Russian invasion of Ukraine

[PhaelixWW]

I think Corvus means it is because all russian hardware looks like dogshit to the world now, and no one wants it.

I wasn't disagreeing, though I guess my snark was kinda vague.

I was just bolstering the point by contrasting Russia's losses with US gains.

[alach]

I wasn't disagreeing, though I guess my snark was kinda vague.

I was just bolstering the point by contrasting Russia's losses with US gains.

Ah, my bad. I should have known better as I communicate nearly exclusively in sarcasm. Carry on, then.

[Corvus]

I think Corvus means it is because all russian hardware looks like dogshit to the world now, and no one wants it.

That and they have nothing to spare.

[Voidwielder]

By this point, I just assume Zelensky sent Trump a map with a huge X where the pirate treasure is buried.
There's 0 mistake in Ze promising him mineral rights for stuff in Luhansk. Looney Toons logic is the only functional one for this admin.

[Lahis]

More bad news for russia. Putin's plan was to outlast the west, looks like Ukraine will outlast them.

Russian economy meltdown as shopping malls face bankruptcy and bond yields surge

And,

Russia is on pace to run out of financial reserves by this fall, which would cripple war efforts, economist says

Trump will soon send aid to them. Can't let his pal/boss down in a time of need.

[Wilian]

More bad news for russia. Putin's plan was to outlast the west, looks like Ukraine will outlast them.

Russian economy meltdown as shopping malls face bankruptcy and bond yields surge

And,

Russia is on pace to run out of financial reserves by this fall, which would cripple war efforts, economist says

Ideally this will have profound effect on their capability to wage war but I still doubt it has the wholly desired outcome because of both willingness & "necessity" of Russias allies to keep things rolling as is. Average Russian will of course suffer but russians as people have multi-generational conditioning running through centuries to abuse, misery and despair to a point it's practically part of their DNA so in terms of population turning against war in meaningful way despite the deep shit they have to (and should) swallow is unlikely.

[Ivanstone]

Average Russian will of course suffer but russians as people have multi-generational conditioning running through centuries to abuse, misery and despair to a point it's practically part of their DNA so in terms of population turning against war in meaningful way despite the deep shit they have to (and should) swallow is unlikely.

https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/...-with-children
I'm reminded of the Russian version of Married with Children (titled Happy Together).
"See, the American psyche is, “If I work hard and believe in my dream, I can make anything happen,” but the Russian persona is different — it’s, “I can overcome anything. I can suffer through anything.” That’s their badge of honor and that’s why Married… with Children resonated with them, because Al was this long-suffering character."

There were problems with localization however:
"Another really important thing we had to change was that Al Bundy was against the local, state and federal government — in Russia, absolutely not. Those jokes had to go. "

[Iphie]

Ideally this will have profound effect on their capability to wage war but I still doubt it has the wholly desired outcome because of both willingness & "necessity" of Russias allies to keep things rolling as is. Average Russian will of course suffer but russians as people have multi-generational conditioning running through centuries to abuse, misery and despair to a point it's practically part of their DNA so in terms of population turning against war in meaningful way despite the deep shit they have to (and should) swallow is unlikely.

Reportedly both Russia and India stopped buying oil, and Kim is apparently appalled by the meat wave tactics his sdoldiers are sent on. (Mind you I couldn't find an exact quote to corroberate this but the irony, if true, is not lost on me. https://x.com/inside_nk/status/1886122370634514501)

[alach]

I have been firm in my belief that russia and putin started this war as a land grab as a way to seize valuable ores and mineral fields.
Well, sounds like trump wants exactly the same thing.

Ukraine war briefing: Trump demands rare earths from Kyiv in exchange for aid

President Donald Trump says he wants to negotiate an agreement with Ukraine in which Kyiv guarantees supplies of rare earth metals, key elements used in electronics, in exchange for aid.

So basically, 3 years ago, tanks rolled across the border from Ukraine northern neighbour to take what they want and what is rightfully Ukraines, and now you have another superpower flexing its muscle against them. Not with tanks, but just as dangerous.
We've all known it for decades. trump is no better than putin.

I hope Ukraine gives trump the finger like the soldiers from Snake Island and they survive this to enjoy and prosper as a free and wealthy democracy with their own and not stolen, natural resources.

