Thank you. Once more, we have a view of the genocidal attempted land grab (that's what it is) that doesn't make the MSM news. Could it be more important than a few meters of Ukrainian advancement on the battlefield?
This paints a picture of a desperate nation. If Ukraine continues to "pepper" the Russian navy and shipping interests - hobbling the cash flow and the international financial screws tighten, will the oligarchs who have always supported Putin's kleptocracy finally have had enough? Will they risk assassination because they can't imaging going broke? Will they employ a disillusioned and discouraged military? As the money dries up, will panic and monetary chaos stimulate action?
Or do the oligarchs have enough cash stashed that they can just enjoy their remaining years without venturing back to the motherland? Will national pride be a factor?
Excellent reporting and let's hope the Ukraine continues to beat Putin's special operation which is definitely war. Hopefully the Russian population sees that way. Now that the boss and some senior members of the Wagner group have been eliminated (as expected), will the Wagner group turn into uncontrollable terrorists? They might go after Putin? Who's the new Wagner leader?
I expect those Wagner people will just continue in as mercenaries for hire, or go home if they can. I doubt they had personal loyalty towards Prigozhin. Cynicism, self interest and thuggery. Always work along those lines for those interested.
Apparently a wing was shot off the plane. Surprising, since those missiles look for engine heat. Do you think this was deliberate so that Prezogin could enjoy a long ride down in fear?
Now that the Wagner group has been beheaded, what do we know about the structure of the national guard? Who runs it? Can Putin afford to pay these guys?
Good question -- They are already paid by the govt as the National Guard but he's in charge of them solely. It's a federal police force, 340,000 strong. Now they have big weapons.
Putin May be able to destroy his enemies at home, but his choice for war in itself is entirely self-destructive and destructive for Russia. Some in Russia ought to wise up that their current leadership and course are destroying their prospects and future. However, instead of freeing themselves from this delusional mindset, they--at least Putin etc-- seem to be keen on taking the rest of the world down with them.
I doubt they will do it in a Big Bang, however, but drag it out for years and years, to maximize their sadistic relish.
Again a super analysis. Prigizhin gone and Godfather Putin sends condolences to his family. Out does Hollywood for a make believe madness. Seems fossil fuel exports are the key to Russia's survival and Indian and Chinese imports of oil. Are these imports now fading? Are India and China moving away from Putin?
I am happy to read about Ukrainian successes in whatever ways and areas. Thank you for bringing all these together in your excellent article!
Well, I guessed wrong about Prigizhin’s future. Putin’s competitive nature prevailed against his rival, even though that rival had been very useful to him now, I am thinking of Steven Kotkin’s podcast interview with Ezra Klein called, What’s really going on in Russia? where he talks about the built-in rivalry and internal predation that goes on in Putin’s Russia. This is a feature, part of the design, rather than an unfortunate bug in the system. I believe Kotkin said that in Russia, there are always two wars going on, an internal one along with the external one we see.
love the article but i worry that the war continues ....meanwhile republican donald trump could withdraw ukrainian support....hopefully trump will be successfuly prosecuted and in jail soon...
Biggest threat to ukrainian success is in USA and Republican isolationism
Diane,
Thank you. Once more, we have a view of the genocidal attempted land grab (that's what it is) that doesn't make the MSM news. Could it be more important than a few meters of Ukrainian advancement on the battlefield?
This paints a picture of a desperate nation. If Ukraine continues to "pepper" the Russian navy and shipping interests - hobbling the cash flow and the international financial screws tighten, will the oligarchs who have always supported Putin's kleptocracy finally have had enough? Will they risk assassination because they can't imaging going broke? Will they employ a disillusioned and discouraged military? As the money dries up, will panic and monetary chaos stimulate action?
Or do the oligarchs have enough cash stashed that they can just enjoy their remaining years without venturing back to the motherland? Will national pride be a factor?
Very good questions - the more chaos in the 'financial' situation for Russia I would imagine Putin 'calling' them in to return $$$ to his war effort.
Be wary, be very wary, of a cornered Bear with nuclear weapons😳😳
The nuc's still create much fear in Biden's view - and I would imagine most of Europe.
Nice to finally read up on current actions taken by Ukraine. Excellent excellent excellent analysis!!!!!!
Excellent thank you.
What’s not to like? Diane, any thoughts on when this war ends? Thanks.
Excellent reporting and let's hope the Ukraine continues to beat Putin's special operation which is definitely war. Hopefully the Russian population sees that way. Now that the boss and some senior members of the Wagner group have been eliminated (as expected), will the Wagner group turn into uncontrollable terrorists? They might go after Putin? Who's the new Wagner leader?
I expect those Wagner people will just continue in as mercenaries for hire, or go home if they can. I doubt they had personal loyalty towards Prigozhin. Cynicism, self interest and thuggery. Always work along those lines for those interested.
good questions. their reaction to his death forewarns of trouble
Apparently a wing was shot off the plane. Surprising, since those missiles look for engine heat. Do you think this was deliberate so that Prezogin could enjoy a long ride down in fear?
Sadism and humiliation feed the trolls.
Now that the Wagner group has been beheaded, what do we know about the structure of the national guard? Who runs it? Can Putin afford to pay these guys?
Good question -- They are already paid by the govt as the National Guard but he's in charge of them solely. It's a federal police force, 340,000 strong. Now they have big weapons.
Putin May be able to destroy his enemies at home, but his choice for war in itself is entirely self-destructive and destructive for Russia. Some in Russia ought to wise up that their current leadership and course are destroying their prospects and future. However, instead of freeing themselves from this delusional mindset, they--at least Putin etc-- seem to be keen on taking the rest of the world down with them.
I doubt they will do it in a Big Bang, however, but drag it out for years and years, to maximize their sadistic relish.
Putin and Trump are besties..Putin only needs last thru to Trump and Ukraine is screwed..l
Again a super analysis. Prigizhin gone and Godfather Putin sends condolences to his family. Out does Hollywood for a make believe madness. Seems fossil fuel exports are the key to Russia's survival and Indian and Chinese imports of oil. Are these imports now fading? Are India and China moving away from Putin?
naval actions will impede exports. Chindia are taking advantage of Russia
Low oil price I guess Cynical for leading nations to support a crazy autocratic country
I am happy to read about Ukrainian successes in whatever ways and areas. Thank you for bringing all these together in your excellent article!
Well, I guessed wrong about Prigizhin’s future. Putin’s competitive nature prevailed against his rival, even though that rival had been very useful to him now, I am thinking of Steven Kotkin’s podcast interview with Ezra Klein called, What’s really going on in Russia? where he talks about the built-in rivalry and internal predation that goes on in Putin’s Russia. This is a feature, part of the design, rather than an unfortunate bug in the system. I believe Kotkin said that in Russia, there are always two wars going on, an internal one along with the external one we see.
love the article but i worry that the war continues ....meanwhile republican donald trump could withdraw ukrainian support....hopefully trump will be successfuly prosecuted and in jail soon...
Heh, heh Cecilia. How many kids would your friend have killed today?