Is Ukraine about to have a war?
White House response to Russia's demands. Transscript:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-...ence-measures/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-...ence-measures/
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I hope they sent them it written in Welsh…Gaelic….Cherokee… etc etc etc.
They are just toying with them now , fly the rainbow flag from your embassy and the next week all employees are required to get hiv , tb , leprosy tests every three months .
Break a verbal promise ( not one inch eastward as promised by SoS Baker) and all responses to us must now be in writing . In ink ,not crayon .
The Russian responses may get more entertaining maybe even just as funny , another Sputnik ? Maybe they might accidentally show the Russian version of the X47 ,if they have one or two ?
Break a verbal promise ( not one inch eastward as promised by SoS Baker) and all responses to us must now be in writing . In ink ,not crayon .
The Russian responses may get more entertaining maybe even just as funny , another Sputnik ? Maybe they might accidentally show the Russian version of the X47 ,if they have one or two ?
They are just toying with them now , fly the rainbow flag from your embassy and the next week all employees are required to get hiv , tb , leprosy tests every three months .
Break a verbal promise ( not one inch eastward as promised by SoS Baker) and all responses to us must now be in writing . In ink ,not crayon .
Break a verbal promise ( not one inch eastward as promised by SoS Baker) and all responses to us must now be in writing . In ink ,not crayon .
You may also note that the expansion of NATO was approved by 16 nations, not just one, and if you'll read up on history, that was in 1998. Baker was gone by the end of 1992. (And the Partnership for Peace structure came first, which Russia was invited to participate in, blah blah blah the mid 90's "Peace Dividend" and such).
You may want to also understand that NATO has expanded 8 times in its history since founding in 1949. (You could ask any of my Greek colleagues who the real threat was/is: it was their Eastern "ally" when I was in NATO proper a quarter of a century ago - most of them also felt (or expressed over a coffee) that NATO had intervened on the wrong side in The Former Yugoslavia!).
You may further want to look into in what direction the expansion came from: it was "demand pull" from some states to the east, which received a negative reaction initially (early 90's) when it was initially voiced. Also at the time there was a lot of noise from the European Nations on forming an Independent European Defense Identity, Eurocorps, and so on. A goodly portion of the desire to 'join in' was economic, and the parallel "we want to join the EU" political sentiment tracked a bit with desires for mutual defense assurances.
Your hanging your hat on Baker's verbal remarks is bizarre. (I don't disagree, though, on your point about getting a treaty/protocol agreed in writing if it's something you really want/need).
For Cynicalint: nope, the nukes aren't gonna fly. I'll take that bet to Vegas.
(As an afterthought: if for some reason the shooting starts, the only winners will be in China)
Last edited by Lonewolf_50; 26th Jan 2022 at 23:09.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...-matters-today
Sorry for the link , but it does show that not everyone sees the same game . Hence the need for someone to keep score . Even the ancient Babylonians keep accurate notes on clay tablets . Hard to believe they re-negotiated the re-unification of Germany without notes . The Russians have released some scribbles from part of the discussions on re-unification . A Re-unification that Margaret Thatcher warned against . Almost frightening thinking about what she said about the threat to peace such re-unification would bring . They even refused to call it a re-unification as the German neighbours might get nervous .
Almost the definition of prescient.
https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300259933/not-one-inch
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early
Sorry for the link , but it does show that not everyone sees the same game . Hence the need for someone to keep score . Even the ancient Babylonians keep accurate notes on clay tablets . Hard to believe they re-negotiated the re-unification of Germany without notes . The Russians have released some scribbles from part of the discussions on re-unification . A Re-unification that Margaret Thatcher warned against . Almost frightening thinking about what she said about the threat to peace such re-unification would bring . They even refused to call it a re-unification as the German neighbours might get nervous .
Almost the definition of prescient.
https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300259933/not-one-inch
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Politico article saying experts think Russia will seize Ukraine up to the Dneiper river.
https://www.politico.eu/article/ukra...vasion-europe/
https://www.politico.eu/article/ukra...vasion-europe/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...-matters-today
Sorry for the link , but it does show that not everyone sees the same game . Hence the need for someone to keep score . Even the ancient Babylonians keep accurate notes on clay tablets . Hard to believe they re-negotiated the re-unification of Germany without notes . The Russians have released some scribbles from part of the discussions on re-unification . A Re-unification that Margaret Thatcher warned against . Almost frightening thinking about what she said about the threat to peace such re-unification would bring . They even refused to call it a re-unification as the German neighbours might get nervous .
