From my perspective and position this situation has been poorly handled from the American side as you properly observed. The most significant factor within the USA I am inclined to single out is the vast movement-conservative networking efforts in what has become a full blown Quisling campaign in support of Christian nationalism at the expense ultimately of American national security.
For instance Orban is in country this week as a guest of the Heritage Foundation in an apparent effort to actively deny Ukraine any political support from the treasonous Republican Party.
Yes, we must but the fundamental problem remains - it may be too late for Ukraine. Newly elected Democrats in the White House and in Congress, do not take their seats until January 3, 2025. Russia can wreak a lot more havoc in the intervening 12 months.
I feel like I'll secretly in the war room with you explaining what needs to happen for Ukraine to have any chance of succeeding. Having no military experience or background, it would never have occurred to me to look at the average age of recruitments and what that means. I wouldn't have known to look at Ukraine to retool its factories to produce the ammunition we just sent to them. Non military people simply don't think like that. Please ... more information about how a successful war is fought. I'm glued to your posts. Thank you
This assessment fits with something I found surprising in the past couple months. I have some good friends in Ukraine. They have been solid on their support of the war. Of the three, two have served multiple tours on the eastern front, the other didn't because of age. And all three since late October now talk openly of their disgust with the government over corruption. These aren't people who listen to Russian propaganda.
As to the future, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry said this weekend that the Russian terms for ending the war are the terms they presented at the outset - replacement of the Ukrainian government with a"de-Nazified" puppet government and complete Ukrainian acceptance of the original Russian goals.
TCinLA is only reporting on what he has been told. I read nothing suggesting support for Russia's demands and, from what I know of TC, I'm certain that his personal stance is entirely against the Russian efforts to take over Ukraine.
I do not have Ukraine fatigue but the media sure seems to. I feel that the coverage is taking second fiddle to so much. Secondly, I have suggested that Ukraine start recruiting from the continent with the youngest average population. I had this idea because I read that Russia is conscripting African and Middle Easterners being stopped at the Finnish border now that it is shut. I say, Ukraine could be recruiting from African countries, where people have an increasing chance of dying at sea. Offering to give citizenship for successful fighting and wages to either be sent back home or a path to citizenship for families. While Europe rages with anti-Black, anti-African sentiment, Ukraine's willingness to recruit Africans might be the answer to their population problems. One, Africa has a young population and Europe does not. Two, offering money and a path to citizenship, with the understanding that if Ukraine wins against Russia, it is more likely to enter the EU, and then Africans who become Ukrainians have a legitimate path in as well. However, to do this, they need to probably teach Ukrainian and they need to train them for modern warfare. I read that in Senegal the villagers cannot get enough fish because other countries have their large fishing vessels in the African waters. So, people are desperate to get out.
It's unfortunate that few Ukrainians today comprehend what it was like to live under a rigid Soviet/Russian-style governance. If they did, this knowledge could spur them to continue every possible resistance to repel the Russian invasion.
As for the factories which could have been manufacturing weapons and ammunition, why has that not been undertaken? Lack of capable personnel? Lack of materials to build what is needed? Other?
Thank you for your informative post. I knew Ukraine was a power to be reckoned with as part of the Soviet sphere. I was not aware of the need for retooling/upgrades of its own manufacturing facilities or that it could do so now. I was also unaware of the median age of its combat force.
I do know from growing up in the Cold War and listening to my family who lived through WWII and others who immigrated here following WWII, that the Soviet Union was not our “friend”. Putin is a product of the Soviet Union. He wants to restore Russia to it’s former borders.
We are staring down the barrel of a Third World War if Russia does take Ukraine and moves beyond because of a lackadaisical response from the United States. We made that mistake before with Hitler and Japan saw our weakness. We can not do it again.
The funding for Ukraine is going in great to support our US military industrial complex. Ukraine hasn’t revamped so the US is building the weapons. That means American jobs. That means taxpayer money returning back into the American economy just like it did in previous wars without our American soldiers having to enter the actual combat.
So while the Republicans waste time kissing tRump’s Putin loving “ring”. They are putting American jobs, American security and global stability at risk. Fund Ukraine!!!
Is it realistic to have Ukraine try to retool their infrastructure now when they’ve been invaded, under attack and so many lives have been lost in the last 22 months?
I am 100% for funding support for Ukraine! Now, now, now.
As far as I’m concerned the (R)s in the house (and the silent cohorts of Tuberville in Senate)are doing this to make it look like our President couldn’t keep his vow to the Ukraine.
It’s The Republicans who are the failures and rubes of Trump & his authoritarian regime.
The history of Ukraine includes a horrendous chapter of starvation and decimation by Stalin. If you’ve heard the phrase “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” you have an idea of what it must have been like after so much death caused by Stalin to know that a force - albeit Hitler’s army- was fighting Stalin.