[Bakis]

Reportedly both Russia and India stopped buying oil, and Kim is apparently appalled by the meat wave tactics his sdoldiers are sent on. (Mind you I couldn't find an exact quote to corroberate this but the irony, if true, is not lost on me. https://x.com/inside_nk/status/1886122370634514501)

Kim got 20 000$ per soldier, an income he badly need. As do Russia who dont have to pay for injuries or death to families.

Seems to be some confusion about if he sent more very well trained troops or general troops from what I gather.
If it's the former it not a good deal and Kim will hold back until he can send regular troops + some additional training (like not running in line from drones but spread out...).

If it was regular troops Kim (and probably Putin too) realise that any current troops that got pulled off the front and all new troops need more training and probably integration. I got no clue how few (I presume) interpreters there are trying to relay orders in russian <-> north korean.

None of the forces NK can supply got any combat experience is also worth mentioning, which along with poor usage and language barriers explain the wipe out.

If their training can be bumped up to the current ways of the modern war, the usage of the troops improved etc., then its a an economic win for both Russia and NK.
They still would have to face a fully integrated and westernly backed up opponent with none of the above issues though...

[Gorsameth]

I have been firm in my belief that russia and putin started this war as a land grab as a way to seize valuable ores and mineral fields.
Well, sounds like trump wants exactly the same thing.

Ukraine war briefing: Trump demands rare earths from Kyiv in exchange for aid


So basically, 3 years ago, tanks rolled across the border from Ukraine northern neighbour to take what they want and what is rightfully Ukraines, and now you have another superpower flexing its muscle against them. Not with tanks, but just as dangerous.
We've all known it for decades. trump is no better than putin.

I hope Ukraine gives trump the finger like the soldiers from Snake Island and they survive this to enjoy and prosper as a free and wealthy democracy with their own and not stolen, natural resources.

Sure say yes. Ukraine is going to do a lot of rare earth mining for the next few years and then when the next administration rolls around you politely tell them deals signed under duress are not valid.

[Nymrohd]

Sure say yes. Ukraine is going to do a lot of rare earth mining for the next few years and then when the next administration rolls around you politely tell them deals signed under duress are not valid.

It's not like Trump needs something signed. He just needs a photo opportunity where he can convince his cultists that he got something for Ukraine aid

[Kaleredar]

I have been firm in my belief that russia and putin started this war as a land grab as a way to seize valuable ores and mineral fields.
Well, sounds like trump wants exactly the same thing.

Ukraine war briefing: Trump demands rare earths from Kyiv in exchange for aid


So basically, 3 years ago, tanks rolled across the border from Ukraine northern neighbour to take what they want and what is rightfully Ukraines, and now you have another superpower flexing its muscle against them. Not with tanks, but just as dangerous.
We've all known it for decades. trump is no better than putin.

I hope Ukraine gives trump the finger like the soldiers from Snake Island and they survive this to enjoy and prosper as a free and wealthy democracy with their own and not stolen, natural resources.

I mean all Zelensky has to say is “yeah sure, keep supplying us until Russia is beaten back to pre-war lines and we’ll totes give you the shiny rocks afterwards.”

[Deus Mortis]

I have been firm in my belief that russia and putin started this war as a land grab as a way to seize valuable ores and mineral fields.
Well, sounds like trump wants exactly the same thing.

Ukraine war briefing: Trump demands rare earths from Kyiv in exchange for aid


So basically, 3 years ago, tanks rolled across the border from Ukraine northern neighbour to take what they want and what is rightfully Ukraines, and now you have another superpower flexing its muscle against them. Not with tanks, but just as dangerous.
We've all known it for decades. trump is no better than putin.

I hope Ukraine gives trump the finger like the soldiers from Snake Island and they survive this to enjoy and prosper as a free and wealthy democracy with their own and not stolen, natural resources.

It seems it was Zelenskyy's idea back from OCT of last year......
https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news...yemnih-d-93857

The fourth point is strategic economic potential. Ukraine offers its strategic partners a special agreement for the joint protection of the country's critical resources, as well as joint investment and use of this economic potential.

This involves natural resources and critical metals worth trillions of U.S. dollars, including uranium, titanium, lithium, graphite, and other strategically valuable resources, which are a significant advantage in global competition.

