Putin’s fury about Ukraine seems to be about more than acknowledging a Russian “sphere of influence”. The contrast with his relatively relaxed attitude to Kazakhstan is instructive. Like Ukraine, Kazakhstan was part of the Russian empire and then the Soviet Union, before becoming an independent state.
Putin has attempted to rebuild Moscow’s influence in Central Asia through the formation of a Eurasian Economic Union, including Kazakhstan. But Moscow’s ambitions have run straight into those of Beijing. In 2013, Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, announced China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” in Astana, the Kazakh capital. Kazakhstan now trades much more with China than Russia. Although some in Putin’s United Russia party still assert a territorial claim on northern Kazakhstan, the fact that this former Soviet republic is slipping out of Moscow’s zone of influence has not met with much resistance from the Kremlin.
The Russians would argue that the difference is that Kazakhstan has not cultivated defence ties with China. But the growing closeness between Astana and Beijing has clear security implications.
The real difference between Kazakhstan and Ukraine may be that Kazakhstan shows no sign of becoming a democracy. Ukraine, by contrast, has consistently resisted efforts to set up an authoritarian regime of the type that Putin has installed in Russia. The Ukrainian system is corrupt and dysfunctional in many ways. But the country has elections that are not a foregone conclusion, and a vibrant civil society.
Small dick syndrome and home support waning – nothing more to it
Because he might not have all too much time left, due to health issues?
Russia lost its grip on Ukraine the moment Donetsk, Lugansk and Crimea came into their direct control. They never should’ve gone for military intervention, but instead bide their time and try to politically overthrow the pro-west side. This would not only be a better long term plan on the possibility of keeping Ukraine in its sphere but also improve their image worldwide. An invasion was what everyone expected cause in most people’s eyes that is exactly how they react when their position is threatened.
Instead, not only did they unite Ukraine behind a common outside threat with their moves, they basically pushed it deep into western hands as a result and the relations between the two are irreperable now. Overall terrible strategy.
Aside from that, I see no benefit of invasion of Ukraine as most here are fearful of. They have no capacity of holding a country of 40m people under occupation long term, and installing a puppet would go just about as well as the previous one did. Not to mention the backlash of such invasion on the international stage coupled with the inability to assure control over Ukraine outweighs any pros it could potentially bring. I don’t see it happening at all.
Russian coat of arms is sometimes referred to as schizophrenic bird. Kremlin propaganda swings between reminding of common past and calling us neo-nazi. Their media also sometimes remind of common slavic heritage yet putinbots screech about Ukrainians being saloturks.
Why does the EU even need the Americans involved at all? Russia has a GDP of $1.8T, the EU is almost $20T. It’s just lacking the political will to make a strong stand here. The EU members have more than enough resources to handle these issues on their own. The US and allies primary should be focused on Asia, not on a country with a smaller economy than New York State.
Because russian root are in Ukraine and its existance instantly reminds russians about their secondary role between Eastern European countries.
Say what you will but Putin didn’t move 175 000 troops to the area for just to retreat without some kind of win, be it diplomatic or military. That fucker only cares that he doesn’t look weak, even if it means millions lose their lives.
If some hypothetical referendum were held, how much of current Ukraine would choose to join Russia?
10 comments
Putin’s fury about Ukraine seems to be about more than acknowledging a Russian “sphere of influence”. The contrast with his relatively relaxed attitude to Kazakhstan is instructive. Like Ukraine, Kazakhstan was part of the Russian empire and then the Soviet Union, before becoming an independent state.
Putin has attempted to rebuild Moscow’s influence in Central Asia through the formation of a Eurasian Economic Union, including Kazakhstan. But Moscow’s ambitions have run straight into those of Beijing. In 2013, Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, announced China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” in Astana, the Kazakh capital. Kazakhstan now trades much more with China than Russia. Although some in Putin’s United Russia party still assert a territorial claim on northern Kazakhstan, the fact that this former Soviet republic is slipping out of Moscow’s zone of influence has not met with much resistance from the Kremlin.
The Russians would argue that the difference is that Kazakhstan has not cultivated defence ties with China. But the growing closeness between Astana and Beijing has clear security implications.
The real difference between Kazakhstan and Ukraine may be that Kazakhstan shows no sign of becoming a democracy. Ukraine, by contrast, has consistently resisted efforts to set up an authoritarian regime of the type that Putin has installed in Russia. The Ukrainian system is corrupt and dysfunctional in many ways. But the country has elections that are not a foregone conclusion, and a vibrant civil society.
Small dick syndrome and home support waning – nothing more to it
Because he might not have all too much time left, due to health issues?
Russia lost its grip on Ukraine the moment Donetsk, Lugansk and Crimea came into their direct control. They never should’ve gone for military intervention, but instead bide their time and try to politically overthrow the pro-west side. This would not only be a better long term plan on the possibility of keeping Ukraine in its sphere but also improve their image worldwide. An invasion was what everyone expected cause in most people’s eyes that is exactly how they react when their position is threatened.
Instead, not only did they unite Ukraine behind a common outside threat with their moves, they basically pushed it deep into western hands as a result and the relations between the two are irreperable now. Overall terrible strategy.
Aside from that, I see no benefit of invasion of Ukraine as most here are fearful of. They have no capacity of holding a country of 40m people under occupation long term, and installing a puppet would go just about as well as the previous one did. Not to mention the backlash of such invasion on the international stage coupled with the inability to assure control over Ukraine outweighs any pros it could potentially bring. I don’t see it happening at all.
Russian coat of arms is sometimes referred to as schizophrenic bird. Kremlin propaganda swings between reminding of common past and calling us neo-nazi. Their media also sometimes remind of common slavic heritage yet putinbots screech about Ukrainians being saloturks.
Why does the EU even need the Americans involved at all? Russia has a GDP of $1.8T, the EU is almost $20T. It’s just lacking the political will to make a strong stand here. The EU members have more than enough resources to handle these issues on their own. The US and allies primary should be focused on Asia, not on a country with a smaller economy than New York State.
Because russian root are in Ukraine and its existance instantly reminds russians about their secondary role between Eastern European countries.
Say what you will but Putin didn’t move 175 000 troops to the area for just to retreat without some kind of win, be it diplomatic or military. That fucker only cares that he doesn’t look weak, even if it means millions lose their lives.
If some hypothetical referendum were held, how much of current Ukraine would choose to join Russia?
Bc hasbulla