For Those Who Might Be Wondering Why We Might Be In Ukraine

[ll74]

I said it was likely that if peace talks failed, the war would be decided on the battlefield.

There were no peace talks.

It now appears that could be so. Keep your eye on Odessa as well. Russian special forces are said to be in the city. I mentioned months ago the likelihood that Putin would take Odessa which has always been historically Russian, it was established by Katherine the Great in 1794.

Putin wants all of Ukraine. He won't get it.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Ben Meisalas gives a pretty good summay of the meetimg of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris where first, Witkoff blindsided everyone amd next, Trump tried to ambush Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy and European leaders who were in attendance as Trump tries to help Putin.

Trump yet again demonstrating that he has no intention whatsoever of sanctiioning Ukraine and is continuing to act as Putin's lapdog. Sad that an American President has turned on the free world like this. Under Trump, the US has abrogated any claim to leadership and the world continues to slow step towards WW3.

 

[Rightguide]

There were no peace talks.


Putin wants all of Ukraine. He won't get it.

I don't think he wants to govern western Ukraine. Kiev is indeed historically and culturally significant to Russia. It was the center of Kievan Rus, the medieval state that both Russians and Ukrainians trace their heritage. Historically, it is the cradle of Russian civilization. That said, western Ukraine has historically leaned pro-European and anti-Russian, especially in regions like Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk. These areas were part of Poland, Austria-Hungary, and other states for centuries, contributing to a distinct identity that is resistant to Russian influence. I don't think he wants the headache.

 

[ll74]

I don't think he wants to govern western Ukraine.

He said he wants them back in the Republic long ago. He hasn't changed his tune.

Kiev is indeed historically and culturally significant to Russia.

And yet they keep bombing the shit out of the foreign city.

It was the center of Kievan Rus, the medieval state that both Russians and Ukrainians trace their heritage. Historically, it is the cradle of Russian civilization. That said, western Ukraine has historically leaned pro-European and anti-Russian, especially in regions like Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk. These areas were part of Poland, Austria-Hungary, and other states for centuries, contributing to a distinct identity that is resistant to Russian influence. I don't think he wants the headache.

Ukraine is an independent country.

 

[Rightguide]

He said he wants them back in the Republic long ago. He hasn't changed his tune.


And yet they keep bombing the shit out of the foreign city.


Ukraine is an independent country.

These are all unschooled and therefore dumb replies. Put some effort into it. Meanwhile, show me where he's said he wants all of Ukraine back.

 

[ll74]

These are all unschooled and therefore dumb replies. Put some effort into it. Meanwhile, show me where he's said he wants all of Ukraine back.

June 9, 2022

Putin admits Ukraine invasion is an imperial war to “return” Russian land

 

[ChloeTzang]

I said it was likely that if peace talks failed, the war would be decided on the battlefield. It now appears that could be so.

Yes, Russia has moved 100k men and has managed to stockpile a few tanks and IFV's and move them to Donetsk. That battle has been underway for some time, with Russia finally following sound military practice by concentrating the majority of available combat power on the Pokrovsk front, Moscow’s successes here remain distinctly underwhelming. The deep infiltration towards Dobropillya for example, went from a useful diversion of Ukrainian focus to a sink for Moscow’. Shifting reinforcements north to try and take advantage of the situation, the Russian walked into a Ukrainian killzone. The Ukrainians established a firm line to the south then methodically wiped out the surrounded survivors on the wrong side while repelling their would be rescuers. In the process, the Russians seem to have weakened their own advance on Rodynske, which is now a critically important node in the Ukrainian defense of Pokrovsk, along with Udachne and Kotlyne to the south.

Lose all three, and Pokrovsk is done. Kyiv dispatched reinforcements to block Russian progress and roll some of it back. How far, and how fast - to be determined. Russia isn’t out of reserves here yet, but faces big challenges shuttling troops and supplies along narrow and vulnerable lines of communication. ANd that's the thing here - there is no eartly reason to expect that Russian attacks will work any better now than they have in the past. There's a 40km gray zone moving up to the front where 80%of Russians are taken out and virtually no Russian tanks or IFV's make it to the frontline. Having a few more now will not magically make a difference - Ukrainian forces are stronger, not weaker, so it;s a sign of Russian frustration that the effort to over run Pokrovsk frontally seem to be ramping up as the Ukrainians hold the line on the flanks.

The fight for Pokrovsk could still go either way and if Ukrainian counterattacks are blunted or become too costly, it could come down to a street-by-street fight, but the Ukrainians won't retreat unless there is no choice and they will, once more, inflict massive Russian casualties.

