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Why a stalled Ukrainian offensive could represent a huge political problem for Zelensky in the US
CNN ^ | Wed August 9, 2023 | Stephen Collinson

Posted on 08/09/2023 8:04:28 PM PDT by MinorityRepublican

One of Ukraine’s greatest tragedies as it pursues a critical offensive that has, so far, failed to meet its own and Western expectations is that it cannot, by itself, decide its destiny.

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government is dependent on a massive pipeline of US and western armaments. And Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose historical obsessions and personal power calculations thrust Ukraine into this horrific war, will also have a great say in if and when it ends. So, while battlefield sacrifices will decide how much seized territory Ukraine recovers, the outcome of the war will also be shaped by outside factors, including shifting political forces in the US, Moscow and European capitals.

A stalled offensive and a winter stalemate, for instance, would have particular ramifications in the United States since it could heighten questions over US support for the war that will be pushed into an acrimonious election year.

(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...


TOPICS: Russia; Ukraine
KEYWORDS: stephencollinson; vatniks; zelensky
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To: USA-FRANCE

Yes, I care about them. I don’t want them to die in useless, stupid nation bulding. Bring them home.


21 posted on 08/09/2023 9:18:26 PM PDT by cowboyusa (YESHUA IS KING OF AMERICA! AMERICA FIRST! DEATH TO MARXISM AN GLOBALISM! Trump 2024, NO more Mr Nice)
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To: MarMema
Of course Frogs are provocative, it's all they've got, living at the bottom of the Deep Swamp and being forced to eat what the Ruling Elite Swampers drop in the Swamp Bottom every day.

You'd think Frogs would get tired of that Crap, but they eat it every day.

22 posted on 08/09/2023 9:27:42 PM PDT by Navy Patriot (Celebrate Decivilization)
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To: cowboyusa

The brand new base in Niger was finished and up and running near the end of Trump’s presidency in 2019.

I don’t think Trump would be ok in just giving away to Niger Air Base 201 - a perfect and beautiful Amercian Airbase costing billions. Let’s not repeat the Afghanistan debacle, please. We’ve had enough with these Biden policies. Trump criticized Biden like crazy for abandoning our BASE in Afghanistan, remember?

Sorry but I support Trump policies here.


23 posted on 08/09/2023 9:27:55 PM PDT by USA-FRANCE
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To: USA-FRANCE

I think that was a mistake. Havanka, Inc. Likely had something to do with that.


24 posted on 08/09/2023 9:30:56 PM PDT by cowboyusa (YESHUA IS KING OF AMERICA! AMERICA FIRST! DEATH TO MARXISM AN GLOBALISM! Trump 2024, NO more Mr Nice)
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To: USA-FRANCE

How do frogs communicate in secret?

Morse toad.


25 posted on 08/09/2023 9:31:06 PM PDT by MarMema (Eat your bananas, enjoy the decline)
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To: USA-FRANCE

Javanka


26 posted on 08/09/2023 9:31:44 PM PDT by cowboyusa (YESHUA IS KING OF AMERICA! AMERICA FIRST! DEATH TO MARXISM AN GLOBALISM! Trump 2024, NO more Mr Nice)
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To: USA-FRANCE
Sorry but I support Trump policies here.

I know, you don't get it. Why are you here?

27 posted on 08/09/2023 9:34:22 PM PDT by Right_Wing_Madman
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To: cowboyusa

The U.S. military presence at Base 201 began on April 19, 2016.

ISR flights officially began on November 1, 2019.[14]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niger_Air_Base_201

The project however was an Obama thing in 2013.


28 posted on 08/09/2023 9:42:15 PM PDT by MarMema (Eat your bananas, enjoy the decline)
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To: Right_Wing_Madman

I have a number of theories.


29 posted on 08/09/2023 9:43:12 PM PDT by MarMema (Eat your bananas, enjoy the decline)
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To: Right_Wing_Madman; All

“I know, you don’t get it. Why are you here?”

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Why I am here, you say?

I’m resisting the Hanoi-Jane people, hippies and woke anti-American defeatists, and also infiltrated Russians on FR.

Because I support Trumps policies.

Here are a few things Trump did while he was President :
It has my FULL support.

TRUMP’S OFFICIAL AND VERIFIABLE POLICIES:
Imposition of Sanctions: The Trump administration imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russia for actions like election interference, annexation of Crimea, and human rights abuses.

Expulsion of Russian Diplomats: In response to the Skripal poisoning in the UK, the U.S. expelled 60 Russian diplomats and closed the Russian consulate in Seattle.

Increased NATO Military Spending: Trump pressured NATO allies to increase defense spending to enhance the alliance’s capabilities against potential Russian aggression.

Arming Ukraine: The U.S. provided lethal military aid, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, to support Ukraine in countering Russian-backed separatists.

