Hard to argue with him. Look how we reacted to the Soviets putting missiles in Cuba. Why would we not expect the Russians to do the same, when we go in their backyard.
I make the deal. The Russians promise hands off on states already in NATO, in exchange for our pledging that Ukraine will never be a NATO member. Just as we did with Austria in exchange for the Soviets leaving their sector of the country after the war.
What could we get in exchange? He sounds desperate.Carter gave up the neutron bomb and got nothing.
The west will gauge whether or not they can call Putin’s gambit a bluff or actual threat. I suspect they will punt in someway, trying to make the Russian border buildup cost Putin over time without giving Putin all he wants.
Frankly, I understand Russia’s position. Historically, Russia is both a paranoid country as well as one that seeks respect. The latter could be that it was never fully accepted in European circles.
I do not know what our issue is with Ukraine—why do we have such a hard on for that country and all the shenigans we have played a part in there...
And for Europe itself to rely on Russian nat gas....
Given China and the Muslims, Russia should be somewhat of an ally.
Ukraine in NATO?
Not just no, but he!! NO!!!
Jeeze. Forever war, inc, is chomping at the bit. “Spend that ammo! We’ll make moar!!!”
Not in favor of Ukraine becoming part of NATO, but we should tell the homicidal tyrant running Russia to go **** himself.
sounds like Austria’s ultimatum to Serbia in 1914
NATO is well past its “expiration date”. The Europeans should be able to defend Europe.
PUTIN: “We are not the ones that deploy missiles next to the U.S. borders. That’s the other way around...What would Americans do if we went to the border between Canada and the U.S. or to the border with Mexico and deploy our missiles there?”
https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/1474073981242298370
This is posturing by Putin so that he can justify an attack on the Ukraine. He knows perfectly well that NATO will not invite the Ukraine to join. He also knows that NATO can not state this outright, uncertainty is key to deterrence.
Putin needs to generate a threat to Russia, the country is stagnating and the oligarchy he sits atop is bleeding Russia dry. Defeating a “foreign threat” and reclaiming parts of Ukraine for Russia will boost his prestige inside Russia, and help neuter his opponents.
Putin’s plan sounds like it will work, and he won’t even have to pay The Big Guy 10%.
Putin is going in.....period.
Putin will go in because Brandon and the Transvestite Joint Chiefs will no nada.
Someone needs to explain to ol’ Vlad that china is a much greater threat to Mother Russia than what NATO will ever be.
Ukraine needs to be told to let Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk go. Those regions no longer want to be a part of Ukraine.