War with Russia
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Mr Turchynov also said Ukraine was on "full combat alert", amid fears Russian troops could invade.
The events in Ukraine are increasingly like watching the proverbial train wreck in slow motion. Acting President Olexander Turchynov's admission that the government is "helpless" and has lost control over large parts of the country's east only solidifies that sensation.
Mr Turchynov said the focus now was to stop the unrest from spreading to other regions, especially Odessa and Kharkiv. So far these cities have seen some turbulence, but nothing on the level of what has happened in Donetsk and Luhansk.
The government's hope is to keep a lid on the situation until the 25 May presidential elections. That date now seems an eternity away, and one wonders if the government, or the country, will last that long.
"I would like to say frankly that at the moment the security structures are unable to swiftly take the situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions back under control," he said during a meeting with regional governors.
He admitted security personnel "tasked with the protection of citizens" were "helpless".
"More than that, some of these units either aid or co-operate with terrorist groups," he said.
Mr Turchynov added: "Our task is to stop the spread of the terrorist threat first of all in the Kharkiv and Odessa regions."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27222023
I thought it was all down to evil Russian invaders but it according to their own PM Ukraine soldiers are with the people of eastern Ukraine.
The events in Ukraine are increasingly like watching the proverbial train wreck in slow motion. Acting President Olexander Turchynov's admission that the government is "helpless" and has lost control over large parts of the country's east only solidifies that sensation.
Mr Turchynov said the focus now was to stop the unrest from spreading to other regions, especially Odessa and Kharkiv. So far these cities have seen some turbulence, but nothing on the level of what has happened in Donetsk and Luhansk.
The government's hope is to keep a lid on the situation until the 25 May presidential elections. That date now seems an eternity away, and one wonders if the government, or the country, will last that long.
"I would like to say frankly that at the moment the security structures are unable to swiftly take the situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions back under control," he said during a meeting with regional governors.
He admitted security personnel "tasked with the protection of citizens" were "helpless".
"More than that, some of these units either aid or co-operate with terrorist groups," he said.
Mr Turchynov added: "Our task is to stop the spread of the terrorist threat first of all in the Kharkiv and Odessa regions."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27222023
I thought it was all down to evil Russian invaders but it according to their own PM Ukraine soldiers are with the people of eastern Ukraine.
Bluebarge said:
.. were they wrong?
Is NATO expansion wrong in my view?I'd say yes.
Expanding a military power/agreement in to more and more states is increasing the risk of conflict.
NATO expansion towards Russia is only asking for a reactionary response from Russia. Just like the USA responded in the Cuban missile crisis when Russian influence was expanding closer to their borders.
And most people would normally accept that NATO = USA's tool for foreign policy and national interests. (matter of opinion of course).
But my opinion is not by simple elimination to say that Russia are 'fantastic' or are the 'good guys'. I just don't assume these days that the USA are automatically righteous through their might.
Its an interesting development. Personally I don't see it as a US v Russia standoff, more of a EU v Russia situation.
Russia is responding to the EU power creep, I don't think it likes the idea of another super power on its doorstep and this is it trying to get in the way.
EU is on a long road but at the end of that road is the potential formation of the next super power. Russia doesn't like this, it is already under the increasing influence of the EU and eventually it may even fold and become part of it. This nationalist movement from Putin is just an attempt to retain power and influence.
I suspect a long stalemate will occur. The EU is still in its infancy and doesn't have the political will for any real action and Russia simply cannot afford to engage in military action against the EU/USA.
Russia is responding to the EU power creep, I don't think it likes the idea of another super power on its doorstep and this is it trying to get in the way.
EU is on a long road but at the end of that road is the potential formation of the next super power. Russia doesn't like this, it is already under the increasing influence of the EU and eventually it may even fold and become part of it. This nationalist movement from Putin is just an attempt to retain power and influence.
I suspect a long stalemate will occur. The EU is still in its infancy and doesn't have the political will for any real action and Russia simply cannot afford to engage in military action against the EU/USA.
A Russian academic perspective, with an interesting explanation of the various competing interests, European, international and local, read oligarchs, in the Ukraine situation.
Battleground Ukraine: A Comprehensive Summary (From A Russian Perspective)
Battleground Ukraine: A Comprehensive Summary (From A Russian Perspective)
Edited by QuantumTokoloshi on Thursday 1st May 09:04
QuantumTokoloshi said:
A Russian academic perspective, with an interesting explanation of the various competing interests, European, international and local, read oligarchs, in the Ukraine situation.
