…Russia overcame the inertia of collapse and started reviving its power, while the West, being lulled by sweet day-dreams of the liberal ‘end of history,’ castrated its armed forces to the point, when they could be good [only] for leading colonial wars with weak and technically backward enemies. The balance of forces in Europe has thus changed in Russia’s favor.
Pravda, 13 November 2014
The headline of the Pravda article cited above reads, “Russia takes complete advantage of castrated armed forces of the West.” We also read in that same Russian article, “The illusion of world supremacy played a cruel joke on Washington.” We must ask a question here: Who fostered the illusion of American world supremacy? What country supposedly quit the business of nuclear competition, the business of communist subversion, the business of the Cold War? Russia supposedly quit. But they did not quit!
Nevertheless, we find Tucker Carlson and Patrick Buchanan saying that we have been unfair to Russia, that we have needlessly provoked Vladimir Putin, tricking the Russians with false promises. No. The Russians tricked us. And they were already laughing at us in November 2014. America wanted to believe that the nightmare threat of Mutual Assured Destruction was a thing of the past. The Americans never wanted a conflict with Russia, or with China. The Americans wanted to live in peace. But we will not be living in peace. The war is coming to us whether we want it or not. And the war has now begun in Ukraine and there will be additional moves.
Here is my discussion with Nevin Gussack of the Populist Patriot.
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396 responses to “The War in Ukraine: Interview With the Populist Patriot”
Is this part of Xi and Kim’s “cooperation under the ‘new situation’”?
“North Korea Resumes Missile Tests as Ukraine Tensions Mount”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/north-korea-resumes-missile-tests-as-ukraine-tensions-mount/ar-AAUmhtr
Jeff, do you think these missiles are more likely going to be pointed at South Korea or the US West Coast? Or elsewhere?
The North Koreans are a wild card. But they are card Russia and China can play.
I continue to be surprised by the sheer incompetence of the conventional Russian forces. Is this really the best they can do? A poorly armed but determined Ukraine has essentially stalled their invasion and is methodically picking them off. I get it that it’s not over. But momentum is everything in warfare, and when it’s lost, it tends to shift to one’s opponent.
Now Putin says he has put Russian nuclear forces on alert. How ridiculous and indicative of a Russian admission of failure on the battlefield. As is Putin’s insistence on peace negotiations. That does not demonstrate strength at all: contrast this with U.S. Grant’s demand for unconditional surrender by the South.
Putin has bit off more than could chew. His generals exaggerated the capabilities of their forces. Turns out that, at least from the perspective of conventional forces and making war against real adversaries, Russia is a paper tiger.
This should raise the question: are its nuclear forces equally as incompetent? (Not that we want to find out, which helps prop up their bluff).
I’ve seen posters here and other websites who infer that, well, Putin has only deployed his “B team” or the like, or that this was all a ploy to divide the West or destroy the conservatives in the U.S,, or whatever, and that Putin has somehow achieved his ulterior objective. That reminds me of a Monty Python sketch where the aggressor ends up on the ground with a sword at his throat, and exclaims: “now I have you right where i want you!” ; )
Meanwhile, let’s all be praying for the Ukrainians to have favor in battle.
Do you actually believe this? The Russians have only committed like 30% of their forces, are fighting extremely light to avoid civilian casualties, and are on the verge of taking Kiev. And now they’re putting all of their nuclear missiles on high alert? This entire thing is looking like a pretext to prepare for a nuclear strike on the US right in front of the entire world’s faces, where they mistakenly believe it’s directed at Ukraine. Russia doesn’t need nukes to take Kiev, they have a ton of bombs. Wake up, people.
Perseus: I am wondering whether you have any military experience? Do you understand what it takes in soldiers, resources, and commitment to conquer and hold a nation of determined resistors of 42 million people that is 1,000 miles across? Do you understand the impact of thousands of javelins and stinger missiles in the hands of territorial defense personnel all across the country? Can you imagine the morale of a group of 19 y.o. conscript kids sitting in a tank that, any moment, could become their crematorium? Napoleon’s Grand Army came through there 200 years ago and left with about 10% of its original force.
I think it’s far-fetched to suggest that this is a prelude to a surprise nuclear attack. Why warn the West of a Russian nuclear alert in advance? Just another bluff.
Like he was bluffing about invading Ukraine.
It is sinister.
I hope so, but I get the feeling that Putin is just biding his time. Ukraine is a huge country and they can only continue to fight so long as their supplies hold out. That is the problem. Hats off to the Ukrainian people, though, and their very brave president. I think the nuclear threats are being used — at least at this stage — to discourage the West from supplying arms to Ukraine. Certainly, those whose territory is invaded have a certain home advantage in that they are literally fighting for their lives and their country. I think if the West can somehow continue to supply Ukraine with arms forcing Putin to get bogged down in a conventional war of attrition, his campaign will begin to lose its momentum and he will lose even more support at home. His success depends on his continuing to appear strong and resolute, and I imagine he will continue along these lines. Unfortunately, troops are just cannon fodder to communists, though, and they don’t seem to care how many troops they lose, but getting bogged down in a conventional war could deplete their supplies depending on the severity of the sanctions and other factors.
