between East and West, and its resources.

FJ is correct that in volume, Russia produces more than Ukraine, but when you start counting the size of who is supporting what, Ukraine wins.

Just a hunch, but I think Putin's real concern is keeping up with China.

[Gunny]

Just to add to the Rubio line of thinking: this is out of character for Putin. Everything he has done so far has been cold, calculated and efficient. There's nothing calculated nor efficient going on here.

[Gunny]

Annoying as Hell: Fox News people pronouncing Kyiv "keev". Highly-educated journalists :rolleyes:

"Key-ev" (second "e" short vowel). Annoying dumbasses. The great Hannity himself being one.

[fj1200]

Annoying as Hell: Fox News people pronouncing Kyiv "keev". Highly-educated journalists :rolleyes:

"Key-ev" (second "e" short vowel). Annoying dumbasses. The great Hannity himself being one.

Everyone I've heard has been pronouncing it "keev." Got me to wondering if it was a different city than Kiev. :eek: I should look at a map.


Kyiv (/kiːv/ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) KEEV (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key))[10] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyiv#cite_note-10)[citation needed (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)] or Kiev (/ˈkiːɛv/ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) KEE-ev (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key);[11] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyiv#cite_note-11)[12] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyiv#cite_note-12) Ukrainian (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language): Київ, romanized (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanization_of_Ukrainian): Kyïv, pronounced [ˈkɪjiu̯] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Ukrainian) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Loudspeaker.svg/11px-Loudspeaker.svg.png (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Uk-%D0%9A%D0%B8%D1%97%D0%B2.ogg)listen (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/Uk-%D0%9A%D0%B8%D1%97%D0%B2.ogg)))

[Gunny]

Everyone I've heard has been pronouncing it "keev." Got me to wondering if it was a different city than Kiev. :eek: I should look at a map.

I watch a Ukranian weighlifter's video's. He and the other Ukranians on the videos call the place "Key-iv". They live there.

Depending on which map you look at: Traditional English spelling is "Kiev". I remember that from school. The spelling from more modern times is Kyiv.

As a correction to my own correction: The "i" is a short vowel i rather than "e".

[Gunny]

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/26/world/ukraine-russia-war

[Kathianne]

tit for tat :)

https://www.oann.com/heavy-fighting-in-kyiv-outskirts-as-russia-ukraine-signal-possibility-of-talks/

This is looking more and more like a major blunder-bordering-disaster for Putin, regardless the outcome on the ground in Ukraine. SERIOUSLY misjudged the people of Ukraine.

I'll add this, maybe expound later: I'm NOT impressed by the Russian military. Technologically advanced? Maybe moreso than average citizens and some 3rd World countries. The attack itself was jacked up. Classic pincers movement designed for a surprise attack, or if one has enough overwhelming numerical superiority it can't be stalled. Wrong tactic for months-long build-up of forces, telegraphing the attack.

Intel sucks. Resistance was not prepared for.

I wouldn't bet anything on Russian troop morale either. I wouldn't be "into it". Then facing off against a people refusing to lay down? Double whammy for morale.
With reports that Putin has tried to get more troops from "satellite" states and now this: https://www.foxnews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-russian-conscripts-military-contracts-family

It's looking more and more that this war he's instigated is not the one he'd hoped for.

[Gunny]

With reports that Putin has tried to get more troops from "satellite" states and now this: https://www.foxnews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-russian-conscripts-military-contracts-family

It's looking more and more that this war he's instigated is not the one he'd hoped for.Not at all. His tactic alone show he expected a quick strike and capitulation by Ukraine and the usual hemming and hawing from Western Europe and the US. While he seems to wax nostalgic about the Soviet Union days, he's forgotten the brutality of the regimes in the satellite countries that have bowed right up on his ass. Apparently, they have NOT forgotten.

I don't see him stopping. He's just had to drop it into 2nd gear for bit while he realigns and resupplies. In the end, he has the numbers.

What he doesn't have is the numbers to occupy Ukraine indefinitely while fending off the West.

Question now is how to get out and save face. He can't, but he's going to try. The West will probably buy some half-ass anything to avoid an actual World War.

One thing we don't have to worry about is Biden taking any initiative and doing anything. The US is a participant by token force only and leaderless.

Can you imagine this fool doing this on GWB's watch ?

