Russian invasion of Ukraine

[Bakis]

He actually spoke out against the invasion before it happened and this isn't his first appearance on state media speaking the truth. So either he has some kind of protection from someone important or he is being allowed to do this to soften the impact of a failed war. Hard to say.

But seeing him put that sour-faced warmonger in her place was enjoyable.

I got no idea but by just reading the article and the fact that its Goebells chanel #1 and that the staff got stunned. Who knows.
Either way its good at least for the time being. Im baffled that it went throught, kinda gives me hope Putler aint so safe in his seat as he would wise.

[Azadina]

And once again it seems the Russians are not to be trusted. It looks like they may be planning on going back on their deal, made through the UN and the Red Cross, to end the Azovstal siege. The defenders were conditionally surrendering under the agreement that they would be exchanged for Russian PoWs but now, after the fact, Russia media and politicians are wanting the Azov regiment named an official terrorist organisation, the banning of releasing of prisoner swaps and the establishment of Donetsk Nuremburg trials.

Once the evac news came out, I was going to mention that they're all getting executed now, but decided to hope for the best instead. But, yea, should have known. It's Russia. Of course they're betraying their words. The defenders knew they're getting executed if they surrender, and held for so long because of that. It must have been hell for the months, for them to conclude Russian execution is preferable option to fighting to the last.

[Kaleredar]

Once the evac news came out, I was going to mention that they're all getting executed now, but decided to hope for the best instead. But, yea, should have known. It's Russia. Of course they're betraying their words. The defenders knew they're getting executed if they surrender, and held for so long because of that. It must have been hell for the months, for them to conclude Russian execution is preferable option to fighting to the last.

Perhaps they were operating on the notion that affecting a ceasefire to get the civilians out safely was worth whatever Russia would do to them afterwards.

[Azadina]

Perhaps they were operating on the notion that affecting a ceasefire to get the civilians out safely was worth whatever Russia would do to them afterwards.

I was under the impression that the civilians were already out of the plant though.

[Rasulis]

Russians Line Up for McDonald's as It Leaves, Mirroring When Chain Opened

Wow. I tried to recall the last time I had McDonald and came up blank.

[Edge-]

Wow. I tried to recall the last time I had McDonald and came up blank.

I know exactly when, because most of my coworkers and I went that morning for a shame/depression breakfast. But watching Russia sprint backwards and seemingly erase decades of progress in the matter of a month is sure wild. That's quote a 90's picture, though.

[Mihalik]

And once again it seems the Russians are not to be trusted. It looks like they may be planning on going back on their deal, made through the UN and the Red Cross, to end the Azovstal siege. The defenders were conditionally surrendering under the agreement that they would be exchanged for Russian PoWs but now, after the fact, Russia media and politicians are wanting the Azov regiment named an official terrorist organisation, the banning of releasing of prisoner swaps and the establishment of Donetsk Nuremburg trials.

I'm shocked! You don't say!

The Russians going back on their word and lying? Impossible!

[Saradain]

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe...to-2022-05-18/

It is done. A historic moment so Russian genocidal menace has to think bit more than just twice before even considering an invasion to Finland (and Sweden) ever again.

[Iphie]

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe...to-2022-05-18/

It is done. A historic moment so Russian genocidal menace has to think bit more than just twice before even considering an invasion to Finland (and Sweden) ever again.

As long as Turkey STFU of course. Though if the other 29 say 'yes!' it is likely that some compromise will be found. But yes, I for one will feel safer when it's all finalised and even now it feels a lot better already.

[korijenkins]

The most interesting is that Russia seems cool with both Finland and Sweden joining NATO

https://thehill.com/news/3488987-fin...n-nato-calmly/
Finnish president Niinistö, told CNN’s “State of the Union” that Putin’s reaction during the phone call was a “surprise.”

and
, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told Sky News on Friday.
(Translation of "existential threat" for OP: Russia will not launch nuclear missiles against Finland and Sweden.)

Not particularly surprising. They're both EU members. He really can't do anything to them because of it.

There's a reason Ukraine was trying to get added to the EU within weeks after NATO told them no. It's not officially a defensive pact, but it effectively is. If Putin invaded Finland, other countries in the EU would send forces to directly aid them.

[Saradain]

As long as Turkey STFU of course. Though if the other 29 say 'yes!' it is likely that some compromise will be found. But yes, I for one will feel safer when it's all finalised and even now it feels a lot better already.

Turkey already made it clear what they want. How much of their claims is even true is another thing. VETO right or not, I doubt they can alone just block our entry

...or how much russian bot replies on Youtube videos wish it to be so

[Kaleredar]

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe...to-2022-05-18/

It is done. A historic moment so Russian genocidal menace has to think bit more than just twice before even considering an invasion to Finland (and Sweden) ever again.

