Ukraine

[Goldhedge]

Putin Chooses between a Series of Bad Options

Jeffrey D. McCausland

Abstract​

Now that Vladimir Putin has chosen a path of escalation in his unnecessary war of aggression against Ukraine, it is imperative Western policymakers know the consequences and how he might escalate further. This article examines recent events on the battlefield; the implications of the announced annexation of territory, mobilization of forces, and threats to employ “all means” to defend Russian territory; the domestic ramifications and Russian thinking on “hybrid warfare”; and the possible weaponization of food and energy as Putin determines future escalatory steps. It will assist American and European leaders in determining policies to deal with the ongoing crisis at this moment and prepare for an uncertain future.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)​

10.55540/0031-1723.3179

Recommended Citation​

Jeffrey D. McCausland, "Putin Chooses between a Series of Bad Options," Parameters 52, no. 4 (2022), doi:10.55540/0031-1723.3179.

Read full manuscript here:

Putin Chooses between a Series of Bad Options

Now that Vladimir Putin has chosen a path of escalation in his unnecessary war of aggression against Ukraine, it is imperative Western policymakers know the consequences and how he might escalate further. This article examines recent events on the battlefield; the implications of the announced...

press.armywarcollege.edu

I read the whole thing.

Nothing new here. It's the west's propaganda vs the east's propaganda.

 

[Goldhedge]

Please don't tell me the USA bears primary responsibility for the revolution because Victoria Nuland handed out sandwiches and cookies.

is this what you mean about sandwiches and cookies?

Nuland-Pyatt leaked phone conversation _COMPLETE with SUBTITLES​

5m

 

[cheka]

is this what you mean about sandwiches and cookies?

Nuland-Pyatt leaked phone conversation _COMPLETE with SUBTITLES​

5m

funny how the 2014 cia coup and removal of the elected ukr government has been memory-holed. it was a hot topic for us back then - and now still fresh on the mind to those that kept up with it at the time

 

[pmbug]

is this what you mean about sandwiches and cookies?

No, I meant literal sandwiches and cookies. She was photographed during the protests handing them out but I'm sure you knew that.

Yeah, I'm aware of the leaked phone call. I don't hear anything in that call that is smoking gun evidence that implicates the USA with primary responsibility for the revolution.

 

[Goldhedge]

Yeah, I'm aware of the leaked phone call. I don't hear anything in that call that is smoking gun evidence that implicates the USA with primary responsibility for the revolution.

What I heard was plotting by the US to use Ukraine in spite of the Russians... but that's probably just me.

 

[pmbug]

 

[Unca Walt]

Two issues:

My mind is open on a supposed Ukrainian kill list. But I don't believe things because just a known/accused propagandist interviewed a girl who claims it to be true. I've got a higher standard for evidence than that. So I asked if there was any evidence presented other than her claim. The onus isn't on me to play detective to prove the veracity of your claim.

I know that governments do bad shit. During war, even more so. All governments. There are no pristine pastures to plant a flag. You want to excoriate one country for supposedly doing bad shit? Your call. It's not intellectually honest though if you turn a blind eye to everyone else getting away with murder (like Russia poisoning people with Polonium, or Saudi Arabia literally hacking a dude to pieces in their embassy).

Yup. I was thinking Koshoggi in that regard... But somehow, I do not see a 14-year old girl being stifled any harder than Facebook or Twitter. I'd have to get some more hard data on this list.

 

[Goldhedge]

exposing the 'dirty bomb' program makes it difficult for them to implement it. (baiting NATO into the conflict)

CIA Burns, secret trip. Putin, battering ram against Russia. South Africa ignores sanctions. U/1​

30m

 

[Unca Walt]

Regarding Nazi presence... I HAVE seen a tank emblazoned and sojers wearing the swastika. They were most ricky-tick NOT Russian.

NATO posts image of Ukrainian soldier wearing Nazi insignia; deletes it later

The official Twitter account of NATO shared a picture of a Ukrainian woman soldier with a Nazi insignia emblazoned on her uniform | OpIndia News

www.opindia.com

"Germans were confronted with images of their country’s dark past on Monday night, when German public broadcaster ZDF showed video of Ukrainian soldiers with Nazi symbols on their helmets in its evening newscast."

 

[Goldhedge]

I've seen videos with a lot of guys with Nazi tats all over their bodies in yellow & blue uniforms.

Don't know if that means they're Nazi's, or they just like Nazi tats...?

 

[Goldhedge]

Peace is not an option...

Romanian defense minister resigns, pressured after Ukraine comment​

Reuters

Romanian Minister of Defence Vasile Dincu delivers a speech during a joint press statement with the French Minister of Defence Florence Parly (not pictured), in Bucharest, Romania, January 27, 2022. Inquam Photos/Octav Ganea via REUTERS/File Photo

BUCHAREST, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Romanian Defence Minister Vasile Dincu resigned on Monday, saying he could not collaborate with the country's president, amid pressure weeks after he said Ukraine's only chance to end the war was to negotiate with Russia.

