For Those Who Might Be Wondering Why We Might Be In Ukraine

[ChloeTzang]

Fake Vests, 1891 Rifles, and a System of Lies: Russia’s Military Isn’t What You Think

On Russian state TV, a prominent anchor dares to say the quiet part out loud: the Russian military is built on lies.

From foam-filled bulletproof vests to soldiers using rifles designed in the 1800s, this exposé reveals how deep the rot goes—from propaganda posters in Kherson to helmets made of plastic and uniforms that never existed. Mobilized troops are told to bring their own gear, while crowdfunding campaigns cover basics like shoes and socks. This video dives into the myths, the mock weapons, and the strange truth about why the so-called second strongest army in the world can’t even supply its soldiers with matching boots.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/othe...S&cvid=4ab7157566da48a3b47e6549773ab485&ei=27

 

[ll74]

Our President literally paused his announcement about the world cup to show off a photo of himself with Putin.

This guy needs everyone to know how much he loves Putin.

 

[ChloeTzang]

So tell us when and where their meeting will take place, Chloe?

Let me rephrase. You said "Zelensky AND Putin haven’t even agreed to meet."

There is no AND in "Zelensky and Putin agreed"....

Zelensky agreed.

Putin has not, did not and will not agree.

LOL. Sorry, I have been ranting away this morning and I likely failed to be clear about what it was that I meant. The foam and flying spittle and head banging on my display got in the way LOL

 

[Rightguide]

Let me rephrase. You said "Zelensky AND Putin haven’t even agreed to meet."

There is no AND in "Zelensky and Putin agreed"....

Zelensky agreed.

Putin has not, did not and will not agree.

LOL. Sorry, I have been ranting away this morning and I likely failed to be clear about what it was that I meant. The foam and flying spittle and head banging on my display got in the way LOL

No need for an apology Chloe, I understand. A meeting might happen, but let’s be honest: both sides will walk in with demands carved in stone. Too much blood has been spilled, too many thousands of lives lost, for either man to simply fold and walk away. Every grave dug on that battlefield has raised the political stakes higher, and no handshake at a conference table is going to erase that. This war might not be heading for compromise, it’s likely heading for a verdict delivered on the battlefield, by victory or defeat.

 

[ll74]

No need for an apology Chloe, I understand. A meeting might happen, but let’s be honest: both sides will walk in with demands carved in stone. Too much blood has been spilled, too many thousands of lives lost, for either man to simply fold and walk away. Every grave dug on that battlefield has raised the political stakes higher, and no handshake at a conference table is going to erase that. This war might not be heading for compromise, it’s likely heading for a verdict delivered on the battlefield, by victory or defeat.

Did you see? Putin sent Trump a photo of them together.


Peace is achieved.

He might be at the world cup...he might not be.

So exciting for the President of our country.

 

[Rightguide]

Did you see? Putin sent Trump a photo of them together.


Peace is achieved.

He might be at the world cup...he might not be.

So exciting for the President of our country.

Your hatred of Trump obscures your view of reality.

 

[ll74]

Your hatred of Trump obscures your view of reality.

I just pointed out what occurred at the Press conference.

He literally paused the conference to show off a photo that Putin sent him.

9 yr olds have better self control.

Please, tell us all how this is normal behavior.

 

[BabyBoomer50s]

We haven’t seen any real offer because Zelensky and Putin haven’t even agreed to meet. What we absolutely don’t want is some “Article Five-style” deal that drags U.S. ground troops into Ukraine, and neither does Russia. Trump’s goal is simple: get both sides to the table to talk about how to end the war. The problem is Zelensky doesn’t seem willing to stop if it means giving up any of the territory already lost, and Putin isn’t about to hand back land that cost him tens of thousands of soldiers. That leaves a brutal reality: this war may only end with a decisive victory or a crushing defeat, not a tidy compromise.

Trump has strongly stated “no US troops in Ukraine.” Zelenskyy has indicated a willingness to make some territorial concessions, but he’s not going to cede to Russia’s demand for all of Donbas nor should he. Doing so would be suicidal.