Theres a few things to note here - Ukraineis gettung better and better at putting in defensive positions - sething they weren't to good at early in this war - and things like barbed wire and mines really slow infantry down. Ukraine has drone and artillery superiority, and they no longer have any ammo issues - they're at the point now where Trump cutting off American ammo will have no real effect. Supply chains are in place and all sorts of countries and manufactirng ammo for them - India, South Africa, Bulgaria amongst others, unlikely as those sound - but Denel in South Africa is owned by Rheinmetall and has a big amo plant there - and $$$$'s talk. So one less lever that Trump can pull.

Tanks and IFV's and artillery are barely talked about these days but Ukraine is getting more every month - refurbished Leopards trickle in, along with those Aussie Abrams. Have you seen any mention of Lynx IFV's lately? Nope, but they're being built in Ukraine and rolling off the production line. Where or where do you think they're going. Same with Fuchs. And Patria's are being delivered steadly from the Baltic States and Finland. They got 100's of old Swedish M113-equivalents and the Netherlands, Denmar and Sweden are building thenm CV90's which are as good as a Bradley, likely better. The Ukrainians own BTR4 is rolling off production lines and they are equiping a Brigade a month with these, steadily converting infantry Brigades it mechanized infantry, all while the Russians are reverting to pure infantry with the mobility of a fully laden donkey.

The Russians move on foot, and they have no ability to exploit any breakthrough faster than a soldier can walk. Dobropillya showed that. They broke thru a gap in Ukrainian defences, advanced (on foot but were completely unable to push followup force theu in any strength and were cut off and annihilated, with reserves also chewed up. 100k Russians is just more meat to kill. Sure, they can slowly overrun some rubble, losing those men, but it achieves very little and the Ukrainians are getting better and better at counter attacking and are perfecting their techniques to do so.

Ukrainian infantry are, from the images we see, now equipped to NATO standard and better - everything from night vision to better optics to new rifles (the new Bren as standard) to body armor and IFAK's - no fundraisers for medical kits or night vision devices these days, it's all drones drones drones and more and more countries are producting drones for Ukraine - even New Zealand is apparently now establishing ties to produced sea drones for the Ukrainians and when the Kiwis get involved you know Ukraine has reached just about everyone LOL.

As for air, well, Belgian F16's at last - and more F16's is a VERY BAD THING for Russia. More glide bombs now that they have their own conversion kits and those are bad news for the Russian frontline units. More of this, more of that, the list is endless, and the Ukrainians continue to take out Russian air defense, they contuinue to take down Russian logistics - fuel and ammo deports, rail junctions, all the prep work you need to put in to set up for when you drop the hammer.

Keep your eye on Odessa as well. Russian special forces are said to be in the city. I mentioned months ago the likelihood that Putin would take Odessa which has always been historically Russian, it was established by Katherine the Great in 1794.

Odessa? That's a Russian pipe-dream. They couldn't do it in 2022 and now that they have to cross the Dnipro, there is literally no way in hell. And if they tried, it'd be a turkey shoot. Best of luck with that against the three coastal defense and one or two regular brigades covering this front. More likely to see Ukrainian attacks to pin the Russians in place when they are over-committed at Pokrovsk

The reality is, there are now Ukrainian special forces operating in Crimea and probably embedded throughout Kherson if the SAS have trauned them well.

Ain't no way Russia is doing shit....they can hope, by 2025/2026 is Russia on it's last legs. Once these attacks are decimated and the Ukrainians are advancing, look to see Trump try to force a ceasefire to prevent the Ukrainians from willing. The challenge then will be for the EU to tell Trump to fuck right off while the ZSU brings about the destruction of the Russian Federation.

 

[ChloeTzang]

I don't think he wants to govern western Ukraine. Kiev is indeed historically and culturally significant to Russia. It was the center of Kievan Rus, the medieval state that both Russians and Ukrainians trace their heritage. Historically, it is the cradle of Russian civilization. That said, western Ukraine has historically leaned pro-European and anti-Russian, especially in regions like Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk. These areas were part of Poland, Austria-Hungary, and other states for centuries, contributing to a distinct identity that is resistant to Russian influence. I don't think he wants the headache.

Putin has said time and time again he wamts all of Ukraine. A ceasefire will simply be a pause before he makes the next attempt. Just like there was pause after Crimean, and a pause after he grabbed Luhansk and Donetsk.

And Putin has a standard policy for dealing with headaches, as he did in Chechyna.It's call genocide. Kill them all and there is no problem. He's been doing exact;ly that in Mariupol - moving in settlers from other parts of Russia who will all need to be expelled.

