Good information here:

https://www.understandingwar.org/

(September 26, 2022 at 2:21 pm)WJehanne Wrote: You're entitled to your opinions.  I don't see myself as you see me.

As for what's going in the Ukraine, why is the West sending them weapons?  By what you've stated, Russia could, if it chose to, continue their war indefinitely, under the guise that the West could nor would attack another nuclear power.  And, so, the Russian observation seems to be correct, namely, the West is simply prolonging the war.

So much to reply to.

First, why NOT offer weapons? The time for talking about NOT supplying weapons would seem to be when no one is ACTIVLY shooting at one another. That time is 200+ days ago.

Now, both sides are going at it tooth and nail with the Russian's obviously (I often find this point a major devirgence in most conversations. Your throughts/feedback will be apreciated) throwing the first punch.(Yes, you can rope in the previous Crimean annexation etc if you wish).

Russia can only continue the war IF it remains politically stable and motivated to do so. Pretty much the same can be said for all the conflicts that have happened around the world through out history.

If Mr Putin passes on. WIll his replacment/successor be able to continue the Russian side of the conflict? Note that in the very first days of the conflict Russian aims were specifically to eliminate Ukrainian leadership/parliment.

Which side, if either, might you wish to see 'Come out on top'? Perhaps you might be thinking of a 'Draw' or 'Armistance' such  as ended the 1914 conflict?

Should the West be totally fair and offer support to both sides? Should they only offer support to the defender?

Sorry for the many questions. Just seeking a starting point to our chatting.

My view? The Russian's seems to have started this. The Ukrainians' are doing an bang up job of not folding/resisting.

IF some of the early Russian clams had been true? Then the Ukraine would seem to have/should have folded over long before now.

Still.. it's a complicated world and I am but a simply sophont.

Much cheers to you and yours.

Not at work.

Russia is going to lose. It's simple as that.

(September 26, 2022 at 11:33 pm)Helios Wrote: Russia is going to lose. It's simple as that.

Well.. in a way "Not losing first" also seems to be a viable strategy ( I do mean for the Ukrainians).

Of course, "Not playing the game" to begin with seems better, but as I posted/replied to Jehanne. That time is 200+ days in the past.

Much cheers to you and yours.

Not at work.

(September 26, 2022 at 5:56 pm)Jehanne Wrote: Oh, I agree; the Russians have engaged in some "cleansing" operations.  But, why are the Ukrainians trying to ferret out the "traitors" in those areas that they have newly reconquered??

Because those people are (or ukraine believes them to have been) complicit or active in the failure to enact well laid defensive plans in the beginning of the invasion, war crimes and general atrocity in the interim since.  It's the sad fate of collaborators in warzones - more broadly.

I think you should reframe the question, though. Even after they've done their best to displace people, if they actually had the levels of support we have in mind, why do they send men door to door with guns to get votes for a sham referendum?

(September 26, 2022 at 10:06 pm)Jehanne Wrote: Good information here:

https://www.understandingwar.org/

You can link that, call it 'good information' and still maintain that Russia is not doing badly in this war? Did I miss something?

Boru

(September 27, 2022 at 3:37 am)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote:

(September 26, 2022 at 10:06 pm)Jehanne Wrote: Good information here:

https://www.understandingwar.org/

You can link that, call it 'good information' and still maintain that Russia is not doing badly in this war? Did I miss something?

Boru

The war has gone back & forth. Early on Russia had its share of successes, and then, was pushed back, in part due to the antitank weapons supplied from the West. After that, the Russians regrouped and the war entered a stalemate. Over the last several weeks the Ukrainians have made huge gains, largely due to American intelligence and more Western weapons.

Ultimately, I see Russia winning, in which the West's efforts will have just been to prolong a senseless and unnecessary war. It is most certainly not a hope, but, a prediction, in part, based upon their historical behavior and culture. It is absolutely pointless to argue about such things. None of us has a crystal ball, and so, time will tell. I hope that all of you will have been right, and in the end, I will have been proven wrong.

(September 27, 2022 at 5:45 am)Jehanne Wrote:

(September 27, 2022 at 3:37 am)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote: You can link that, call it 'good information' and still maintain that Russia is not doing badly in this war? Did I miss something?

Boru

The war has gone back & forth.  Early on Russia had its share of successes, and then, was pushed back, in part due to the antitank weapons supplied from the West.  After that, the Russians regrouped and the war entered a stalemate.  Over the last several weeks the Ukrainians have made huge gains, largely due to American intelligence and more Western weapons.

When you invade another country, with an overwhelming number of hardware, including T90s ´n stuff, then get pushed back, several times (Kiev, Izium), ending in a rout, then things are not looking good for you. Then things didnt go according to plan
Period

Antitank weapons? How comes that a substantial amount of Ukraines newly aquired MBTs are former russian tanks? Because "anti tank weapons"? Hardly.

(September 27, 2022 at 5:45 am)Jehanne Wrote: Ultimately, I see Russia winning, in which the West's efforts will have just been to prolong a senseless and unnecessary war.  It is most certainly not a hope, but, a prediction, in part, based upon their historical behavior and culture.

If you are referring to WWII tactics and usage of manpower, then you are horribly wrong.
You are basing your opinion on false historic comparisons and pop culture, not on facts.

(September 27, 2022 at 5:45 am)Jehanne Wrote:  It is absolutely pointless to argue about such things.  None of us has a crystal ball, and so, time will tell.  I hope that all of you will have been right, and in the end, I will have been proven wrong.

There is public information around, pretty hard data, that is (and i am talking neither about Ukrainina nor Russian Ministry of Defense) painting a picture not favourable for Russia. It has a severe problem with quantity and quality of manpower, and you cant conquer a foreign country with tanks. You need crew for those tanks ( n stuff). Looking at the curent standing of calling in the reservists, this doesn tlook good either.

(September 27, 2022 at 5:45 am)Jehanne Wrote: Ultimately, I see Russia winning, in which the West's efforts will have just been to prolong a senseless and unnecessary war.

Okay..... this reply is partly tongue in cheek BUT...

Jehanne? After a comment like that I can but hope Russia hurries up and 'Liberates' your country from what ever evil oppresions are overwhelming it at the moment.

Just a question for yourself Jehanne?

Do you recognize/understand the country of Ukraine as an actual Soverign state?

Cheers.

Not at work.

(September 27, 2022 at 8:04 am)Peebothuhlu Wrote:

(September 27, 2022 at 5:45 am)Jehanne Wrote: Ultimately, I see Russia winning, in which the West's efforts will have just been to prolong a senseless and unnecessary war.

Okay..... this reply is partly tongue in cheek BUT...

Jehanne? After a comment like that I can but hope Russia hurries up and 'Liberates' your country from what ever evil oppresions are overwhelming it at the moment.

Just a question for yourself Jehanne?

Do you recognize/understand the country of Ukraine as an actual Soverign state?

Cheers.

Not at work.

Yes, absolutely. Putin's invasion of Ukraine was and is a despicable abomination, wholly illegal and wholly unnecessary.

My point is entirely a pragmatic one. If defeat against a nuclear power is inevitable, why prolong human suffering??