In their "perfect world," yes. They would've bullied Putin with their sanctions and whatnot such that he would just roll over and accept NATO encircling him to the point that Russia is impotent as an independent sovereign entity. Over time, it became apparent that wasn't going to happen, and the US needed a small war in Europe as a distraction from its failing empire and a "wag the dog" event to rally everyone around the flag and President Biden. The slaughtering of the Ukro-nazi client regime is acceptable collateral damage for this goal. It appears there may have been some 11th hour attempt to smuggle nukes into Ukraine in order to set up a more spectacular propaganda operation for the likely Russian invasion, but even a handful of nukes wouldn't have stopped Russia I don't think, just given it a bloody nose. Some members in Washington probably hope they could somehow dominate Russia, but I think the more realistic strategists have accepted the fact that in their best case the world would be divided in half, hearkening back to the Iron Curtain. Europe getting decimated militarily or economically or both is acceptable if the Russians don't intent to occupy.I think they really wanted to have their nuclear missiles in Ukraine. Don't you think so?
He is saying that Russia won't allow any more Israeli airstrikes in Syria, because Israel recently announced they are with the US on Ukraine... and Russia is angry about that. I would love to see this be the new truth in Syria!An Israeli perspective, if true, reveals a far more involved change
The face of that GS dog says plenty. Hope it's ok. Is that weird?one of the metro stations in Kiev (photo 1) and Kharkov (2).
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"According to operational data, a column of marines and paratroopers of Ukrainian troops is moving from Nikolaev in the direction of Krivoy Rog in the amount of a reinforced battalion group, including 15 "heavy" and 45 other units.
These forces are aimed at capturing and holding a key road junction - the road to Kremenchug and Dnepropetrovsk, passing through Krivoy Rog, thereby blocking the movement of Russian forces.
The blocking of the road junction by the consolidated group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Krivoy Rog is a large and very sprawling city - the longest in Europe, can lead to a slowdown in the advancement of Russian forces. Storming it is extremely inconvenient."
- Kamikazes this is my region.
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Ukraine again claims to take the Gostomel airport and withdraw the Russian troops with heavy losses to the surrounding forests.
Fighting continues in Sumy. Apparently there is a counterattack using armored vehicles in order to regain control of the city.
The Ukrainian Interior Ministry said it distributed 10,000 assault rifles in Kiev.
Please post links to info like this.I'm seeing news about Ukrainian army winning, or at least holding back Russian army is certain areas...
Russia is taking some losses...
Please post links to info like this.