[Kathianne]

Not at all. His tactic alone show he expected a quick strike and capitulation by Ukraine and the usual hemming and hawing from Western Europe and the US. While he seems to wax nostalgic about the Soviet Union days, he's forgotten the brutality of the regimes in the satellite countries that have bowed right up on his ass. Apparently, they have NOT forgotten.

I don't see him stopping. He's just had to drop it into 2nd gear for bit while he realigns and resupplies. In the end, he has the numbers.

What he doesn't have is the numbers to occupy Ukraine indefinitely while fending off the West.

Question now is how to get out and save face. He can't, but he's going to try. The West will probably buy some half-ass anything to avoid an actual World War.

One thing we don't have to worry about is Biden taking any initiative and doing anything. The US is a participant by token force only and leaderless.

Can you imagine this fool doing this on GWB's watch ?
Careful there, one is not to mention GWB in any positive way. You'll alienate both the left and right.

Meanwhile, I came upon this, published yesterday, likely written earlier.

https://samf.substack.com/p/a-reckless-gamble?utm_medium=email&action=share

[Kathianne]

Another related find, a consideration of GOP divide. This played out this afternoon between my roommate and myself. There's no doubt we won't argue it, but there is to be no meeting of the minds.

There's such an opportunity for coming elections, but once again it may not come to pass. It may depend on how many Tucker followers and how many not.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-response-exposes-gop-foreign-policy-divide-11645880402

[Gunny]

Another related find, a consideration of GOP divide. This played out this afternoon between my roommate and myself. There's no doubt we won't argue it, but there is to be no meeting of the minds.

There's such an opportunity for coming elections, but once again it may not come to pass. It may depend on how many Tucker followers and how many not.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-response-exposes-gop-foreign-policy-divide-11645880402Paywall :)

But ... I caught the split real quick. Couldn't help but not miss Trump calling Putin's move savvy and brilliant :rolleyes: Some on the right were quick to come out of the side of "not our business".

[Gunny]

Careful there, one is not to mention GWB in any positive way. You'll alienate both the left and right.

Meanwhile, I came upon this, published yesterday, likely written earlier.

https://samf.substack.com/p/a-reckless-gamble?utm_medium=email&action=shareOne of the many things I agree with the author on is:

It's time to get Zelensky out of Kyiv. As a leader, he's priceless. As a martyr he's a memory and they fade.

I liked the article :)

[Kathianne]

Paywall :)

But ... I caught the split real quick. Couldn't help but not miss Trump calling Putin's move savvy and brilliant :rolleyes: Some on the right were quick to come out of the side of "not our business".

Yep, roommate basically, 'our only fight is Biden, democrats, rinos and the swamp.'

Before Trump she wasn't 'political.' Unfortunately that describes many, they are tied to a 'leader,' not principles they've never considered.

[NightTrain]

Not at all. His tactic alone show he expected a quick strike and capitulation by Ukraine and the usual hemming and hawing from Western Europe and the US. While he seems to wax nostalgic about the Soviet Union days, he's forgotten the brutality of the regimes in the satellite countries that have bowed right up on his ass. Apparently, they have NOT forgotten.

I don't see him stopping. He's just had to drop it into 2nd gear for bit while he realigns and resupplies. In the end, he has the numbers.

What he doesn't have is the numbers to occupy Ukraine indefinitely while fending off the West.

Question now is how to get out and save face. He can't, but he's going to try. The West will probably buy some half-ass anything to avoid an actual World War.

One thing we don't have to worry about is Biden taking any initiative and doing anything. The US is a participant by token force only and leaderless.

Can you imagine this fool doing this on GWB's watch ?

His real problem is that Putin can only function - barely - at 90 miles from his railroad network. I read a fascinating article yesterday about Russia's logistics woes. It was published a few days before this all went down and it's been spot on. Guy who wrote it is LtCol or Col, really knows his stuff. I'll try to find it again.

Resupply is why only a bit more than 50% of massed troops have been ordered in-country. They can't keep what they have going, which is why there's tanks sitting on highways enroute to Kyiv out of gas.

[NightTrain]

I watch a Ukranian weighlifter's video's. He and the other Ukranians on the videos call the place "Key-iv". They live there.

Depending on which map you look at: Traditional English spelling is "Kiev". I remember that from school. The spelling from more modern times is Kyiv.

As a correction to my own correction: The "i" is a short vowel i rather than "e".

Kiev is the Russian spelling; Kyiv is the Ukrainian spelling. I was confused, too, until I read a Russian's explanation.

It was Kiev back when all of us were youngsters.