I applaud Trump’s efforts to bring the parties together but in the aftermath of the Alaska meeting and WH meeting, Russia has made it very clear they are not interested in any realistic negotiations. They’re now even demanding to be part of an Ukraine security plan and don’t want to allow Ukraine to even maintain it’s own military! Barring some breakthrough before Labor Day, it will be time to crank up the heat on Russia.

 

[Rightguide]

I just pointed out what occurred at the Press conference.

He literally paused the conference to show off a photo that Putin sent him.

9 yr olds have better self control.

Please, tell us all how this is normal behavior.

Stop with the TDS. Trump has done more for peace world-wide than Biden or Obama.

 

[ll74]

Stop with the TDS. Trump has done more for peace world-wide than Biden or Obama.

Do you consider the President pausing a press conference about the world cup to show off a photo that Putin sent him to be normal behavior for our President?

Please - answer yes or no.

 

[Rightguide]

Trump has strongly stated “no US troops in Ukraine.” Zelenskyy has indicated a willingness to make some territorial concessions, but he’s not going to cede to Russia’s demand for all of Donbas nor should he. Doing so would be suicidal.

Just out of curiosity, what do you think we'd do if there were a foreign military operation supported by the Mexican government going on in Mexico that was perceived to be a threat against our national security interests? Do you think we wouldn't put a stop to it militarily, or absent our ability to do so, wouldn't want to establish some sort of demilitarized zone between them and our people? It's unrealistic to think the Russians are going to accept NATO country forces on their border.

I applaud Trump’s efforts to bring the parties together but in the aftermath of the Alaska meeting and WH meeting, Russia has made it very clear they are not interested in any realistic negotiations. They’re now even demanding to be part of an Ukraine security plan and don’t want to allow Ukraine to even maintain it’s own military! Barring some breakthrough before Labor Day, it will be time to crank up the heat on Russia.

Trump’s only mission in Alaska was straightforward: to sound out Putin on whether there was any chance of sitting down with Zelensky to talk peace. He went into that meeting, by his own admission, with limited expectations. His purpose wasn’t grandstanding, it was to see if he could broker even the possibility of dialogue between the two sides. But we also have to recognize the brutal truth, every soldier killed on either side of this war stands in spirit as a witness against compromise. Every death hardens positions, making peace not just difficult, but almost unthinkable.

 

[ll74]

Lol

 

[Rightguide]

Do you consider the President pausing a press conference about the world cup to show off a photo that Putin sent him to be normal behavior for our President?

Please - answer yes or no.

No. It's Trump. What did you think when Joe Biden stopped in the middle of a conference or a public statement to wonder where he was?

 

[Rightguide]

Lol

^^^
Translation: You got me there.

 

[ll74]

^^^
Translation: You got me there.

Probably check your translator

 

[ll74]

No.

Thanks for your answer.

I also appreciate your additional deflection.

 

[Rightguide]

Thanks for your answer.

I also appreciate your additional deflection.

I didn't ask in the expectation that you would give me an answer.

 

[ll74]

I didn't ask in the expectation that you would give me an answer.

I asked you to answer.

Try and keep up.

You answered and then deflected to Biden.

 

[BabyBoomer50s]

Just out of curiosity, what do you think we'd do if there were a foreign military operation supported by the Mexican government going on in Mexico that was perceived to be a threat against our national security interests? Do you think we wouldn't put a stop to it militarily, or absent our ability to do so, wouldn't want to establish some sort of demilitarized zone between them and our people? It's unrealistic to think the Russians are going to accept NATO country forces on their border.

Trump’s only mission in Alaska was straightforward: to sound out Putin on whether there was any chance of sitting down with Zelensky to talk peace. He went into that meeting, by his own admission, with limited expectations. His purpose wasn’t grandstanding, it was to see if he could broker even the possibility of dialogue between the two sides. But we also have to recognize the brutal truth, every soldier killed on either side of this war stands in spirit as a witness against compromise. Every death hardens positions, making peace not just difficult, but almost unthinkable.

I understand that Putin wants to make Ukraine a Russian state. He basically wants to restore the Soviet Union. Ukraine wants to remain independent.

The hope has been that after 3.5 years, both sides would realize that they are engaged in a stalemate that is likely to continue indefinitely at a tremendous loss of life and economic damage and there would be motivation to negotiate a settlement.

