Ukraine SitRep: The Power Plant War - Ideological Losses - More Signs Of Corruption
The Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenski is lobbying Congress through U.S. media for more weapons and monetary support. It requires him to finally depict the situation as dire as it is:
Speaking to the PBS news hour on Tuesday, April 16, Zelensky underlined Ukraine’s air defences' critical condition.“I'll give you a very simple example,” he said.
“Eleven missiles were launched towards the Trypillya [thermal power] station, upon which the electricity supply in the Kyiv region depends. We managed to intercept the first seven, but the remaining four hit Trypillya. Why? Because we had zero missiles left. We have exhausted all the missiles that were defending Trypillya,” the President added.
...
In response to the targeting of critical infrastructure, Zelensky used this example to once again call upon Ukraine’s allies to urgently supply the weapons Kyiv needs, particularly air defense launchers and missiles.“Frankly speaking, without this assistance, we stand little chance of victory, because we need to be significantly stronger than our adversaries. The current ratio of artillery shells stands at 1 to 10. Can we endure for much longer? No,” Zelensky said.
It is good to see that Zelenski is finally noticing the situation Ukraine is in.
The electricity infrastructure is indeed a critical point. John Helmer, via Naked Capitalism, suggest that Russia is using the destruction of Ukrainian power plants to press for its unconditional surrender.
Helmer quotes the Colonel Cassad blog site:
Boris Rozhin, whose Colonel Cassad military blog broadly represents General Staff thinking, reports the operational breakthrough demonstrated on April 11, and explains what the maps of current targeting foreshadow for the next round of strikes, and the rounds after that. Rozhin republishes his analysis from RT, the state media organ.“By the evening of April 11, Ukrainian sources reported that air-launched X-69 missiles could be used to hit the Tripolskaya TPP [Thermal Power Plant]. So far, there is no confirmation of this information, but it is worth studying these missiles in more detail. Their range is almost 20 times less than that of the X-101 missiles [equivalent to about 250-500 kilometres], the carriers of which are strategic aircraft of the Aerospace Forces [Tu-95]. In their [X-69] function, they are closer to the foreign [Anglo-French] Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, which are being attempted for strikes on the Crimean Bridge. The [X-69’s] long range of the 300 km could be enough if the launches of missiles were carried out from the territory of the Bryansk region. If the use of missiles is confirmed in the future, it will mean that no energy facility of the Ukraine on the Dnieper River can work safely, and the strike capabilities of the Aerospace Forces have multiplied.” https://t.me/rt_russian/197065
The lack of power supply is not the only unsolvable problem Zelenski has.
The situation at the frontline is deteriorating. One of the critical sectors in now Chasiv Yar, some 10 kilometer west of Bakhmut, where the Russian forces recently managed to make some crucial progress.
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Ground that had been held by parts of the 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade had been given up very quickly.
The Ukraine command investigated and found the root cause in the ideological framework of the 'nationalist' brigade:
After losing some positions on the Chasiv Yar front in Donetsk Oblast, where heavy fighting has been ongoing since the beginning of 2024, the 67th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Right Sector Ukrainian Volunteer Corps is being investigated and the military personnel who served as the brigade’s backbone are being transferred to other units.
...
One of the factors revealed by the audit was issues within the brigade. The leadership allegedly separated the soldiers from the Right Sector and those who were transferred from other parts during the recent replenishment (they were referred to as "pixels", in reference to the pattern on the Ukrainian military uniform). The attitude toward the "pixels" was even worse; they were the first to be sent into combat, and their lack of experience made them lose territory.According to a source of Ukrainska Pravda, this was not the only reason for the brigade's combat capacity deficiencies, as revealed by the audit.
According to a former Ukrainian Volunteer Corps fighter who served in the unit during the 2014-2018 anti-terrorist operation in Ukraine's east and the first year of the full-scale invasion, the current problem stems from the inability to reform the former volunteer unit into a regular brigade of the Armed Forces.
Following the reformatting of the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps into the 67th Brigade, volunteers were forced to live "according to military tenets", as determined by the newly formed army command. The former Ukrainian Volunteer Corps leaders lacked the military experience necessary for high positions.
The street gangs and hooligans of the fascist Right Sector, who played a major role during the so called Maidan revolution, were not keen to be real soldiers. They put the least experienced mobilized men into the frontline and kept their ideological brethren in the back.
Such behavior had been fine under the former Commander in Chief General Zaluzhni who has a well known affinity for the hard right 'nationalists' units. But the new Commander in Chief General Syrski needs real soldiers, not amateurish terrorists:
During the tenure of former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the backbone of the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps, particularly Andrii Stempitskyi, was able to maintain some autonomy in the brigade while receiving assistance from the General Staff.Quote: "And when Sirskyi was appointed, they were confronted with the fact that they must only do activities that are appropriate for their official position. They saw it as political persecution. For highly ideological Ukrainian Volunteer Corps combatants, this appears to be the end of a movement, but it is actually the system bringing its combat units up to standard."
Strana adds a bit of history (machine translation):
Recall that the" Ukrainian Volunteer Corps "(DUK) was formed in 2014 by the "Right Sector" during the anti-terrorist operation. After that, for a long time he was not a member of any of the official law enforcement agencies of Ukraine, which raised questions about the ambiguity of his legal status. This continued until 2018, after which most of the DUK joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Like other fascists groupings in Ukraine, i.e. Azov, the DUK or 'Right Sector has multiplied during the war. It has infiltrated more units:
In 2023, the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps was split into two parts: one joined the Special Operations Forces and the other formed the 67th Separate Mechanised Brigade. In February 2024, a portion of the Da Vinci Wolves Unit transferred from the 67th Brigade to the 59th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade.
'Reforming' the 'nationalist' brigades will be quite a task for the new command under Syrski. As he was born in Russia they may in the end declare him to be their ultimate enemy.
Another problem Zelenski should, but wont, care for, are the signs of corruption which due to the war have only increased:
By law, Ukrainian officials such as lawmakers, prosecutors, and judges must declare their assets to the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NACP).The NACP received some 664,000 documents by March 31, which was the submission deadline for 2023, Economic Pravda reported.
