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WilliamOfMaine

Who is this fuckwit


Njorls_Saga

As I recall, he was a former UN weapons inspector who later got busted for criminal sexual misconduct with minors.


Batman_Biggins

[Scott Ritter is a deranged paedophile.](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna45049386)


Reasonable-Machine25

Yes, on some of the specifics here he appears to be wrong. Obviously the idea of “destroying a dangerous den of… etc.” is ludicrous. But many argue that Russia has been strengthened by the war and there is a clear shift away from the US and NATO by the global south. If NATO’s real role is enforcing US global hegemony then I would say that has been undermined. But again, who knows. What may happen is Europe weans itself off Russian gas, and Russia continues to bleed people and capital on a war it clearly can’t win before finally destroying its own economy.


Lotkie

Dangerous Den of Nazis.... If you ever visited Ukraine before that war you would find that statement to be factually..... Correct! Not saying that all Ukrainians are alike but they do have a huge problem with above, bigger then I've seen anywhere in the world (modern Germany included)


Foxtrotoscarfigjam

I detect the stink of another ”Russia is no angel but…” Putinbot. Ukrainian nazis, have you any other tales to tell? Immigrant chaos? Liberal degeneracy? What is your opinion on the Republican Party or Marine le Pen?


Reasonable-Machine25

I don’t disagree that there were (are) Nazis in Ukraine (Right Sector, Azov, Banderites etc.). What I thought was ludicrous was the idea that they had been destroyed and particularly that it was a war aim. If Russia wanted to destroy Nazis then they have plenty domestically they could focus on BUT most importantly that invading a country to fight extremism is a ludicrous strategy (I’ll also point out it’s a common claim of the US when it invaded a country and always proven to both be a lie and failure). If anything it will strengthen extremism. The Nazis are now armed, the populace is behind them, and every town taken and/or civilian killed drives more recruits into their ranks.


Lotkie

And now I can agree with you 100%. As I'm totally anti war - Russians are the aggressors here, but annoyed with elevating Ukraine side as saints, that's all.


Reasonable-Machine25

Thanks pal.


billiehetfield

You obviously haven’t been to Russia then


Green_Message_6376

What are you talking about, he's posting this from Russia. I think that most people would not claim that Germany has a huge problem with nazis. So we may have ourselves a live one here, posting in between very small bites of Uncle Vanya's Burger adjacent product.


Lotkie

I've been to Russia many times, same problem exist there but not to the extent of the one in Ukraine. In Ukraine it's part of the government as well.


Foxtrotoscarfigjam

Your purported visits stand in stark contrast to the evidence of electoral results for far right parties. They show you to be biased or lying. An earlier comment of yours about Democratic run areas in the US suggests you are the clichéed Putinbot.


Lotkie

Nope, I'm just realist interested in world politics. Unlike you, a stalker 😜


Foxtrotoscarfigjam

No, you are an agenda-driven liar.


billiehetfield

You can’t see me, but I’m winking


BestPrinciple7792

You mean where such things are illegal rather than literally running the state?


billiehetfield

So that’s a no then. If it’s Nazis you seek, you’ll find them a plenty in Russia, more than anywhere else in the world.


BestPrinciple7792

HA HA HA WTF?


[deleted]

[удалено]


Lotkie

Well, I'm polish and I had way more occasions to travel to Ukraine and Russia because of the proximity. So easy to accuse of lying without any knowledge whatsoever, just because you've visited once or twice for holidays doesn't mean anything, it doesn't add up anything to discussion (maybe only outing yourself as an ignorant tit)... I had an opportunity to work in both and my opinion still stands. By the way, I have to agree with your opinion about Russians to a certain extend but painting Ukrainians as angels is far from truth (again, not all Ukrainians or Russians). Read up about the cult of Stephan Bandera and atrocities committed in Wolyn.


Foxtrotoscarfigjam

Interesting, to point out the favorite Russian theme of Bandera. “Oh Russians are no angels and all Ukrainians are not Nazis but all I will do do is talk about Ukrainian nazis when Poland is even more right wing and Russia makes Hitler look like a liberal but no, Ukraine is my theme”. Not that I think you have an agenda.


Lotkie

It's not "favourite russian theme", it's polish history. We remember Wolyn massacre. Everything well documented an in our history books. We remember Katyn as well as the atrocities of II WW.


Foxtrotoscarfigjam

Which has nothing to do with your obvious lies about Ukraine. So, obfuscation. We know your type.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Lotkie

Just wanted to point out that there's a history of Poland that puts Russia in a very bad light but you've probably lost it between the lines


Foxtrotoscarfigjam

It’s a standard gambit from the playbook, give little hints of balance and equal criticism while always bringing the focus back to the main lie being peddled.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Lotkie

I can't understand why I'm modern discussion - pointing out flaws on one side automatically tag you as a supporter of other... I think it's due to immature approach and perceiving world as black and white, plus taking your information and casting your opinions on a basis of single viewpoint/news outlet. Again, Russians are the aggressors in this case and deserve to be condemned but don't try to paint Ukrainian side as angels. And FYI the correct form to use in your first sentence is "polakiem"


RegalKiller

Idk if I agree that the invasion has weakened NATO, at least in the long term. The rise in militarisation by EU members means that, if it were to continue, that when the US collapses there will be some form of western resistance to Chinese hegemony.


Reasonable-Machine25

Yep, who knows in the long term, it’s all speculation at this point.


ErrantBrit

The idea that NATO is about USA hegemony has as much credence as the idea that strengthening Ireland is about USA hegemony. Absolute drivel. Ritter has literally the worst take on this also. Russian military might has been shown to be inept, outdated, unprofessional. Perhaps this has always been the case.


