20320

Or at least leave them perceived that way. But I know there are a lot of details in there that I don’t pretend to fully understand the ramifications of. In WW2, the axis countries were totally and utterly defeated . It was an unquestionably total defeat and I suspect that mentally that was really important for moving forward. That isn’t going to be the case with Russia, so I don’t know how that changes the approach.

20321

Japan too!

To me there’s no doubt it would be best for the world if this all ends with dismantling of Russia. But I also have no doubt that the only way to do it is heavy investitions in helping new state(s) to embrace modern methods of self-government.

This includes Ukraine, of course. It’s a clear Good VS Evil fight right now, but this country is corrupt and chaotic and has a lot of their own issues now. Zelensky is not particularly liked by Ukrainians, they have no trust in their government. Maybe the war changes that.

20322

UA MoD is about the online troll I can unambiguously get behind.

20323

Sure seems like it has. And I hope that desire to keep building a better country continues when the war is over. My sense is that they were already improving on the corruption front, largely because the population was sick of it. The total transformation of their military over the last 8 years makes me optimistic as well.

20324

Some unconfirmed reports of UA on the Kinburn Peninsula, which is opposite bank of the river

20325

Ok, I cried at this:

20326

Look at his gear, it looks like full modern western kit except for the AK. Stark comparison to Russian equip.

20327

Yeah that one was great @Grifman

20328

Beautiful.

20329

I’d argue that China does long-term really well and always has. Their strategic planning looks as far ahead as 50 years. They’ve always taken the long view on things.

20330

I think long term planning was pretty bad 1800-1975. Since 2010 I guess remains to be seen.

20331

They had a good run of solid strategic planning but I think that’s all getting thrown away.

20332

One thing I don’t think I’d seen reported is that Russia did detonate the bridge over the Nova Kakhovka and possibly attempted to destroy the dam as well? There’s a video of a very large explosion that seems to my eyes like way more than you’d use for placed detonation charges on a bridge.

Beyond that lots of unconfirmed reports of captured equipment, ammo, and Russian soldiers dressed as civilians from the Kherson area.

20333

If they can somehow pull tracking to a point where there was visual ID, and make no mistake it absolutely was Russia, I wonder what Russia’s excuse would be?

20334

My big worry when this is over is that there will be a push to try and patch things up with Russia by people who stand to gain financially by doing so. In my mind they should be cut off until there is a change in Russia, and reparations paid to Ukraine.

20335

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTMgX1PDGAE

20336

Damn, that is exactly what popped into my head as well, haha.

20337

Clarity and consistency, I’ve heard virtually those same words from Sullivan and Biden before.

20338

Miley is also in contact with his counterparty in Russia. So perhaps his counterparty has indicated his willingness to negotiate with Ukraine. God knows if I was the Russian JCS I’d be anxious to negotiate rather than watch my army get destroyed. Perhaps, the Ukrainian JCS is pushing back. Ultimately, it is politicians who negotiate, but generals do get a voice. Anyway speculation on my part, but Milley does have insights into the war that nobody else has. I’m happy he is providing that Biden, not pleased that the advice was made public because a unified message is best.

20339

Damn, they are good.