And this represents a further failure of one of Russia's external goals in this whole fiasco: the failure of their attempt to weaken NATO's position in the world by "intimidating" other countries with their show of "military might." Not only have they failed to demonstrate that military might, but they've actively incentivized their immediate neighbors into joining NATO. Russia really does seem to operate on street thug tactics... act big and tough, pick on the little guys, deny everything, and try and use fear and intimidation to scare people into doing what you want. The problem, of course, comes when the little guy actually punches back, and the people they're trying to scare go to some actual tough motherfuckers for some backup.


I almost wish certain someones weren't on a protracted forum vacation, so that they could explain how this all is really playing directly into Russia's grand plan of bringing the mighty low west. 'Cuz by my factoring, the west just got a bit mightier.

Not particularly surprising. They're both EU members. He really can't do anything to them because of it.

There's a reason Ukraine was trying to get added to the EU within weeks after NATO told them no. It's not officially a defensive pact, but it effectively is. If Putin invaded Finland, other countries in the EU would send forces to directly aid them.

In addition to the added defense agreements this has, of course, the added benefit... and added Russian bemoaning... of formalized NATO installations right on Russia's doorstep.

[Iphie]

Turkey already made it clear what they want. How much of their claims is even true is another thing. VETO right or not, I doubt they can alone just block our entry

...or how much russian bot replies on Youtube videos wish it to be so

Indeed, I'm looking forward to be living in a NATO country again. ^_^

Not particularly surprising. They're both EU members. He really can't do anything to them because of it.

There's a reason Ukraine was trying to get added to the EU within weeks after NATO told them no. It's not officially a defensive pact, but it effectively is. If Putin invaded Finland, other countries in the EU would send forces to directly aid them.

Art. 42.7 of the EU treaty is pretty robust, yes. Not as ironclad as art. 5 but still quite robust for the EU.

[Corvus]

Definite change in tone on Russian state media of late.



Our weapons are still effective (despite everything), Putin isn't being told the truth about what is going on, all our lives are in danger, not sure how tehy can win the war.

Not sure if they are starting to panic or if it is laying the groundwork for martial law/conscription. I'd lean more towards the later.

[Iphie]

Definite change in tone on Russian state media of late.



Our weapons are still effective (despite everything), Putin isn't being told the truth about what is going on, all our lives are in danger, not sure how tehy can win the war.

Not sure if they are starting to panic or if it is laying the groundwork for martial law/conscription. I'd lean more towards the later.

Not sure about that really, you can see in the clip that a few are not convinced by the host(?). I hope it's just a last gasp and they'll move towards de-escalation. Also 'We're not shelling Kyiv or Kharkiv'...euh, yes you do, don't lie (Oh, wait...russians...) and the few times Belgorod oblast got hit that could have come just as easily from Belgorod while trying to shell Kharkiv.

[korijenkins]

Like half the global population since China + India are what now ? 3 billions or 4 combined ? Then you add Africa country which have no love for westerners.

Not 3. 1 country in Africa sided with Russia, about half abstained, and the other half voted to condemn Russia. Almost all of South America and central America voted to condemn. Most of the middle-east, southeast Asia, most of the Oceanic nations. But sure, half the world sided with Russia, if you count the peasant farmers in India and China who don't even know what year it is.

- - - Updated - - -

And once again it seems the Russians are not to be trusted. It looks like they may be planning on going back on their deal, made through the UN and the Red Cross, to end the Azovstal siege. The defenders were conditionally surrendering under the agreement that they would be exchanged for Russian PoWs but now, after the fact, Russia media and politicians are wanting the Azov regiment named an official terrorist organisation, the banning of releasing of prisoner swaps and the establishment of Donetsk Nuremburg trials.

Executing prisoners under some absurd pretense of war crimes won't save them from the angry Ukrainians who have no reason not to fully crush the shitball "republics" in Donbas and re-take Crimea like they could've at any point between 2014 and the start of the invasion.

[Yunru]

Some war footage (russans die in this video):


If its all over the front like this, russans will not last much longer.

[Lahis]

Some war footage (russans die in this video):


If its all over the front like this, russans will not last much longer.

Good, good.

[jonnysensible]

If its all over the front like this, russans will not last much longer.

Ukranians are doing well around Kharkiv but badly in the donbas.

Lyman and Severodonetsk dont look good but there might be a counter offensive at Izyum to worry the russians

[Corvus]

The first Russian soldier being charged for warcrimes in Ukraine has pled guilty to the charges brought against him.

- - - Updated - - -

Ukranians are doing well around Kharkiv but badly in the donbas.

Lyman and Severodonetsk dont look good but there might be a counter offensive at Izyum to worry the russians

Russians are still taking heavy losses for their advances.

Reportedly up north, the Ukrainians have (successfully) crossed the Donets river in two places and are moving to cut the critical Belgorod-Izyum supply line.