calbear93 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Maybe some pro-Putin US conservatives can call into this guy's show and explain to him why Russia is really so awesome and on the ascent. Seems like the propaganda machine has a few cracks in it.

Russian TV host Andrei Norkin's realisation that his country lacks freedom of speech:

If I back the decision to withdraw from Kherson, I'm going to jail for questioning Russia's territorial integrity

And if I oppose it, I'm going to jail for discrediting the armed forces pic.twitter.com/KRj0RsI00i

— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) November 10, 2022

Also, new info on Russian and Ukrainian losses. Contrast this with the deluded people still clinging to discredited propaganda that says Ukr losses are like 3x or more Russian losses.

More than 100,000 Russian troops — and about as many Ukrainian troops — are estimated to have died or been injured in the war so far, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. https://t.co/GNcRwJrzxX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 10, 2022

---

I am having a harder time seeing an end game here.

---

I see 3 possible end games:
1. Russia wins militarily on the ground
2. Russian people rise up and we have some version of a revolution to overthrow Putin.
3. Someone smarter than me figures out a way to negotiate terms that allows a losing Putin to save face.

I don't know anybody that supports Putin. Does anyone here know anybody that does?

sycasey said:

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Maybe some pro-Putin US conservatives can call into this guy's show and explain to him why Russia is really so awesome and on the ascent. Seems like the propaganda machine has a few cracks in it.

Russian TV host Andrei Norkin's realisation that his country lacks freedom of speech:

If I back the decision to withdraw from Kherson, I'm going to jail for questioning Russia's territorial integrity

And if I oppose it, I'm going to jail for discrediting the armed forces pic.twitter.com/KRj0RsI00i

— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) November 10, 2022

Also, new info on Russian and Ukrainian losses. Contrast this with the deluded people still clinging to discredited propaganda that says Ukr losses are like 3x or more Russian losses.

More than 100,000 Russian troops — and about as many Ukrainian troops — are estimated to have died or been injured in the war so far, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. https://t.co/GNcRwJrzxX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 10, 2022

---

I am having a harder time seeing an end game here.

---

I see 3 possible end games:
1. Russia wins militarily on the ground
2. Russian people rise up and we have some version of a revolution to overthrow Putin.
3. Someone smarter than me figures out a way to negotiate terms that allows a losing Putin to save face.

---

4. Russia is actually forced out of Ukraine.

I wouldn't have thought that a likely outcome at the beginning of this thing, but the way they have been consistently losing ground since the initial surge, I think it's on the table now.

---

I think, because that is a death sentence for Putin, this is not an option without great cost to Ukraine.

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Maybe some pro-Putin US conservatives can call into this guy's show and explain to him why Russia is really so awesome and on the ascent. Seems like the propaganda machine has a few cracks in it.

Russian TV host Andrei Norkin's realisation that his country lacks freedom of speech:

If I back the decision to withdraw from Kherson, I'm going to jail for questioning Russia's territorial integrity

And if I oppose it, I'm going to jail for discrediting the armed forces pic.twitter.com/KRj0RsI00i

— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) November 10, 2022

Also, new info on Russian and Ukrainian losses. Contrast this with the deluded people still clinging to discredited propaganda that says Ukr losses are like 3x or more Russian losses.

More than 100,000 Russian troops — and about as many Ukrainian troops — are estimated to have died or been injured in the war so far, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. https://t.co/GNcRwJrzxX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 10, 2022

---

I am having a harder time seeing an end game here.

---

I see 3 possible end games:
1. Russia wins militarily on the ground
2. Russian people rise up and we have some version of a revolution to overthrow Putin.
3. Someone smarter than me figures out a way to negotiate terms that allows a losing Putin to save face.

---

4. Russia is actually forced out of Ukraine.

I wouldn't have thought that a likely outcome at the beginning of this thing, but the way they have been consistently losing ground since the initial surge, I think it's on the table now.

---

I think, because that is a death sentence for Putin, this is not an option without great cost to Ukraine.

---

Exactly why I didn't list it. I fear Putin would do something insane like unleash nukes if it came to that

tequila4kapp said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Maybe some pro-Putin US conservatives can call into this guy's show and explain to him why Russia is really so awesome and on the ascent. Seems like the propaganda machine has a few cracks in it.