The belief that the Russian invasion has failed on day four is premature. The Ukrainian capital is practically surrounded. From a military perspective, this is not failure. The Russians have an overland supply line to Kiev. This is not a failure. The main battle line of the Ukrainian Army in Donbas has been flanked. That is not a failure. The Russians are attacking during the worst possible ground conditions and yet they reached Kiev in less than two days and flanked the main Ukrainian line. Instead of characterizing this as a failure, it is a respectable military accomplishment. They accepted high casualties because the weather forced them to attack paved road access or whatever dry ground they could find. Are Russian losses catastrophic? no. The Russians have suffered nearly 5,000 casualties. They have lost over 516 AFVs, over 80 tanks,10 jets and 7 helicopters in the first few days. But let’s put the Russian casualties in perspective. Hitler invaded Poland in 1939. He attacked when the ground was dry. He had air superiority (like the Russians). Hitler flanked the Polish line and arrived at the gates of Warsaw after one week, the Russians reached Kiev and flanked the Ukrainian line in almost one day. In the Polish campaign Hitler lost more than 50,000 casualties, not 5,000. Hitler won a decisive blitzkrieg victory. Basically, Ukraine is a country more than twice the size of Poland. The attackers have suffered unfavorable weather. Yet they have flanked the Ukrainians and established the most advantageous strategic position a general might hope for. Once an enemy surrounds you, and cuts your forces from their sources of supply and reinforcement, your forces are doomed. Encirclement is defeat for the side that is encircled. Can the encircled Ukrainian forces hold out by fighting fiercely? Anything can happen in war, but Russia now has a strong positional advantage. Their forces have not failed, though it suits Moscow for NATO to console itself because no prospect of intervention will be entertained if they falsely believe the Ukrainians are winning. As for the loss of Russia’s 35th Guards Rifle, and the capture of its commander, military blunders repeatedly occur in all armies in every war. Brigades will be destroyed or captured, attacks will be repulsed, movements will bog down. The great victories of the Germans in World War II were full of such incidents. You must not compare this war to America’s trouncing of Iraq in 2003. That was a third rate army belonging to a Third World Arab country, badly led and poorly trained. We are talking here about trained and veteran Ukrainians against largely green Russian troops. And the Russians, despite missteps, are doing okay. Really. But anything can happen.
This is being reported on Fox News:
“Russian-led forces have taken control of the historically significant town of Nikolayevka, where Soviet forces broke out during the second world war during the Battle of Stalingrad.
Analysts say Russian forces could now begin to consolidate and make gains that would allow them to push towards the Black Sea.”
I wouldn’t call that failing either. 🙁
Jeff, not going to try to respond to all your thoughtful points, but consider:
– The Russian army is not the fanaticized Nazi force of 2,000,000 that invaded Poland in 1939, nor have they managed to destroy or disable the Ukr. army and air force as the Nazis were able to do to the Poles during the first week of Sep ’39. Plus recall that on 17 Sep Stalin invaded Poland from the East, essentially crushing the Poles in a vice.
– Now the Ukr. are responding and the initial surprise is lost. Kyiv may or may not be (or become) encircled, but it is only the “New York” of Ukraine. The entire western half of Ukr. remains connected to sources of supply like Poland, Hungary, etc. Weapons, supplies, and soldiers are only beginning to pour into Ukr., and the Russians have yet to feel the brunt of that. Ukr. fighters and anti-aircraft guns are constantly moved around.
– The urban warfare about to take place in Kyiv, Kharkov and other cities is only just beginning and will be catastrophic for both sides. The Ukr.’s have modern anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, shoulder-fired. No Russian will be safe. Every civilian walking by the Russians is potentially a bomb thrower.
– Russian morale is middling at best and will only fall. Most of them are not professional soldiers. The Russian soldiers don’t seem to grasp small unit infantry tactics involving the covering of one another and leapfrogging into the enemy. Have you seen videos of the Russian units sitting in their vehicles driving into hostile territory and city streets? They are sitting ducks without unmounted infantry alongside watching the rooftops, etc. Appalling.
– Stay tuned. No outcome is certain. But I do not believe it’s implausible for Russia’s force of ~ 200,000 to take and hold an area that runs, effectively, from the Mississippi to New York.
– Putin’s overall military is rather small. Its morale and materiel will become extremely degraded in a lengthy conflict like Russia’s 1979 (I believe) Afghanistan adventure.
