or double the defensive stuff... :E

F15 Strike Eagle renamed F15 Defence Eagle ;)

Much like the 30s

https://dailyhistory.org/Why_did_the..._Union_in_1933

I suspect a lot can be explained by the Russian mindset which is profoundly coloured by its past experiences, not least in WW2 when the Nazis reached the gates of Moscow. I understand those memories run very deep indeed. I'm not an apologist for Vlad but taking time to understand what drives Russian fears would probably pay considerable dividends, as would some sensitivity to the territorial insecurities that are driven by those past experiences. So - would holding back on Ukrainian membership of NATO, for example, be craven appeasement or sensible realpolitik? I suspect a gesture or two tailored to Russia's historic fears (which could still allow for helping Ukraine to beef up defensively) could pay dividends in terms of de-risking things and lowering tensions. If that's what we want.

When it comes to Russia's neighbours wanting to join NATO, I suspect a lot can be explained by a mindset which is profoundly coloured by past experiences, not least during the 20th century when the Communists reached and occupied the gates of all of their capital cities.

There, fixed it for you.

That's a fair point. And maybe the right approach is indeed unblinking robustness, given the risk that Vlad would see anything less as weakness. But even then it's still worth recognising the various factors that drive the other side, especially when the stakes are so high. Whether that understanding means that leaving the door ajar to a degree of messy face-saving compromise could have a part to play here I'm happy to let better qualified people than me decide.

https://thehill.com/opinion/internat...sion-of-europe

The Ukraine crisis will end inevitably in a redivision of Europe

Sensible policy would be to keep military alliances at arms length, while integrating the economies as much as possible.
That allows for a much more expansive union while minimizing the political provocation.
Promoting the military component before the economic elements are in place is not wise, one risks being a potential partner who is too costly to admit.

https://www.politico.eu/article/nato...iscuss-russia/

NATO calls extraordinary meeting to discuss Russia

You forget that it was Ukraine's move towards the European Union that triggered Putin's interventions in the country. It was in response to Putin's actions that membership of NATO was then touted.

Correct.

Maidan Square. 2014.

Ukraine is a free country and can join whatever it wants.

All countries can do whatever they want - but it's generally wise to consider the effects on other people - especially your neighbours.........

It might be a good idea for Russia to think about this. They will only make everybody want to join NATO. Finally poor Russia can feel threatened over and over again and claim to need to invade everybody else.

I wonder if part of Vlad's concern WRT Ukraine is that the country already offers more to its citizens in terms of living standards, work opportunities, freedoms, future prospects etc, than "Greater Russia" will ever do under his leadership? And that after only six short years of going it alone.

It never rains but it pours...

Russia 'attentively' watching events in Kazakhstan

Why, is baby sitting still required?
It was 20 years late.

@melmothw
beat me to it. :)

Russian press reporting that a “peace keeping” force has been dispatched to Kazakhstan to “stabilise” the situation….

Istr that Victoria Nuland, now Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, has a track record in those developments, as discussed here:
https://www.salon.com/2021/01/19/who...n-policy-team/
Her policies seem to me to produce massive strategic losses for very doubtful tactical gains.

Imho, Russia should be inside the Western tent, ***ing out, rather than outside ***ing in.
Detaching the Ukraine from Russia at the price of forcing Russia into China's orbit just seems dumb to me.

Covert Spetnaz are already operating in Kiev

Covert Russian Spetnaz units 'already in Ukraine right now' warns former US Navy commander (msn.com)