Russia has not moved one iota from their original position. Thus, the war goes on. Greater economic pressure is a lever the west can press harder on and I suspect and hope that happens in the weeks ahead.

 

[Rightguide]

I understand that Putin wants to make Ukraine a Russian state. He basically wants to restore the Soviet Union. Ukraine wants to remain independent.

I hear people say this, but the reality says it will never happen. I haven't seen or heard Putin express a wish to reestablish the old Soviet Union. If you have a quote of him expressing that desire, I'd like to see it.

The hope has been that after 3.5 years, both sides would realize that they are engaged in a stalemate that is likely to continue indefinitely at a tremendous loss of life and economic damage and there would be motivation to negotiate a settlement.

I don't think it's a stalemate. They have four times the population of Ukraine. Look at their history. They have no qualms about the loss of millions to keep what they consider their national territory. It's not about what you or I think, it's about what they think. The citizens of both countries are descendants of a warrior class. Their histories are replete with the autocratic impulse for Alpha-type leadership. That's what we have to understand.

Russia has not moved one iota from their original position. Thus, the war goes on. Greater economic pressure is a lever the west can press harder on and I suspect and hope that happens in the weeks ahead.

We slapped Russia with “punishing sanctions” that were supposed to cripple Putin, but instead they kneecapped Germany’s economy and hammered our own allies who relied on Russian energy. Meanwhile, Moscow just rerouted its oil to China, where it gets refined into fuel and petroleum products, only to be sold right back into the global market at a markup. The only thing we’ve punished is ourselves.

 

[BabyBoomer50s]

I hear people say this, but the reality says it will never happen. I haven't seen or heard Putin express a wish to reestablish the old Soviet Union. If you have a quote of him expressing that desire, I'd like to see it.

I don't think it's a stalemate. They have four times the population of Ukraine. Look at their history. They have no qualms about the loss of millions to keep what they consider their national territory. It's not about what you or I think, it's about what they think. The citizens of both countries are descendants of a warrior class. Their histories are replete with the autocratic impulse for Alpha-type leadership. That's what we have to understand.

We slapped Russia with “punishing sanctions” that were supposed to cripple Putin, but instead they kneecapped Germany’s economy and hammered our own allies who relied on Russian energy. Meanwhile, Moscow just rerouted its oil to China, where it gets refined into fuel and petroleum products, only to be sold right back into the global market at a markup. The only thing we’ve punished is ourselves.

Sounds like we’re in agreement on some points:

- Russia is demanding full control of Donbas, including parts that it doesn’t currently control and happens to be the nerve center of Ukrainian military and industrial capacity

- Russia is demanding to be a part of the group of countries that guarantee Ukraine’s security against a future Russian attack (that came out yesterday or today)

- Russia want to ban Ukraine from having its own military

- Russia wants to prohibit western troops in Ukraine

- Neither side is on the cusp of victory anytime soon

- Ukraine will continue to have access to western military equipment and intelligence

- Trump & Europe are not divided like Russia had hoped. They are cooperating with each other

- Trump has signaled a willingness to support greater offensive capabilities for Ukraine

Will tougher economic sanctions have an effect? Maybe. Maybe not. I agree with your point that they have been inadequate to date. I believe tightening the screws is still worth doing.

The Alaska meeting was productive in that we have learned more about what Russia wants and its strategy. And that’s why I don’t hold out much hope for a negotiated settlement anytime soon.

Question for you: In any kind of settlement, both sides have to give some things up. We have a strong sense that Ukraine is willing to give up some land. What is Russia willing to concede?

 

[Rightguide]

Sounds like we’re in agreement on some points:

- Russia is demanding full control of Donbas, including parts that it doesn’t currently control and happens to be the nerve center of Ukrainian military and industrial capacity

- Russia is demanding to be a part of the group of countries that guarantee Ukraine’s security against a future Russian attack (that came out yesterday or today)

- Russia want to ban Ukraine from having its own military

- Russia wants to prohibit western troops in Ukraine

- Neither side is on the cusp of victory anytime soon

- Ukraine will continue to have access to western military equipment and intelligence

- Trump & Europe are not divided like Russia had hoped. They are cooperating with each other

- Trump has signaled a willingness to support greater offensive capabilities for Ukraine

Will tougher economic sanctions have an effect? Maybe. Maybe not. I agree with your point that they have been inadequate to date. I believe tightening the screws is still worth doing.