The news site reported Wednesday that it randomly selected declarations for 2,200 officials to see how their fortunes had changed from 2022 to 2023.
It found that every sixth official had bought an apartment or house, and every third one a car. They purchased 721 cars, 268 apartments, and 90 new houses.
Meanwhile, even with the new asset purchases, the officials’ savings increased.
Economic Pravda found that the cash and bank deposits of the declarants increased by about a quarter during the two years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The dire economic situation of Ukraine leaves no explanation but corruption for this (machine translation):
In Ukraine, record sales of luxury foreign cars were recorded last year. Some premium brands were included in the top 10 best-selling cars, which was not even in peacetime. And the number of Tesla cars in Ukraine has increased almost 10 times compared to 2021.Such a boom in demand for expensive cars in a warring country, at first glance, looks at least strange. But there are explanations for this.
Used Teslas have become a bit cheaper in Ukraine. But the main reason why the sales of luxury cars in Ukraine is booming is this:
Third (and this is the main thing), there is a category of new applicants for luxury cars-people whose welfare has grown significantly since the beginning of the war."Before the war, a man drove a modest Volkswagen. And then he sat down on the stream, got money, decided to upgrade the car, bought a Range Rover. And there are a lot of them," one of the car dealerships in Kiev told us.
According to employees of the salon, massively upgrading cars to something "more decent", are in particular, the security forces.
In addition, a whole layer of people appeared in the country, who became very rich during the war. Including on corruption schemes for supplies to the army. They are also a major category of luxury car buyers. Yes, and other expensive things. For example, one of the dealers of luxury watches told Strana that in the last year its sales are breaking records for the entire existence of the business.
While Zelenski is begging Congress it should consider that someone will have to pay for those who 'sit down on the stream' and gain from it.
Posted by b on April 16, 2024 at 15:04 UTC | Permalink
next page »thanks b..
what a rats nest! john helmers reporting has been great.. literally turning out the lights is the way to go.. it is like being sent back to the cave age which is very fitting for these right sektor goons and hanger-ons..
when you have one corrupt power, supporting another corrupt power - it can go on for longer then not.. that is what we have here.. a large corrupt power supporting a smaller corrupt power.. they know how it works..
at some point zelensky is going to be gone... it's coming.. i don't think they can find a replacement either... the west is tired of this shit..
Posted by: james | Apr 16 2024 15:17 utc | 2
Buying "luxury cars"... While they could do so many things with the amount of free cash that is handed to them... But hey, who doesn't want a big shiny SUV to cruise around the hood ? The dream of ordinary morons. Room temperature IQ narcissists.
It would be very christian from the russians to put all these degenerated idiots out of their misery by large and intensive use of thermobarics.
Posted by: Pierrot | Apr 16 2024 15:19 utc | 3
Great report B!
Just confirming, Dima reports that Budanov has been killed.
Posted by: Áobh Ó'Sheachnasaigh | Apr 16 2024 15:22 utc | 4
Used Tesla's are cheaper, power fluctuations might cause that. Just the scale of the graft is off the charts, maybe that's how all wars go, lots of dead bodies, lots of stuffed pockets....wonder what the ratio is, like Martynov Math, how much is each pixilated body worth.....once it passes through The Grinder.
Cheers M
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Apr 16 2024 15:22 utc | 5
Don't forget the nationalist battalion which simply slow-dragged and ultimately refused its orders to defend Adeevka when the situation was going badly. Then again, it's possible that Syrski really is trying to push the nationalists into depleting their forces, but that they have too many sympathizers to be pushed into combat unwillingly.
Himmler's goons had more discipline, and about the same level of morality, so the Ukrainians are going to lose much more quickly than the Hitlerites did on that basis alone.
Posted by: They Call Me Mister | Apr 16 2024 15:23 utc | 6
Posted by: Áobh Ó'Sheachnasaigh | Apr 16 2024 15:22 utc | 4
Nice. I'd give it the 48 hour rule, even from Dima, but Budanov dying would definitely feel a lot of vicious cycles, including the Bankova leadership devouring itself.
Posted by: They Call Me Mister | Apr 16 2024 15:25 utc | 7
@Áobh Ó'Sheachnasaigh | Apr 16 2024 15:22 utc | 4
Some independent confirmation is required, as it isn't the first time he died.
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 16 2024 15:27 utc | 8
With analysis like this you know the West doesn't learn and is doomed to failure.
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 15:29 utc | 9
Just the scale of the graft is off the charts, maybe that's how all wars go...
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Apr 16 2024 15:22 utc | 5
During the Vietnam war a third of the stuff we sent over went off into parts unknown.
Posted by: Jmaas | Apr 16 2024 15:31 utc | 10
Syrskyi: Win big or lose big!
I have often wondered if General Syrskyi is in fact a Russian agent, whose task is the lead the Ukrainian army to defeat.
But there is another explanation to his peculiar strategy of holding on to every last bit of ground. What he fears most is the division of Ukraine. The only acceptable outcomes are a unified, independent Ukraine or a unified Ukraine as part of Russia. For this to happen, he must either win big or lose big.
The Ukrainian army must be defeated in the east, so it can offer no resistance in the west. If the army started retreating, then it would lead to a never-ending conflict in central or western Ukraine.
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Apr 16 2024 15:32 utc | 11
Norwegian and Mister,
Agreed, we have to wait and get full confirmation.
Posted by: Áobh Ó'Sheachnasaigh | Apr 16 2024 15:34 utc | 12
I have been following the day by day combat stuff more closely than is sensible. what is apparent is that in the current time period the Russians are making a lot more progress than had previously been the case. Why I ask? To speculate, lets see... The widespread use of glide bombs makes it easier to damage the other side's hard points. A greater ability to use its aircraft. Ukraine is running out of troops and munitions. And finally, maybe the Russians are just pushing harder. The soil should be firming up this time of year.