Almost the definition of prescient.
https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300259933/not-one-inch
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early
Sorry for the link , but it does show that not everyone sees the same game . Hence the need for someone to keep score . Even the ancient Babylonians keep accurate notes on clay tablets . Hard to believe they re-negotiated the re-unification of Germany without notes . The Russians have released some scribbles from part of the discussions on re-unification . A Re-unification that Margaret Thatcher warned against . Almost frightening thinking about what she said about the threat to peace such re-unification would bring . They even refused to call it a re-unification as the German neighbours might get nervous .
Almost the definition of prescient.
https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300259933/not-one-inch
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early
https://www.historyextra.com/period/...-mary-sarotte/
Even the ancient Babylonians keep accurate notes on clay tablets
Its a bit rich the Russians bleating on about some verbal promise when they've comprehensively sh@t on an actual paper agreement they signed in 1994, regarding the territorial integrity of Ukraine. I reckon the Yanks and Europeans should point this out at every available opportunity, if they don't already.
While the Ukraine Smoke Screen is up, here's what else is going on: (source is 27 Jan FP situation report, behind a paywall, shared by a friend)
North Korea conducted another missile launch on Thursday, South Korea’s military said in an alert, the sixth round of tests conducted by Pyongyang in this month alone. South Korea said the projectiles are believed to be two short-range ballistic missiles from near the coastal city of Hamhung, North Korea’s second-largest city, on Thursday morning. Experts see the move as North Korea’s effort to gain leverage at the negotiating table if it begins renewed nuclear talks with the Biden administration. The move also comes as North Korea has begun reopening its borders after a harsh two-year coronavirus lockdown.
Friday, Feb. 4: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold a summit in Beijing.
Quote of the Week
“What kind of support will Germany send next? Pillows?”
—Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko after learning of Germany’s announcement it will send 5,000 military helmets to the Ukrainian armed forces to help defend against a potential Russian invasion
“What kind of support will Germany send next? Pillows?”
—Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko after learning of Germany’s announcement it will send 5,000 military helmets to the Ukrainian armed forces to help defend against a potential Russian invasion
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It’s a live fire exercise.. dangers of
https://www.mailplus.co.uk/edition/n...tes-wwii-bombs
https://www.mailplus.co.uk/edition/n...tes-wwii-bombs
12pm: The Royal Navy has been criticised for causing damage to the hearing of dolphins, porpoises and whales by detonating explosives.
Scientists say Navy divers have set off submerged bombs that may affect up to 60 animals each time – despite having access to more environmentally friendly methods of neutralising the explosives.
Royal Navy divers have carried out 107 detonations of submerged bombs in the UK over the past decade.
Scientists claim that the vibrations can cause permanent damage to the hearing of animals within one mile of the explosion.
Animals such as dolphins and whales rely heavily on their hearing for navigation and communication, campaigners say.
Jeremy Quin, the defence procurement minister, has said that over the past decade the Ministry of Defence has bought more than 600 disposal systems that can remove submerged explosives from the sea floor without explosions.
The Times reported that none of these disposal systems have been used to detonate bombs in UK waters.
The seabed bombs were dumped by German bombers during the Second World War.
When planning a detonation, divers will ensure that there are no marine mammals in the surrounding area that risk being blown up during the explosion. However, this precaution fails to take into account the fact that the sound of the explosion can damage the hearing of animals within an 18-mile radius.
Scientists say Navy divers have set off submerged bombs that may affect up to 60 animals each time – despite having access to more environmentally friendly methods of neutralising the explosives.
Royal Navy divers have carried out 107 detonations of submerged bombs in the UK over the past decade.
Scientists claim that the vibrations can cause permanent damage to the hearing of animals within one mile of the explosion.
Animals such as dolphins and whales rely heavily on their hearing for navigation and communication, campaigners say.
Jeremy Quin, the defence procurement minister, has said that over the past decade the Ministry of Defence has bought more than 600 disposal systems that can remove submerged explosives from the sea floor without explosions.
The Times reported that none of these disposal systems have been used to detonate bombs in UK waters.
The seabed bombs were dumped by German bombers during the Second World War.
When planning a detonation, divers will ensure that there are no marine mammals in the surrounding area that risk being blown up during the explosion. However, this precaution fails to take into account the fact that the sound of the explosion can damage the hearing of animals within an 18-mile radius.
Some noise out of the Paris talks about the ceasefire to be respected . Maybe now they can get back to exchanging Borscht recipes , drinking Polish spirits and Vodka rather than exchanging unpleasantness.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Baltic states increasing defence budgets and requesting more NATO support…
One of the examples of Russian actions leading to exact the situation they complain about….
https://www.politico.eu/article/war-...-border-watch/
Russian disinformation campaign stepping up a gear….
https://www.politico.eu/article/russ...-kremlin-kyiv/
As Ukraine conflict heats up, so too does disinformation
One of the examples of Russian actions leading to exact the situation they complain about….
https://www.politico.eu/article/war-...-border-watch/
Russian disinformation campaign stepping up a gear….
https://www.politico.eu/article/russ...-kremlin-kyiv/
As Ukraine conflict heats up, so too does disinformation
Is Russian audience being prepared for justification of an attack?
