My main impression is that while Putin would like to win militarily, his primary engagement is in propaganda efforts to undermine the integrity and power of the US and other liberal democratic countries. He has a KGB approach of looking for the weaknesses and amplifying them or attacking there, etc. He is a liar, poisoner, etc. This sort of contest of tearing others down while elevating his own status as well as Russia’s is fun for him, I think. It is his lifeblood, what he does. It is a crooked psychological makeup, and there is plenty of it in other countries too. These people regard themselves as the Smart Boys, but they don’t have what it takes to really lead. Instead they are parasites, users, takers and manipulators--a derivative power, codependency masquerading as leadership. Remember the photo shoots of his naked upper body as he was supposedly contesting with large animals?
He will never stop. We have to recognize what people like this are and cut them off--cut them out of our lives and those of others who are struggling to build an honest, successful country of their own.
Let's hope Putin doesn't win and let's hope China (and other countries like Iran) stays out of this very dangerous conflict. This World needs to enjoy Peace as we struggle to deal with climate change and natural disasters such as the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
This has small relation to the excellent article, but the 24th at 5pm the national opera in Kyiv has a performance: Ukraine- Free and Unbreakable....we have tickets..but given we are in Canada..friends - an artist, a soldier from front will be attending as our guests...f Putin ..
Putin cannot win..but it remains to be seen whether Ukraine can. And there is no measuring the cost ..all for the ego of one best described using some choice adjectives from a Bruce Willis movie
Oh thank you Diane for keeping your pulse on all that is going on in Ukraine militarily. You are describing really positive, hopeful winning possibilities. I would like to see development in other areas that would include ideas and ways that those in the Southeastern-Donbas region and those in Crimea can organize to feel they can decide their own fates rather than be subject to Putin. Many of them must be waking up to the lack of power and idealism in madman Putin's leadership. (Have heard they've (including some in Estonia and Moldova) had a past loyalty for what Putin has done for them since Yeltsin.)They need an articulated Purpose to exist apart from Putin's Russia. They cannot escape, and go to some neutral land. And, what can be done about Bela Russe? I watch tennis, and the Russian men are against the war. The very young manificent women players, the winner from Bela Russe, and the runner up from Russia certainly caugtht the world's attention at the Australian Open.
The Wagner group concern me - Kosovo & Serbia are anti west (NATO) & that is engrained in their minds - therefore no support for UKR. I could be wrong (that's a given) BUT until Putin is on his knees & the propaganda machine in Russia filling hate for Ukr with lies of UKR attacking RU is stopped - there will be no victory. China IS a REAL threat to this as is North Korea - Asia is a hot spot of trouble.
My main impression is that while Putin would like to win militarily, his primary engagement is in propaganda efforts to undermine the integrity and power of the US and other liberal democratic countries. He has a KGB approach of looking for the weaknesses and amplifying them or attacking there, etc. He is a liar, poisoner, etc. This sort of contest of tearing others down while elevating his own status as well as Russia’s is fun for him, I think. It is his lifeblood, what he does. It is a crooked psychological makeup, and there is plenty of it in other countries too. These people regard themselves as the Smart Boys, but they don’t have what it takes to really lead. Instead they are parasites, users, takers and manipulators--a derivative power, codependency masquerading as leadership. Remember the photo shoots of his naked upper body as he was supposedly contesting with large animals?
He will never stop. We have to recognize what people like this are and cut them off--cut them out of our lives and those of others who are struggling to build an honest, successful country of their own.
Excellent, as always
Let's hope Putin doesn't win and let's hope China (and other countries like Iran) stays out of this very dangerous conflict. This World needs to enjoy Peace as we struggle to deal with climate change and natural disasters such as the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
This has small relation to the excellent article, but the 24th at 5pm the national opera in Kyiv has a performance: Ukraine- Free and Unbreakable....we have tickets..but given we are in Canada..friends - an artist, a soldier from front will be attending as our guests...f Putin ..
Putin cannot win..but it remains to be seen whether Ukraine can. And there is no measuring the cost ..all for the ego of one best described using some choice adjectives from a Bruce Willis movie
good
Oh thank you Diane for keeping your pulse on all that is going on in Ukraine militarily. You are describing really positive, hopeful winning possibilities. I would like to see development in other areas that would include ideas and ways that those in the Southeastern-Donbas region and those in Crimea can organize to feel they can decide their own fates rather than be subject to Putin. Many of them must be waking up to the lack of power and idealism in madman Putin's leadership. (Have heard they've (including some in Estonia and Moldova) had a past loyalty for what Putin has done for them since Yeltsin.)They need an articulated Purpose to exist apart from Putin's Russia. They cannot escape, and go to some neutral land. And, what can be done about Bela Russe? I watch tennis, and the Russian men are against the war. The very young manificent women players, the winner from Bela Russe, and the runner up from Russia certainly caugtht the world's attention at the Australian Open.
The Wagner group concern me - Kosovo & Serbia are anti west (NATO) & that is engrained in their minds - therefore no support for UKR. I could be wrong (that's a given) BUT until Putin is on his knees & the propaganda machine in Russia filling hate for Ukr with lies of UKR attacking RU is stopped - there will be no victory. China IS a REAL threat to this as is North Korea - Asia is a hot spot of trouble.
"Surely Putin realizes he cannot win. But unfortunately he also knows he cannot lose."
This scares me. What will Putin to the world to disguise or retaliate for his failure and loss of face?
I think a caged animal can be very dangerous.
Because he has a nuclear triad that hasn't yet been wounded ---
Walk softly but start carrying a great big stick !