European Union and NATO state Romania shares a 650-kilometre (400 mile) border with Ukraine, is host to a U.S. ballistic missile defense system and, as of this year, has had a permanent alliance battlegroup stationed on its territory.

Romanian defense minister resigns, pressured after Ukraine comment

Romanian Defence Minister Vasile Dincu resigned on Monday, saying he could not collaborate with the country's president, amid pressure weeks after he said Ukraine's only chance to end the war was to negotiate with Russia.

www.reuters.com

 

[Unca Walt]

Archeologists thousands of years in the future will be going through all the records of the extinct human race and spend much time asking each other:

Why did they develop chemically explosive weapons designed to kill themselves?

Why did they develop gases poisonous to themselves?

Why did they develop fission, then fusion weapons with no possible positive end for them?

Why did they develop viral diseases and non-cures to destroy most of them and warp/alter their RNA?

The largest WHY: Why did they use ALL of these things on themselves repeatedly until they died?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The only conclusion must in some way address the apparent suicidal racial insanity.

 

[Goldhedge]

Archeologists thousands of years in the future

Alien archeologists no doubt...

 

[Goldhedge]

Business continues in spite of sanctions...

Russian delegation discusses wheat export to Pakistan​

Expresses willingness to import potatoes and increase the import of rice from Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:
A Russian delegation met with National Food Security Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema on Wednesday for talks on export of wheat to Pakistan and import of Pakistan rice and potato.

The delegation, comprising Prodintorg representatives Yousuf Asif and Hamid Ali, Agriculture Attache at Russian Embassy Aleksei Kudriavtsev and the Attache Alexander, also discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The delegation expressed willingness to exchange food basket commodities in the form of barter trade. Pakistan and Russia could mutually benefit from increasing trade cooperation in agriculture, Prodintorg representatives Asif said.

The Russian delegation offered to export wheat to Pakistan to resolve the food security problem. Asif said that Russia was the largest wheat exporter, and it can help Pakistan under a government-to-government framework.

Russia is a major importer of potatoes, he told the minister, and expressed willingness to import potatoes from Pakistan. He also said that Russia looked forward to increasing the import of rice from Pakistan.

more

Russian delegation discusses wheat export to Pakistan | The Express Tribune

Expresses willingness to import potatoes and increase the import of rice from Pakistan

tribune.com.pk

 

[Goldhedge]

Well, well, well...

In Stunning Strategy Reversal, Pentagon Will No Longer Rule Out Use Of Nuclear Weapons Against Non-Nuclear Threat​

BY TYLER DURDEN
THURSDAY, OCT 27, 2022 - 10:05 AM

Well, we're finally there: stocks are officially trading off nuclear war headlines.

Moments ago, as part of his closely-watched speech, Vladimir Putin appeared to talk down the likelihood of a nuclear attack in Ukraine:

• *PUTIN: NO POLITICAL, MILITARY REASON IN NUKE STRIKE IN UKRAINE

Which, however, is more than can be said about the US.

As Bloomberg just reported, the Pentagon's new National Defense Strategy rejects limits on using nuclear weapons long championed by arms control advocates (and, in the not too distant past, by Joe Bide) citing burgeoning threats from Russia and China.

“By the 2030s the United States will, for the first time in its history face two major nuclear powers as strategic competitors and potential adversaries,” the Defense Department said in the long-awaited document issued Thursday. In response, the US will “maintain a very high bar for nuclear employment” without ruling out using the weapons in retaliation to a non-nuclear strategic threat to the homeland, US forces abroad or allies.

In yet another stark reversal for the senile occupant of the White House basement, in his 2020 presidential campaign Biden had pledged to declare that the US nuclear arsenal should be used only to deter or retaliate against a nuclear attack, a position blessed by progressive Democrats and reviled by defense hawks. But, like with every other position held by the pathological liar who even trumps Trump in the untruth department, this one has just been reversed as well as "the threat environment has changed dramatically since then" and the Pentagon strategy was forged in cooperation with the flip-flopping White House.

Zerohedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

 

[Unca Walt]

Like I said: Extinct.

Does anybody really REALLY know what the argument is about?

 

[pmbug]

...
The largest WHY: Why did they use ALL of these things on themselves repeatedly until they died? ...

 

[pmbug]

Re: Nukes - sounds like the political gamesmanship between east and west just went up a notch.

 

[spinalcracker]

Archeologists thousands of years in the future will be going through all the records of the extinct human race and spend much time asking each other:

Why did they develop chemically explosive weapons designed to kill themselves?

