Russian invasion of Ukraine

[Mazza]

Yes US and Western Europa is replacsing its old F-16 with new F-35, so there will be loots of surplus F-16.

Not sure how fast that will happen though. For Belgium it was mentioned in our news just this week that at the moment none of our F-16's are spare. Yes, they will be replaced by F-35's but those aren't here yet. Hell, Belgian pilots aren't scheduled to start training (in the US) with the first 8 Belgian F-35's until later this year and actual deployment in Belgium isn't planned until 2025. I don't know if the circumstances (Ukraine needing F-16's) might expedite that but this schedule is from november last year, so pretty recent.

The Netherlands are a few years ahead on that schedule and already have operational F-35's if I read it correctly so maybe some of their F-16's are available?

[YUPPIE]

Why is Zelenksy everywhere lately? France, Saudi Arabia, and now Japan (for G7) the next day after.

Or rather, how is he getting around so quickly.

Anyway, as some have commentated on his visits, what's notable is he always looks extremely unhappy and there's little in the way of formality from his receptors or himself; very curt and to the point

Considering Japan's values on courtesy, it is pretty surprising there was none and they got right to the point.

[Forogil]

Why is Zelenksy everywhere lately? France, Saudi Arabia, and now Japan (for G7) the next day after.

Or rather, how is he getting around so quickly

He is flying. Air-planes can be used for other things than bombings.

[MCMLXXXII]

He is flying. Air-planes can be used for other things than bombings.

Mind. Blown. In all seriousness, this shows how little Russia poses a threat. Zelensky flying around the world and they can't do shit about it.

[Corvus]

He flew to Japan aboard a French airforce plane.

[Iphie]

He flew to Japan aboard a French airforce plane.

I mean that's about as safe as he can get now, sitting in a NATO plane, russia isn't likely to down that.

[Gorsameth]

And when leaving the Netherlands he used a Dutch plane.

[YUPPIE]

I don't think the planes and their allegiances have anything to do with his safety, it's just the security and secrecy that does that.

If Zelenksy were unsecurely and publicly flying place to place, regardless of that plane's allegiances (NATO, etc), I 100% assure Russia will try to down it and then say they didn't do it. We KNOW they've done this before.

[Elder Millennial]

Or rather, how is he getting around so quickly.

It's called an AEROPLANE, a big metal tube that flies in the sky.

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I don't think the planes and their allegiances have anything to do with his safety, it's just the security and secrecy that does that.

If Zelenksy were unsecurely and publicly flying place to place, regardless of that plane's allegiances (NATO, etc), I 100% assure Russia will try to down it and then say they didn't do it. We KNOW they've done this before.

No. Russia is not going to try to shoot down a plane in international airspace or SOMEONE ELSE'S airspace. Especially if it's a diplomatic flight that is probably flying under the flag of third country.

I know you think Russia is "stronk", but even assuming they could somehow shoot a plane down halfway across the world (which they can't) they wouldn't.

[Gabriel]

I don't think the planes and their allegiances have anything to do with his safety, it's just the security and secrecy that does that.

If Zelenksy were unsecurely and publicly flying place to place, regardless of that plane's allegiances (NATO, etc), I 100% assure Russia will try to down it and then say they didn't do it. We KNOW they've done this before.

Lol. Lmao even.

[Kallisto]

I don't think the planes and their allegiances have anything to do with his safety, it's just the security and secrecy that does that.

If Zelenksy were unsecurely and publicly flying place to place, regardless of that plane's allegiances (NATO, etc), I 100% assure Russia will try to down it and then say they didn't do it. We KNOW they've done this before.

Map of eurasia, with how Zelensky went to Arabia first I have a question. At what point was he within range of any Russian missile if they were stupid enough to fire at him, also I guess he likely went over China but decided to see if he did a going around China.

[Corvus]

China did actually allow him to fly over China.

[Kallisto]

China did actually allow him to fly over China.

Well stand corrected but at the same time still wouldn't be anywhere near Russia.

[Corvus]

Not just China, but Myanmar as well. You know, pooties 'allies'.

https://twitter.com/yarotrof/status/...972626432?s=20

On top of that, China held a central Asian summit, where all the nations pledged tighter co-operation and development. Russia wasn't invited. Yeah, russia has lost central Asia to China.

[jonnysensible]

on a side note : https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...P=share_btn_tw

anyone killing russian/wagner troops, assassinating russian regime propagandists and attacking russian war infrastructure is a hero. (including partisan russians!)

[YUPPIE]

does russian rhetoric mean anything anymore? I mean they keep saying something about how the West has crossed the line, but it seems fruitless to post context without action

[Kaleredar]

does russian rhetoric mean anything anymore? I mean they keep saying something about how the West has crossed the line, but it seems fruitless to post context without action

Hmmm, Russia has been at this a bit over a year. And ask yourself, in that period of time, has Russia ever done anything like what you're asking?

Now, what did we practice saying to ourselves when Russia makes a claim, sweety pie?

[Gabriel]

does russian rhetoric mean anything anymore? I mean they keep saying something about how the West has crossed the line, but it seems fruitless to post context without action

It never did.

[Iphie]

Not just China, but Myanmar as well. You know, pooties 'allies'.

https://twitter.com/yarotrof/status/...972626432?s=20

On top of that, China held a central Asian summit, where all the nations pledged tighter co-operation and development. Russia wasn't invited. Yeah, russia has lost central Asia to China.

Curious question, we all know NK is leashed by China, so all of their supportive bluster is worth what in the end?

As for Central Asia, russia is now truly surrounded and one of the blocs surrounding it is led by a ruthless capitalist who just got russia to give concessions with regards to Vladivostok.

[Lynarii]

Hmmm, Russia has been at this a bit over a year. And ask yourself, in that period of time, has Russia ever done anything like what you're asking?

Now, what did we practice saying to ourselves when Russia makes a claim, sweety pie?

They ask "Does russian rhetoric mean anything anymore?" like once every other week. Desperate for any answer but the one that we all know to be true.

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Curious question, we all know NK is leashed by China, so all of their supportive bluster is worth what in the end?

As for Central Asia, russia is now truly surrounded and one of the blocs surrounding it is led by a ruthless capitalist who just got russia to give concessions with regards to Vladivostok.

Their bluster has some value. You have to keep in mind that China has no problem with Russia being aided, they just don't want to get sanctioned themselves for doing it. So NK sending weaponry is just fine, and I wouldn't be surprised if China is slipping in a few boxes of superconductors and microchips at way above premium prices under the table. (But then, I wouldn't be surprised to find US companies doing the same either. We are the world's premier arms dealer.)