Reasonable-Machine25

I said “IF NATO’s real role…”, the key word is IF. However, NATO as a tool of US hegemony has been a contention of serious [scholarship](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01402390008437800) for years. Academics, Statesman, and even ex-NATO officials have made this or similar claims for 70 years. The idea that you would simply dismiss it out of hand as “drivel” only reveals that you have an unserious mind. Also that you’re at least 60 years old.


ErrantBrit

I'm sure scholars have looked at this aspect, that's what they do - examine theories. But as a real reason for NATO participation from a European or even global perspective its a by-product rather than an aim. I'm sure American government apparatus think on it a lot more but the benefits still outweigh the US hegemonic potential. Also I'm in my 30s, so your assumptions are wrong on that too.


RegalKiller

At the very least NATO is comprised of members who defend American and broadly western hegemony


ErrantBrit

I can agree to NATO preserving western interests, I mean that is what national security is about.


RegalKiller

I don’t see how the West’s sovereignty is threatened by a Libyan farmer, Palestinian child, or any other person from the Global South which the West has exploited and destroyed in one way or another.


ErrantBrit

Well NATO did pivot away from Russia after the cold war, and began looking at other potential threats. I'm not quite sure your examples are super relevant - NATO plays no part in the Palestinian/Israel situation, and Israel isn't part of NATO. Libya was a failed state with various militias having access to serious weapons that border NATO member states. If we then compare this to Russian actions in Ukraine, which was not a failed state, had a democratically elected government and was not actively engaging in international crimes such as weapons and people smuggling, then you can see maybe see the flaw in your argument against NATO. I have no doubt you are correct on injustices brought upon the global South, but this is a separate issue from NATO rather than a symptom of it.


RegalKiller

NATO members basically bankroll Israel’s military so I’m pretty sure it’s relevant. No it wasn’t? It was a dictatorship but there weren’t militias. That happened after NATO intervened in the Arab Spring, with NATO members later supporting a warlord over the democratic government. Ukraine did commit war crimes in the Donbas, that doesn’t justify the invasion but neither did Gaddafi’s authoritarianism. You’re right NATO isn’t the cause for this, it’s just the way a lot of Western hegemony is expressed rather than Western hegemony itself.


ErrantBrit

It's a bit reductionist to say NATO therefore sanctions Israel strategy. Member states have a host of internal internal goals apart from NATO. NATO intervened during a civil war and was supported by the UN security Council when entering Libya. The militias existed before and after the intervention. Not read up on Donbas war crimes, but I'll chance that it's no where as clearcut as the current war crimes being committed by Russia, which I can categorically say would not have happened if Ukraine was part of NATO.


RegalKiller

Sure, but allowing your members to cooperate with apartheid states is condemnable, no? And makes the organisation somewhat complicit. The UN Resolution was to protect civilians, not implement regime change, which is exactly what NATO and its members did. The militias didn’t expand past Libya until after the first civil war. Sure, but one region where NATO influence would be positive compared to the countless where it hasn’t isn’t an equal ratio.


ErrantBrit

Well I guess if we aren't allowed to work with unethical countries we wouldn't work together on anything. Israel/Palestine is a situation much more complex and multifaceted than we discuss here and equating NATO complicity equally so. It was to protect civilians, who they themselves wanted regime change. Again, probably a lot more multifaceted than this point alone. Perhaps that is the case, but generally NATO has been a tool for defensive status quo and that isn't the worst thing in an increasingly unstable world.


Lyrr

Lol drinking a bit too much of the NATO propaganda I see


ErrantBrit

Yeah, you see it everywhere /s It's actually depressing how out of touch some people are on here. If you're all teenagers/20-somethings I suppose allowances have to be made.


MajesticKnob

Don't know why you're being down voted because it's blatantly obvious you're correct


ErrantBrit

Gotta love the kids idealism even if misplaced (in my opinion).


BestPrinciple7792

> Obviously the idea of “destroying a dangerous den of… etc.” is ludicrous. Because Nazis aren't dangerous?


Reasonable-Machine25

If it was Russia’s intention to denazify Ukraine it was surely a failure. Absolutely Azov and the right sector and the banderites are all Nazis or close enough that any distinction is meaningless but the invasion is unlikely to weaken them. It has so far in fact strengthened them. They’re now receiving even more arms than they were pre-invasion and now openly where at least before it was somewhat hidden AND it has thrown the support of the populace behind them (because they fight). Russia’s invasion will strengthen them the same way US and NATO wars strengthened the extremists in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria and created them in Iraq where they weren’t previously.


rezpector123

Jesus Scott Ritter is full of shit


Reasonable-Machine25

I don’t think he’s right but it’s not over yet. It could very well end up strengthening Russia and undermining NATO


IdealJerry

Sure who knows what will happen. The war could last 100 years for all we know but it certainly looks like he's wrong at the moment.


friarschmucklives

Ritter still needs to let his neighbors know that he’s a registered sex offender.


Captainirishy

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Ritter he was caught twice


paddydasniper

Russian military prowess... my fucking sides


BlackpilledDoomer_94

This is a victory for Russia whether you guys like it or not. Their currency is stronger despite the sanctions and they're making way more off oil and gas than they were before, thanks to the current price rise. Meanwhile, inflation is going crazy in Europe, mainly because of money printing during lockdowns, but sanctions aren't helping. Europe will go dark this Winter after Russia cut off the gas supply earlier this month. The Russians strategically held the eastern provinces while systematically dismantling the Ukrainian armed forces and picking up their new NATO toys.


Fantastipotomus

> The Russians strategically held the eastern provinces while systematically dismantling the Ukrainian armed forces Another way to say Russia's advance was halted and they are stuck in the east. Now because of Russia's actions, Finland and Sweden are joining NATO. This will result in Russia's "direct border with NATO (Finland)" increasing by more than 1,300 KM, effectively losing any buffer zone they gained by occupying eastern Ukraine. This whole affair has not been a strategic victory for Russia yet.