You are terribly mistaken in your arguments. In 1939 Poland’s army was entirely deployed against the Germans and not divided between two fronts as you imagine. There was no serious Polish resistance or battles against Stalin’s invasion — which did not enter Poland until September 17, 1939. The Germans had broken the Polish line and reached Warsaw by September 8. In other words, the battle was all but over by the time Stalin entered Poland. He came for his spoils. So Hitler, by comparison with what the Russians achieved, did not do as well as the Russians today — and lost far more men and machines. Yet it was a decisive German victory. The Polish in 1939 and the Ukrainian air forces today can hardly dispute control of the air.
Jeff, from what I read on Wikipedia, (not the most reliable source), there were 17.000 Germans killed in action in Poland and about 40,000 wounded. Did you mean 50,000 casualties or 50,000 dead?
50,000 casualties. Yes.
Just saw this. Makes me wonder how many are spies, and if they aren’t, why do we want to take in Russian deserters?
Quote (current numbers are higher): Last year, the number of Russians who were apprehended by border officials at the US’ southern border with Mexico soared to 9,736 – up from just 467 in 2020.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1572594/Putin-war-efforts-tatters-Russians-flee-US-conscription-Ukraine
Those numbers are disturbing.
It is interesting to point out that virtually all of Russia’s and China’s modern technology was imported from the West. Communism was built in the East with assistance from the West. Similarly, the rise of Japan and other non-Western powers was assisted by the West. Communism requires capitalism as a foundation on which to build its nefarious legacy and eventually “liquidate” capitalism. Antony Sutton’s works illustrate that the West is the source of virtually all civilisation and that the communists exported Western know-how to Third-World “targets” in order to build up the capitalist West’s future gravediggers.
An excellent article on National Review that explains why the Russians are struggling on a tactical level. https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/why-the-russians-are-struggling/?utm_source=recirc-desktop&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=hero&utm_content=related&utm_term=first The author is Mark Antonio Wright, who obviously has infantry experience, and I think he really “gets” it.
Thank you VIRTUAL CONSERVATIVE. Mark Antonio Wright’s article is very illuminating and thought provoking. His article sheds some light on the possible significance and implications of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. Thanks.
I wonder. He doesn’t seem to realize that Russia has a poor logistics train under normal conditions. This not a recent phenomenon either. It too several months for Stalin to build up supply for Operation Bagration. That one thig was the major hold up for the operation. It is no surprise to me that the Russians are running out food and fuel, and the Ukrainians are making things even more difficult by hitting supply convoys with special attention given to fuel tankers.
Jeff, one other question– if you have time (I understand if you don’t). If there is a nuclear or EMP attack on the US, or cyber– something really crippling to a large part of the country, is it at that point that you would expect Spetsnaz forces that have made their way across the US southern border to suddenly attack? Do you anticipate attacks against major/capital cities, as in Ukraine? Mostly on the coasts, or all over?
Spetsnaz would not be necessary in an EMP attack. The EMP would take care of everything and there would be nothing for them to do.
What about a nuclear or cyber attack? Would you expect them to focus on capital cities across the US, large population centers, the coasts?
Washington snd New York would be prime targets for cyber attack. Nuclear weapons sites for nuclear attack.
Mr. Nyquist. I would like to ask about EMP. I remember you mentioned in one interview something about the possible problems with EMP attack. Something about how it could make nuclear reactors leak, etc. Cause major environmental damage. Is there any major problems regarding an EMP strike?
Reactor meltdowns would follow a major EMP strike.
Some?All. I’ve been trying to find out the details on fail safe systems on reactors. I’m no engineer and my readings have left me confused. Even Pry seems a bit vague on what happens to nuke reactors following EMP.
SCRAM buttons are for shutting down nuclear reactors in an emergency. As it happens, soluble neutron absorbers are found within the Standby Liquid Control System (SLCS), which uses redundant battery-operated injection pumps, or, in the latest models, high pressure nitrogen gas to inject the neutron absorber solution into the reactor vessel against any pressure within. The button requires battery power in either event. No battery no power no working button. The reactor cannot be shut down. Next, the coolant pumps on nuclear reactors are also electric — derived from steam.
The main components of a reactor coolant pump:
Electric motor. The motor is a large, air or water (seal-less RCPs) cooled, induction motor.
Impeller. Impeller is a rotor used to increase the pressure and flow of a coolant.
Shaft (Rotor). Shaft is a mechanical component for transmitting torque from the motor to the impeller.
Shaft seal package. Shaft seal package is used to prevent any water from leaking up the shaft into the containment.
Bearings. Bearings constrain relative motion of the shaft (rotor) and reduce friction between the rotating shaft and the stator. RCPs usually use a combination of fluid dynamic bearings and hydrostatic bearings in the radial bearing assembly (water lubricated; close to the primary coolant) and oil lubricated bearings used in the thrust (axial) bearing assembly (in the motor section).