[Kathianne]

Kiev is the Russian spelling; Kyiv is the Ukrainian spelling. I was confused, too, until I read a Russian's explanation.

It was Kiev back when all of us were youngsters.
Yep, I'm sticking with old. Today the news articles are spelling Zelensky with double y.

[NightTrain]

Here it is. This Light Col really knows his stuff.

https://warontherocks.com/2021/11/feeding-the-bear-a-closer-look-at-russian-army-logistics/

[Kathianne]

"Desperation" might be close to the right word. I agree with NT ... this is about rebuilding the Soviet Union. Putin/Russia is feeling left out of the "Super Power" game. Everything's "US v China". Truth be told, Ukraine basically propped up the Soviets. There's just everything right about controlling "the ukraine" (the borderland) between East and West, and its resources.

FJ is correct that in volume, Russia produces more than Ukraine, but when you start counting the size of who is supporting what, Ukraine wins.

Just a hunch, but I think Putin's real concern is keeping up with China.
I think it's pretty well known that USSR re-emergence was always Putin's goal. That certainly doesn't seem on today's horizon.

[Kathianne]

Not at all. His tactic alone show he expected a quick strike and capitulation by Ukraine and the usual hemming and hawing from Western Europe and the US. While he seems to wax nostalgic about the Soviet Union days, he's forgotten the brutality of the regimes in the satellite countries that have bowed right up on his ass. Apparently, they have NOT forgotten.

I don't see him stopping. He's just had to drop it into 2nd gear for bit while he realigns and resupplies. In the end, he has the numbers.

What he doesn't have is the numbers to occupy Ukraine indefinitely while fending off the West.

Question now is how to get out and save face. He can't, but he's going to try. The West will probably buy some half-ass anything to avoid an actual World War.

One thing we don't have to worry about is Biden taking any initiative and doing anything. The US is a participant by token force only and leaderless.

Can you imagine this fool doing this on GWB's watch ?

I have to say I feared broader war Thursday, Friday, not so much. Both Ukrainian response and Russian protests did not bode well for Putin gobbling up more. I still fear he'll subjugate Ukraine, but as you said, for how long? I don't think the resistance will stop.

[Kathianne]

Here it is. This Light Col really knows his stuff.

https://warontherocks.com/2021/11/feeding-the-bear-a-closer-look-at-russian-army-logistics/

I love that site, I read it quite a lot following 9/11. My lack of sustained interest in weapons, targets, and battles has made it quite awhile since I visited. My bad.

[NightTrain]

I have to say I feared broader war Thursday, Friday, not so much. Both Ukrainian response and Russian protests did not bode well for Putin gobbling up more. I still fear he'll subjugate Ukraine, but as you said, for how long? I don't think the resistance will stop.

Yesterday I would have agreed with you that the outcome is a foregone conclusion.

Today... well, things have changed a great deal. A unified Western world shipping thousands of tons of supplies via Poland's border, Universal condemnation, Universal ridicule (which I suspect is the most bitter pill), Ukraine united to fight to the death, and importantly, energy export sanctions cutting off Putin's cash flow.

I read somewhere that he's spending $20 billion/ day on this, and he only had a week worth of money. He certainly can't borrow any - unless China feels generous - so if they can hold out a few more days, they just might pull this off.

But if Putin does take Kyiv, then this will go to a very bitter and bloody guerilla conflict and I don't think he'll win that scenario.

There's a literal tsunami of MANPADs and Javelin Anti-Tank missiles inbound. Once those are distributed, Putin has failed. Every farmer, housewife, teenager is a lethal threat to the Russians at that point.

I'm feelin optimistic!


I'm a bit apprehensive as to what Putin's reaction will be. He's definitely reckless and threatening nukes.

[NightTrain]

Yep, I'm sticking with old. Today the news articles are spelling Zelensky with double y.

I saw that and assumed it was a typo. I did see it more than once, too.

He's not getting the second Y from me. I admire him and he's definitely a badass, but that's a bridge too far. I'm old and Kyiv is as far as I'm bending. He'll understand.

[Kathianne]

I saw that and assumed it was a typo. I did see it more than once, too.

He's not getting the second Y from me. I admire him and he's definitely a badass, but that's a bridge too far. I'm old and Kyiv is as far as I'm bending. He'll understand.
LOL! Gunny pointed out that Zelensky was an actor previously, he was best known though as a comedian. I think he'd probably enjoy these posts, if he wasn't so busy.