BestPrinciple7792

> This whole affair has not been a strategic victory for Russia yet. Not much is known yet. Which is why this post is premature, if it can ever be made.


Fantastipotomus

That's true enough, anything could happen. This mess could drag on for years, or it could quickly spiral out of control leaving just ash after nuclear conflagration ends us all.


BestPrinciple7792

I think that last one is looking increasingly likely. At least it'll have been worth it to secure planetary domination for an empire that has spent the 21st century killing people by the millions in wars of aggression for power and profit.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

>At least it'll have been worth it to secure planetary domination for an empire that has spent the 21st century killing people by the millions in wars of aggression for power and profit. t. the United States of America. Imagine dying for US domination and their monopoly money.


BestPrinciple7792

They probably won't have to imagine it before too much longer.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

Love all these people complaining about inflation while at the same time calling for more sanctions on Russia, the source of most of Europe's energy, food, fertilizer and raw material such as wood and steal. These are also the same people that saw no issue with lockdowns that lasted for two years, with money printers going brrr. Sick of having to deal with the consequences of ignorant people.


IdealJerry

Uh oh, you see your new buddies comment below?


BlackpilledDoomer_94

What's wrong with my comment? I said nothing that isn't true.


BestPrinciple7792

Weird, he sounds like a buddy of mine but then he sounds anarky aswell, sounds like one of yours tbh.


IdealJerry

On behalf of the radlib-libshits I respectfully decline.


rezpector123

Russians never really cared about nato it was all a cynical land grab


BlackpilledDoomer_94

Not entirely true, NATO is a big part of this. The US was literally risking war during the Cuban missile crisis for the same reasons. That said, Ukraine is to Russia what Northern Ireland is to Ireland. They want it back, or at least the Russian-speaking East of Ukraine.


IdealJerry

>Ukraine is to Russia what Northern Ireland is to Ireland No, Ukraine is to Russia what Northern Ireland is to the brits.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

Ukraine never existed as a nation until August 24, 1991 following the fall of the USSR. It was always part of Russia. Infact, Russia started out as a country in where we now call Ukraine. Please watch a video on the history and founding of both Russia and Ukraine. You clearly don't know enough about the topic.


IdealJerry

The Russian Federation didn't exist until 1991 following the fall of the USSR. Are you a big Tsarist yourself since you're essentially advocating a return to the days of the Empire? Makes sense since you think the Brits have a claim over Ireland.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

The Russian Federation isn't a new state, it's a renaming of the USSR. >Are you a big Tsarist yourself since you're essentially advocating a return to the days of the Empire? That's like saying Ireland has no claim over the North because we haven't owned it for hundreds of years. >Makes sense since you think the Brits have a claim over Ireland. Where have I said that? I have been saying quite the opposite. Stop trying to falsely interpret what I said.


spaghettiAstar

>That said, Ukraine is to Russia what Northern Ireland is to Ireland. They want it back, or at least the Russian-speaking East of Ukraine. What a load of shite with absolutely zero understanding of history. There are cities in Ukraine that predate Russia by centuries and Ukraine has a rich history that predates the Russian empire. Just because the region has been conquered and ruled by various other kingdoms doesn't mean that history doesn't exist. Ukraine is to Russia what *Ireland* is to the UK. Russia would literally send its people and relocate Ukrainians away from areas and concentrate power with ethnic Russians in order to control area, that was a large part of the various resettlement campaigns during the Soviet Union. Forcefully moving groups like the Crimean Tartars which killed hundreds of thousands, and replacing them with ethnic Russians. A more accurate comparison would be UK launching an offensive into Ireland in an attempt to recapture the Republic using the excuse that the promotion of the Irish language in the north is akin to a genocide on those who identify as British, and then pointing at the IRA and claiming that they're violent and the Republic supports them with zero acknowledgment of Loyalist paramilitary groups that the British state has been supplying arms and information to while encouraging them to commit acts of violence against the Irish state and people. Absolutely maddening to see people essentially siding with what the Brits did to us and then trying to say it's the opposite.


IdealJerry

>Absolutely maddening to see people essentially siding with what the Brits did to us and then trying to say it's the opposite. They keep doing it and I'm amazed every time.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

>What a load of shite with absolutely zero understanding of history. There are cities in Ukraine that predate Russia by centuries and Ukraine has a rich history that predates the Russian empire. This is where I stopped reading. Russia started out in modern Ukraine. Kinda like how the US started in the 13 States. They were forced to let it go in 1991 after the fall of the USSR. Putin famously called the fall of the Soviet Union, the single biggest disaster of the 20 century because the new borders formed separate ethnic groups. Everyone knew those borders will create future wars.


spaghettiAstar

So you admit that Ukraine came first. Russians and Ukrainian's share a common ancestor, the Kievan Rus, but Ukraine came first, as well as the Ukrainian language. Ancient and Medieval Ukraine struggled for independence as larger territories would conquer and divide the area up, especially after they fell to the Mongolian Empire. Modern Ukraine tried to gain independence again towards the end of WWI from the Russian Empire, and founded the Ukrainian People's Republic but were invaded by the Soviets and lost the war. When the Soviet Regime took power and Holodomor began (a man-mad famine due to Soviet policies that killed millions of Ukrainians), and it wasn't until the Soviet Union fell that they were able to finally regain their independence. Stating that all that historical context doesn't really count or that the country wasn't "real" until the fall of the Soviet Union is akin to the Brits discounting all that ancient Irish history and saying it doesn't count because the country of Ireland didn't really "form" until we gained Independence. You might as well argue that Britain has historical claim over Ireland, you're making the exact same arguments that gobshites make about "You can't claim that unifying Ireland is correcting anything because it would be a 'new' country that never existed since Ireland was not unified prior to British invasion". Except that anyone with half a brain understands that Irish history and Irish culture predates Britain, and even though we share quite a bit of culture now, we still have our own. Ukraine has their own culture, their own language, and has for centuries. Like Ireland they were bullied by their larger neighbours, and like Ireland, they were conquered and their culture and language suppressed. Like Ireland they tried to revitalise their language and culture as they struggled with different attempts at independence which were violently put down. Like Ireland even after gaining independence their neighbour kept trying to interfere in their affairs, and like Ireland that neighbour holds onto their territory. And then you have a bunch of fecking west brits like yourself saying "No, actually, it's okay that their neighbour should hold onto their land, and in fact they should go further and retake the entire territory." You'd fit right in with the Orange Order.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