Flywheel. The flywheel provides flow coastdown in case of loss of power.
Auxilliary systems. Oil lubrication system, oil lift system, seal leakoff system, seal cooling system etc.
I just listened to a rather angry man in Kiev who is frustrated with Zelensky make a point that all those Ukrainians with weapons and no training have now become targets. This man on the street thinks that Zelensky handed out the weapons on purpose to try to instigate the Russian forces into damaging photo opportunities. Hmmm…any thoughts?
I think that man’s opinion is bull hockey. Civilians are being killed either way. Sounds like an attempt to demoralize by whoever put the video or audio out to me (or the man himself). Or maybe the man is a coward, too scared to take up arms, believing he will be allowed to live if he doesn’t resist. And is condemning those with the courage to fight.
They are fighting for their survival. It’s all hands on deck in such a time.
What does that man suppose will happen to people if the Russians take over?
Yes, excellent points, Greyknight.
There are some legal questions regarding arming civilians, and I am not up on all the details; so if there are any legal experts they are welcome to chime in. As long as civilians are not armed, they are technically protected by international law from reprisals from troops. During World War II it was a crime for civilians to attack uniformed troops and for troops to attack unarmed civilians. But once a civilian or group of civilians attack soldiers, the civilians are not protected by law and it is not an atrocity of the soldiers kill them. In fact, armed civilians may have less legal protection under military and international law than a soldier because they are not wearing a uniform. I am not an expert in this and have read only a little.
I think that so long as they have some identification, even just an armband, they are supposed to be protected by law, but of course in many cases this may not be observed.
Yes, but to me, all the international law stuff would mean nothing if my homeland was being invaded. I also dont think civilian lives matter (or will eventually matter) very much to the Russians, just as they didnt to the Nazis. Even if they were to refrain from killing very many civilians during the war, I bet they wouldnt after attaining victory, if they do.
What I’ve been doubting, is that there is even a country with the morality and authority to even carry out punishment against any war crimes the Russians or Chinese may commit, in the very miniscule chance they are defeated.
Some think Russia is afraid of bad optics, but I would think if you and your allies comprise the strongest combined militaries, have most if not all of the advantages favorable for winning a war, and have no scruples or morals, then why be concerned about bad optics?
I can see why they didnt want bad optics in the past. They still needed time and Western money to build up their war machines and get things in place.
Now, it appears they no longer need anything from the West. So it seems to me that bad optics are not much of an issue.
Customary international law:
https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/customary-ihl/eng/docindex/v1_rul_rule1
“Rule 1. The parties to the conflict must at all times distinguish between civilians and combatants. Attacks may only be directed against combatants. Attacks must not be directed against civilians.”
https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/customary-ihl/eng/docindex/v1_rul_rule6
“Rule 6. Civilians are protected against attack, unless and for such time as they take a direct part in hostilities.”
It’s also questionable to remove the recruitment age, as recruiting children is illegal. Granted, when you read through these rules, sadly many seem to be routinely violated.
From my experience (not in armed conflict situations), customary rules of international law are recognized as authority in international judicial fora (though the US and some others will caveat that they are non-binding).
10 mins ago …. Russian state-aligned media claim Ukraine use of chemical weapons in major way in suburbs of Keiv. https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/russia-continues-ukraine-invasion-live-updates
You can bet that the Russians are about to use them, then.
The Russians seem to want to war criminals several times over. Chemical weapons are now outlawed. It’s why we destroyed ours.
The winning side in the war will determine who the war criminals are.
In Luhansk, I think, the Russian troops have been sighted putting on gas masks. It is where the Russians tried to break out to make a double envelopment of the main Ukrainian line in Luhansk and Donetsk. Could be they need that breakthrough now and poison gas is the key.
The ICC will be doing that. Getting Putin, or other Russians in it will be the difficulty.
Link does not line up with what you claim.
Oh no. That is terrible. Thermobaric bombs may come next.
Lord, I hope not.
Jeff, what are your thoughts on the Russians putting nuclear forces on alert? Could this be the first strike?
It always could be a first strike — a disarming strike. Or it could be meant to force our leaders to negotiate on some question that the Russians can use to advantage.
Russian nuke status changed to combat readiness.
North Korea just launched another missile, a covert warning from China?
Things are getting interesting. I expect an EMP in the US probably launched from a containership in Vancouver, maybe from fishing vessels off the coast of Ecuador or the US west coast utilizing a klub-k or something like it.
Feels like things have crossed lines and wont go back.
-bill freeman
Where is Biden/NATO? (this guy asks sort of) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoABoG1EAoA
This looks bad: https://youtu.be/_gDmMVzjIVw I haven’t confirmed from other sources, but sounds like a massive ground attack is about to begin.