The Alaska meeting was productive in that we have learned more about what Russia wants and its strategy. And that’s why I don’t hold out much hope for a negotiated settlement anytime soon.

Question for you: In any kind of settlement, both sides have to give some things up. We have a strong sense that Ukraine is willing to give up some land. What is Russia willing to concede?

So far, I haven’t seen any verified or consistent demands from either side, only fragmented media reports that often turn out to be inaccurate. We’re reaching the point where most Western legacy outlets, as well as Ukrainian and Russian state media, have to be read primarily as instruments of wartime propaganda, each advancing its own strategic narrative rather than objective reporting.

Russia is unlikely to relinquish the Donbas, given both its predominantly Russian-speaking population and its symbolic role in the origins of the conflict following 2014. Putin has thus far refrained from crossing the Dnieper in force, indicating a preference for consolidating control over the Donbas and maintaining a buffer zone stretching through southern Ukraine to Kherson. Crimea will remain non-negotiable, while Odessa represents a potential target if Moscow seeks to secure full dominance over the Black Sea littoral.

 

[ChloeTzang]

I don't think it's a stalemate. They have four times the population of Ukraine. Look at their history. They have no qualms about the loss of millions to keep what they consider their national territory. It's not about what you or I think, it's about what they think. The citizens of both countries are descendants of a warrior class. Their histories are replete with the autocratic impulse for Alpha-type leadership. That's what we have to understand.

I agree there - except I think Ukraine will take down Russia and the Russian Federation. Ukraine has no qualms now abojut killing millions of Russians.

And the Cossacks were THE warriors of the old Tsarist Empire AND the Red Army. They were quite happy killing Russian peasents for the Tzars and they're quite happy killing them now for Ukraine. JUst listen to their Army anthem.....

Song's don't win wars but they say a lot about the psyche of the soldiers fighting them....here's a few, and they speak to Ukraine - all of these are or have been really popular inside Ukraine

"March of the New Army" - an old Ukrainian nationalist song that is now the Army anthem

Or this one - ""Army's with its people!"

Or this one - the Holodomor had more or less been left in the past but after this war, Ukrainians have a real hate on For Rissans

And you don't even need to undertand the lyrics to get this one....

Same for this one.....

The Sword of Arey

A thunder rumbles in God's forge.
Warriors with shoulder- long hair are waiting.
The hand of gray-haired Svaroh
Smiths a strong sword for Arei.

Now the weapon is ready,
It reflects in the shine of sky.
God Mother blessed it.
And people named it Charkes.

Arei's hand lifts the sword
For the glory of Perun warriors,
For strong spirit, for our defense.
He will kill evil foes!
The Earth shakes because of the Thunder in the Sky,
The sword of Arei brings a freedom for Rus- Ukrraine
Foes will be vanished in Ukraine.
The sword of Arei will bring our land back!

Charkes is the magic sword of Arei,
It has been held by Tur and Sviatoslav.
It has bravely defended
Rus-Ukraine and Borea.

Hatylo, the given by God, has held it,
And great dukes have held it.
The sword was a weapon of knights and hetmans,
And now it's in your hand!

Arei's hand lifts the sword
For the glory of Perun warriors,
For strong spirit, for our defense.
He will kill evil foes!
The Earth shakes because of the Thunder in the Sky,
The sword of Arei brings a freedom for Rus- Ukraine
Foes will be vanished in Ukraine.
The sword of Arei will bring our land back!

 

[ChloeTzang]

I hear people say this, but the reality says it will never happen. I haven't seen or heard Putin express a wish to reestablish the old Soviet Union. If you have a quote of him expressing that desire, I'd like to see it.

There's plenty on this. If I have time this weekend I'll see what I can dig up. It's there

 

[Lazaran]

Trump has strongly stated

Barring some breakthrough before Labor Day, it will be time to crank up the heat on Russia.

BWAHAHAHA…HA.



BabyBoobs



We. Told. Them. So.