[NightTrain]

One of the many things I agree with the author on is:

It's time to get Zelensky out of Kyiv. As a leader, he's priceless. As a martyr he's a memory and they fade.

I liked the article :)

No way. Biden (Klain) offered to extract him to safety - his answer was :

"I don't need a ride. I need ammo." And then he showed his AK-47 and said he was going to stay and fight.

From here, that's when the whole nature of this war changed. The entire country rallied and will not give up.

He's a former actor, and a present day badass. As long as he's got that William Wallace style mythology going, the whole country will fight. I just hope he eludes capture, because he's Putin's target #1.

How different would Afghanistan have turned out with a display of courage like this? Instead, that dirtbag jumped on a helo with bags of money and fled. I'll wager he's watching this and feeling like the cowardly worm that he is.

[Kathianne]

I love that site, I read it quite a lot following 9/11. My lack of sustained interest in weapons, targets, and battles has made it quite awhile since I visited. My bad.
I forgot to mention a point of interest to me in the article. That was the problem of rail Guage Russia has with the rest of Europe. One of the reasons the South lost the Civil War could well have been their lack of standardized rails, even within states!

[NightTrain]

I forgot to mention a point of interest to me in the article. That was the problem of rail Guage Russia has with the rest of Europe. One of the reasons the South lost the Civil War could well have been their lack of standardized rails, even within states!

Right, that's a huge logistical nightmare and a woeful lack of planning to allow all these decades go by with an oddball railroad gage that's not compatible with the rest of Europe!

Especially when you were previously one of two Superpowers and are utterly dependent on trains to move your equipment and supplies. That's really mind-blowing.

[Kathianne]

Yesterday I would have agreed with you that the outcome is a foregone conclusion.

Today... well, things have changed a great deal. A unified Western world shipping thousands of tons of supplies via Poland's border, Universal condemnation, Universal ridicule (which I suspect is the most bitter pill), Ukraine united to fight to the death, and importantly, energy export sanctions cutting off Putin's cash flow.

I read somewhere that he's spending $20 billion/ day on this, and he only had a week worth of money. He certainly can't borrow any - unless China feels generous - so if they can hold out a few more days, they just might pull this off.

But if Putin does take Kyiv, then this will go to a very bitter and bloody guerilla conflict and I don't think he'll win that scenario.

There's a literal tsunami of MANPADs and Javelin Anti-Tank missiles inbound. Once those are distributed, Putin has failed. Every farmer, housewife, teenager is a lethal threat to the Russians at that point.

I'm feelin optimistic!


I'm a bit apprehensive as to what Putin's reaction will be. He's definitely reckless and threatening nukes.

I agree that there is reason for optimism. As for the West somewhat getting its act together, I don't know that all that has happened in the past 48 hours would have without Zelensky's videos and the Ukrainians turning up in droves to defend their homeland. They held out "long enough" to shine light on the untrustworthy in the West. Promises were made to denuke Ukraine, but were not forthcoming. Zelensky pointed this out prior to Invasion, but it took Russian aggression and Ukrainians response to shame Germany to send more than helmets.

[NightTrain]

I agree that there is reason for optimism. As for the West somewhat getting its act together, I don't know that all that has happened in the past 48 hours would have without Zelensky's videos and the Ukrainians turning up in droves to defend their homeland. They held out "long enough" to shine light on the untrustworthy in the West. Promises were made to denuke Ukraine, but were not forthcoming. Zelensky pointed this out prior to Invasion, but it took Russian aggression and Ukrainians response to shame Germany to send more than helmets.


Germany is such a disgrace. They're a lost cause. We really did permanently break them.

They only stepped up to the plate after getting called out publicly by other NATO partners and now they're really doing their best to give Ukraine everything they can.

Not that our administration is any better. Biden would have let Ukraine burn until he got shamed by other, actual leaders.

[Gunny]

Yep, I'm sticking with old. Today the news articles are spelling Zelensky with double y.


I saw that and assumed it was a typo. I did see it more than once, too.

He's not getting the second Y from me. I admire him and he's definitely a badass, but that's a bridge too far. I'm old and Kyiv is as far as I'm bending. He'll understand.

