re: Zelensky feels betrayed by his Western allies.

OK, the relationship is over. We want our money back.

This is my pinned tweet:

quote:

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The reason Putin hasn't marched further into Ukraine is because he doesn't want it. If he did, it would be under Russia control.

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While I would agree that Russia's war aims were most probably much narrower than occupying all of Ukraine, I think the real reason they are not advancing is because this war has turned to the advantage of the defender. Both sides have struggled mightily to advance. Drones have drastically changed the information battle and attackers have almost no surprise and are finding it impossible to avoid detection. Coupling this with the Russian artillery advantage and the fact that they are entrenched on enemy territory and not the reverse, the Russians are content to bleed the Ukrainians out by digging in and playing the long game. The attackers are taking high losses whether it is Russia or Ukraine on the offensive. Ukrainian manpower, morale, international support, etc is not positioned well to win a protracted war.

In short, the Russians were absolutely stunned early on in this war and they certainly appeared to expect to advance deeply and quickly into Ukraine. They appear now to have correctly assessed that with the Western military equipment provided their offensive capabilities are greatly limited and they have pivoted to the defense. This strategy has worked as the Ukrainians have hurled themselves at the Russian lines and suffered tremendous losses for very minimal gains. If the Ukrainians continue at this rate they may weaken such that the opportunity for successful Russian offensive operations reemerges, but the Russians have time on their side and conditions working in their favor to stay on the defensive and allow the Ukrainians to bleed themselves white.

If the opportunity presents itself however, the Russians will absolutely launch offensives deeper into Ukraine to end the war. They are not standing where they are simply because they don't want any further territory. If the Ukrainians do not seek some sort of agreement now, they certainly could find themselves with zero negotiating power later and having the entire state fall into Russian hands.

quote:

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One of Zelensky’s close aides tells me that even if the U.S. and its allies come through with all the weapons they have pledged, “we don’t have the men to use them.” 

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Yeah well, good luck. I hope that all works out for ya.

The OT dork brigade are calling this a stalemate now...

When does someone gain land in your country and you call that a push?

"Well, at least we held our own against the almighty 1970's Ruskies!"

Retards. All of them. My Mee Maw would say they are touched.

It's a tie not a loss. They're over there cheering and toasting to hanging in there with the Russian bears!

Absolute waste of money as we knew it before it was sent.