Here's the link he took from my post a bit up:
https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...norwegian-army
Remember when Putin screamed it was time for a new world order? Well, South Africa has sworn allegiance to that in a departure from its previous claims
On the first day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, the South African government demanded an immediate Russian withdrawal. It warned that the Russian military action would cause “human suffering and destruction” and huge damage to the global economy. But since then, South Africa has refused to repeat this criticism, instead choosing to abstain in UN votes, while calling for dialogue and negotiations.
On Monday, when asked whether she had repeated any of her original criticism to the Russian foreign minister, Ms. Pandor said she would seem “quite simplistic and infantile” if she did so – “given the massive transfer of arms” to Ukraine from its allies.
She said her talks with Mr. Lavrov were “wonderful” and she described South Africa as a friend of Russia with a strengthening relationship. Mr. Lavrov, for his part, had only praise for South Africa and its stand on global issues.
Funny how this comes on the heels of their veiled threat to Turkey and you people being so adamant that they would be crushed like insects. Now they have South Africa to potentially bolster their numbers and resources. Although, to be fair, months ago I did list South Africa as one of Russia's "new world order" allies next to Iran and NK even though that was when it felt like Africa was more coerced into an alliance than agreeing to it.
"Truth...justice, honor, freedom! Vain indulgences, every one(...) I know what I want, and I take it. I take advantage of whatever I can, and discard that which I cannot. There is no room for sentiment or guilt."
Seems Germany finally decided not only to allow others to send Leopard 2s but to send some of their own too.
Reuters
Oh no, whatever will we do, if african nations are dumb enough to think Russia is a friend, not an exploiter. With South Africa, Russia will surely be unstoppable...
Meanwhile in reality:
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe...el-2023-01-24/
Your move, Putin.Germany to send Leopard tanks to Kyiv, allow others to do so
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has decided to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and allow other countries such as Poland to do so while the U.S. may supply Abrams tanks, magazine Spiegel reported on Tuesday.
The state of Africa is polarizing since Morocco also sent tanks to Ukraine instead
Also, the news of Scholz giving in is a huge fucking deal, especially after his reluctance and the Kremlin openly threatening Germany over the tanks. I will be vigilant in seeing what their response is, unless they already have made a statement/vow.
"Truth...justice, honor, freedom! Vain indulgences, every one(...) I know what I want, and I take it. I take advantage of whatever I can, and discard that which I cannot. There is no room for sentiment or guilt."
Hurry up though pooty, the US is joining in the gift giving fun.
I meant the state of African affairs. They go back and forth often so it's hard to tell how much of it swears allegiance to Putin.
Also
"Putin will do fuck all"
Never underestimate him given his track record. Note that doesn't mean competency, I just mean what abhorrent levers he might pull since you believe he's exhausted all of them.
"Truth...justice, honor, freedom! Vain indulgences, every one(...) I know what I want, and I take it. I take advantage of whatever I can, and discard that which I cannot. There is no room for sentiment or guilt."
Good to see the Leopards have been freed to stalk their traditional prey. And there is talk of 40-50 Abrams as well. All these different weapon systems are going to be hard to keep supplied, maintained etc but you'd rather have that problem than not have tanks.
And with he tank issue done with for now, there is talk that discussions about new fighters are being worked on. Could we hear about F16s soon?
In before yuppie with “but ze nukez!”.
I more and more doubt Russia’s nuclear capabilities. Not because they haven’t pushed that big red button, but because Russia sucks at maintenance.
Most nukes use tritium to start the reaction. Tritium has a 12.5 year halflife. Every 10-20 years it needs to be replaced, or the nuke becomes worthless.
Tritium is freaking expensive, and it would be SO easy for some aparachik to go “well hmmmm… i just got 10 billion to maintain these warheads that we’re never gonna use, ooooooor….”
Boom, 200 meter yacht.
Considering how the rest of Russias defense maintenance has gone… yea……..
Expanding just a bit; it might even be government policy not to maintain them. America committed to the space race partly to bankrupt the USSR. Russia claiming they have working nukes does:
1) serve as a HUGE deterrent because nobody wanna find out if the big stick is real.
2) move the USA to spend billions upon billions to maintain their stock.
Last edited by Veggie50; 2023-01-24 at 09:56 PM.
how useful are f16's tho?
both sides arent using airpower for much more than long range missile fire because of the risk of being shot down.
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i think its because russia isnt suicidal. There is no threat to its territory (not counting the pretend annexed regions). Putin wants to be rich, powerful, famous etc not dead.
"Truth...justice, honor, freedom! Vain indulgences, every one(...) I know what I want, and I take it. I take advantage of whatever I can, and discard that which I cannot. There is no room for sentiment or guilt."