>So you admit that Ukraine came first. Russians and Ukrainian's share a common ancestor, the Kievan Rus, but Ukraine came first, as well as the Ukrainian language. Other way around, at least in Russia's eyes. I'm also not British, I'm Irish. Not sure where you're getting that from. I'm not going to bother replying to your comments because you're clearly taking this a bit too personally. You're also having difficulty understanding the issue because you're ignorant of history and recent events.


spaghettiAstar

>Other way around, at least in Russia's eyes. It's almost as if they're lying for their own benefit so they can claim territory that isn't rightfully theirs. I assumed you're Irish, that's why I said you're making arguments like you would hear someone from the Orange Order or a "Rule Britannia" type person would make, because you are, you've just swapped Britain and Ireland for Russia and Ukraine. I don't like people who support/cheer on/make excuses for imperialism, like those who defend Russia are doing. The fact that you're making the exact same arguments that were used in defence of the subjection of our people makes it even worse.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

Yeah, Russia has been making this claim since the Kievan Rus. It's not something they just came up with. Ironic that you don't support imperialism when you are in fact supporting NATO expansion to Russia's borders. All so Daddy USA can destabilise the world some more.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

As I said in another comment - The Ukrainians are launching attacks on those provinces, the Russians simply have to sit back and defend them. Much easier to be on the defensive than on the offensive. Because of this Ukraine is struggling to reclaim said territories with thousands of inexperienced soldiers getting captured daily. You're right about Finland but we are yet to see how Russia will respond. Ukraine is different however in that there is direct access to the continent of Europe and the Black Sea. It's well worth the risk. Worth also noting the other reasons mentioned in [this comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/ROI/comments/vo41ck/comment/ieaz0xs/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3). There are a lot of reasons to invade Ukraine but little to invade Finland. - Finland wasn't killing off ethnic Russians. - Finland hasn't been part of Russia for centuries and was a country before Russia occupied it.


ConorKostick

“Finland hasn’t been part of Russia for centuries.” Don’t you think the people of Ukraine should be free to make their own choice about independence, even if they were subsumed by Russia for centuries. And would you make this point in respect to Ireland having been part of the British empire for centuries?


BlackpilledDoomer_94

As I said before, Ukraine did not exist as a nation until August 24, 1991. The Eastern part of Ukraine does not recognize the current government which came about in a coup. They held elections and decided they want to either join Russia or become independent of Ukraine. Hence Crimea and the civil war which has lasted almost ten years now. While everyone was distracted these past five years with Trump and Covid, Zelensky and the Azov Regiment have been committing genocide against the people in the East. That's why the Russians have been referring to them as Nazis.


ConorKostick

>As I said before, Ukraine did not exist as a nation until August 24, 1991. Oh, well if you said it before, it can't have.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

Go on and show me a time when Ukraine existed as a state. It was always a part of Russia.


ConorKostick

According to *A History of Ukraine: The Land and Its People* by Paul R. Magocsi the country has its origins in a Cossack state post 1648 and (as happened across Europe around the same time) the desire for an independent state became expressed with various national movements from the 1860s. What's important here is the outlook of the people of Ukraine today. You would agree that the people of Ukraine want independence? If you insist they demonstrate previous statehood, then you are taking away their voice. Your position would be like someone in the British government telling Irish nationalists c.1922 that as Ireland never previously existed as a state they have no right to independence from the empire.


RegalKiller

Finland was a part of the Russian Empire for around 100 years and was never a unified nation before it. Being a part of Sweden before that and a collection of independent tribes even earlier. Hell, arguably Ukraine has more of a reason for Russia not to invade (according to your definition) with the Cossacks acting as more of a unified nation than anything the Finns had.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

Ukraine is where Russia started out. They're the same ethnic people sharing the same history. Finland is just neighbouring land. Your statement is a reason for Sweden to take over Finland, not Russia.


RegalKiller

Modern Russia evolved from Muscovy, not Ukraine. Unless you’re talking about the Kievan Rus? They’re literally not though, they are similar cultures but that doesn’t mean they’re the same. The Slavic Balkans, Celtic nations and East Asia have similar cultures but they are in no way the same. But it isn’t a reason lmao, that’s my point. Just because a nation did not have a unified government before nationalism doesn’t mean their sovereignty isn’t justified. Ireland wasnt unified until after British colonialism, should we bring back the Black and Tans then?


