OK, my apologies for insinuating that calling Ukraine a pawn of the west means that you believe Putin is justified to invade Ukraine. To be fair for that specific statement was a question and it was never a direct declaration.

I believe the US is involved in Ukraine in order to curtail Russian aggression towards the Baltic states in an attempt to fulfill its self stated goals of reconstituting the Soviet empire.

Directly linked to the above point, I believe that the US is also involved in order to make sure it’s largest trading partner is not disrupted over the next hundred years as Russia takes control of Europe’s bread basket, the Baltic deep water ports, and continue to prosecute asymmetric, non-kinetic warfare against states that do not align with the western ideals.

The two points above are also directly linked to the US‘s own self interest of monetary gain. Not just the altruistic vision of a free and Democratic West that isn’t under the boot heel of a despot.

I believe that most people understand that the objectively proven most peaceful time in human history should continue, and Russia has proven that they are not interested in continuing this peace via invading its neighbors and executing territorial acquisition of sovereign nations.



So, how exactly is Ukraine ,who is fighting for its life, currently a pawn of the west?

And why did Russia invade Ukraine to begin with?

If you have 1 ounce of integrity, you will answer those two questions since I’ve answered yours. You will not insult, evade, or otherwise act in an inappropriate manner. You will also bear in mind that everyone understands there are billion nuances associated with this, and this is not an all encompassing list,. That is subjectively a warranted and fair declaration

Speaking of all things culture, we have our own. Great? To my way of thinking, yes. At times absolutely brilliant. Peaceful, not especially clear to me. When did that ever happen?

Meanwhile back on the Polish Russian frontier
 

Germany sending troops to reinforce Poland’s eastern border

Several dozen German soldiers will join Poland’s East Shield in the spring.

https://www.politico.eu/article/germ...astern-border/


So, over eleven years since the Russians seized Crimea, and almost four years since the largest war in Europe since WWII, Germany - the largest economy in Europe - has FINALLY built its meager forces up to the point they may deign to deploy one lousy platoon of civil engineering troops a whole 500 miles across friendly territory to the Russian border. This is not a serious response to the claimed seriousness of the threat.

Had a whole rebuttal typed up, giving you your due, answering your questions point by point, and in a many, agreeing with your points. Since you were able to at least acknowledge I wasn't stating what you thought I was. I'm sure if you have email notifications set up, you saw it.

Then you edited your post to include these juicy tidbits. So now, there's really not point in bothering with you anymore, sorry.

I'm glad you think highly enough of yourself to declare yourself dictator of forum etiquette. Are you a mod or petitioned to become one?

As will you, you think you're somehow special and exempt in discussions? Seriously, get over yourself with the "you will/will not blather", seriously? With that pompousness and inflated sense of self and how someone responds to you, you just lost me.

Congrats, we've successfully derailed the thread and gone contrary to the OP's goals. So Lazarus, apologies are in order.

What say you Lazarus? What of these "new developments" in the conflict? What will all this waxing/pontificating lead to in a 3.75 year (most recent addition) end up at? The same as every other thread that's been started/closed on the topic?

"Onnnnnnleeeeeeeee time will tellllllllllllllllllll"

And with that, it's time for me to water the owl............

Man, your posts almost live up to the epicness of "FADEC", keep up the good work man!!!

^^our intrepid colleague fadec, gone missing over APC field, Laos since a while now. Sonic of course, mia for months. JB’s on the lam. I’m starting to get nervous:) https://youtu.be/MSmYeDWLaKw?si=9nJI_5Il4VdQLHtu

Sorry, who's "JB"?

JohnBurke, my god Sir!

Ahhhhh, yeah, derp, him. He may be "in the field", saw he posted not too long ago.

Wheras FADEC got the ban hammer, and a chance to comeback that he declined. Sadly, Sonic is, as you mentioned, M.I.A.........

Launch the Son Tay crew for a rescue NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

In response to your reference to "pushing Russia out of Ukraine":
Obviously I am not privy to the strategic war planning of Ukrainian leadership.
But:
Why would you assume that the only strategy for Ukrainian success is "pushing Russia out.."?
My personal opinion is that the strategy is that eventually the Russian's will just leave.
It would require many moving parts to fall into place, but it has been a successful strategy for many weaker forces when faced by a stronger colonial power.
Since WW2 most protracted wars between a national force and an invading/occupying foreign army has ended with foreign military failing to achieve its political objectives.
They eventually pack up and go home. Because they can.

There are a lot of ideas for a successful outcome for Ukraine that do not involve a direct defeat of Russia in the conventional sense.
Most of the strategies DO require aid for Ukraine from other wealthier countries.
Ukrainian defeat is not inevitable, nor even likely.

As has been mentioned before.
There are many good reasons why Germany to date has had a rather meager military.
(Not to also mention reasons why they haven't deployed to other countries).

Their presence in Poland is a profound political statement. By both nations.
It is not intended to be a serious response to a serious threat.