I'll say this and move on from spelling-nazi-ing the Eastern Eruos and Rus :):

I have mostly seen it with "iy" on Ukranian sites. Took me forever to remember "Torokthiy" because of that damned "i". Zelenskiy same. 3 spellings. Who remembers how many different spellings there were for Khaddafi/Quaddafi/kadhafi/Quadafi? :)

Damned foreigners need to learn to speak and spell in English correctly. Like we do :laugh:

[Kathianne]

I wonder if the threat of going nuclear will rally the people behind him? Not!

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/putin-russian-protesters-ukraine-invasion-detain

The loss at home is truly his biggest threat. I do wonder how his advisers are dealing with this.

[Kathianne]

Gunny and NightTrain I think you'll find this interesting:

https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/why-the-russians-are-struggling/

[Kathianne]

With reports that Putin has tried to get more troops from "satellite" states and now this: https://www.foxnews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-russian-conscripts-military-contracts-family

It's looking more and more that this war he's instigated is not the one he'd hoped for.

And where is Russia's Canada? US of course:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1572594/Putin-war-efforts-tatters-Russians-flee-US-conscription-Ukraine

[Gunny]

I wonder if the threat of going nuclear will rally the people behind him?

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/putin-russian-protesters-ukraine-invasion-detain

The lose at home is truly his biggest threat. I do wonder how his advisers are dealing with this.Sure doesn't seem to be phasing the "Leader of the Free World/Western Democracy":rolleyes:

He's doing what he does best at any given "crucial moment" ... hiding in his basement.

Some people on BOTH SIDES need to reassess their values/priorities before even the midterms, never mind 2024. This goes to my statement/agreement with getting Zelensky out of Ukraine. No one need look further than the US for all the firepower in the World and no leader.

[Kathianne]

Sure doesn't seem to be phasing the "Leader of the Free World/Western Democracy":rolleyes:

He's doing what he does best at any given "crucial moment" ... hiding in his basement.

Some people on BOTH SIDES need to reassess their values/priorities before even the midterms, never mind 2024. This goes to my statement/agreement with getting Zelensky out of Ukraine. No one need look further than the US for all the firepower in the World and no leader.

It does seem to be waking Europe up!

I think the left is trying to how to apply restorative justice to bring some gravitas. Lol 😆 it's worked so well in schools and with criminals. o

[Gunny]

It does seem to be waking Europe up!

I think the left is trying to how to apply restorative justice to bring some gravitas. Lol 😆 it's worked so well in schools and with criminals. oWas just thinking the left/Biden/Dems/MSM will spin this as their plan all along :rolleyes:

[Kathianne]

Well it seems restorative justice is off the table:

https://hotair.com/allahpundit/2022/02/27/is-regime-change-in-moscow-the-wests-new-goal-n451616

[fj1200]

Well it seems restorative justice is off the table:

https://hotair.com/allahpundit/2022/02/27/is-regime-change-in-moscow-the-wests-new-goal-n451616

Favorite sentence and favorite word of that piece.


Putin, allegedly a shrewd global chess player, is eating the pieces:

Was he ever shrewd or just overhyped?

[Kathianne]

Favorite sentence and favorite word of that piece.



Was he ever shrewd or just overhyped?

I think feared. There's a difference between a projection of menace and truly maniacal.

[Kathianne]

I don't know how all this phase will go, but I'm hoping for miracle. Russia doesn't have air control even yet and EU is in process of denying it.

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/kyivs-mayor-encircled-full-fight-83143558

[NightTrain]

Gunny and NightTrain I think you'll find this interesting:

https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/why-the-russians-are-struggling/

That is a great article!

And yeah, it does appear that they're resorting to brute force out of desperation. I fear there will be a lot of civilian casualties as the Russians bog down in those cities.

[Kathianne]

For now it seems Russia has taken 2 or 3 small cities, while heavily bombing the 2nd largest Kharkiv. Meanwhile there are reports of more than 3k Russians arrested for protests and some of the sanctions are taking immediate effect, which are not going down well at home.

Putin may get a short-term victory, but it doesn't look good in the long-term.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/experts-ukrainian-resistance-remarkable-russia-holds-major-advantage

[Kathianne]

One of the immediate sanctions: https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/us-freezes-russian-central-bank-assets-held-by-americans

[jimnyc]

Not sure if posted elsewhere...

Apparently not only are the Ukrainians removing street signs to further confuse Russian, they have changed some to "Russians go home" "Fu** Russia" and other things like that. Saw a video where a car pulled up alongside a Russian tank out of gas, the Ukranian guy was talking to them, the caption stating he asked them if they needed a ride back to Russia.