 

[Rightguide]

June 9, 2022

Putin admits Ukraine invasion is an imperial war to “return” Russian land

Aside from some historical anecdotes, there's nothing quoted there about Putin affirming a desire to govern Western Ukraine, which was only Russian under the old Soviet Union. Today, he claims everything east of the Dnieper, with Odessa included, as Russian. Outside Odessa, that is effectively what he controls to date. But the war’s true trajectory is far from clear, sudden shifts in circumstance or the relentless force of arms and circumstance could yet bring Ukraine entirely under Russian domination.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Trump Blames EU for Supporting War and shares Pictures with Putin​

Nothing much to be said here. If Trump's proud of his pikkies with Putin, he's sunk beneath contempt.

Good news coming from the Council of the Willing, for all that Trump is a pro-Russian quisling. Denys has much the same outlook on this as Ben Meisalas. Trump was apparantly fairly unhinged during the call and is now pushing Europe to do sanctions while refusing to sanction Russian himself - and he has also no impoised 10% tariffs on Ukraine but none on Russia. Also Trump is marking up weapons for Ukraine by 10%. Unhinged.

On the other hand, the UK is willing to supply Ukraine with long range weapons. This may take months.... Another Russian oil refinery also hit.

 

[Rightguide]

Putin has said time and time again he wamts all of Ukraine. A ceasefire will simply be a pause before he makes the next attempt. Just like there was pause after Crimean, and a pause after he grabbed Luhansk and Donetsk.

And Putin has a standard policy for dealing with headaches, as he did in Chechyna.It's call genocide. Kill them all and there is no problem. He's been doing exact;ly that in Mariupol - moving in settlers from other parts of Russia who will all need to be expelled.

Putin’s statements claiming that “all of Ukraine is ours” reflect historical and cultural rhetoric, not an official military or governance policy. In reality, Russia lacks the troop strength, administrative infrastructure, and local support to maintain control over the entire country. Current operations are focused on eastern and southern Ukraine, where resistance is weaker and Russian influence is stronger. Western Ukraine remains staunchly pro-European, making full occupation both logistically and politically unlikely. The gap between imperial rhetoric and practical capability makes a total conquest of Ukraine improbable. There is no confirmed Russian policy, force, or infrastructure capable of full governance over all of Ukraine.

 

[ll74]

Aside from some historical anecdotes, there's nothing quoted there about Putin affirming a desire to govern Western Ukraine, which was only Russian under the old Soviet Union. Today, he claims everything east of the Dnieper, with Odessa included, as Russian. Outside Odessa, that is effectively what he controls to date. But the war’s true trajectory is far from clear, sudden shifts in circumstance or the relentless force of arms and circumstance could yet bring Ukraine entirely under Russian domination.

Lol..of course.

 

[Rightguide]

Putin: Western Troops in Ukraine Fair Targets​

Friday, 05 September 2025 06:31 AM EDT


Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be legitimate targets for Moscow to attack, in a warning to Kyiv's allies as they discuss measures for its future protection.

Putin was speaking a day after French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 countries had pledged to provide postwar security guarantees to Ukraine, including an international force on land, sea and in the air.

Russia has long argued that one of its reasons for going to war in Ukraine was to prevent NATO from admitting Kyiv as a member and placing its forces in Ukraine.

"Therefore, if some troops appear there, especially now, during military operations, we proceed from the fact that these will be legitimate targets for destruction," Putin told an economic forum in Vladivostok.

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/russia-putin-western-troops/2025/09/05/id/1225185/

Putin has been killing western military advisors all along.

 

[ChloeTzang]

UATV Interview with General Ben Hodges - Russia is faltering

US General Ben Hodges, in an extensive interview, reveals the true picture of the war in Ukraine. Strikes on Russian oil refineries are crippling the economy and disrupting Kremlin plans. Ukraine has chosen strategically important targets — oil, railways, command centers — and acts with precision and effectiveness. While China and India help Putin bypass sanctions, Europe is beginning to respond and increase pressure. The Donbas holds defense, and Russian army losses approach catastrophic levels. The general emphasizes that NATO remains the only real security guarantee for Ukraine and the key to a stable future.

0:00 – Intro
0:25 – Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil refineries and strategic sites
2:00 – Kremlin’s dependence on China and India, sanctions evasion
6:54 – The new “Putin–Xi–Modi” axis and challenges for the West
11:50 – Frontline situation: Donbas, Ukraine’s defense
15:01 – The role of drones in the war and aviation shortages
20:04 – NATO as the only security guarantee for Ukraine
22:06 – Increasing defense investments in Europe
24:01 – End of interview, summary

 

[ChloeTzang]

Putin’s statements claiming that “all of Ukraine is ours” reflect historical and cultural rhetoric, not an official military or governance policy. In reality, Russia lacks the troop strength, administrative infrastructure, and local support to maintain control over the entire country. Current operations are focused on eastern and southern Ukraine, where resistance is weaker and Russian influence is stronger. Western Ukraine remains staunchly pro-European, making full occupation both logistically and politically unlikely. The gap between imperial rhetoric and practical capability makes a total conquest of Ukraine improbable. There is no confirmed Russian policy, force, or infrastructure capable of full governance over all of Ukraine.