Russia warns of NATO nuclear threat
The military bloc is training its members to unleash atomic hellfire, the Foreign Ministry claimed
https://www.rt.com/russia/547552-nat...clear-strikes/
Also, regarding nuclear threat:
US bombers make over 30 sorties near Union State borders every day — Lukashenko
MINSK, January 28. /TASS/. US strategic bombers carry out over 30 sorties near the border of the Union State of Russia and Belarus every day, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in his address to the Belarusian people and the parliament Friday.
"NATO forces converge near the border of the Union State. US strategic bombers’ sorties were intensified - over 30 sorties every day," Lukashenko said.
"The neighboring states are talking about deployment of nuclear weapons. Our Western neighbors - Poland, Lithuania - actively follow Washington’s policy course," the Belarusian leader said.
https://tass.com/defense/1394445
and the russian response
Russian nuclear submarines already on duty off US coasts
According to unconfirmed reports, one of the Russian submarines is located near the east coast of the United States, while the second one is off the west coast. Presumably, another Russian submarine could be staying in Arctic waters.
Tensions in the relationship between the United States and Russia are reaching a climax. Russia took measures to try to solve the crisis through diplomacy, but the United States prefers to turn to increasingly aggressive measures instead by building up NATO troops in Eastern Europe, closer to the Russian borders.
Читайте больше на https://english.pravda.ru/news/world...ar_submarines/
The TU-95's and TU-160's are prepared
Russia unexpectedly decided to use Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bomber aircraft to perform training missions and practice strikes against enemy forces.
Читайте больше на https://english.pravda.ru/news/russia/150115-tu_95/
The continuous talks of nuclear threat and responding to nuclear threat in Russian media is a bit alarming.
Russia warns of NATO nuclear threat
The military bloc is training its members to unleash atomic hellfire, the Foreign Ministry claimed
https://www.rt.com/russia/547552-nat...clear-strikes/
Also, regarding nuclear threat:
US bombers make over 30 sorties near Union State borders every day — Lukashenko
MINSK, January 28. /TASS/. US strategic bombers carry out over 30 sorties near the border of the Union State of Russia and Belarus every day, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in his address to the Belarusian people and the parliament Friday.
"NATO forces converge near the border of the Union State. US strategic bombers’ sorties were intensified - over 30 sorties every day," Lukashenko said.
"The neighboring states are talking about deployment of nuclear weapons. Our Western neighbors - Poland, Lithuania - actively follow Washington’s policy course," the Belarusian leader said.
https://tass.com/defense/1394445
and the russian response
Russian nuclear submarines already on duty off US coasts
According to unconfirmed reports, one of the Russian submarines is located near the east coast of the United States, while the second one is off the west coast. Presumably, another Russian submarine could be staying in Arctic waters.
Tensions in the relationship between the United States and Russia are reaching a climax. Russia took measures to try to solve the crisis through diplomacy, but the United States prefers to turn to increasingly aggressive measures instead by building up NATO troops in Eastern Europe, closer to the Russian borders.
Читайте больше на https://english.pravda.ru/news/world...ar_submarines/
The TU-95's and TU-160's are prepared
Russia unexpectedly decided to use Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bomber aircraft to perform training missions and practice strikes against enemy forces.
Читайте больше на https://english.pravda.ru/news/russia/150115-tu_95/
The continuous talks of nuclear threat and responding to nuclear threat in Russian media is a bit alarming.
The question is, does the Russian public buy this BS? There are plenty of Russian ex-pats in Europe, Israel, the US etc who will be getting 'our' side of the story and presumably feeding it back to their relatives and friends there. Its not like the good ol' days when the USSR could keep a lid of what information their citizens had access to and could spin whatever yarn they wanted.
Two years ago NATO was close to collapsing. Now it is probably as attractive and stable as it ever was. Instead of NATO Troops moving out of Baltics, Poland, Bulgaria &Romania troops are moving in by the hundreds and thousands. While Trump was rather unsuccessful in getting defence budgets in the NATO countries increased, Vlad is doing this with ease. He would deserve a NATO medal of honour for particluar contribution in promoting NATO ;-)
True and he will trigger one of the bigger NATO wide campaigns to arm up, modernize, get the infrastructure ready and finally fully NATO-integrate the central eastern european NATO members, bringing back Poland in the process. The west european defence industry will love him for it. Finally the US will swing back to look at Europe as the biggest transatlantic political impact. And Northstream 2 will be mothballed.
Big question: What was it all meant to achieve?
Big question: What was it all meant to achieve?