Posted by: Jmaas | Apr 16 2024 15:37 utc | 13
Today's a red letter day. My Twitter account, @ZedSignBot, turned up in the Ukranazi SBU list of "Twitter accounts spreading hostile enemy propaganda" alongside such luminaries as Medvedev, Putin's official Twitter account, TASS, Margarita Simonyan of RT, and the Russian foreign ministry!
Here's the link:
https://cpd.gov.ua/reports/spysok-kanaliv-poshyrennya-vorozhoyi-propagandy-v-soczmerezhi-h/
They say on their site that it's meant to let people avoid these accounts, which displays a brain dead understanding of human psychology. My followers list has been exploding after said list became public. I must really thank them.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayast | Apr 16 2024 15:38 utc | 14
Thanks for another great synthesis of the Ukraine part of our civilization war.
I do agree that denazification of the military is necessary for real resolution of this "poison society for profit" event against Russia. Hopefully some of that will occur in the courts prosecuting war crimes when the SMO is complete.
My calendar says April 16th is today. Z only has agency for a bit over a month and I believe the pressure to get him to unconditional surrender before then will be huge.....and successful.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Apr 16 2024 15:38 utc | 15
It's a shame there isn't an equivalent to Russia in the middle east. I'd love to see them stomp all over the Zionazis like this.
Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Apr 16 2024 15:38 utc | 16
[email protected] Zionazis keep killing them, they don't get the chance to be a Putin and given the chance, they'd tap him too then say, "now what, huh!"
Cheers M
....there was a conspiracy going around about wrong planes being shot down over some country that really doesn't exist anymore.... but you know how conspiracy are, they only become the truth after a block buster book comes out.....
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Apr 16 2024 15:51 utc | 17
If I were in Zelensky’s shoes I think I’d make damn sure I had a full, backed-up copy of the Burisma files, may be with a “dead man’s switch” attached.
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Apr 16 2024 15:54 utc | 18
Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Apr 16 2024 15:38 utc | 16
If Ukraine had nukes, the Russians would be dealing with the war in one of two very different ways.
As it is, Israel needs massive subsidies from its American vassal to even survive at this point, and those subsidies will continue to cause political convulsions in the United States.
Posted by: They Call Me Mister | Apr 16 2024 15:55 utc | 19
sean the leprechaun | Apr 16 2024 15:22 utc | 5
All American wars are corrupt wars. US empire thrives on corruption. They require people who are willing to sell out their country for money.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Apr 16 2024 15:57 utc | 20
@ Biswapriya Purkayast | Apr 16 2024 15:38 utc | 14
congrats!! i didn't see your name on the list (@ZedSignBot) , but i believe you.. kudos.. good work.. you're in good company!
Posted by: james | Apr 16 2024 15:57 utc | 21
13 - It's hard to follow events from a distance but I suspect Kiev is running out of troops and also has few technical remedies for what Russia can throw at them. Kiev cannot win a war of attrition.
Posted by: Waldorf | Apr 16 2024 15:58 utc | 22
In the not too distant future, Chasiv Yar will be called Chasov Yar.
Posted by: CIROC | Apr 16 2024 16:00 utc | 23
14 - It reminds me of a meeting in Berlin years ago that asserted Red Army Faction prisoners in jail were murdered in 1977 - "The German Autumn" - rather than committed suicide, which is the official version. A mass circulation daily, perhaps Bild, publicised the meeting in advance while condemning it. As a result the meeting, that might have attracted 12-15 people normally, had an attendance of nearly 100.
Posted by: Waldorf | Apr 16 2024 16:02 utc | 24
Re Chasov Yar. A quick look on the map shows the channel is a natural defensive line. Any crossing points are choke points and whatever artillery, drones, missiles Ukraine has left can be quickly zeroed on them. Though they seem more intent on using whatever they have left to target civilians and the ZNPP. Russia recorded 100 strikes against the power station in the last week.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Apr 16 2024 16:02 utc | 25
"ratio of artillery shells stands at 1 to 10."
Finally admit it?
US Empire and its puppets are really slow learner.
Until the end of 2022 these same fools insisted that 'Russian missiles will run out. Russian ammunition will run out.
We can't lose because of unlimited western supplies.'.
What struck me about this war was that while many economists and others felt that much had been written for decades about how neoliberal ideology had destroyed industrial society and the work ethic in the West, very little discourse emerged in mainstream Western discourse as soon as the war began that seemed to show this realisation.
Academism does not seem to work at all in the West.
This is because no matter how much academics advise that "the industrial vitality of our civilised world has been scuppered after the neoliberal ideology became popular", nothing seems to have penetrated the heads of western fool politicians and Main Stream Media.
Posted by: Nokaz | Apr 16 2024 16:03 utc | 26
@ @ Biswapriya Purkayast | Apr 16 2024 15:38 utc | 14
i see it now.. at number 66 at the very end.. impressive biswapriya!
Posted by: james | Apr 16 2024 16:08 utc | 27
@Biswapriya Purkayast | Apr 16 2024 15:38 utc | 14
Streisand effect.
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 16 2024 16:15 utc | 28
Nokaz | Apr 16 2024 16:03 utc | 26
The 1-10 shell ratio. I see the only factory in the US that makes 155mm casings is on fire/ has a major fire. That should effectively take US artillery shell production down to zero for some time. Perhaps they can offshore the production to China :)
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Apr 16 2024 16:17 utc | 29
Jeremy [email protected] would he do with it? Like a dog chasing a car. Who other than some barflies hanging around a virtual bar debating the significance of nothing versus the significance of everything would care......
....the DOA, the FBI, MI6 have all those files, they are stored in a filing cabinet under Epstein's Lolita Island Flight Logs....
Cheers M
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Apr 16 2024 16:20 utc | 30
china-russia-and-iran-are-rebuilding-empires-to-defeat-us-europe
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 15:29 utc | 9
And always they twists the fact.
They cannot admit that they themselves belong to an evil empire.
So
’A group of sovereign states, including Iran, China and Russia（Maybe more the Global South state may join）, are working together to prepare to smash the evil empire that sits on the planet today, the US empire, Empire of Lies’
They can't write a straightforward title like this.
tyeir brain are distorted and always speaks in reverse, reversing the right and wrong.