Russian TV host Andrei Norkin's realisation that his country lacks freedom of speech:

If I back the decision to withdraw from Kherson, I'm going to jail for questioning Russia's territorial integrity

And if I oppose it, I'm going to jail for discrediting the armed forces pic.twitter.com/KRj0RsI00i

— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) November 10, 2022

Also, new info on Russian and Ukrainian losses. Contrast this with the deluded people still clinging to discredited propaganda that says Ukr losses are like 3x or more Russian losses.

More than 100,000 Russian troops — and about as many Ukrainian troops — are estimated to have died or been injured in the war so far, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. https://t.co/GNcRwJrzxX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 10, 2022

---

I am having a harder time seeing an end game here.

---

I see 3 possible end games:
1. Russia wins militarily on the ground
2. Russian people rise up and we have some version of a revolution to overthrow Putin.
3. Someone smarter than me figures out a way to negotiate terms that allows a losing Putin to save face.

---

4. Russia is actually forced out of Ukraine.

I wouldn't have thought that a likely outcome at the beginning of this thing, but the way they have been consistently losing ground since the initial surge, I think it's on the table now.

---

I think, because that is a death sentence for Putin, this is not an option without great cost to Ukraine.

---

Exactly why I didn't list it. I fear Putin would do something insane like unleash nukes if it came to that

---

Don't see a good result short of negotiated settlement that is somewhat costly to Russia but short of losing face.

My baser nature wants Putin to be humiliated but I won't be the one paying the price for my sense of justice.

Just losers here, with Putin probably regretting the miscalculation, Ukraine suffering the most, and EU about to go into a deep energy-related recession and the consequential shift to the far right politically as Europeans recoil from the price they are paying.

sycasey said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Maybe some pro-Putin US conservatives can call into this guy's show and explain to him why Russia is really so awesome and on the ascent. Seems like the propaganda machine has a few cracks in it.

Russian TV host Andrei Norkin's realisation that his country lacks freedom of speech:

If I back the decision to withdraw from Kherson, I'm going to jail for questioning Russia's territorial integrity

And if I oppose it, I'm going to jail for discrediting the armed forces pic.twitter.com/KRj0RsI00i

— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) November 10, 2022

Also, new info on Russian and Ukrainian losses. Contrast this with the deluded people still clinging to discredited propaganda that says Ukr losses are like 3x or more Russian losses.

More than 100,000 Russian troops — and about as many Ukrainian troops — are estimated to have died or been injured in the war so far, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. https://t.co/GNcRwJrzxX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 10, 2022

---

I am having a harder time seeing an end game here.

---

I see 3 possible end games:
1. Russia wins militarily on the ground
2. Russian people rise up and we have some version of a revolution to overthrow Putin.
3. Someone smarter than me figures out a way to negotiate terms that allows a losing Putin to save face.

---

4. Russia is actually forced out of Ukraine.

I wouldn't have thought that a likely outcome at the beginning of this thing, but the way they have been consistently losing ground since the initial surge, I think it's on the table now.

---

I think, because that is a death sentence for Putin, this is not an option without great cost to Ukraine.

---

We can let Ukraine decide what is the cost they are willing to risk.

---

Agree. But is it Ukraine who is actually deciding, or are they being manipulated? (I have no idea.)

Seems like best thing is if they are able to reach some agreement, where Putin thinks he looks like he is saving face (but everybody knows he's not).

Maybe it's time to save some lives here. The soldiers on both sides are pawns.

sycasey said:

---

Big C said:

---

sycasey said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Maybe some pro-Putin US conservatives can call into this guy's show and explain to him why Russia is really so awesome and on the ascent. Seems like the propaganda machine has a few cracks in it.

Russian TV host Andrei Norkin's realisation that his country lacks freedom of speech:

If I back the decision to withdraw from Kherson, I'm going to jail for questioning Russia's territorial integrity

And if I oppose it, I'm going to jail for discrediting the armed forces pic.twitter.com/KRj0RsI00i

— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) November 10, 2022

Also, new info on Russian and Ukrainian losses. Contrast this with the deluded people still clinging to discredited propaganda that says Ukr losses are like 3x or more Russian losses.

More than 100,000 Russian troops — and about as many Ukrainian troops — are estimated to have died or been injured in the war so far, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. https://t.co/GNcRwJrzxX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 10, 2022

---

I am having a harder time seeing an end game here.

---

I see 3 possible end games:
1. Russia wins militarily on the ground
2. Russian people rise up and we have some version of a revolution to overthrow Putin.
3. Someone smarter than me figures out a way to negotiate terms that allows a losing Putin to save face.