Withdrawal from INF Treaty: The U.S. under Trump officially withdrew from the INF Treaty, citing Russia’s violations.

Condemnation of Nord Stream 2: Trump criticized the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project between Russia and Germany, expressing concerns over energy dependence and geopolitical leverage.

Accusations of Russian Cyberattacks: Trump’s administration publicly accused Russia of cyberattacks, including election interference and targeting critical infrastructure.

Support for European Allies: The Trump administration reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Eastern European countries against potential Russian aggression.

Suspension of INF Treaty Compliance: Before formally withdrawing from the INF Treaty, the U.S. suspended obligations under the treaty in response to Russia’s alleged violations.

Rejection of Russia’s Annexation of Crimea: Trump’s administration consistently rejected Russia’s annexation of Crimea and supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Support for the Three Seas Initiative: The Trump administration expressed support for the Three Seas Initiative, promoting cooperation among Central and Eastern European countries to reduce dependence on Russian energy.

Presence in the Black Sea: The U.S. increased its naval presence in the Black Sea region to support allies and counter potential Russian aggression.

Magnitsky Act Enforcement: The Trump administration continued to enforce the Magnitsky Act, imposing sanctions on Russian officials accused of human rights abuses and corruption.

Expansion of U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas Exports: Trump aimed to increase U.S. LNG exports to Europe to decrease European reliance on Russian gas.

Sanctions on Russian Oligarchs: The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russian oligarchs with close ties to the Kremlin.

Support for Georgia and Moldova: The Trump administration reaffirmed support for Georgia and Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

U.S. Cyber Command Actions: The U.S. Cyber Command took actions to disrupt Russian cyber operations.

Energy Diplomacy in Eastern Europe: Trump pursued energy diplomacy to promote energy diversification in Eastern Europe, reducing reliance on Russian gas.

U.S. Troop Deployment to Poland: The U.S. announced the deployment of 1,000 troops to Poland to counter Russian aggression.

Opposition to Russia’s Syria Policy: The U.S. opposed Russia’s military intervention in Syria and supported the opposition to President Bashar al-Assad.

Russian Private Military Companies Sanctions: The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russian private military companies, including Wagner Group.

Support for Belarusian Democracy: The Trump administration supported pro-democracy efforts in Belarus following disputed elections and protests.

Sanctions on Russian Banks: The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russian banks, including Sberbank and VTB Bank, for their roles in supporting Russian actions.

Export Controls on Technology: The U.S. tightened export controls on certain technology items to prevent their use in Russia’s military and intelligence activities.

Increased Military Aid to Eastern European Allies: The U.S. increased military aid and training to Eastern European countries, enhancing their defense capabilities.

Opposition to Russia’s Annexation of South Ossetia: The Trump administration opposed Russia’s recognition of South Ossetia’s independence from Georgia.

Support for Montenegro’s NATO Membership: The Trump administration supported Montenegro’s accession to NATO, despite Russian opposition.

Criticism of Russia’s Nuclear Weapons Development: Trump criticized Russia’s development of new nuclear weapons and delivery systems.

Support for Ukraine’s Reforms: The U.S. supported Ukraine’s reform efforts and anti-corruption measures.

Expanding the Black Sea Maritime Security Initiative: The U.S. expanded the initiative to enhance security cooperation among Black Sea countries.

Opposition to Russia’s Actions in Venezuela: The U.S. opposed Russia’s support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during the political crisis.

U.S. Embassy Move in Israel: While not directly related to Russia, Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem drew criticism from Russia and other countries.

Strengthening U.S. Cyber Defenses: The Trump administration worked to improve U.S. cybersecurity to counter potential Russian cyber threats.

U.S. Support for International Organizations: The U.S. supported international organizations that took actions against Russia, such as the UN and OPCW.

Criticism of Russia’s Intervention in Ukraine’s Presidential Elections: The U.S. condemned Russia’s interference in Ukraine’s elections.

Sanctions on Russian Intelligence Officers: The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russian intelligence officers involved in cyberattacks.

Refusal to Recognize Abkhazia’s Independence: The Trump administration did not recognize Abkhazia as an independent state, aligning with Georgia’s position.

Support for Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue: The U.S. supported the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, which Russia opposed due to its close ties with Serbia.

Support for Eastern Partnership Countries: The Trump administration supported the Eastern Partnership countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian pressure.


30 posted on 08/09/2023 9:44:50 PM PDT by USA-FRANCE
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To: USA-FRANCE
Why I am here, you say?

Go away, neocon. Spew your propaganda somewhere else.

31 posted on 08/09/2023 9:47:59 PM PDT by Right_Wing_Madman
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To: USA-FRANCE

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/dec/31/trump-efforts-end-forever-wars-fall-short/

President Trump in early December ordered the withdrawal of the roughly 700 U.S. troops stationed in Somalia to battle the al-Shabaab terror network, a key milestone in his drive to end American military involvement in what he dubbed foreign “endless wars.”


