Colors of Blue and Gold

[Rick Plant]

Ukraine war: Teens used to report Russian propaganda
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65675102

[Richard Smith]

We weren't defending a democracy in Vietnam, nor Afghanistan, nor Iraq. For the first time in my life, we are supporting a democracy. So this is that one time, the one time, I don't want to withhold our support.

The Ukrainians don't support the war? Then why did so many escort their families over the border, when the war started, then turned around and returned to fight for Ukraine. Why is a much smaller country than Russia, able to get as many men to join the fight as Russia gets. And Russia is forced to use convicts and mercenaries to get somewhere near equal numbers.

Back in the 1990's, every province of Ukraine was given a chance to vote to stay in Russia or join Ukraine. And every province, including Crimea, voted to join Ukraine. Every one/

Most Ukrainian Russian speakers don't want to join Russia. Some do, but most don't. And those who do are free to move to Russia after the war if they want to. So everyone can be accomendated. Something that won't happen if Russia gets it's way, take over all of Ukraine. If it can't accomplish this year, or this decade, it will take what it can get now and go get the rest later.

When western reporters interview Russia speaking Ukrainians and refer to them as "Russian Ukrainians", the Ukrainians usually interrupt them, and inform them that they are not "Russian Ukrainians" but are "Ukrainians who speak Russian". And are "Ukrainians who support Ukraine and do not wish to go back to being Russians".

Sure, some Russian speaking Ukrainians do want Russia to win. But most do not. And yet, you pretend that all Russian speaking Ukrainians want Russia to win.

I marginally supported the war against Afghanistan. Because Afghanistan used and sheltered those who attacked us. And I have always been against the war in Iraq. And would support leaving Iraq tomorrow, assuming this doesn't endanger the Democrats in the 2024 elections. But the one war I want to see supported is the one in Ukraine. Let's not make the one war we drop out of the one that supports a democracy.

It's incorrect to claim we were not supporting "democracy" in places like Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. That was the whole narrative.  We were saving Vietnam from the Commies.  We were liberating Afghanistan and Iraq from dictators and terrorists.   Remember all the propaganda when Afghans voted and had those blue marks on their fingers?  No one is "pretending" that all Russian speaking Ukranians want Russia to win.  Many likely prefer it to the total destruction of their homes and deaths of their families.  These wars are pointless and costly.  Nothing good ever comes of it.  There is no way for the US to force an end.  It will go on for as long as the Russians wish to continue it.   

[Rick Plant]

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ‘strategic failure’, says US Secretary of State - BBC News

Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has been described as a “strategic failure” by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

During an address in Finland, which is Nato's newest member, Blinken also said the invasion had weakened Russia diplomatically, economically and militarily.

Watch:

[Jon Banks]

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ‘strategic failure’, says US Secretary of State - BBC News

A failure for who?

The US, which armed Ukraine and sanctioned Russia (after the Crimea annexation) in order to deter Putin's aggression?

Or Putin, who probably didn't expect the war to last more than a few weeks?

At the end of the day, the biggest losers in this war are the Ukrainians...
 

[Richard Smith]

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ‘strategic failure’, says US Secretary of State - BBC News

Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has been described as a “strategic failure” by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

During an address in Finland, which is Nato's newest member, Blinken also said the invasion had weakened Russia diplomatically, economically and militarily.

What else is he going to say?  That he and Biden made a terrible mistake and have no clue what to do?  They are at the mercy of Putin to determine how long the war continues and have no plan or policy other than to wait it out?  Putin must pinch himself when he sees the weak Biden clown show.   Old Joe falling and rolling around on the ground.  The Russians must laugh themselves silly. 

[Martin Weidmann]

A failure for who?

The US, which armed Ukraine and sanctioned Russia (after the Crimea annexation) in order to deter Putin's aggression?

Or Putin, who probably didn't expect the war to last more than a few weeks?

At the end of the day, the biggest losers in this war are the Ukrainians...

At the end of the day, the biggest losers in this war are the Ukrainians...

Agreed. Which is exactly why they have to get all the help the need.

[Richard Smith]

At the end of the day, the biggest losers in this war are the Ukrainians...

Agreed. Which is exactly why they have to get all the help the need.

Too bad then that "Europe" has checked out.  The kind of "help" Ukraine needs is a path to end the war.  Not continue it indefinitely with no clear plan or policy.