These Western sophist are really out of control.
They will not stop doing such things until they die.
Posted by: Nokaz | Apr 16 2024 16:21 utc | 31
Russia has been officially invited to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy on June 6, organizers said.
The wind is changing.
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 16:21 utc | 32
According to https://t.me/s/rybar
It wasn't Budanov but Pavel Petrichenko. You might recognize the name. I'm sure his death was a pure coincidence.
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 16:27 utc | 33
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Apr 16 2024 16:20 utc | 30
DOA? Now why would the Department Of Agriculture have a copy? Or indeed the Dictionary Of Acronyms???
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Apr 16 2024 16:28 utc | 34
The U.S. and E.U. problem: Do we...
A) Give air defense launchers and missiles to Ukraine, knowing that the limited supply means Israel may run short of air defense.
B) Throw Ukraine to the wolves, and give air defense launchers and missiles to support Israeli defense.
C) Try to supply both, but leave the U.S. and the E.U. unprotected with only a few air defense launchers and missiles remaining to protect ourselves.
Posted by: Retaining_H2O | Apr 16 2024 16:28 utc | 35
More analysis by sturm and drang.
How about an update on how this prediction from last May?
https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/05/zelenskis-regime-is-finished.html
"Yesterday's drone attack on the Kremlin (and other installations) mark the end of the Zelenski regime."
Here we are a year later...Z regime still there.
It's OK to be wrong. But you should learn from it. Not just memory hole it and move on to the next angry post, based on hope versus reality.
Posted by: Anonymous | Apr 16 2024 16:29 utc | 36
Syrskyi: Win big or lose big!I have often wondered if General Syrskyi is in fact a Russian agent, whose task is the lead the Ukrainian army to defeat.
But there is another explanation to his peculiar strategy of holding on to every last bit of ground. What he fears most is the division of Ukraine. The only acceptable outcomes are a unified, independent Ukraine or a unified Ukraine as part of Russia. For this to happen, he must either win big or lose big.
The Ukrainian army must be defeated in the east, so it can offer no resistance in the west. If the army started retreating, then it would lead to a never-ending conflict in central or western Ukraine.
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Apr 16 2024 15:32 utc | 11
Quite - de-militarisation AND de-nazification.
Not sure Russia wants W Ukraine. It would leave them with precisely the same problems as before.
On the other hand, I certainly wouldn't want Poland to have W Ukraine.
Posted by: Mickey Droy | Apr 16 2024 16:29 utc | 37
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 15:29 utc | 9
That is a good find. It illustrates the visceral supremacist ,entality of the western neoliberal ideologues and why it is fundamentally impossible to have a peaceful coexistence with the imperial west. Only when the west is represented by a collection of normal countries led by based folks and not sociopathic supremacists and imperialists will meaningfully good relations become possible.
Posted by: Constantine | Apr 16 2024 16:34 utc | 38
In an interview with lawyer and former Fox News host Andrew Napolitano, former CIA analyst Larry Johnson is convinced that Israel is deliberately not showing the damage caused by the Iranian attack. According to him, several Iranian missiles hit exactly the intended target.
https://pressefreiheit.rtde.live/kurzclips/video/202892-larry-johnson-israel-zeigt-bewusst/
Posted by: ossi | Apr 16 2024 16:34 utc | 39
"The more that you study it the more you begin to think Russia went along with Istanbul talks knowing full well that Ukraine and its Western paymasters were not going to accept an agreement to end the conflict."
Of course every action is done taking into account various scenarios. But I dare say this was the preferred scenario for Russia. Same with Minsk...
Posted by: Sal | Apr 16 2024 16:38 utc | 40
Anonymous @ 36
Russia is increasing its influence in various regions of the world, including the Middle East. At the same time, US opportunities are shrinking.
Both Israel and Washington whilst they won't admit it need Russia to keep the lid on Iran.
Remind me again who is gaining Russia or the US
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 16:39 utc | 41
Polish newspaper: Front collapses under Russian pressure
Both Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy and the commander of the Ukrainian army, General Alexander Syrski, say that the situation on the front is becoming increasingly difficult, writes the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita. Chassov Yar has become the center of the Ukrainian defense, but the front is collapsing under Russian pressure. The superiority of the Russian troops is overwhelming, the newspaper continued. Rzeczpospolita describes:
"The US Institute for War Research (ISW) believes that the situation of the Ukrainians is worse than in Artyomovsk, so that Chassov Yar could fall more quickly. The Ukrainian troops primarily lack air defense, which the Russians are taking advantage of by attacking the defenders the city with guided bombs dropped by aircraft several dozen kilometers from the front line... 'But the main advantage of the Russians is the people,' says Colonel Tschernik. 'They can rotate up to 30,000 men per month "They have announced the formation of 14 new divisions, 16 new mechanized brigades and two general tank armies. By the fall they will be able to increase their armed forces by around 200,000 to 250,000 soldiers."
Posted by: ossi | Apr 16 2024 16:39 utc | 42
Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 16:21 utc | 32
*** Russia has been officially invited to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy on June 6, organizers said.
The wind is changing.***
Doubt it is .... more likely so the USA establishment media spin can report Russia being very grateful for the US having saved it (and all of Europe as well)* in WW2.
But who from, since Nazis are now the good side?
Posted by: Cynic | Apr 16 2024 16:41 utc | 43
Posted by: Mickey Droy | Apr 16 2024 16:29 utc | 37
It will take some time for Russia to reach west Ukraine, if that is indeed a goal. But should it go for it, there must be a thorough reprogramming of the locals to return to their Ruthenian/Rusyn roots, before the Germanic regimes brainwashed them into Ukrainian nationalism. Those who will remain incalcitrant should receive the same ruthless treatment metted out by the Maidanist regime to the Ukrainian Sovoks and assorted leftists.
Theoretically, this could have been solved in the Soviet era, but the Soviets operated under the misconception established in the imperial era that the Galicians were Ukrainians (the three branches of the Kievan Russ, instead of four that would include the Rusyn). It's also fairly obvious that the German activities in the region - and later the US American ones - were not given proper attention ever since they started in the late 19th cent.