---

4. Russia is actually forced out of Ukraine.

I wouldn't have thought that a likely outcome at the beginning of this thing, but the way they have been consistently losing ground since the initial surge, I think it's on the table now.

---

I think, because that is a death sentence for Putin, this is not an option without great cost to Ukraine.

---

We can let Ukraine decide what is the cost they are willing to risk.

---

Agree. But is it Ukraine who is actually deciding, or are they being manipulated? (I have no idea.)

---

What reason is there to think that they're being manipulated? They are constantly asking for more help, and they seem to be winning. This seems simple to me.

---

Select from the following (more than one answer possible)...

a) maybe Zelenskyy doesn't represent the will of the people
b) who could possibly want this to continue on their homeland?
c) um... study US foreign policy over the past 75 years and then tell me we wouldn't do that
d) Cal88 suggested it

Please note that I did ask the question and then say that I had no idea (of the answer). Are you so sure as to what's going on over there that you never question your position? If so, congrats. Not me. The fact that something like this "seems simple" to you makes me wonder. These situations are rarely that simple.

sycasey said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Maybe some pro-Putin US conservatives can call into this guy's show and explain to him why Russia is really so awesome and on the ascent. Seems like the propaganda machine has a few cracks in it.

Russian TV host Andrei Norkin's realisation that his country lacks freedom of speech:

If I back the decision to withdraw from Kherson, I'm going to jail for questioning Russia's territorial integrity

And if I oppose it, I'm going to jail for discrediting the armed forces pic.twitter.com/KRj0RsI00i

— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) November 10, 2022

Also, new info on Russian and Ukrainian losses. Contrast this with the deluded people still clinging to discredited propaganda that says Ukr losses are like 3x or more Russian losses.

More than 100,000 Russian troops — and about as many Ukrainian troops — are estimated to have died or been injured in the war so far, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. https://t.co/GNcRwJrzxX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 10, 2022

---

I am having a harder time seeing an end game here.

---

I see 3 possible end games:
1. Russia wins militarily on the ground
2. Russian people rise up and we have some version of a revolution to overthrow Putin.
3. Someone smarter than me figures out a way to negotiate terms that allows a losing Putin to save face.

---

4. Russia is actually forced out of Ukraine.

I wouldn't have thought that a likely outcome at the beginning of this thing, but the way they have been consistently losing ground since the initial surge, I think it's on the table now.

---

I think, because that is a death sentence for Putin, this is not an option without great cost to Ukraine.

---

We can let Ukraine decide what is the cost they are willing to risk.

---

If there is tactical nuke that would likely be used in that situation, I think the consequences go beyond Ukraine. That could be the start of WWIII.

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Maybe some pro-Putin US conservatives can call into this guy's show and explain to him why Russia is really so awesome and on the ascent. Seems like the propaganda machine has a few cracks in it.

Russian TV host Andrei Norkin's realisation that his country lacks freedom of speech:

If I back the decision to withdraw from Kherson, I'm going to jail for questioning Russia's territorial integrity

And if I oppose it, I'm going to jail for discrediting the armed forces pic.twitter.com/KRj0RsI00i

— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) November 10, 2022

Also, new info on Russian and Ukrainian losses. Contrast this with the deluded people still clinging to discredited propaganda that says Ukr losses are like 3x or more Russian losses.

More than 100,000 Russian troops — and about as many Ukrainian troops — are estimated to have died or been injured in the war so far, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. https://t.co/GNcRwJrzxX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 10, 2022

---

I am having a harder time seeing an end game here.

---

I see 3 possible end games:
1. Russia wins militarily on the ground
2. Russian people rise up and we have some version of a revolution to overthrow Putin.
3. Someone smarter than me figures out a way to negotiate terms that allows a losing Putin to save face.

---

4. Russia is actually forced out of Ukraine.

I wouldn't have thought that a likely outcome at the beginning of this thing, but the way they have been consistently losing ground since the initial surge, I think it's on the table now.

---

I think, because that is a death sentence for Putin, this is not an option without great cost to Ukraine.

---

We can let Ukraine decide what is the cost they are willing to risk.

---

If there is tactical nuke that would likely be used in that situation, I think the consequences go beyond Ukraine. That could be the start of WWIII.

---

It could be. Though that's also a reason to think Putin is just blustering about nukes and won't actually do it.

sycasey said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Maybe some pro-Putin US conservatives can call into this guy's show and explain to him why Russia is really so awesome and on the ascent. Seems like the propaganda machine has a few cracks in it.