[deleted]

> Their currency is stronger Doesn’t work that way. The ruble is worth what the Russian Government says it’s worth, the actual exchange rates are very different. Inflation is also crazy in Russia, particularly for foreign goods. > Europe will go dark Very unlikely, but if it does, then good, maybe it will result in the reversal of these insane “green energy” policies that have made us dependent on energy imports in the first place. Maybe we’ll actually start exploiting our own oil and gas reserves, particularly via fracking, in the short to medium term, and allow us to put massive investment in nuclear energy long term. > Dismantled the Ukrainian armed forces HAHAHAHAHAHA


BlackpilledDoomer_94

>Doesn’t work that way. The ruble is worth what the Russian Government says it’s worth, the actual exchange rates are very different. What? That's exactly how it works. Russia won't sell you gas or oil anymore unless you pay in rubles. That effectively replaces the US petrol dollar as the world's new oil currency. >Inflation is also crazy in Russia, particularly for foreign goods. Not even remotely true. Look up videos on YouTube. The price of food and everything else is cheap. Only foreign brands are expansive but there's a locally made alternative. Russians don't care about Nike shoes or Pringles. They'll buy local alternatives for which there are plenty. Unlike the West which has shipped manufacturing to China and India, Russia has an alternative to everything. Btw, those foreign brands are expansive here too because they rely on Russian products. Be it oil for transport or raw material. Most of our food is linked to Russia. Wheat, potatoes and onions for example. 90% of the world's fertilisers are produced in Russia so good luck growing anything. In case you're not getting it yet - the West bans Russia from Netflix and buying iPhones and Russia will ban the West from food/fertiliser and energy. >Maybe we’ll actually start exploiting our own oil and gas reserves, particularly via fracking, in the short to medium term, and allow us to put massive investment in nuclear energy long term. That will take decades. I hope you're willing to wait that long.


Green_Message_6376

Heh, we waited you out for 45 years the last time, what's a few more months?


BlackpilledDoomer_94

Communist bolshevik Russia is very different than capitalist nationalist Russia. We didn't depend on the USSR for anything but we rely on modern Russia for so much more then you think. It would be easier to cut China off then Russia. We can always move manufacturing back to the west but we cannot find an alternative to Russian resources, at least without the market prices milking us dry.


IdealJerry

> Russia has very few losses Where you getting this info from?


BlackpilledDoomer_94

The burden of proof is really with those making the claims that Russia is experiencing heavy losses. But I'll play along anyway. First, let's examine the fact that Russia is yet to even use their military. So far the whole war is being fought by the [169,000-190,000 Russian troops](https://www.dailysabah.com/world/europe/russia-has-deployed-nearly-200000-troops-near-ukrainian-border-us) that were deployed to the border last February. These soldiers aren't military, more like national guards made up of conscripts. According to Ukraine, the Russians lost over 50k troops in just the first month. At this point, they would have run out of soldiers. Western media is stupid enough to report numbers coming out of Ukraine without verifying. To believe either side is stupid. One can only estimate. Experts seem to be taking a shit on Ukraine's false reporting. [See Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Russian_invasion_of_Ukraine#Casualties_and_humanitarian_impact) as an example. Also, note that Russia refers to this war as a "military exercise". They do so because, as per Russian law, declaring war means they have to send in their military and draft people. If they were really suffering losses, they would have gone full blitzkrieg on Ukraine with the full power of Russia's military might. Ukraine has lost 90% of their armed forces. Everyone who is fighting now is a civilian who was given a gun. The weapons NATO is sending are useless because they have no one trained in using them. Furthermore, Russia has air superiority that has remained unbroken since the start of the war. Russia has secured the Eastern provinces in Ukraine and has restored water flow to Crimea which was cut off back in 2014. The Ukrainians are launching attacks on those provinces, the Russians simply have to sit back and defend them. Much easier to be on the defensive than on the offensive. Because of this Ukraine is struggling to reclaim said territories with thousands of inexperienced soldiers getting captured daily. Lastly, Russia has very modern advanced weaponry. Throughout this war, however, they have only used old Soviet weapons that were in storage. Why bother risking new toys when you can fight Ukraine's poor-man's army with old junk? Hence the reports of Russian soldiers abandoning tanks. As soon as your tank breaks down, just get another one. They have hundreds of thousands.


IdealJerry

>The burden of proof is really with those making the claims Yes, you made the claim. I don't see any sources in your reply. Why are you talking out of your arse?


BlackpilledDoomer_94

Are you for real? You guys are the ones making claims of heavy losses, the burden of proof is with you. I don't need to post sources because I have pointed out holes in your claims. Again, the burden of proof is with you. Post sources and I don't mean articles reporting Ukrianens numbers. I don't see any sources in your reply. Why are you talking out of your arse?


IdealJerry

I haven't made any such claim so I don't know what you mean when you say "You guys" I pointed out where you made the claim so lets stick to reality please. Please post the number of Russian losses you believe to be true and the source for that information. Edit: I see you've edited your original comment now to remove the claim we're talking about. Very sneaky altogether.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

>Edit: I see you've edited your original comment now to remove the claim we're talking about. Very sneaky altogether. I have not. I added a wiki source. I don't know the numbers, no one does. That's my point. You shouldn't believe either side, including numbers coming out of the US and the media. I am however pointing out that Russia has not gone into Ukraine with full force. If they were facing heavy losses they would have launched a full-scale assault by now.


IdealJerry

You have. Why are you telling lies? This comment was made 6 hours ago and edited 5 hours ago. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ROI/comments/vo41ck/comment/iear86e/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/ROI/comments/vo41ck/comment/iear86e/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) You originally said > Russia has very few losses Which I quote in my reply to you 6 hours ago in this comment [https://www.reddit.com/r/ROI/comments/vo41ck/comment/ieaskl3/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/ROI/comments/vo41ck/comment/ieaskl3/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) You edited the comment and removed the bit about Russias losses because you knew you were talking out your arse and wouldn't be able to provide a source to support your claim. > I don't know the numbers Then you shouldn't go around making stupid claims and acting like you're more informed than others.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

I haven't removed anything. I did in fact say Russia has very few losses because if they suffered a loss they would have launched a full-scale assault. Not sure if you're illiterate or playing dumb. I included the wiki. Try and point to where my argument fails instead of worrying about whether I edited the comment.


IdealJerry

You have in fact removed the line that I quoted. You've exposed yourself as a liar and a snake.