32 posted on 08/09/2023 9:52:23 PM PDT by MarMema (Eat your bananas, enjoy the decline)
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To: Right_Wing_Madman

The list of Trump’s policies I just sent you is not propaganda. It’s what Trump DID. Trump often boasted about it saying: “I was the toughest President ever on Russia”.

Also, I LOVE this Trump video about Russia!
https://www.tiktok.com/@donald_newshd/video/7211889394242817286


33 posted on 08/09/2023 9:57:09 PM PDT by USA-FRANCE
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To: MarMema

Trump’s comment about Russia’s never-ending invasions of other countries, and why Russia stopped doing that when Trump became president (Because Trump was ultra-tough against Russia!):

https://www.tiktok.com/@donald_newshd/video/7211889394242817286


34 posted on 08/09/2023 10:00:36 PM PDT by USA-FRANCE
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https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/1662972716566151169


35 posted on 08/09/2023 10:05:16 PM PDT by ransomnote (IN GOD WE TRUST)
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To: Kazan

Without air power covering the Ukraine advancement, any gains were doomed from the start given the time Putin had to dig in layered defensive lines.
The battle of Kursk comes to mind


36 posted on 08/09/2023 10:17:28 PM PDT by RedMonqey ("A republic, if you can keep it" Benjam Franklin.)
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To: USA-FRANCE
In the News/Activism forum, on a thread titled Why a stalled Ukrainian offensive could represent a huge political problem for Zelensky in the US, USA-FRANCE wrote:

The list of Trump’s policies I just sent you is not propaganda. It’s what Trump DID. Trump often boasted about it saying: “I was the toughest President ever on Russia”.

Also, I LOVE this Trump video about Russia!
https://www.tiktok.com/@donald_newshd/video/7211889394242817286

And Trump said something great about the Ukraine, too! He said, "You know you want to help the people, but Ukraine is among the most corrupt regions in the world...." Trump had already talked to Zelensky to ask him to investigate Hunter Biden's dealings there, but Zelensky covered for the Biden crime familyl and wouldn't investigate, 'cause Zelensky knows where the big bribe money is coming from.

THIS is why the US should not be involved at all in NATO Proxy war against Russia. I don't want us to give money/weapons to either side. We shouldn't be involved - it's not 'innocent little Ukraine' was minding it's own business. It's that Putin tried to use the UN to investigate the biowarfare labs the US had installed in the Ukraine and when the UN/US wouldn't, he destroyed those bio warfare labs himself.
Fine - let's back away and let them work it out - no more billions to protect the Biden Crime familie's 'investments' in the Ukraine.


37 posted on 08/10/2023 12:34:24 AM PDT by ransomnote (IN GOD WE TRUST)
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To: RedMonqey

Russian Air Force can’t fly either. They don’t have an advantage there. Russians had time to mine the areas because Biden is slow. There is no reason why the weapons delivered now couldn’t have been delivered ages ago. Then the Russians wouldn’t have had time to mine the area and dig in.


38 posted on 08/10/2023 1:05:19 AM PDT by Krosan
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To: MinorityRepublican
Speaking of Ukraine, where are all the anti war activists? Hey guys, remember when you adored this?

Candles in the Rain - Melanie

Lay down, lay down
Lay it all down
Let your white birds smile up
At the ones who stand and frown
Lay down, lay down
Lay it all down
Let your white birds smile up
At the ones who stand and frown

We were so close, there was no room
We bled inside each other's wounds
We all had caught the same disease
And we all sang the songs of peace
Some came to sing, some came to pray
Some came to keep the dark away

So raise the candles high
Cause if you don't we could stay black against the sky
Oh, raise them higher again
And if you do we could stay dry against the rain

39 posted on 08/10/2023 2:44:08 AM PDT by Enterprise
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To: MinorityRepublican
--- "President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government is dependent on a massive pipeline of US and western armaments."

This is a wonderful assertion on the part of CNN, so stupid are they.

De facto, the American economy must be drained in part for a "dependent." The welfare state, writ large now to the point of spanning the globe.

Think of the prose, which some idiot CNN writer thought might sway a public. "...a massive pipeline of US and western armaments."

'Place that alongside the US debt clock and one sees that this is a rapidly losing argument for not only the Zelensky government, but also for our nation.

Approaching $33 trillion dollars in official debt, that "massive pipeline" seems like it is assisting in draining the life out of the US economy.

Not that the wealthy care about the average US citizen. By wealthy I mean our politicians and a "massively" Zelensky as well.

Pipeline. "...Zelensky’s government is dependent on a massive pipeline of US and western armaments."

Yup. This is CNN. Massively CNN.

Those other pipelines were blown up. Maybe this one should be as well?

40 posted on 08/10/2023 4:28:56 AM PDT by Worldtraveler once upon a time (Degrow government)
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