Russian TV host Andrei Norkin's realisation that his country lacks freedom of speech:

If I back the decision to withdraw from Kherson, I'm going to jail for questioning Russia's territorial integrity

And if I oppose it, I'm going to jail for discrediting the armed forces pic.twitter.com/KRj0RsI00i

— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) November 10, 2022

Also, new info on Russian and Ukrainian losses. Contrast this with the deluded people still clinging to discredited propaganda that says Ukr losses are like 3x or more Russian losses.

More than 100,000 Russian troops — and about as many Ukrainian troops — are estimated to have died or been injured in the war so far, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. https://t.co/GNcRwJrzxX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 10, 2022

---

I am having a harder time seeing an end game here.

---

I see 3 possible end games:
1. Russia wins militarily on the ground
2. Russian people rise up and we have some version of a revolution to overthrow Putin.
3. Someone smarter than me figures out a way to negotiate terms that allows a losing Putin to save face.

---

4. Russia is actually forced out of Ukraine.

I wouldn't have thought that a likely outcome at the beginning of this thing, but the way they have been consistently losing ground since the initial surge, I think it's on the table now.

---

I think, because that is a death sentence for Putin, this is not an option without great cost to Ukraine.

---

We can let Ukraine decide what is the cost they are willing to risk.

---

If there is tactical nuke that would likely be used in that situation, I think the consequences go beyond Ukraine. That could be the start of WWIII.

---

It could be. Though that's also a reason to think Putin is just blustering about nukes and won't actually do it.

---

But if his other option is one that would be his literal end, he may have less restraint.

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Maybe some pro-Putin US conservatives can call into this guy's show and explain to him why Russia is really so awesome and on the ascent. Seems like the propaganda machine has a few cracks in it.

Russian TV host Andrei Norkin's realisation that his country lacks freedom of speech:

If I back the decision to withdraw from Kherson, I'm going to jail for questioning Russia's territorial integrity

And if I oppose it, I'm going to jail for discrediting the armed forces pic.twitter.com/KRj0RsI00i

— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) November 10, 2022

Also, new info on Russian and Ukrainian losses. Contrast this with the deluded people still clinging to discredited propaganda that says Ukr losses are like 3x or more Russian losses.

More than 100,000 Russian troops — and about as many Ukrainian troops — are estimated to have died or been injured in the war so far, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. https://t.co/GNcRwJrzxX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 10, 2022

---

I am having a harder time seeing an end game here.

---

I see 3 possible end games:
1. Russia wins militarily on the ground
2. Russian people rise up and we have some version of a revolution to overthrow Putin.
3. Someone smarter than me figures out a way to negotiate terms that allows a losing Putin to save face.

---

4. Russia is actually forced out of Ukraine.

I wouldn't have thought that a likely outcome at the beginning of this thing, but the way they have been consistently losing ground since the initial surge, I think it's on the table now.

---

I think, because that is a death sentence for Putin, this is not an option without great cost to Ukraine.

---

We can let Ukraine decide what is the cost they are willing to risk.

---

If there is tactical nuke that would likely be used in that situation, I think the consequences go beyond Ukraine. That could be the start of WWIII.

---

It could be. Though that's also a reason to think Putin is just blustering about nukes and won't actually do it.

---

But if his other option is one that would be his literal end, he may have less restraint.

---

So you think if Russia loses in Ukraine, Putin will literally be dead? How do?

sycasey said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

calbear93 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Maybe some pro-Putin US conservatives can call into this guy's show and explain to him why Russia is really so awesome and on the ascent. Seems like the propaganda machine has a few cracks in it.

Russian TV host Andrei Norkin's realisation that his country lacks freedom of speech:

If I back the decision to withdraw from Kherson, I'm going to jail for questioning Russia's territorial integrity

And if I oppose it, I'm going to jail for discrediting the armed forces pic.twitter.com/KRj0RsI00i

— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) November 10, 2022

Also, new info on Russian and Ukrainian losses. Contrast this with the deluded people still clinging to discredited propaganda that says Ukr losses are like 3x or more Russian losses.

More than 100,000 Russian troops — and about as many Ukrainian troops — are estimated to have died or been injured in the war so far, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. https://t.co/GNcRwJrzxX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 10, 2022

---

I am having a harder time seeing an end game here.

---

I see 3 possible end games:
1. Russia wins militarily on the ground
2. Russian people rise up and we have some version of a revolution to overthrow Putin.
3. Someone smarter than me figures out a way to negotiate terms that allows a losing Putin to save face.