We should do more for our veterans (my husband is one). The obstacle to that is the GOP, not the current administration.
There isn’t a matter of one OR the other. The matter before us is that we can do both. Supporting Ukraine’s fight will save us and our allies in NATO lives and a bigger fight if we stop Russian aggression.
There’s without a doubt a contingent of people in Ukraine who appear to celebrate the Nazis of the 1930s and 40s. Stupidity is everywhere on the planet. And Zelensky has promised to end existing corruption let’s see. But I still believe we have to undo the harm Putin seems to be contemplating before it crosses our threshold.
And I agree about veteran housing and support. We failed years ago in supporting the young men sent to war. Let’s never do that again. Housing, support, jobs.
My cousin-in-law and her son are Ukrainian and the son's fiancee is Chinese. We spent Thanksgiving with all of them including the mother of the fiancee. My cousin's wife's brother remains in Ukraine - she speaks with him daily - but he is unable to work now that the power plant that employed him has shut down. He's 50; not sure why he hasn't yet been conscripted but his sister is, of course, relieved so far.
All nine of us present over the Thanksgiving week are very cognizant of the situation in Ukraine and the eventual threats to the United States, members of the EU, and NATO member countries. It's incomprehensible to me that the Speaker of the House and House Republicans don't accept that reality - or perhaps don't care, thinking that the dangers are overblown.
I am an American born here, my parents were born here: because my Jewish grandparents escaped Odesa and homesteaded here. Ukraine Was Never Nazified, except if that’s what you’d call how Nazis killed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians-just a Putin is doing now.
You might be talking to some really uninformed/misled folks; that might be the same “guys” or “friends” or “people” who DJT says come up to him and spout praise and love for him.
I find this post ugly, inaccurate, indefensible, crap.
From my perspective and position this situation has been poorly handled from the American side as you properly observed. The most significant factor within the USA I am inclined to single out is the vast movement-conservative networking efforts in what has become a full blown Quisling campaign in support of Christian nationalism at the expense ultimately of American national security.
For instance Orban is in country this week as a guest of the Heritage Foundation in an apparent effort to actively deny Ukraine any political support from the treasonous Republican Party.
https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/10/hungary-viktor-orban-republicans-ukraine-aid
The republicans in this country ARE traitors. We must vote them all out of office, and prosecute those who supported the insurrection.
Yes, we must but the fundamental problem remains - it may be too late for Ukraine. Newly elected Democrats in the White House and in Congress, do not take their seats until January 3, 2025. Russia can wreak a lot more havoc in the intervening 12 months.
I feel like I'll secretly in the war room with you explaining what needs to happen for Ukraine to have any chance of succeeding. Having no military experience or background, it would never have occurred to me to look at the average age of recruitments and what that means. I wouldn't have known to look at Ukraine to retool its factories to produce the ammunition we just sent to them. Non military people simply don't think like that. Please ... more information about how a successful war is fought. I'm glued to your posts. Thank you
This assessment fits with something I found surprising in the past couple months. I have some good friends in Ukraine. They have been solid on their support of the war. Of the three, two have served multiple tours on the eastern front, the other didn't because of age. And all three since late October now talk openly of their disgust with the government over corruption. These aren't people who listen to Russian propaganda.
As to the future, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry said this weekend that the Russian terms for ending the war are the terms they presented at the outset - replacement of the Ukrainian government with a"de-Nazified" puppet government and complete Ukrainian acceptance of the original Russian goals.
Just to clarify: are you supporting Russian demands in Ukraine? To territory? Thanks
TCinLA is only reporting on what he has been told. I read nothing suggesting support for Russia's demands and, from what I know of TC, I'm certain that his personal stance is entirely against the Russian efforts to take over Ukraine.
Thank you (Del?) I was addressing the author of the comment following. P.
So great. Del it is. (The spelling of my name still chases me at various times.)
I would like more information, please, about the alleged "Nazism" of the Ukrainian government.
I believe that's all part of Russian propaganda used to justify their invasion. You may find this Deutsche Welle article informative. https://www.dw.com/en/fact-check-is-there-any-truth-to-russias-ukrainian-nazis-propaganda/a-63970461
Thank you.
There is none. Just Russki propaganda.
Thank you, I had already realized that, but it seemed pertinent to inquire.