Doesn’t look good.
Still, nobody listens to Putin. They want to erase Russia from the World, as they do wishing away the homeless. To think that Russia will accept a loss based upon conventional warfare, is like thinking that a MMA cage fight is real combat. Russia won’t just stand there and agree to become injured, for the sake of good sportsmanship and prolonged entertainment. Putin is a high level Judoka. He wept at his sensei’s funeral. Putin has a heart. He knows what he’s doing and takes measured actions in response to encroachment by NATO. If he gets put in a corner, he will do whatever is necessary, without being excessive. If NATO doesn’t back off, expect tactical nukes in theatre. This will not be World War Three or Four, but there will not be two more.
Why should anybody listen to Putin? A few days ago, he said that he had no plans to invade Ukraine. Now he has done so, throwing the world into a crisis. He is a sick puppy as are those who shill for him. It will be his fault — and not that of NATO — if there is a nuclear war. He will have provoked it, not some secret cabal of globalists or NATO.
Putin did not intend to invade Ukraine. What he did was to recognize two new ethnic Russian independent republics, who invited in Russian peace keepers. Ukraine continued to attack these dual Ukrainian citizens, as they have been doing for quite a long time. Russia didn’t intend for Ukraine to continue those attacks, which came to include against Russian peace keepers. Ukraine ought to have listened to Putin.
Putin did not intend to invade Ukraine?? He only spent three weeks mobilizing beforehand. Who are you kidding?
The mobilization began in August when the first 3,500 Russian troops moved into Belarus.
You are joking, right? You believe the Russian lies?
Didn’t he warn Ukraine to stop attacking their own ethnic Russian, Ukrainian, citizens?
If only laying blame solved everything.
That’s ridiculous. They weren’t attacking their own “ethnic Russian Ukrainians,” but rather the opposite — Russians entered the eastern parts of the country to attack and terrorize Ukrainians using the separatists to shield their nefarious, heinous activities. Vice News and many other sources have documented this using photos taken from social networks and matching them up with people in the eastern provinces (oblasts) who were actually soldiers from various parts of Russia. But even assuming your premise were true, Putin certainly has no room to talk now, does he? At any rate, you are so inconsistent in your pronouncements that I assume you are either unbalanced or simply posting to entertain yourself. First you post about huckster Hal Lindsey condemning Putin, and now you suggest his brutal invasion is justified? Which is it?
Insanity is not being able to acknowledge reality when you have it right before your eyes. Yeah, sure, tell the people in Kyiv that. Incredible. Jane Fonda also had her “valid” reasons for betraying her own country.
As for Jane Fonda, I don’t know what her trip was, but a friend of mine, a SEAL on the ground in Vietnam, latter to become Chief on a nuclear sub, told me that Ho Chi Minh, was not an ideological Communist. That he originally, requested for the United States to support the cause to rid Vietnam of corrupt leaders, but that the US declined, so he went to Russia for assistance.
Valid?
That’s a novel Story Barth. I have never seen any evidence to support such an assertion. Ho was a doctrinaire communist trained in France. The Anamese asked help from France because they were getting repeatedly beat up by the others around them. Then, after saving them, the Anamese turned against the French to throw them out. Giap was a wily character who managed to defeat the French at Dien Bien Phu, and threw out their protectors. they then turned the attention to rest of the country and started subverting the south, and doing exactly what the French stopped others doing to them. It remains a communist country to this day and Ho is revered like Mao and Lenin.
The current crowd is still authoritarian, but they are still allowing people to do business themselves and the country is doing well as a result. It is still a problem, however, to be a Christian in the country.
Not ‘valid’ in my mind, but I don’t see the difference honestly between Fonda’s stance and the people here who support Putin (especially at this moment after he has shown his true colors for all to see), claiming that NATO and a cabal of shape-shifting lizard people masquerading as “globalists” from Sirius are the real culprits and that Putin is just an innocent victim who was backed into a corner by NATO expansionism. All of the misfortunes and wrong turns we have seen in the West can just as easily be explained by virtue of the fact that there are a lot of shortsighted, greedy business people and also, traitors, I suspect in positions of power within our system. Also, being a communist and a globalist aren’t mutually exclusive terms. They both seek to overthrow tradition in the name of vague abstractions. On what basis do conservatives see Putin as a defender of tradition? He calls the fall of the Soviet system a “geopolitical catastrophe,” the same system that caused deep splits in the Orthodox Church and overturned hundreds of years of tradition.
And just to clarify, I am only referring to those conservatives who do support Putin, as I know there are many that horrified by his policies and actions as I am.
“Putin has a heart.” Maybe physiologically speaking. But otherwise he has proven to be a cold-blooded killer.
What the hell justification does nuclear-armed Russia have to invade its weak sovereign neighbor, because it feels “threatened?” This is Russian disinformation. You should post on RT.
