[Zhang Fei]

Ukraine ping

gleeaikin: [There are definitely reports of angry organized Russian groups derailing train cars carrying weapons and troops. A figure of 80 incidents was mentioned.]

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It’s certainly a possibility. It’s also possible Putin will withdraw from Ukraine, as a goodwill gesture to his Slavic brethren, to resume hostilities at some later date in order to deal with his internal enemies now instead of frittering away the resources needed in Ukraine. He can always come back later, now that he knows his military machine isn’t what he thought it was. Once the EU gets back in bed with him as Frau Merkel wants, he’ll have plenty of time and money to rebuild his war machine with the knowledge gained from operations in Ukraine. And all he did was get rid of obviously inferior platforms, and gain a far better understanding of the requirements of 21st century warfare.

Segments of EU pols are clamoring to normalize ties with Russia. The moment he pulls out, those voices will gain strength. You might think I’m being too cynical. As Lily Tomlin once opined - no matter how cynical you get, it’s never enough to keep up.

[Vaden]

I don’t buy any of that. Putler had 20 years to “rebuild” it and we see what it amounted to. RuSSian graft and corruption will never go away, and their technologically backward society will never keep up.

Not to mention the total lack of will of the Russian people and soldiers to actually mobilize and fight a strong enemy.

[SunkenCiv]

Thx ZF.