Battleground Ukraine: A Comprehensive Summary (From A Russian Perspective)
Had a quick scan - really interesting - thanks for posting. I'll have a proper read at home.Battleground Ukraine: A Comprehensive Summary (From A Russian Perspective)
Edited by QuantumTokoloshi on Thursday 1st May 09:04
Asterix said:
QuantumTokoloshi said:
A Russian academic perspective, with an interesting explanation of the various competing interests, European, international and local, read oligarchs, in the Ukraine situation.
Battleground Ukraine: A Comprehensive Summary (From A Russian Perspective)
Had a quick scan - really interesting - thanks for posting. I'll have a proper read at home.Battleground Ukraine: A Comprehensive Summary (From A Russian Perspective)
Edited by QuantumTokoloshi on Thursday 1st May 09:04
http://t.news.uk.msn.com/world/putin-demands-ukrai...
What right has this dipstick Putin got to tell another country where it can
and can't deploy its own troops in its own country
What right has this dipstick Putin got to tell another country where it can
and can't deploy its own troops in its own country
109er said:
http://t.news.uk.msn.com/world/putin-demands-ukrai...
What right has this dipstick Putin got to tell another country where it can
and can't deploy its own troops in its own country
Right of power, the one NATO has used in Yugoslavia Lybia Afghanistan Iraq ... you name it.What right has this dipstick Putin got to tell another country where it can
and can't deploy its own troops in its own country
That doesn't justify him though in my eyes, but he certainly knows better than me what's good for his country and people.
AreOut said:
Right of power, the one NATO has used in Yugoslavia Lybia Afghanistan Iraq ... you name it.
That doesn't justify him though in my eyes, but he certainly knows better than me what's good for his country and people.
He knows what's good for him and his mates you mean That doesn't justify him though in my eyes, but he certainly knows better than me what's good for his country and people.
He certainly does not come across as the caring type.... just ask his wife.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Putin#Family
toppstuff said:
I think the Russian economy and its ability to survive a sustained period of tension is the main factor.
In the old USSR days, Russia did not need the rest of the world. In the modern world, Russia depends utterly on its neighbours to buy its oil and gas.
eh?...In the old USSR days, Russia did not need the rest of the world. In the modern world, Russia depends utterly on its neighbours to buy its oil and gas.
In the old days, the utterly dysfunctional USSR would have been finished if not for the U.S. feeding them on a weekly basis.
Badgerboy said:
Police State said:
eh?...
In the old days, the utterly dysfunctional USSR would have been finished if not for the U.S. feeding them on a weekly basis.
Well, and the Canadians and the Aussies. But yes, they were very dependent on the West.In the old days, the utterly dysfunctional USSR would have been finished if not for the U.S. feeding them on a weekly basis.
skyrover said:
He knows what's good for him and his mates you mean
He certainly does not come across as the caring type.... just ask his wife.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Putin#Family
it's his personal life and I don't think she would stay with him 30 years if she was beaten, also BND had some interest in undermining foreign spies and Putin was one of them so I don't believe themHe certainly does not come across as the caring type.... just ask his wife.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Putin#Family
the fact is that Russia is economically growing and life is much easier than 10-15 years ago, yes it's still full of corruption and lawlessness but you can't change 200 million country over night, especially one with very complicated internal relations
AreOut said:
it's his personal life and I don't think she would stay with him 30 years if she was beaten, also BND had some interest in undermining foreign spies and Putin was one of them so I don't believe them
the fact is that Russia is economically growing and life is much easier than 10-15 years ago, yes it's still full of corruption and lawlessness but you can't change 200 million country over night, especially one with very complicated internal relations
Not going to grow much longer if this Ukraine business keeps playing outthe fact is that Russia is economically growing and life is much easier than 10-15 years ago, yes it's still full of corruption and lawlessness but you can't change 200 million country over night, especially one with very complicated internal relations
http://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economic...
Also... Russia's population is only 140 million, slightly more than Japan with wealth concentrated mostly around Moscow and the West
Edited by skyrover on Friday 2nd May 13:00
skyrover said:
Not going to grow much longer if this Ukraine business keeps playing out
http://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economic...
Also... Russia's population is only 140 million, slightly more than Japan with wealth concentrated mostly around Moscow and the West
Maybe Russian should get the Ukraine to pay its gas bills to help the economy. http://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economic...
Also... Russia's population is only 140 million, slightly more than Japan with wealth concentrated mostly around Moscow and the West
Edited by skyrover on Friday 2nd May 13:00
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