“The deposits of critical resources in Ukraine, along with Ukraine's globally important energy and food production potential, are among the key predatory objectives of the Russian Federation in this war. And this is our opportunity for growth,” the President said.

This point also has a secret annex that is only shared with designated partners.

And he is still open to it from today:
https://archive.ph/PdGYc

Ukraine is open to “investment” from allies as long as they help it fight Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says, after Donald Trump demanded Kyiv supply the US with rare earth resources – critical elements used in electronics – in exchange for military aid.
The US president’s proposal has been criticised as exploiting Russia’s invasion for material gain, with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, calling the plan “selfish”. However, Ukrainian media reported that the idea may have originated in Kyiv as an incentive to keep weapon shipments flowing into the country.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump said he wanted “equalisation” from Ukraine for Washington’s “close to $300bn” in support. “We’re telling Ukraine they have very valuable rare earths,” Trump said. “We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they’re going to secure what we’re giving them with their rare earths and other things.”
It was not clear if Trump meant a deal in which Ukraine supplied minerals free of charge in exchange for US military aid, or simply agreed to sell them, possibly at a favourable rate.
On Tuesday, when asked about the proposal, Zelenskyy told reporters Ukraine was open to “investment” from “partners who help us defend our land and push the enemy back with their weapons, their presence, and sanctions packages. And this is absolutely fair.”
Zelenskyy said he had previously discussed the issue with Trump and that his teams were preparing for a visit by a US delegation.

[Sezerek]

It seems it was Zelenskyy's idea back from OCT of last year......
https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news...yemnih-d-93857


And he is still open to it from today:
https://archive.ph/PdGYc

Maybe I am stupid but I was interpreting this more in the vein of "If you help us protecting our country (including the minerals) you get dibs on trading deals when this shitshow is over" by Zelensky and not "we are giving you the minerals for free for your voluntary aid"

[Deus Mortis]

Maybe I am stupid but I was interpreting this more in the vein of "If you help us protecting our country (including the minerals) you get dibs on trading deals when this shitshow is over" by Zelensky and not "we are giving you the minerals for free for your voluntary aid"

It would most likely be agreements where western companies would come in and build the infrastructure and get a cut of the minerals mined. Pretty much just a loan that will get cashed out at a later date. It also has the benefit that if western forces build up their industry while yes they will take a cut, it also will make those countries not want to lose those areas and hopefully prevent another future invasion for those very resources. Sadly Ukraine is getting screwed no matter what they do, but I think they know that giving up the goods to western forces at least means they can keep their country while seeing investment from western countries vs Russia that will just take everything with 0 positives to Ukraine.

[Gorsameth]

Maybe I am stupid but I was interpreting this more in the vein of "If you help us protecting our country (including the minerals) you get dibs on trading deals when this shitshow is over" by Zelensky and not "we are giving you the minerals for free for your voluntary aid"

yes, its an attempt to tie Western economic interests to Ukraine so that Western nations feel more pressure to protect them, which is not a terrible idea so long as Ukraine avoids being completely exploited.

[Corvus]

Russia has issued a 'warning' to the US about any rare earth deal, which tells you everything you need to know. Apparently russia thinks it has dibs on them despite the deposits largely being in region not controlled or even claimed by russia.

[Fugus]

Glad to hear Russia going near bankrupt, the question becomes will Musk use his free reign at the treasury to send him a few billion a month or so without the public knowing to keep them going until Trump can pull out of NATO and start helping Russia more directly.

[Timester]

Russia has issued a 'warning' to the US about any rare earth deal, which tells you everything you need to know. Apparently russia thinks it has dibs on them despite the deposits largely being in region not controlled or even claimed by russia.

Of course Putin is shacking right now. Trump is a bigger loonie than he expected, that will accept any deal just to look nice on TV.

Glad to hear Russia going near bankrupt, the question becomes will Musk use his free reign at the treasury to send him a few billion a month or so without the public knowing to keep them going until Trump can pull out of NATO and start helping Russia more directly.

Honestly, Trump is even a wilder card. I truly believe that if Ukraine sells the minerals rights, he WILL do anything to make that just to look good on TV.

Trump is speedrun farming a Nobel Peace Prize, just look at his out of this solar system idea of deporting ALL palestinians just to rebuild Gaza.