[Greetings_Puny_Humans]

We promised Russia we would not expand NATO when the Soviet Union fell. We went back on that promise and incorporated almost the entire Eastern Bloc into NATO.

There was never any signed agreement, just an alleged verbal understanding. I have said this many times, but since 1991, Russia has violated every arms agreement they have signed with us, making them the most modern and powerful nuclear power in the world with more nukes than the US, UK and France combined. And it is Russia, not the US or NATO, that has nuclear weapons on the border of NATO countries, even up against Poland in Kaliningrad.

Meanwhile, the only protection NATO offers the countries that currently border Russia is: the promise that NATO will defend them. NATO does not have any weapons stationed in Estonia or Lithuania that is a threat to Russia or which could stop a Russian nuclear first strike from the mainland.

So this constant refrain about NATO "violating its promises" and causing this war is a load of horeshit from Russia, and keeps getting repeated by the useful idiots.

[Nifster]

You could have just said Russia has violated every agreement it has ever signed

[alexander_busek]

There was never any signed agreement, just an alleged verbal understanding.

Excellent summarization, Greetings_Puny_Humans!

Seriously: Why are so many FReepers coming out of the woodwork, in defense of Russia? Saying not only that we shouldn't "get involved" (a position I could respect), but also claiming that Russia has a legitimate gripe?

I am astonished and not a little puzzled by this!

Regards,

[ohioman]

Go to the Ukraine and fight if their independence means so much to you.

[logi_cal869]

We promised Russia we would not expand NATO when the Soviet Union fell. We went back on that promise and incorporated almost the entire Eastern Bloc into NATO. reetings_Puny_Humans: There was never any signed agreement, just an alleged verbal understanding.

The author never stated "signed agreement"; your own quote is demonstrative. I've never stated "signed agreement." I cannot recall any FReeper stating "signed agreement."

Clearly you fail to grasp the definition of 'Straw man' and, thus, you have NO CREDIBILITY.

[cgbg]

You may think the “NATO violating its promises” is not true—but what matters is that Russian leadership believes it is true.

They are not crazy—they just draw different conclusions than you do.