It would be however highly beneficial for Russia to establish solid control there, as it would provide access to Hungary and Slovakia. That was Stalin's goal when he pushed for the change of the borders in 1945. Now, it becomes increasingly important in order to forestall NATO.
Posted by: Constantine | Apr 16 2024 16:48 utc | 44
@ Cynic 43
Cynic by name and nature, haha
Of course, the event it will be used for behind the scenes chats about Ukraine. It's how diplomacy works.
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 16:48 utc | 45
Posted by: Anonymous | Apr 16 2024 16:29 utc | 36
yes yes.
Still exist Ukironazi regime.
They are zombie corpses who cannot admit that they are dead.
Like all zombie do, they still marching into russian ballet brainlessly, transformed into a lump of meat.
I think If cooler heads were to judge, this war would have already been settled by 2023.
A country that runs out of bullets and has to scramble its elderly to march against the enemy is already finished as a nation.
However, Western black magic is keeping these zombies alive.
The fact that puppet still cannot even surrender is taken by me as evidence that a country taken over by AngloZionazis and Western military-industrial complex cannot even make a proper national decision.
Posted by: Nokaz | Apr 16 2024 16:52 utc | 46
Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 16:21 utc | 32
Russia is invited, but Putin is not invited. That's what I found out.
Posted by: mk | Apr 16 2024 16:55 utc | 47
Posted by: Cynic | Apr 16 2024 16:41 utc | 43
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 16:48 utc | 45
I'm of the opinion that there should be no Russian representation for the Normandy landing celebrations as it will definitely be used for propaganda purposes against the country. Unfortunately, I expect some retarded move to show good will and all that shyte, even though the time for that has passed. The contemporary west has gone full "Russia delenda est" and that's what matters now.
As it has been pointed, it will be presented in a way to elevate the Anglos vs the Russkies and link it with the current conflict. Otherwise, there would be no such invitation.
Posted by: Constantine | Apr 16 2024 16:57 utc | 48
Nokaz:
I have a simpler, less 10-D explanation. The RFA is unable to compel a surrender. And unable to seize meaningful % of territory. Since they haven't. And they haven't.
Oh...and despite all the high fiving here about Ukrops about to give up, they sure seeming willing to fight, and even die, on the defense. Pretty different from Arabs running away.
Posted by: Anonymous | Apr 16 2024 16:58 utc | 49
Can anything change the trust in EU and capitalism among European nations?
Posted by: vargas | Apr 16 2024 17:00 utc | 50
Russia is invited, but Putin is not invited. That's what I found out.
Posted by: mk | Apr 16 2024 16:55 utc | 47
Precisely the argument about propaganda points that I made. The imperialist vermin want to disassociate Russia form its president who has been framed for destroying the glorious post-WWII order, particularly due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Hopefully, the Kremlin will not fall for this, but I'm not optimistic.
Posted by: Constantine | Apr 16 2024 17:01 utc | 51
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Apr 16 2024 15:32 utc | 11
===================================================
You are not far from the truth [nearly there]
Posted by: AI | Apr 16 2024 17:01 utc | 52
Russia is invited, but Putin is not invited. :>)
Russia should send envoys to the meeting, and EVERY ONE of them should wear shirt with Putin's photo on it, and they should all put place cards in front of them reading PUTIN.
If the members of the meeting get irritated and end the discussion, or bar the Russian delegation from entry... then that's on them. Russia showed up to negotiate.
Posted by: Retaining_H2O | Apr 16 2024 17:04 utc | 53
The removal of the 3 year limit on enlistment may be the straw that broke the camel's back, as it impacts the most experienced Ukrainian soldiers. Their morale breaks and the morale of the rest will tumble. There have already been videos of long-serving soldiers complaining about this and threatening to go to Kiev and "deal with" the politicians. Continuously losing ground and having to retreat, including leaving safe strongholds behind, is also very bad for morale. In Avdiivka and now Chasiv Yar we have seen elite troops (e.g. Azov) refuse to stand ground and retreat to relative safety.
In the US, the bill for Ukrainian aid has been separated from from those for Israel and Taiwan which makes it much easier for the Republicans to block any more Ukrainian aid. Also, even though the new Ukrainian conscription bill has become law, it will be 2-3 months before the impact is felt in new recruits entering the front lines. In the meantime, Ukraine loses between 30,000 and 45,000 soldiers per month, with much lower numbers of replacements, together with large amounts of artillery and the remaining limited number of tanks and AFVs/IFVs.
Dima has reported that the Russians may have advanced along the northern edge of the Kanal district to reach the canal that separates East Chasiv Yar from the rest of the town. If so, the Ukrainians on the eastern side of the canal will be cut in two.
https://twitter.com/MilitarySummary/status/1780243725412622504
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Apr 16 2024 15:57 utc | 20
=================================================
Can't agree more with you on that.
Posted by: AI | Apr 16 2024 17:06 utc | 55
@ mk 47
Yes, I read that Putin hadn't been invited but intriguingly @legitimniy says
Our source reports that Russian President Putin will not go to France, although he was officially invited.
@ Constantine 48 your fears were correct the Russian Delegation will definitely be there.
https://t.me/s/legitimniy?q=%23%D1%81%D0%BB%D1%83%D1%85%D0%B8
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 17:10 utc | 56
@ mk 47
Yes, I read that Putin hadn't been invited but intriguingly @legitimniy says
Our source reports that Russian President Putin will not go to France, although he was officially invited.
@ Constantine 48 your fears were correct the Russian Delegation will definitely be there.
https://t.me/s/legitimniy?q=%23%D1%81%D0%BB%D1%83%D1%85%D0%B8
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 17:10 utc | 57
It's OK to be wrong. But you should learn from it. Not just memory hole it and move on to the next angry post, based on hope versus reality.
Posted by: Anonymous | Apr 16 2024 16:29 utc | 36
Great advice. The political class in the west should heed it. Including Zelensky.