Why did they develop gases poisonous to themselves?

Why did they develop fission, then fusion weapons with no possible positive end for them?

Why did they develop viral diseases and non-cures to destroy most of them and warp/alter their RNA?

The largest WHY: Why did they use ALL of these things on themselves repeatedly until they died?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The only conclusion must in some way address the apparent suicidal racial insanity.

someone wants us humans dead

does anyone know who They are?

my best guess is some rogue aliens or leftover giants are in charge and their headquarters are under the Arctic ice

the next question would be Why do They want us humans dead?

 

[pmbug]

... the next question would be Why do They want us humans dead?

 

[Joe King]

In Stunning Strategy Reversal, Pentagon Will No Longer Rule Out Use Of Nuclear Weapons Against Non-Nuclear Threat

It's been my understanding that we have always had a first-strike policy, when it comes to nuclear weapons. Just sounds as if they are reaffirming it.

The only real way to "win" a nuclear war, is to be the first to use them.

 

[Goldhedge]

The only real way to "win" a nuclear war, is to be the first to use them.

Unless the other guy has hypersonic missiles...

 

[Goldhedge]

Nutshell: Garland thinks the US will use and abuse Ukraine like a red-headed step child and then abandon them on a street corner in some slum neighborhood to fend for itself. Talks about cancel culture being a tool of oppression for everyone, not just blacks. Interesting discussion between a conservative and a liberal.

Last 1/4: Garland says the elite want to destroy Europe. Once it is worthless, they'll come in and buy it up for pennies on the dollar.

The Roundtable #32: Garland Nixon​

1:30:00

 

[pmbug]

Fining people for listening/watching/reading propaganda... Hmmm.... Maybe I could retire early... /sarc

 

[Goldhedge]

Andrei speaks about the fear-mongering of nuclear war and impending doom between the US and Russia holding drills that have been planned in advance for a long time. Rumors are being spread are to improve 'clicks' on websites.

Putin and 26 Year Olds​

Dispelling some rumors. About 26 year olds (I also was young and stupid). Slightly personal.
31m

 

[Goldhedge]

iEarlGray covers the following points

EU Gas Market Implosion Warning. Dissecting Western Lies and Propaganda​

Links in video
Is there a bubble in the European gas market?
Rumours of an energy glut are greatly exaggerated: https://tinyurl.com/25frqqr8
Is Another Gas Glut on the Horizon? High prices have prompted investment in new LNG supply, but it could all be too much if Russian gas finds a route back to market or buyers succeed in cutting their demand: https://tinyurl.com/223ar8g4
Oil Market and Russian Supply: https://tinyurl.com/y7d9hjqj
Crude Oil Dec 22 (CL=F): https://tinyurl.com/2dm68j2x
Ford finalizes exit from Russia: https://tinyurl.com/2aqtj9lk
17m

 

[Goldbrix]

Archeologists thousands of years in the future will be going through all the records of the extinct human race and spend much time asking each other:

Why did they develop chemically explosive weapons designed to kill themselves?

Why did they develop gases poisonous to themselves?

Why did they develop fission, then fusion weapons with no possible positive end for them?

Why did they develop viral diseases and non-cures to destroy most of them and warp/alter their RNA?

The largest WHY: Why did they use ALL of these things on themselves repeatedly until they died?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The only conclusion must in some way address the apparent suicidal racial insanity.

I've thought this for decades now. That the human race is on a suicide mission of total self-destruction. Way before the sun ever gets the chance with a big direct CME.
FAUCI and Big Pharma make Jos. Mengela look like a Cub Scout.
Media and the Fabian Socialists/ WEF /UK/Bidet/... promoting an atomic war.
And their Greenie cousins want folks to eat bugs as protein.
Yes, It is only a matter of time. Could be within OUR lifetimes.
Tic, Toc,Tic, Toc,....

 

[Bigfoot]

Ukraine part starts @ 12:30m

THE REAL ANTHONY FAUCI - UPDATES FROM RUSSIA - NORMALIZATION OF COVID​

Rilley Waggaman aka Edward Slavsquat on RFK Jr's book and movie, The Real Anthony Fauci; what's happening in Russia re Sputnik V and the anticipated return of Covid; Adverse effects of the jab.

Edward Slavsquat's blog you do not want to miss: https://edwardslavsquat.substack.com/
42m

I really respect Waggaman and Tremblay for asking the questions that need to be asked and going to a psychologically uncomfortable place. I think it's quite possible that executive leadership of Russia, China, and the US are all controlled by the people behind Davos. I've been hoping that it wasn't true. However, if it is true, it explains more than if it isn't.

Why is Putin pro-vaccine?
Why is Xi pro-lockdown?

In terms of building a strong Russia and China it doesn't make sense. But, in terms of implementing UN Agenda 2030, it does make sense.