---

4. Russia is actually forced out of Ukraine.

I wouldn't have thought that a likely outcome at the beginning of this thing, but the way they have been consistently losing ground since the initial surge, I think it's on the table now.

---

I think, because that is a death sentence for Putin, this is not an option without great cost to Ukraine.

---

We can let Ukraine decide what is the cost they are willing to risk.

---

If there is tactical nuke that would likely be used in that situation, I think the consequences go beyond Ukraine. That could be the start of WWIII.

---

It could be. Though that's also a reason to think Putin is just blustering about nukes and won't actually do it.

---

But if his other option is one that would be his literal end, he may have less restraint.

---

So you think if Russia loses in Ukraine, Putin will literally be dead? How do?

---

Yes. He rules with fear. Weakened, he would be ripe for retribution by his enemies in Russia.

Good rundown of the Kherson Russian defeat here:



At this point, the best case scenario would be some kind of Minsk III agreement where the fighting would cease, the current borders frozen after Russia withdraws from the Kherson right bank.

Ukraine is in a very good position to negotiate after hard-won territories at both ends of the frontlines, they should leverage that advantage. Russia can threaten to destroy Ukrainian infrastructure, and retake territories with their expanded army and drone program, so Ukraine should accept a permanent cease-fire. If they don't, I see Russia restarting a series of major offensives this winter with their 400k-500k army. The next battleground is likely to be the Zaporizhie area, Kherson and the SW front now being frozen due to the width of the Dniepr being a barrier.

Milley's statement on Russian and Ukrainian losses should be seen as a very high estimate of total Russian losses, and a very low estimate of Ukrainian losses, which are closer to 250,000 KIA, wounded or deserted. This isn't the first time the Pentagon has lied in a wartime situation.

Ukraine is already pretty depleted, pushing them to keep up the war is going to result in further heavy losses this winter, and tremendous hardship to the civilian population with Ukrainian infrastructure now being actively targeted. Further attacks from Russia on the power grid would result in big cities being evacuated and many millions of refugees to Europe.

Has Ukraine ever formally and diplomatically agreed to Russia keeping Crimea?

Found this interesting:

sycasey said:

---

oski003 said:

---

DiabloWags said:

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dajo9 said:

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oski003 said:

---

https://www.rt.com/news/566467-ftx-money-laundering-ukraine-democrats/amp/

Crazy story about money laundering and donations for Ukraine going back to politicians. FTX was #2 Democratic Party donor behind Soros.

---

Thank you for providing this propaganda from RT (which stands for Russia Today).

Some people just have an endless amount of propaganda they are willing to swallow whole.

---

Oski003 promoting Russian State controlled propaganda?

Shocker.

---

Diablo personally attacking me and not discussing the actual information posted. Bullocks.

---

Find a source that's not a Russian government propaganda site and maybe we'll discuss it.

---

I will just post it in a new topic.

Russia is so strong, they're now trying to mobilize tourists into their military. Surely a sign of strength. I hope Ukraine is ready for a bunch of unmotivated dudes in sandals and socks coming for them.

Putin signs decree that allows Russian army to mobilize foreigners that are just visiting Russia pic.twitter.com/wc07SItgoq

— Mrbam (@MrbamNews) November 14, 2022

I guess that's one way to help offset the damage this dumb war is doing to Russia's economy. It looks like Putin was waiting for the red tsunami to bail him out and when it failed to materialize he pulled out of Kherson. The GOP has gone from resolutely anti-Russian to being Putin's only hope for saving some face in this unwinnable war.

"Data released by the Russian Ministry of Finance on Friday showed that in the year to October, the government budget surplus stood at 128 billion rubles, or around $2.1 billion, down from a surplus of 2.3 trillion rubles in the same period last year." https://t.co/JnFYZp8FWj

— Bianna Golodryga (@biannagolodryga) November 11, 2022

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Russia is so strong, they're now trying to mobilize tourists into their military. Surely a sign of strength. I hope Ukraine is ready for a bunch of unmotivated dudes in sandals and socks coming for them.

Putin signs decree that allows Russian army to mobilize foreigners that are just visiting Russia pic.twitter.com/wc07SItgoq

— Mrbam (@MrbamNews) November 14, 2022

I guess that's one way to help offset the damage this dumb war is doing to Russia's economy. It looks like Putin was waiting for the red tsunami to bail him out and when it failed to materialize he pulled out of Kherson. The GOP has gone from resolutely anti-Russian to being Putin's only hope for saving some face in this unwinnable war.