Posted by: Jonathan W | Apr 16 2024 17:11 utc | 58
Posted by: Anonymous | Apr 16 2024 16:58 utc | 49
To praise the Ukrainian Nazis struggle needs to humiliate the Arabs?
I don't know what the People who have listened to the CIA's tall tales too much and lost the mind.
You can underestimate the Arabs all you like, but I think it's time for Israel, the US imperial proxy in the Middle East, to pay for its past deeds.
Posted by: Nokaz | Apr 16 2024 17:11 utc | 59
The Talks That Could Have Ended the War in Ukraine
An interesting article on the Istanbul talks in 2022.
"The more that you study it the more you begin to think Russia went along with Istanbul talks knowing full well that Ukraine and its Western paymasters were not going to accept an agreement to end the conflict. To maintain support with China and parts of the Global South Russia had to be seen to go along with the talks. Indeed, by going along with them Russia legitimized its case with most of the Global South.
But, more importantly by accepting negotiations the West thought Russia was weak and thus they fell into the Russian trap which they can’t get out of without losing face at best and much worse.
If I'm right historians may well describe it as one of the brilliant pieces of statecraft of the modern era."
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 15:16 utc | 1
Excellent post, thanks.
Posted by: Anonymous | Apr 16 2024 16:58 utc | 49
There are still numerous Ukrainians willing to die for NATO, but not enough to reverse the cause of the war. The main reason for the lack of any meaningful advances is the inundation of Ukraine with western equipment that can immensely increase Russian losses when combined with NATO ISR.
Overall, there has been a significant erosion of morale in Ukraine. Had there been no NATO ISR and high-tech assets managed directly by NATO personnel (not to mention attacks coming from within NATO countries), the current Ukrainian forces, even with a better morale, would not be able to stave off a crushing defeat. As things stand, the current strategy is to systematically decimate the AFU, which, along with the destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure, will bring societal degradation and collapse of the regime. The question is how long this will take and what the NATO slimebags will do to prevent it.
Posted by: Constantine | Apr 16 2024 17:12 utc | 61
Russia is invited, but Putin is not invited. :>)
Russia should send envoys to the meeting, and EVERY ONE of them should wear shirt with Putin's photo on it, and they should all put place cards in front of them reading PUTIN.
If the members of the meeting get irritated and end the discussion, or bar the Russian delegation from entry... then that's on them. Russia showed up to negotiate.
Posted by: Retaining_H2O | Apr 16 2024 17:04 utc | 53
.
.
.
The others should be ashamed...no country had made as many sacrifices as Russia against Hitle
Posted by: ossi | Apr 16 2024 17:14 utc | 62
@47
Putin would insist on visiting the trenches the Ukraine SS volunteers on Omaha Beach where they killed Americans on June 6 1944
Posted by: paddy | Apr 16 2024 17:15 utc | 63
Posted by: Constantine | Apr 16 2024 17:01 utc | 51
Agreed. Our progressive (snicker) Western societies have to avoid to see "the Russians" as evil, because that would be racist, and we have put this historical chapter behind us (so we're supposed to think). Much better to focus on the leading personality, because it's psychologically easier to loathe an individual than a whole population.
Posted by: mk | Apr 16 2024 17:17 utc | 64
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayast | Apr 16 2024 15:38 utc | 14
"Its amusing to observe the Ukrainian SBU is advertising for you for free!"
Peter [email protected] true, but then I wasn't singling out any one country, although USA is great example, but war graft goes both ways, even Russia has its issues, I doubt any country is immune to Oligarchy Graft while conducting limited military operations of a special kind......
Cheers M
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Apr 16 2024 17:17 utc | 66
@ Anonymous 49
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost so much personnel, equipment and weapons that they cannot maintain the necessary military potential compared to Russia. The only possible option would be large-scale military and financial foreign assistance from the US, NATO and the EU. We are talking about at least financial assistance in the amount of 200–250 billion dollars, as well as such a large number of weapons and ammunition that simply do not exist anywhere in the world. It will take at least 5-6 years to create and expand such production capability in the West - Ukraine is staring defeat in the mirror. Whether Russia can win the peace is another matter but the war is only going one way.
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 17:20 utc | 67
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 17:10 utc | 57
Here's my source (I disabled the long hyperlink)
***economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/russia-but-not-putin-invited-to-french-d-day-anniversary-organisers/articleshow/109352258.cms***
Posted by: mk | Apr 16 2024 17:20 utc | 68
Putin would insist on visiting the trenches the Ukraine SS volunteers on Omaha Beach where they killed Americans on June 6 1944
Posted by: paddy | Apr 16 2024 17:15 utc | 63
.
.
.
Nobody wants to believe that today, and history is bent until it fits their narrative.
Example Scholz (Chancellor of Germany) in an interview:
"Historically, Crimea has always belonged to Ukraine"
None of those present corrected him, is his schooling that bad or is he deliberately lying?
Posted by: ossi | Apr 16 2024 17:21 utc | 69
Posted by: Anonymous | Apr 16 2024 16:58 utc | 49
What is the Ukrainian saying for "all hat and no cows"?
Posted by: Passerby | Apr 16 2024 17:43 utc | 70
Posted by: Passerby | Apr 16 2024 17:43 utc | 70
I thought that's what they say in Texas. :)
Posted by: Виктор | Apr 16 2024 17:48 utc | 71
Russia is invited, but Putin is not invited. :>)
Russia should send envoys to the meeting, and EVERY ONE of them should wear shirt with Putin's photo on it, and they should all put place cards in front of them reading PUTIN.
If the members of the meeting get irritated and end the discussion, or bar the Russian delegation from entry... then that's on them. Russia showed up to negotiate.
Posted by: Retaining_H2O | Apr 16 2024 17:04 utc | 53
.
.
.
The others should be ashamed...no country had made as many sacrifices as Russia against Hitle
Posted by: ossi | Apr 16 2024 17:14 utc | 62
If it wasn't for the Soviets, the Nazis would have won.
Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Apr 16 2024 17:52 utc | 72
Passerby @ 70
What is the Ukrainian saying for "all hat and no cows"?
All ushanka and no hogs?
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Apr 16 2024 17:52 utc | 73
Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Apr 16 2024 15:38 utc | 16
If Ukraine had nukes, the Russians would be dealing with the war in one of two very different ways.
As it is, Israel needs massive subsidies from its American vassal to even survive at this point, and those subsidies will continue to cause political convulsions in the United States.
Posted by: They Call Me Mister | Apr 16 2024 15:55 utc | 19
The west has nukes and Ukraine, like Israel is a puppet of the west. From the very start, Russia has proceeded with extreme caution because of this.
Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Apr 16 2024 17:56 utc | 74
What is the Ukrainian saying for "all hat and no cows"?
It's cattle BTW not cows. Admittedly subtle but cows brings to mind John Wayne and a bunch of leathery chaw spitting cow punchers on the Goodnight–Loving trail all carrying milk buckets.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Apr 16 2024 18:11 utc | 75
Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Apr 16 2024 17:56 utc | 74
Russia would be more cautious still (or saturation bomb everything west of the Dneiper) if Zelensky directly controlled nukes like Netanyahu does. It's certainly part of why the non-nuclear Arab states have trod very lightly. Nonetheless, indirect attacks have worked almost as well as direct ones, and a tipping point fast approaches as the West faces total collapse on multiple fronts.
Posted by: They Call Me Mister | Apr 16 2024 18:14 utc | 76
France is a member of the ICC ... That would be like Navalny going back to Russia to be deservedly thrown into jail.
Let the Western Nations enjoy their fantasies and Captain Fury comic books...
Captain Obvious
Posted by: Angelo | Apr 16 2024 18:15 utc | 77
"According to https://t.me/s/rybar
It wasn't Budanov but Pavel Petrichenko. You might recognize the name. I'm sure his death was a pure coincidence.
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 16:27 utc | 33"
Your Rybar link is entirely about Israel.
The rumour I saw this morning said Budanov and Petrichenko.
Posted by: Mary | Apr 16 2024 18:32 utc | 78
""Historically, Crimea has always belonged to Ukraine"
None of those present corrected him, is his schooling that bad or is he deliberately lying?
Posted by: ossi | Apr 16 2024 17:21 utc | 69
At least China seems to have his number. His recent reception at Chongqing airport was described as a "cold shoulder" but being received by a local deputy mayor was in fact a calculated insult, especially after Lavrov's meeting with Xi Jinping.
Posted by: tpaine | Apr 16 2024 18:41 utc | 79
Zelensky signed a law on tightening mobilization in Ukraine.There will be no demobilization. The military was abandoned. The authorities decided to equate them with serfs.
Now they will strengthen the borders to hold back the influx of those who want to escape “slavery.”
https://t.me/legitimniy/17717
Posted by: Down South | Apr 16 2024 18:48 utc | 80
🇷🇺🇺🇸Historian Fursov on the West's plans for Russia:If you look at the plans, the Americans have a very simple plan: weaken Russia to the point where there is a pro-American regime and use it to fight China.
The British plan is to defeat Russia and completely destroy it. They expect that in this case the U.S. and China will clash in the struggle for the Russian inheritance, and Britain will recreate its empire. The Americans have knocked out Europe. Europe is no longer the center, part of the core of the capitalist system. It is sinking into the semi-periphery.
That Macron is hysterical is understandable. He wants to make himself look like a strong leader, that's why there is this photoshop, where he has pumped up his muscles. They are under pressure, they have a complex in front of Putin, Putin is in good physical shape, Macron also decided to show that he is the same.
Macron solves his election problems, he wants to be the military leader of Europe. For God's sake! I'll see how people will fight in these gender armies. They're quite the warriors, so to speak! The process can get out of hand by "stupidity". We need the enemy to realize that the retaliation will be devastating.
https://t.me/Slavyangrad/94709
Posted by: Down South | Apr 16 2024 18:57 utc | 81
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 15:16 utc | 1
I agree. I recall at the time being a little surprised by the reported low-level of the Russian negotiators in Istanbul and their reported disconcerted posture during talks. I also recall at the time that RSH, in this forum, seemed to suggest that Russia was not serious and that it was a kind of show, or that at least Putin would reverse any overly conciliatory terms. In retrospect, that was an astute observation. It turns out that Putin didn't have to and the West took the bait, after they perhaps imagined that the Russians were disappointed that their 'faux' blitzkrieg to Kiev did not work out, had shot their load and thus needed a way out.
Posted by: Activist Potato | Apr 16 2024 18:58 utc | 82
"Can we endure for much longer? No,” Zelensky said.
You're probably wondering- like the rest of the world- why you didn't think of that when Boris Johnson was pouring NATO poison into your ears last year. You drank the Western Kool-aid and now you're crying about it when the most basic level of common sense should have told you this would happen.
As for corruption in your administration, will you handle that while you're still in Kiev, or will you deal with it from the multi-million dollar estate your 'mother in law' bought in Egypt? Yeah, we haven't forgotten about that.
Posted by: John S | Apr 16 2024 19:01 utc | 83
To: Norwegian | Apr 16 2024 15:27 utc | 8
@Áobh Ó'Sheachnasaigh | Apr 16 2024 15:22 utc | 4
Some independent confirmation is required, as it isn't the first time he died.
---
There was no confirmation Budanov survived the first time. Same for Zalushny, or have your seen
Za walking the streets of London as the new ambassador or retiree?
Posted by: C | Apr 16 2024 19:04 utc | 84
"Russia is invited, but Putin is not invited. :>)"
If other countries leaders and Putin is not then no way Russia should send anyone.
That's not only an insult to Putin but an insult to Russians who elected him. The west has been downright childish in their relations with Russia since the revolution.
Posted by: HB_Norica | Apr 16 2024 19:11 utc | 85
BREAKING: Ukraine is riddled with corruption!
Who'd have thought?
Posted by: Patroklos | Apr 16 2024 19:25 utc | 86
the west is tired of this shit...
