[Always A Marine]

I have no doubt that Russia uses social media trolling and fake stories to further its agenda in Ukraine and elsewhere. But we don't? The fact is that a major propaganda war is being waged on all sides, and hard facts are difficult to verify. This is true in any civil war, but especially so in Ukraine with all of the competing outside interests (USA, EU, NATO and Russia) whose hands are in the game.

All parties are treating Ukraine as if it was Armageddon. But the only outside player that has a strategic defensive interest in Ukraine is Russia due to its exposed southern flank. To the West, the play for Ukraine was a long shot chance to plant NATO's flag and dominate the Black Sea and Russia's military industrial center. The side that prevails will be the one to whom control of Ukraine is most vital, and that is Russia.

[cripplecreek]

All parties are treating Ukraine as if it was Armageddon. But the only outside player that has a strategic defensive interest in Ukraine is Russia due to its exposed southern flank.

Van Rompuy: If The Public Doesn't Want EU Expansion, 'We Do It Anyway'

[cripplecreek]

Daniel Hannan from just this morning.

The EU's approach to Ukraine has been catastrophic

[meatloaf]

That’s a new one on me. when was Ukraine offered membership in NATO? As far as dominating the Black Sea, Turkey controls the Bosporus.

[WhiskeyX]

What you are suggesting is a criminal act of irredentism and criminal war of aggression by Russia outlawed 86 years ago. There is and can be no excuse whatsoever for the murderously criminal acts of Russia and its leadership. The Ukraine has a right to its sovereignty, independence, and freedom of association. Russia guaranteed that right in the Budapest memorandum 1994. You cannot blame NATO or anyone else for Russia’s criminal conduct.