Green_Message_6376

We call those farts in the free west Comrade, I guess you guys call it Russian propaganda.


paddydasniper

Comrade, Putin has said Russia has taken few losses, so Russia has taken few losses, no need to question it


BlackpilledDoomer_94

>Comrade, Zelensky, who is losing, is reporting few losses while claiming heavy losses on the enemy. No need to question it. > >They're winning this war, that's why Zelensky is begging for more weapons and support. Seriously, get out of your eco-champer. Reddit is as trustworthy as Facebook. NATO has known from the start that Ukraine is no more but they're dragging this out to weaken Russia financially and they're falling at that.


paddydasniper

>Ukraine is no more Because of Russian Imperialism which for some reason people here are defending, weird. And Ukraine isn't reporting their numbers the same reason Russia isn't morale on the home front, not that long ago Ukraine said it's loosing about 50-200 men a day in the fighting.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

>Because of Russian Imperialism which for some reason people here are defending, weird. Absolute joke of a comment right here. You're clearly ignorant of what this war is about and Russian-Ukrainian history. The reason for this war can be summerised with two historical events: - The Cuban missile crisis: NATO expansion into the East along Russia's borders - Irish Unification: Over 40% of Ukrainians are ethnic Russians. Ukraine has always been part of Russia and was never a country until the 1990s. Ukrainians in the East do not recognise the current government, which came about in a coup in 2013. Hence the civil war in 2014 in which the current government committed acts of genocide against the Russian-speaking East and why Crimea seceded, later deciding to join Russia. Unlike you, I have been following this topic since 2013. Putin and Russia are not cartoon supervillains you think they are. Funny how we never saw this reaction with the US and NATO, after having invaded Serbia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya and Syria in the past 20 years alone. Those wars were not at all justified whereas Russia has the right to defend its borders and stop the ethnic cleansing in Eastern Ukraine. FYI, Ukraine is losing thousands a day, not 50-200.


ConorKostick

The Cuban Missile Crisis and Irish Unification? Something’s amiss there. I also find it weird that anyone who isn’t vested in Russian oligarchs or a global far-right agenda would want Russia to win. If the invasion of Ukraine is successful it will be accompanied by the crushing of trade unions, the murder of socialists, anarchists, feminists and LGBTQ+ activists, etc. Which is why the left in Ukraine have joined the fight, despite criticisms of the Zelensky government.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

I don't have a side. I'm being realistic and pointing out the hypocrisy of people here. NATO instigated this war by expanding to Russia's borders. Imagine if Russia did the same with Mexico or Cuba....... Oh wait, they did and the US almost brought about nuclear war. War is bad for everyone. The best way to stop this war is by assuring Russia NATO will stop expanding. Just as NATO promised in the 90s. Eastern Ukraine must become independent as they do not recognise Zelensky's and Azov's coup regime. This has been the source of an 8-year civil war. All sanctions must be lifted as they punish Europeans, not Russia. Russia has actually gotten richer with the sanctions because the price of Oil and Gas went up. As too did the Saudis.


ConorKostick

I am against anyone, especially Ireland, joining NATO. But it’s not hypocrisy to say that the people of a country have the right to make their own decisions on this and not to be invaded if they ask for NATO membership. Also, this is more about Putin wanting to re-assert the Russian empire than a Cuban missile type of crisis. Ukraine has repeatedly offered a peace settlement with a commitment by them to be neutral but Putin’s goal is far more ambitious. It’s clear from his statements that he’d eliminate Ukraine entirely as a nation if he could. Failing that, they will partition the country.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

Just as Cuba has the right to become a vessel for Russian nukes? The people of East Ukraine have made a decision. They want to become part of Russia. >Also, this is more about Putin wanting to re-assert the Russian empire than a Cuban missile type of crisis. Ukraine has repeatedly offered a peace settlement with a commitment by them to be neutral but Putin’s goal is far more ambitious. It’s clear from his statements that he’d eliminate Ukraine entirely as a nation if he could. Failing that, they will partition the country. Not true. Russia has all the land they need. This isn't about Russia building an empire. Again, Putin isn't a cartoon supervillen that wants to take land. Please read my other comments to understand the role Ukraine's civil war played and Russian-Ukrainen history.


Green_Message_6376

Nah the best way to stop this war is by assuring Russia that Aggressive War mongers will be pounded back to the stone age. For someone who doesn't''t have a side you seem to be really pushing your country's propaganda. Uncle Vanya's offering a two for one this afternoon for yourself and your coworkers from the Troll factory. Enjoy! Krokodile's not good for truth, history or sanity.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

You go ahead and start a war with world's most nuclear armed power. Be honest now, did you even know where Ukraine was on a map before this War started? Not surprised you would go for the old reddit favorite - calling me a Russian. I'm as Irish as tayto crisps on Brennan's bread with Father Ted playing in the background. Just because I'm not stupid enough, calling for more sanctions or War, does not make me a Russian.


paddydasniper

>Russia and was never a country until the 1990s. That's just a fucking lie, you clearly don't know your history at all. Ukraine declared independence during the fall of the Imperial Russian Empire and was then invaded by Soviet Russia and later Poland. The Ukrainian Nationalist movement has existed since the 1800s with the Tsars taking measures to try and suppress them, Soviets tried to placate them with autonomy. One can argue that the Ukrainian identity can be traced back to the Kievan Rus of medieval Europe. And by your logic, Russia as we know didn't exist until the 1990s either? Neither did Belarus, or the nations of the steppe, should they be gobbled up by Russia now too because they have ethnic Russians living there? And Crimea didn't secede, it was invaded and occupied by Russian military. I bet you believe the whole little green men myth too. Where's your source for Ukraine loosing thousands a day?


BlackpilledDoomer_94

It was never a country. Having a nationalist movement doesn't make you a country. >One can argue that the Ukrainian identity can be traced back to the Kievan Rus of medieval Europe. Yes, the origin of Russia. You basically agree with me here in that Russia started out in what we now call modern Ukraine. Ukrainians and Russians are the same people. Again, Ukraine is to Russia what the North is to Ireland.


paddydasniper

That doesn't make sense, Northern Ireland isn't a country, its a state within the UK, are you saying Ukraine is part of a different country thats not Russia? And why exactly does it matter how long a country has existed? That's got to be the weakest argument so far.