I do not have Ukraine fatigue but the media sure seems to. I feel that the coverage is taking second fiddle to so much. Secondly, I have suggested that Ukraine start recruiting from the continent with the youngest average population. I had this idea because I read that Russia is conscripting African and Middle Easterners being stopped at the Finnish border now that it is shut. I say, Ukraine could be recruiting from African countries, where people have an increasing chance of dying at sea. Offering to give citizenship for successful fighting and wages to either be sent back home or a path to citizenship for families. While Europe rages with anti-Black, anti-African sentiment, Ukraine's willingness to recruit Africans might be the answer to their population problems. One, Africa has a young population and Europe does not. Two, offering money and a path to citizenship, with the understanding that if Ukraine wins against Russia, it is more likely to enter the EU, and then Africans who become Ukrainians have a legitimate path in as well. However, to do this, they need to probably teach Ukrainian and they need to train them for modern warfare. I read that in Senegal the villagers cannot get enough fish because other countries have their large fishing vessels in the African waters. So, people are desperate to get out.
It's unfortunate that few Ukrainians today comprehend what it was like to live under a rigid Soviet/Russian-style governance. If they did, this knowledge could spur them to continue every possible resistance to repel the Russian invasion.
As for the factories which could have been manufacturing weapons and ammunition, why has that not been undertaken? Lack of capable personnel? Lack of materials to build what is needed? Other?
Thank you for your informative post. I knew Ukraine was a power to be reckoned with as part of the Soviet sphere. I was not aware of the need for retooling/upgrades of its own manufacturing facilities or that it could do so now. I was also unaware of the median age of its combat force.
I do know from growing up in the Cold War and listening to my family who lived through WWII and others who immigrated here following WWII, that the Soviet Union was not our “friend”. Putin is a product of the Soviet Union. He wants to restore Russia to it’s former borders.
We are staring down the barrel of a Third World War if Russia does take Ukraine and moves beyond because of a lackadaisical response from the United States. We made that mistake before with Hitler and Japan saw our weakness. We can not do it again.
The funding for Ukraine is going in great to support our US military industrial complex. Ukraine hasn’t revamped so the US is building the weapons. That means American jobs. That means taxpayer money returning back into the American economy just like it did in previous wars without our American soldiers having to enter the actual combat.
So while the Republicans waste time kissing tRump’s Putin loving “ring”. They are putting American jobs, American security and global stability at risk. Fund Ukraine!!!
Is it realistic to have Ukraine try to retool their infrastructure now when they’ve been invaded, under attack and so many lives have been lost in the last 22 months?
I am 100% for funding support for Ukraine! Now, now, now.
As far as I’m concerned the (R)s in the house (and the silent cohorts of Tuberville in Senate)are doing this to make it look like our President couldn’t keep his vow to the Ukraine.
It’s The Republicans who are the failures and rubes of Trump & his authoritarian regime.
The history of Ukraine includes a horrendous chapter of starvation and decimation by Stalin. If you’ve heard the phrase “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” you have an idea of what it must have been like after so much death caused by Stalin to know that a force - albeit Hitler’s army- was fighting Stalin.
We should do more for our veterans (my husband is one). The obstacle to that is the GOP, not the current administration.
There isn’t a matter of one OR the other. The matter before us is that we can do both. Supporting Ukraine’s fight will save us and our allies in NATO lives and a bigger fight if we stop Russian aggression.
There’s without a doubt a contingent of people in Ukraine who appear to celebrate the Nazis of the 1930s and 40s. Stupidity is everywhere on the planet. And Zelensky has promised to end existing corruption let’s see. But I still believe we have to undo the harm Putin seems to be contemplating before it crosses our threshold.
And I agree about veteran housing and support. We failed years ago in supporting the young men sent to war. Let’s never do that again. Housing, support, jobs.
https://www.dw.com/en/fact-check-is-there-any-truth-to-russias-ukrainian-nazis-propaganda/a-63970461 Deutsche Welle is a Berlin-based English language news source.
Thank you for posting
My cousin-in-law and her son are Ukrainian and the son's fiancee is Chinese. We spent Thanksgiving with all of them including the mother of the fiancee. My cousin's wife's brother remains in Ukraine - she speaks with him daily - but he is unable to work now that the power plant that employed him has shut down. He's 50; not sure why he hasn't yet been conscripted but his sister is, of course, relieved so far.
All nine of us present over the Thanksgiving week are very cognizant of the situation in Ukraine and the eventual threats to the United States, members of the EU, and NATO member countries. It's incomprehensible to me that the Speaker of the House and House Republicans don't accept that reality - or perhaps don't care, thinking that the dangers are overblown.
It’s not a whataboutism but that we can walk and chew gum at the same time.
Go stick your head back up your ass where you normally keep it.
Please be nice, this is not You Tube!
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I am an American born here, my parents were born here: because my Jewish grandparents escaped Odesa and homesteaded here. Ukraine Was Never Nazified, except if that’s what you’d call how Nazis killed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians-just a Putin is doing now.
You might be talking to some really uninformed/misled folks; that might be the same “guys” or “friends” or “people” who DJT says come up to him and spout praise and love for him.
I find this post ugly, inaccurate, indefensible, crap.