Posted by: james | Apr 16 2024 15:17 utc | 2
James, the west is built on it, created it, runs on it, exports it. It's not tired, not by a long shot. There's still a vast public commons in the western world, from healthcare to postal services, to loot, privatise and sell off. It's only getting started.
Posted by: Patroklos | Apr 16 2024 19:29 utc | 87
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Apr 16 2024 17:52 utc | 73
All goon-faced and no whoremongering?
All transplant and no organs?
Posted by: anon2020 | Apr 16 2024 19:33 utc | 88
There seems to be a referendum in Switzerland that woild make it impossible to sanction Russia or China. Link in German
Posted by: Passerby | Apr 16 2024 19:33 utc | 89
HB_Norica @ 85
That's not only an insult to Putin but an insult to Russians who elected him.
The one dimensional minds running the EU still think that the Russian people love Sephora, Ikea, McDonalds, Spanish beaches, Italian discos, Mercedes, Toyotas, Gucci, H&M, Zara etc more than their own country and more than memory of their grandparent's sacrifice in WW2. Shallow people running a superficial and expedient society projecting themselves on others.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Apr 16 2024 19:36 utc | 90
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Apr 16 2024 15:57 utc | 20
All wars in phases of historical capitalism are wars for markets. Every market. What was the bombing of NS2 if not an act of pure corruption? Corruption is not an aberration or anomaly during war. It's the norm. In fact it's the background norm even when there's no war. Capitalism is itself corrupt. Only the people, properly mobilized, can reclaim the commons and regulate these bandits.
But unfortunately there are only so many lamp posts. Heaven help them after I take over.
Posted by: Patroklos | Apr 16 2024 19:37 utc | 91
anon2020 @ 88
All transplant and no organs?
LOL
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Apr 16 2024 19:39 utc | 92
Test post of a Sputnik URL: https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/political-clown-zelensky-may-be-ukraines-last-president---ukrainian-politician-1117946593.html
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Apr 16 2024 19:43 utc | 93
Down South | Apr 16 2024 18:48 utc | 80
Without military id almost nothing will be allowed, including driving a car. I'm not sure but I think the option to cancel passports for refugees remained. That will make it easier for eu and others to send them back. Now it would be a good idea to slow the smo so that 60 days pass, the limit to register.
Posted by: rk | Apr 16 2024 19:49 utc | 94
Mickey Droy | Apr 16 2024 16:29 utc | 37
Quite - de-militarisation AND de-nazification. Not sure Russia wants W Ukraine. It would leave them with precisely the same problems as before. On the other hand, I certainly wouldn't want Poland to have W Ukraine.
Why not ? It would really cause some lovely problems for both the Poles & the Banderites ! Win- win !
Posted by: Sarlat La Canède | Apr 16 2024 19:54 utc | 95
If other countries leaders and Putin is not then no way Russia should send anyone.
That's not only an insult to Putin but an insult to Russians who elected him. The west has been downright childish in their relations with Russia since the revolution.
Posted by: HB_Norica | Apr 16 2024 19:11 utc | 85
It's not just the west that is childish, but Russia too. What the hell is this disturbing obsession with observing niceties and false proprieties? The western powers openly call for the crushing defeat and colonization of Russia, using literal Nazi propaganda to invoke the image of the subhuman, asiatic mongrel hordes threatening the glorious western civilization. And what does the government do? It goes to treat them as "partners".
I just can't fathom this mentality. They more or less call for the murderous overthrow of the elected Russian president, refuse to treat him as per international norms, instigate and cover up a horrific terrorist attack (and plenty others to be honest), but some luminaries in the government are eager to validate the westerners as liberators of Europe. That is, liberators from the same Nazis they now whitewash.
There is some hope that no Russian delegation will show up, but I'm not holding my breath.
Posted by: Constantine | Apr 16 2024 19:56 utc | 96
🇷🇺🇺🇦 Battle of Chasov Yar - as of 21:15 April 16, 2024The intensity of fighting in the area of Chasov Yar is increasing with geometric progression. From the side of Bogdanivka in the north and Ivanovskoye there is a consistent alignment of the flanks.
🔻 In the area of dacha plots located north of the "Novy" microdistrict Russian paratroopers have achieved significant successes, taking new positions on the eastern edge of the city. Advancement at the moment is up to half a kilometer.
🔻 In the Stupki-Golubovskie-2 tract, Russian assault troops have occupied one of the enemy's key strongholds and expanded their zone of control.❗️ Despite this, however, the immediate assault on Chasov Yar from both flanks remains a distant prospect. This process requires not only taking control of key enemy strongholds, but also forcing the Seversky Donets-Donbass Canal.
https://t.me/Slavyangrad/94712
Posted by: Down South | Apr 16 2024 20:00 utc | 97
As Ukraine plans to recruit the refugees and younger people, one question:
How would they feed such a big army?
Posted by: vargas | Apr 16 2024 20:01 utc | 98
mk | Apr 16 2024 16:55 utc | 47
Russia is invited, but Putin is not invited. That's what I found out.
How childish is that ?
Not that I think VVP would be daft enough to actually come, yes ?
Posted by: Sarlat La Canède | Apr 16 2024 20:01 utc | 99
History Legends video on events in Chasov Yar over last weeks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_auXMszBVuM
Posted by: unimperator | Apr 16 2024 20:13 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/talks-could-have-ended-war-ukraine
The Talks That Could Have Ended the War in Ukraine
An interesting article on the Istanbul talks in 2022.
The more that you study it the more you begin to think Russia went along with Istanbul talks knowing full well that Ukraine and its Western paymasters were not going to accept an agreement to end the conflict. To maintain support with China and parts of the Global South Russia had to be seen to go along with the talks. Indeed, by going along with them Russia legitimized its case with most of the Global South.
But, more importantly by accepting negotiations the West thought Russia was weak and thus they fell into the Russian trap which they can’t get out of without losing face at best and much worse.
If I'm right historians may well describe it as one of the brilliant pieces of statecraft of the modern era.
Posted by: Old Sovietologist | Apr 16 2024 15:16 utc | 1