"Data released by the Russian Ministry of Finance on Friday showed that in the year to October, the government budget surplus stood at 128 billion rubles, or around $2.1 billion, down from a surplus of 2.3 trillion rubles in the same period last year." https://t.co/JnFYZp8FWj

— Bianna Golodryga (@biannagolodryga) November 11, 2022

---

Looks like we're about to see Brittney Griner on the front lines.

oski003 said:

---

Unit2Sucks said:

---

Russia is so strong, they're now trying to mobilize tourists into their military. Surely a sign of strength. I hope Ukraine is ready for a bunch of unmotivated dudes in sandals and socks coming for them.

Putin signs decree that allows Russian army to mobilize foreigners that are just visiting Russia pic.twitter.com/wc07SItgoq

— Mrbam (@MrbamNews) November 14, 2022

I guess that's one way to help offset the damage this dumb war is doing to Russia's economy. It looks like Putin was waiting for the red tsunami to bail him out and when it failed to materialize he pulled out of Kherson. The GOP has gone from resolutely anti-Russian to being Putin's only hope for saving some face in this unwinnable war.

"Data released by the Russian Ministry of Finance on Friday showed that in the year to October, the government budget surplus stood at 128 billion rubles, or around $2.1 billion, down from a surplus of 2.3 trillion rubles in the same period last year." https://t.co/JnFYZp8FWj

— Bianna Golodryga (@biannagolodryga) November 11, 2022

---

What does this story have to do with the GOP? I don't get it.

---

The fake Russian conspiracy story never dies in some corners...

I'm reading / seeing stuff that indicates the Kherson retreat will have strategic benefits to Russia. The way they did it prevents Ukraine from pursuing them. Fighting in the region is likely done for the winter which lets Russia a) redeploy troops elsewhere and b) rebuild stock of armaments/supplies

Maybe. Then again maybe a potential benefit from an otherwise bad loss.

tequila4kapp said:

---

I'm reading / seeing stuff that indicates the Kherson retreat will have strategic benefits to Russia. The way they did it prevents Ukraine from pursuing them. Fighting in the region is likely done for the winter which lets Russia a) redeploy troops elsewhere and b) rebuild stock of armaments/supplies

Maybe. Then again maybe a potential benefit from an otherwise bad loss.

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I'm reading that either Putin waited until after our election because he didn't want to help Biden and the democrats with a weak withdrawal in Kherson OR he had to give up on Kherson because the GOP wasn't going to save him.

The support for this is from Russian propaganda which is not a reliable source, but does the GOP want to be the anointed savior by Russian state media? Doesn't seem like a great look to me.

Kremlin Cronies Sent Reeling on Live TV Over U.S. Midterm Elections.

Russia’s Tucker Carlson, top propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, said that the Kherson withdrawal was postponed to avoid inadvertently helping Joe Biden and the Democrats in the midterms.https://t.co/SPU62hPEdV

— Julia Davis (@JuliaDavisNews) November 9, 2022

Watch below. Key statement: "Things are difficult. Nonetheless, we have to win on our ownit's official. Republicans can hardly help us to retain the Kherson region or the city of Kherson."

Watch: Russian experts on state TV talk about Republicans and the midterms. They explain why Russia should not negotiate (PART II of the video).
More in my recent article ⤵️https://t.co/kwZhT5P9Zf pic.twitter.com/oIp5pzsu1M

— Julia Davis (@JuliaDavisNews) November 9, 2022

tequila4kapp said:

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I'm reading / seeing stuff that indicates the Kherson retreat will have strategic benefits to Russia. The way they did it prevents Ukraine from pursuing them. Fighting in the region is likely done for the winter which lets Russia a) redeploy troops elsewhere and b) rebuild stock of armaments/supplies

Maybe. Then again maybe a potential benefit from an otherwise bad loss.

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Ukraine was never going to chase Russia across the river because if they did, the forces across the river would then be susceptible to the same isolation from supply lines that the Ukrainians used to force the Russian withdrawal. There are two big take-aways though. The Ukrainians can now strike the two roads crossing the isthmus leading into Crimea from the rest of Ukraine, thus isolating the entire southwestern potion of the Russian's taken territory. Military action will be refocused into the Zaporizhzhia region as Ukraine will likely try to drive from Zaporizhzhia to the sea, thus isolating the rest of the Russian annexed territory and Crimea. The exact location is not obvious, and they will probably see the Russian defenses and choose the location best for them.