We know that but Putin doesn't. He wants ALL of Ukraine and the restoration of the old USSR / Tsarist Empire

 

[ChloeTzang]

Putin's Reality Problem: Russian Losses Are Outpacing Their Lies​

Ryazan - 4th largest refinery in Russia - hit yet again.
Atesh partisans and Ukraine special forces helped identify and target a lrage Russian military fuel depot in Luhansk
Russian radars hit in Crimea
One of the most popular Russian war bloggers is in panic mode
Russia now boasting of their war crimes

 

[Rightguide]

UATV Interview with General Ben Hodges - Russia is faltering

US General Ben Hodges, in an extensive interview, reveals the true picture of the war in Ukraine. Strikes on Russian oil refineries are crippling the economy and disrupting Kremlin plans. Ukraine has chosen strategically important targets — oil, railways, command centers — and acts with precision and effectiveness. While China and India help Putin bypass sanctions, Europe is beginning to respond and increase pressure. The Donbas holds defense, and Russian army losses approach catastrophic levels. The general emphasizes that NATO remains the only real security guarantee for Ukraine and the key to a stable future.

0:00 – Intro
0:25 – Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil refineries and strategic sites
2:00 – Kremlin’s dependence on China and India, sanctions evasion
6:54 – The new “Putin–Xi–Modi” axis and challenges for the West
11:50 – Frontline situation: Donbas, Ukraine’s defense
15:01 – The role of drones in the war and aviation shortages
20:04 – NATO as the only security guarantee for Ukraine
22:06 – Increasing defense investments in Europe
24:01 – End of interview, summary

Ben Hodges has been wrong on Ukraine more often than he’s been right. A year ago, he insisted retaking Crimea was the key to victory and that bombing Moscow with ATACMS would crush Russia. Reality check: over 37 years, he spent barely 6–7 years commanding troops in the field and the rest chained to a desk, hardly the resume for predicting battlefield outcomes. He’s no better than Petraeus at determining outcomes in the field. For too many years, our problem has been the reliance on an overabundance of Staff College graduates commanding our troops in the field. It's why we haven't won a war in 80 years.

 

[Lazaran]

Ben Hodges has been wrong on Ukraine more often than he’s been right. A year ago, he insisted retaking Crimea was the key to victory and that bombing Moscow with ATACMS would crush Russia. Reality check: over 37 years, he spent barely 6–7 years commanding troops in the field and the rest chained to a desk, hardly the resume for predicting battlefield outcomes. He’s no better than Petraeus at determining outcomes in the field. For too many years, our problem has been the reliance on an overabundance of Staff College graduates commanding our troops in the field. It's why we haven't won a war in 80 years.

Hodges NEVER said what Russiaguide claims.



Meanwhile:

Russiaguide DID claim that Ukraine was finished…ALMOST FOUR YEARS AGO: And that doesn’t even take into consideration the fact that Russiaguide and their fellow MAGAts (DonOld & the MAGAt republican politicians, primarily) have been UNDERMINING & SABOTAGING UKRAINE FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF - at least.



Russiaguide



We. Told. Them. So.

 

[ChloeTzang]

 

[ChloeTzang]

 

[ChloeTzang]

The plan is to replace all the Russian wide-gauge reailwy tracks with the standard European gauge and then rip out the old Russian lines.

 

[ll74]

Ben Hodges has been wrong on Ukraine more often than he’s been right. A year ago, he insisted retaking Crimea was the key to victory and that bombing Moscow with ATACMS would crush Russia. Reality check: over 37 years, he spent barely 6–7 years commanding troops in the field and the rest chained to a desk, hardly the resume for predicting battlefield outcomes. He’s no better than Petraeus at determining outcomes in the field. For too many years, our problem has been the reliance on an overabundance of Staff College graduates commanding our troops in the field. It's why we haven't won a war in 80 years.

Your guy, MacGregor, hasn't been right at all.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Russia is winning.....of course they are.....

 

[Rightguide]

Your guy, MacGregor, hasn't been right at all.

My Guy? I haven't listened to him in a while, but he did predict a year or two ago that Ukraine would be in the position it's in right now. That being on the precipice of defeat.

 

[ll74]

My Guy? I haven't listened to him in a while, but he did predict a year or two ago that Ukraine would be in the position it's in right now. That being on the precipice of defeat.

You've said they have been on the precipice of defeat since the start of this thread.