Russian invasion of Ukraine

[Octavian]

I'm guessing that Russia won't invade the Ukraine.

Putin is all about remaining in power and expanding Russia's influence. Should he invade Ukraine - probably a popular action amongst Russians - mass causalities will likely ensue. On top of that, economic sanctions from the West will result; in a few years, Putin's popularity might plummet and he could possibly lose power.

In all, an invasion is too risky. Meanwhile, amass troops on Ukraine's borders, and rattle the sabre - popular among Russians, relatively risk free - and who knows, maybe something in Putin's favor results.

These strongmen dictator types always get unstuck by biting off more than they can chew, when they previously were sitting comfortably. Surely Vlad is smart enough to have seen that a thousand times before.

 

[Scottyboi]

Russia are slowing the gas supplies to Europe now, playing a dangerous game.

 

[bluethrunthru]

In his 4 hour interview today he has been asking why NATO is putting missiles on their borders and stating its not Russia putting their on NATO's borders and I can see how this would play out well at home for him - worrying strategy and we saw what happened in Crimea but the dilemma has to be how do we act without playing into his own narrative?

 

[mat]

In his 4 hour interview today he has been asking why NATO is putting missiles on their borders and stating its not Russia putting their on NATO's borders and I can see how this would play out well at home for him - worrying strategy and we saw what happened in Crimea but the dilemma has to be how do we act without playing into his own narrative?

Beat me to it.

 

[BlueMoonAcrossThePond]

Good ole Vlad. Stealing a page out of the Kim Jong Un playbook - stirring up controversy to gain attention and to spark national pride. The world would be much better off without such.

 

[Scottyboi]

Little prick, America should have continued east after ww2.

 

[BlueMoonAcrossThePond]

Little prick, America should have continued east after ww2.

Patton had the right idea.

 

[BobKowalski]

In addition to Ukraine, and the major unrest in Belarus earlier, Kazakhstan has exploded in the last few days, triggered by a 100% increase in energy prices. Russia is sending in troops to ‘help its neighbour‘ as the Govt seems to have collapsed.

The more Russia tries to keep its neighbouring states under a degree of control, the more they seem to be slipping away, leading to stronger interventions which will build long term resentments and more problems.

 

[Blue Mist]

In addition to Ukraine, and the major unrest in Belarus earlier, Kazakhstan has exploded in the last few days, triggered by a 100% increase in energy prices. Russia is sending in troops to ‘help its neighbour‘ as the Govt seems to have collapsed.

The more Russia tries to keep its neighbouring states under a degree of control, the more they seem to be slipping away, leading to stronger interventions which will build long term resentments and more problems.

I think the fact that Khazakstan is predominately Muslim will also cause issues. There is a sizeable minority of Russians there but if he us too heavy handed there could be a big backlash.
All the while he is helping them he is leaving the Ukraine alone.

 

[Mr Kobayashi]

I think the fact that Khazakstan is predominately Muslim will also cause issues. There is a sizeable minority of Russians there but if he us too heavy handed there could be a big backlash.
All the while he is helping them he is leaving the Ukraine alone.

Potentially but Russia also has areas in it's own territory with greater majorities of Muslims. Why would Putin let crackdowns on Muslims happen when he already accepts sharia law in Chechnya?

He is Machiavellian figure not a religious nutter or idealogue.

Islam in Russia - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org