I’m telling you, VIRTUALCONSERVATIVE1, that arguments like are notwithstanding. NATO needs to back off. If Russia feels threatened, that’s how they feel. You can try to poo-poo it, but that won’t get through to Russia. Back off!
What would you do if some big well dressed fellow were to come up to you in a reasonably uncrowded subway station during off peak hours, and start breathing down your neck? Cry like a little baby, or what?
Wow Barth. You are worse than Strannik.
NATO has never attacked Russia in its entire history. It is a defensive alliance mostly composed of small countries that cannot defend themselves.
Strannik can’t see the forest for the trees.
He does not seem to be here anymore. I guess he was embarrassed by the invasion.
They are putting the USSR back in place.
After I read your post, I Barthed all over my keyboard.
MMA is real fighting. It is not like WWE. People have ben seriously injured in MMA fights. Such is quite rare in WWE. I did like wrestling when I was 8 yo.
Maybe the tendency to worship Putin on the part of some conservatives comes from the fact that he projects a “macho,” strong leader image. He’s a high-level Judoka, wrestles alligators with his bare hands, rides horses bareback, and that sort of thing. But, I can assure you he is not a “conservative” protector of tradition. In my study of other cultures, I have learned a bit about my own. Americans (in general) have the tendency to want to simplify everything and find a quick solution to every problem. Thus, the conspiracy theories about secretive “globalists” and NATO expansionism appeal to them, because they provide an overly simplistic explanation of all the things wrong in the world. They are mad because they see weak leadership at home and because of the impositions on their freedom during the pandemic. Of course, part of the problem is that communist societies are closed societies, so we really aren’t privy to what goes on behind the scenes. I know people in South America in communist nations that had it far, far worse during the pandemic than we did in the US. Curfews were imposed and buses were sent around to collect those out after the curfew to render service at area hospitals as punishment for defying the Covid mandates. People in those same countries aren’t getting enough to eat while the thugs in charge live lavishly. The same is true for Russia. Most of the media there is tightly controlled by the state, unlike the media in the US that even permits fools like Russell Bentley — a guy who was convicted of drug smuggling in Minneapolis and fled the country to join the Russian separatists — to spew their nonsense and sport Stalin coffee mugs and calendars on their YouTube channels. Look at where some of the former Alex Jones fellow promoters of conspiracy theories — conspiracy theories so secret that everyone knows about them — such as Patrick Henningsen end up: on RT. I wonder why? Because they serve the interests of the state-sponsored media in Russia and the communist agenda. While everyone is debating these common knowledge “top secret” conspiracy theories, the real threats are completely ignored.
A very good primer the conspiracy theory business.
Barth: 1. NATO is a defensive organization.
2. Ukraine is a sovereign nation that has the right choose to join whatever defense alliance it wishes.
3. If the psychopaths running Russia feel threatened, they should remember 1 and 2 above.
And BTW, shame on you for making excuses for Putler!
NATO is encroaching on Russia. That is offensive. Ukraine is free to commit suicide. If overly ambitious dictators who make their own citizens wear masks and take lethal injections move troops and weapons next door to me, that tends to keep me awake at night. Russia along with the rest of the World, is under attack by the Covid Live Exercise. That is the context.
Barth, NATO is nothing. Putin is using this lie of NATO encroachment as an excuse to invade and take over a sovereign nation. The NATO member with the biggest, best military is the United States. And just look at us. Our military is a mess. Instead of being taught how to fight and soldier, they are indoctrinated with critical race theory and transgender/homosexual perversion. Look at the wusses we have as top brass. Our installed commander in chief couldn’t fight or think his way out of a wet paper sack.
Why do you defend Putin as if he were a noble, reluctant hero?
I’ll tell you what Putin is. He’s trash. Plain and simple. Deviant, lying, conniving trash.
Nobody has been proven wrong more times than Barth and all his previous pseudonyms. There’s only been one commenter at a time who uses the phrases “Covid live exercise” and “lethal injections” repeatedly. Seen this for the past 2 years from assorted accounts, which Jeff blocks, then the comments start up again under a new name. Pathetic how he keeps getting attention here.
Yes.
Barth, Fun Facts:
Russia – population 145 million. GDP: $1.6 Trillion
Italy – population 60 million. GDP: $1.9 Trillion
Germany – population 82 million. GDP: $3.7 Trillion
Maybe Russia needs to adjust its way of thinking.
I’ve been declared non essential for the past two years, but I did get a couple grand in welfare out of the deal. In the United States, I’m not allowed to work, unless I take a lethal injection and wear a mask. Russia and China ought to take a lesson from Henry Ford, but the US has evolved beyond that I guess.