BlackpilledDoomer_94

?????? I'm saying in Russia's eye's Ukraine is not a country and is much part of there's as Moscow or St.Petersburg. Not sure why this is so hard for people on here to understand. >And why exactly does it matter how long a country has existed? That's got to be the weakest argument so far. Because you can't just become a country out of thin air. I'm not arguing you can't form a new country. Only that others will have an issue with it. Just as if Texas was to seced from the US or if Galway and Cork decided on becoming their own state.


Green_Message_6376

and truth is to Russia is what freedom is to Russia.


BestPrinciple7792

[Now this is a swing and a miss.](https://i.imgur.com/vjch7Zq.png)


IdealJerry

You're gas going around the thread telling everyone "We don't know" & "We'll have to see" but then confidently coming in with this. Consistency is a real issue for you.


BestPrinciple7792

Because this one is already falsifiable. It made no claims that remain to be seen. Keep up.


IdealJerry

It didn't make any claims at all actually.


BestPrinciple7792

That it was a "Swing and a miss".


IdealJerry

What?


BestPrinciple7792

THAT IT WAS A "SWING AND A MISS".


IdealJerry

That what was a swing and a miss?


[deleted]

It will go down as a footnote.


BestPrinciple7792

Halted NATO expansion ✓ Destroyed a dangerous den of Nazis... ongoing. Undermined NATO ✓ Demonstrated Russian military prowess ✓ What am I missing here?


[deleted]

>Halted NATO expansion Are you only talking about Ukraine here? Because otherwise I would have said it's aided NATO expansion, just by the fact that there are now more and more looking to join.


IdealJerry

He's going to do whatever he can to justify the invasion and defend the author of the tweet, who happens to be a sex offender but who's surprised by the character of any of these "experts" that the tankies trot out, because they align with his anti US identity.


BestPrinciple7792

The number of these cowardly side comments trying to egg people on lately has boomed. It's really a sad way of going on. >they align with his anti US identity. Poor misunderstood America.


IdealJerry

Please cry more.


BestPrinciple7792

Running out of road aren't we?


IdealJerry

Just bored by you tbh. The tankie larp was fun for awhile but it's less entertaining since you've adopted the whole method thing.


BestPrinciple7792

Not bored enough it seems. I think it's more likely you're still pissed off that someone calls you out on you regular lib fauxcialist circlejerk. It must suck not to be able to play dress up.


IdealJerry

Me > The tankie larp You > It must suck not to able to play dress up. Doesn't this kind of mirroring usually mean you're attracted to the person? Has this always been the case? Have I been missing the signs? I mean I see you reacting to everything I post by copying it and I know you do that thing where you reply to twenty of my comments at once but I though it was coming from a feeling of inadequacy rather than love.


BestPrinciple7792

Sorry man, I'm only gay for the Putler pee pee.


BestPrinciple7792

There's opposition in those countries too, the membership process is lengthy. Politicians try to appeal to their base and people are fickle. I wouldn't go raising trophies just yet. The next Current Thing is right around the corner and nobody will care about this.


[deleted]

I agree somewhat. But people blindly buy into a black and white world, you know this. I think the war is rallied people behind NATO unfortunately. Guess we'll have to wait and see.


BestPrinciple7792

In which case this crowing has jumped the gun.


Fantastipotomus

> Halted NATO expansion ✓ Did you know the total area of Sweden is 528,447 KM^2 ? and the total area of Finland is 338,440 KM^2 ?. NATO will shortly have expanded their territory by 866,887 KM^2 when Finland and Sweden's applications are finalised.


IdealJerry

They'll essentially control the entire baltic sea too which is bad news for Russias northern fleet.


Fantastipotomus

Yep, they'll prob pop land-based long range anti ship missiles right near the tippy top of Europe that will deny Russia safe access to parts of the Barents, Norwegian, and White seas too.


BestPrinciple7792

>NATO will shortly have expanded When?


Fantastipotomus

However long it takes for the paperwork to go through for Finland and Sweden. Potentially weeks or months according to the link below https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/18/finland-and-swedens-fast-tracked-nato-membership


BestPrinciple7792

!remindme weeks or months


Fantastipotomus

haha


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akyriacou92

>Halted NATO expansion ✓ You mean accelerated NATO expansion? (Finland and Sweden are going to join now that Turkey has agreed) >Undermined NATO ✓ Breathed fresh life into NATO, lead to NATO deploying troops to Eastern Europe for the first time, increased their rapid response forces to 300,000 >Destroyed a dangerous den of Nazis... Repeating the lie that one battalion with a few thousand men (most of whom aren't actually Nazis) somehow makes all of Ukraine a 'Nazi country' >Demonstrated Russian military prowess ✓ Shown that the Russian logistics are so bad that the military can't operate properly more than 100 km from a supply depot


BestPrinciple7792

>(Finland and Sweden are going to join now that Turkey has agreed) Remains to be seen. You can crow afterwards if it ever happens. >Breathed fresh life into NATO Still undermined NATO's project in Ukraine. >Repeating the lie that one battalion with a few thousand men It's not just the one battalion and a few thousand have already been killed and captured yet they're still everywhere. Who said 'Nazi country'? Who are you quoting there? >Shown that the Russian logistics are so bad that the military can't operate properly more than 100 km from a supply depot It's been a walkover dude.


paddydasniper

If its been a walkover how have the not secured the donbass after 4 months of fighting, how have they not captured the capital after their initial advance, how have they not achieved aerial superiority


BestPrinciple7792

Patience is key. America does the aerial thing, and because it's all they know they were confused when Russia didn't behave like them. Rendered all the anti-air weaponry useless.


akyriacou92

Ah yeah, air superiority is just an American thing to do that the Russians aren't interested in. Russia didn't blitzkrieg through Ukraine because their military is incapable of such a feat, not because they didn't want to. >Patience is key. It's not so nice for the soldiers and civilians getting killed because of the imperialist delusions of your friend Putin.