 

[cheka]

homeland 1.0 and homeland 2.0 ganging up on syria

both of (their) homelands are terrist states

Zerohedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

Israel Attacks Syrian Capital For 3rd Time Since Friday After Zelensky Claims It's Soft On Terror​

 

[SongSungAu]

Well, well, well...

In Stunning Strategy Reversal, Pentagon Will No Longer Rule Out Use Of Nuclear Weapons Against Non-Nuclear Threat​

BY TYLER DURDEN
THURSDAY, OCT 27, 2022 - 10:05 AM

Well, we're finally there: stocks are officially trading off nuclear war headlines.

Moments ago, as part of his closely-watched speech, Vladimir Putin appeared to talk down the likelihood of a nuclear attack in Ukraine:

• *PUTIN: NO POLITICAL, MILITARY REASON IN NUKE STRIKE IN UKRAINE

Which, however, is more than can be said about the US.

As Bloomberg just reported, the Pentagon's new National Defense Strategy rejects limits on using nuclear weapons long championed by arms control advocates (and, in the not too distant past, by Joe Bide) citing burgeoning threats from Russia and China.

“By the 2030s the United States will, for the first time in its history face two major nuclear powers as strategic competitors and potential adversaries,” the Defense Department said in the long-awaited document issued Thursday. In response, the US will “maintain a very high bar for nuclear employment” without ruling out using the weapons in retaliation to a non-nuclear strategic threat to the homeland, US forces abroad or allies.

In yet another stark reversal for the senile occupant of the White House basement, in his 2020 presidential campaign Biden had pledged to declare that the US nuclear arsenal should be used only to deter or retaliate against a nuclear attack, a position blessed by progressive Democrats and reviled by defense hawks. But, like with every other position held by the pathological liar who even trumps Trump in the untruth department, this one has just been reversed as well as "the threat environment has changed dramatically since then" and the Pentagon strategy was forged in cooperation with the flip-flopping White House.

Zerohedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

We (the United States) are a bunch of warmongering lunatics.

.

 

[pmbug]

 

[Bigfoot]

On what basis would it be immoral for Russia to retain parts of Ukraine?

 

[Joe King]

Those people in East Ukraine should be permitted to create their own nation, if that is what they want.

Our own nations Founding Documents fully support them doing so, and therefore we the People should support that too.

 

[pmbug]

Would it have been immoral for the USA to retain parts of Iraq? The question belies respecting sovereign borders. But that's a side issue to the point being made.

 

[pmbug]

Those people in East Ukraine should be permitted to create their own nation, if that is what they want. ...

Sure, but it should be a free and uncoerced process. Not one done under duress by a foreign power.

 

[Joe King]

Would it have been immoral for the USA to retain parts of Iraq? The question belies respecting sovereign borders. But that's a side issue to the point being made.

Isn't the fact we invaded Iraq at all, evidence that we did not respect their border?

How do you invade a nation while simultainously respecting its border? Those two actions seem to be at odds with each other, imho.

 

[pmbug]

@Joe King - I think you are getting lost in the weeds for argument's sake. The only way you could justify Russia annexing parts of a foreign country as moral is if you don't think the foreign country was legitimate to begin with (what I meant by respecting their sovereign border). That's Putin's position and the reason that Professor Light is saying negotiation isn't possible. You have to click on the twitter embed to read the rest of his comments (~11 tweets) to understand his point.

 

[pmbug]

They can (or will be able to) tweet again (just not anything critical of Russia, Russian leadership or the war).

 

[Goldhedge]

Why is Putin pro-vaccine?
Why is Xi pro-lockdown?

Maybe the Russian vax actually works? Or maybe he's giving big pharma enough rope?
Xi pro lockdown? Maybe he knows something we don't?

We (the United States) are a bunch of warmongering lunatics.

I'm having a hard time disagreeing with what Putin is saying here...

Russia annexing parts of a foreign country

The people voted to annex to Russia. I realize the west calls it different, but they did vote and Russia accepted their vote.

It would be like California voting to join Mexico (not a far stretch). Would I care? Not at all, it's almost Mexico already.

 

[Goldhedge]

The quiet part nobody has said yet...

[Forwarded from Chronicles Of The Conflict]
[ Photo ]
Volodin: Ukraine completely lost its independence and is occupied by NATO

“The country became a US colony. Orders to Kiev are given from Washington. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are controlled by the Pentagon,” said the Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin.

Kiev regime cannot independently fulfill social obligations to its citizens, pay salaries and pensions, he added. The financial system of the country is destroyed:

“More than $100 billion of debt needs to be repaid. Interest rates on loans rise every day."

There is no money to pay for this, as Zelensky says, “not a cent.” And the interest accrue every day.