Believe it or not, things could be much, much worse. I also chose not to take the injections for religious and health reasons, but what does the one have to do with the other? China is very likely the source of the dreaded floating particle mess in the first place. Certainly, I don’t agree with how the West handled the situation, but that has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with what Putin is doing. Americans were forced to suffer some and they fell apart at the seams. The first step to recovery is always recognizing the true source of one’s troubles and that is not some nebulous globalist conspiracy or NATO, but rather an ideology that drives people to hate each other and causes divisions to use these divisions strategically. Or have you not read in the Bible that a house divided against itself cannot stand? I suspect that we will all be forced to suffer much more before all is said and done, but the real source of that suffering is an atheistic, materialistic ideology that denies a Higher Power and posits that humans can be their own saviors by wrecking and destroying society. It’s called communism.
👍
I don’t buy that Russia is behind the Covid Live Exercise, nor do I believe that China is in the driver’s seat, but rather a junior partner with a nefarious oligarchy. China is in the middle of them and Russia. The mRNA shots are for depopulation. The US Government has been severely subverted by a Socialist, global elite. Russia is odd man out.
Yeah, just take over Germany and Italy and add them to you.
Question for Jeff or anyone with knowledge about this…. I was just looking at a satellite image showing damage to the airfield near Kyiv. Weapons have been pledged to help Ukraine, but how will they be delivered?
Germany is sending weapons to be intercepted by their silent partner, Russia.
From what i have read as of today (2-27), ground convoys of supplies (including weapons) continue unimpeded into western Ukraine…
Thank you!
I doubt anything can reach Kiev. All deliveries would probably go to Lviv.
They may still be able to fly into Lviv as well.
That is very well said. Romans one also extends to much of society today. It is why you see people vote for slugs like Biden and will lie, cheat, and steal to get someone like that elected.
I think that if there’s a change in Putin’s personality concurrent with the plannedemic, it’s that he appreciates the magnitude of the malicious attack against everyone in the World, by the Global Cabal who take Socialism to an entirely new extreme. There can be no, New World Order, without assimilating Russia, and it’s incumbent upon Putin to defend the sovereignty of his country.
See, I don’t always entirely agree with Hal Lindsey, but how come Jeff didn’t know that NATO wasn’t about to admit Ukraine, yet Lindsey did?
In other places Jeff expressed doubts about Ukraine being admitted to NATO. I didn’t realize it wasn’t going to happen until 3 days ago. But, I find it unwise to make statements based on information I don’t have.
There was no immediate plan to admit Ukraine to NATO. The war in Donbas would have made that impossible.
Ok Barth. So is Putin a reprobate liar, or a reluctant champion for poor Russia, whom the nations of the world want to erase from the face of the earth? Which is it?
Putin is desperate. When weak – act strong. Better listen to him.
No comprendo Russian.
Putin is a reprobate. He seems to have lost a few marbles.
Mr Nyquist,
Begging for Chinese Pressure on Putin
As you know Biden’s State Department repeatedly Begged Chairman XI to Talk Sense to Putin regarding Invading Ukraine; But XI (Running the Old Good Cop, Bad Cop Routine on the U.S.) gave us the Royal Brush Off and told us where to get off.
https://amgreatness.com/2022/02/25/report-biden-officials-repeatedly-pleaded-with-ccp-counterparts-to-talk-sense-into-putin-were-rebuffed/
To Coin a Phrase Mr. Nyquist: Are we American’s Fools who Don’t Know Our Enemy? It’s Said: A Fool and his Freedom is SOON Parted.
Thanks.
An ancient philosopher once said fools are never free.
What game is being played here?
Perhaps they were told to say that so they would be more likely to be exchanged later?
They seem to be committing truth. That will put them in jeopardy in the motherland.
Name, rank, and serial number.
When strong – act weak.
I have seen very limited fighting footage so far. The high rise hit in Kyev was an empty office building. Photos of some destroyed equipment without footage of getting hit. No infrustructure like electric grid or water supply damaged. Americans told Zelensky to leave, yet he stayed. Now they seem furious. I suspect him to make deal with Putin tomorrow, switch sides like Kadyrov sr in Chechnya.
If Zelensky cuts a deal that leaves any of Ukraine in Russian hands, his name will be mud, and he might as well step down. The Ukrainian people are not going to accept any sort of betrayal at this point. Letting Putin off easy will also embolden Putin to try again later.
He can blame NATO for pushing them into war and then not helping, and not being wrong. He can blame it on radical elements like the Azov batalion for never stopping shelling the people’s republics.
Mr Nyquist,
Why is Germany appearing to Suddenly take the Putin Menace Seriously as a Threat to Germany when the magnitude of the threat to Germany has been clear for Many years?
Paraphrasing the Actor’s Studio METHOD ACTOR’S Plea… “What’s Germany’s New Found Motivation?”