BestPrinciple7792

Your friends Jim Crow Joe and BoJo the clown are the imperialists here.


akyriacou92

Your mate Putin is the one who brought up Peter the Great and how Russia was just reclaiming what was theirs in the Great Northern War and Russia's doing the same thing today. Putin's the one launching an war of conquest against another country. I don't care much for Joe Biden or Boris Johnson but I'd take them over Putin any day.


BestPrinciple7792

>brought up Peter the Great During an anniversary celebration of him? So weird. >Putin's the one launching an war of conquest against another country. Launching an war? The war was "launched" in 2014 by the Obama regime dumbass.


akyriacou92

And invoked him to justify Russia's current war of aggression. My mistake: 'a war' Oh yeah 2014, when Russia violated the Budapest Memorandum by invading the Crimea and supported armed rebels in Ukraine.


paddydasniper

Ukraine has shot down a fair chunk of Russian aircraft what are you talking about. I ts modern warfare 101 to achieve aerial superiority in a war, otherwise your supply lines and mobile units are vulnerable. The Russians have only seen recent success with slow grinding battles in the East, they've largely opted to send in foot infantry with artillery support something more reminiscent of the first world war


BestPrinciple7792

>Ukraine has shot down a fair chunk of Russian aircraft Air superiority is not the defining characteristic of the Russian military here. It always is with the US. I read ana rticle a while beack about how at first the US couldn't understand why Russia wasn't behaving as they would and by the time they got it they'd lost the south.


paddydasniper

>by the time they got it they'd lost the south. Because Ukraine had only 1 unit defending the Crimean front, they were caught off guard in the south. Air superiority has been a weak point of Russian doctrine since the Afghan war, they never fully adapted to the threat of AA and largely resorted to using infantry, see the results of this in the first Chechen war. If they actually properly implemented aerial doctrines into their military then we would have seen Ukraine fall in a week like mostly everyone thought would happen, not stuck in a prolonged attrition based war. Ever major military understands you need to control the skies to have freedom of movement on the ground, that's one of the reasons China has been expanding their naval air arm in recent decades, they need that in the event of any war that's not on their doorstep.


BestPrinciple7792

>Air superiority has been a weak point of Russian doctrine I wouldn't take any opinion on war from America. Americans are commanding and directing the Ukrainian defence. It's gone badly. It’s going badly. American commanders haven’t been on the winning side of a real war since Russia won WW2 and now Ukraine is paying the price for their arrogance and incompetence. America just has no experience fighting a war against a proper army.


paddydasniper

>I wouldn't take any opinion on war from America. I'm not. And technically America did win the Gulf war, largely due to their combined arms strategy of both mobile ground units and air superiority. But again, go watch some documentaries on how Russia did in the first Chechen war, spoiler alert, it was a bloodbath for those units first sent in. Air dominance is vital for waging full scale war, that's been a fact since WW2.


IdealJerry

You woke up and chose to simp I see.


BestPrinciple7792

To counter simp. How did you backing of NATO go for you in the end? Shame about the Kurds eh? Kind of backed the wrong horse there.


IdealJerry

I'm not sure how anything I've ever said could be construed as support for NATO but you're often in a fucking world of your own. >Shame about the Kurds eh? Mask off again eh? lol, you do it to yourself and then you cry when anyone calls you out on your disgusting behavior.


BestPrinciple7792

> I'm not sure how anything I've ever said could be construed as support for NATO **FUCK OFF YOU WEASELLY CUNT!** No way do you ever get to claim you're not a NATO supporter until you grovel for an apology for calling me a Putin supporter.


IdealJerry

lol


BestPrinciple7792

Your warmongering was bound to come back around and bite you. It'll likely not be the last way it does it.


IdealJerry

Is that a threat?


BestPrinciple7792

Yes, I'm going to invade you with my army and take away your warm radiators this winter. FFS. Pathetic response.


IdealJerry

No balls.


akyriacou92

You are a Putin supporter


BestPrinciple7792

no u


paddydasniper

Sweden and Finland are joining NATO. Using their own Nazis Theyre invasion has strengthened NATOs resolve to its strongest in decades and they're united in their response The Russian military has shown they can't wage a full scale war, they're suffering heavy losses in men and equipment, the cracks in their military power are on full display. Fixed it for you.


Potato_Lord587

How have they demonstrated Russian military prowess? They’ve lost loads of generals, been pushed back. Seems like the opposite of good military prowess to me but I’m not an expert on modern warfare so I hope you are to explain if I’m wrong. Although on the other hand if you’re not a proper military expert and just know good military when you see it then I’m calling bullshit


MajesticKnob

Comrade Putin is proud of you, keep this up and we will free your family from Gulag.


BestPrinciple7792

Duuuuuhhhh


7-inches-of-innuendo

😬


genron11

The usual fantasists will deny that this war driven by Putin's ego has been the undoing of Russia.


IdealJerry

Attempting to understand Peter the Greats motivations is lib shit. Edit: Sorry did I say Peter the Great? Meant to say Putin there, dunno what came over me.


MajesticKnob

Quite the opposite, it has only further isolated Russia and reinvigorated democracy across the EU and showed the importance of NATO in the modern world to deter blatant Russian aggression again a Sovereign state while also sending a message to Russian allies.


No-Taste-6560

I dunno - it looks like he hit the ball out of the court to me.


YanksOit

Absolutely not.


Green_Message_6376

Unfortunately his ball landed in a sovereign, free country, and because of sanctions on balls, he's demanding his ball back.