From the Institute for The Study of War: UKRAINE CONFLICT UPDATE 10
Feb 27, 2022 – Press ISW
Germany is reorienting its foreign policy to prioritize defense spending, European security interests, and energy independence despite potentially high economic costs to Germany. German politicians expressed broad political support for this fundamental reorientation of German foreign policy, which will prioritize mitigating the threat Russia poses to Germany and its allies.
• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Germany would immediately invest $113 billion into its
military on February 27.[59] This new investment fund is equivalent to almost 200% of current annual
German military spending. Scholz called the construction of new ships tanks, aircraft, and armed drones
a top priority for Germany. Scholz stated the new military equipment will be built in Europe in
partnership with other European countries, particularly France.[60]
• Scholz pledged to increase Germany‘s contribution to reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank in Lithuania,
Slovakia and Romania.[61] Scholz stated Germany has increased its number of troops deployed in
Lithuania and expanded an air policing mission in Romania. Scholz stated he plans to set up a new task
force in Slovakia and use the German navy to assist with policing in the Mediterranean and the Baltics.
He stated that the German Airforce is prepared to defend the airspace of Eastern European countries
that border Russia.
• Scholz pledged to raise annual Germany military spending to over 2% of GDP.[62] This additional
military spending is separate from the $113 billion investment fund.
• Germany plans to build two Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) ports in Brunsbuttel and Wilhelmshaven,
northern Germany, and to create a strategic natural gas reserve, limiting long-term German reliance on
Russian energy imports. Scholz stated that Germany’s energy policy must consider not only the
economy and climate, but also security concerns.[63]
• Scholz’ shift secured broad non-partisan support among German politicians. Social Democratic Party
(SPD) Parliamentary bloc Chairman Rolf Mutzenich and CDU leader Friedrich Merz expressed support
for increased defense spending.[64] Finance Minister and German Liberal Democratic Party (FDP)
member Christian Lidner called increased military spending “an investment in [Germany’s]
freedom.”[65]
Thanks.
Because Chancellor Scholz does not have a choice. He will be politically isolated if he does not and so will Germany.
They are afraid that Slovakia will switch sides without fight, so Americans and Germans send troops there, German capital is heavily invested there. Americans send more troops to Germany, maybe for the same reason.
Mr. Nyquist – might I suggest a new “Ukraine War Update #2” post for those of us who don’t want to miss a single new comment but are flusterated having to scroll thru over 300 comments in that effort ? Just a polite request and regardless of your decision, I’ll continue to absorb all your writings and thank you (and knowledgeable commenters) immensely for your continued labors.
Ok
“Brazil’s Bolsonaro refuses to sanction Russia, says Ukrainians “trusted a comedian with the fate of a nation”
https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-27-22/h_b2ead409d34681d2bd17cd7e29bce505
if you use marxist-leninist analysis, the explanation is that national bourgeois in less developed nations would rarely side with imperialism when they are given hard choice. Bolsonaro is not a usual Latin American comprador.
Bolsonaro was unable to completely break with the policies and choices of his socialist predecessors. He did not have what was needed.
What do you think about the BRICS economic coalition. When India abstained, that’s what came to mind. This bloc has beaten up on the US as the bad guy in multilateral trade talks for years now, so I wonder if there’s just some reluctance even from economic ties to pivot quickly against Russia.
Possibly.
A few people in Australia are getting it and beginning to wonder if we are in the firing line for Putin. I don’t know if he even needs to use nukes. A few hypersonic missiles sent to our dams will be enough to disable Australia’s economy for decades. The only question is whether we would rate highly enough to be a target.
China has first dibs on you.
That’s what I reckoned.
Jeff, I heard you mention once in an interview that modern nuclear weapons are “clean”. What do you mean by that?
Less fallout. Fusion weapon vs old dirty fission weapon.
I didn’t post that question for you to answer it, troll! It had a specific recipient, who knows a hell of a lot more than you do.
Maybe you can get Jeff’s private email. You are on a public message board.
You’re just obsessed with me, madman. You can’t get enough.
Of interest: https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2022/02/27/exclusive-china-and-russia-are-plotting-a-new-world-order-says-lithuanian-mp/
The truth at last!
The timetable that the Parliamentarian gave in the article, though–five to seven years for an invasion of the Baltic states–is, in my opinion, way off, now that events have accelerated. I would think that perhaps five to seven months (or even sooner) would be more accurate.
Events are accelerating. This summer, when the ground is dry, the Russian military may attempt more ambitious projects.
An interesting tidbit from the article about China/Taiwan:
“Due to rough waters through much of the year, the “window” when China could mount an assault is also limited, with the waters of the Strait typically becoming more navigatable in March — raising concerns Beijing may quickly follow Moscow and move on Taiwan in the coming weeks.”
Thanks for that.
It will be interesting if China mirrors the Russian moves against Ukraine.