Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-25

[Valmy]

Ideally Europe finally does what it should have done a decade ago: build up it's military(ies).
The irony of such a buildup is that the European part of NATO will be less inclined to tow the US line (if at all after Trump).
Or how to turn an ally into a possible competitor

Well that is the reason we have tried so hard to keep NATO going. A third center of power in Europe means a powerful economic force that may or may not agree with us on all kinds of issues. They get mad at Europeans doing things like grumbling about our Middle Eastern policy, it is another with a powerful army that wants to justify itself disagreeing with our Middle Eastern policy.

America first my ass.

[Zoupa]

I think Kofman's been a consistently useful analyst on Ukraine since the invasion began. From a Google search the last contribution he had a Valdai was in 2018 - though still on their site (his three contributions: "Great power competition in 21st century", "Russia's problems in Syria", "What makes great power war possible"). I would expect an American researcher specialising in Russia and the USSR from a defence and military perspective to engage with their equivalent community in Russia - I'd only really consider that a black mark if they've been going/contributing since the invasion.

FWIW other listed contributors on Valdai include western journalists - such as European editor of the Economist, or FT or NYT's correspondents. As with analysts specialising in a region, it's their job.

Don't think Watling ever did anything with Valdai (too young).

No idea about the owner - I think the piece is good (though I know nothing on military stuff). It seems do-able, but I'm not sure we'll do it.

The war began in 2014. 2008 in Georgia. 1999 in Grozny. Kofman took money from putin. He might have the best take, but I won't listen.

[Grey Fox]

Krasnov strikes again.


US help to Ukraine is paused.

[Jacob]

That article has the benefit of being the first I've also read with details on a possible deployment. Unfortunately, the owner is a trumpist and the authors are part of the Valdai club.

What's the Valdai club?

[Razgovory]

While I don't agree with Chipwich entirely, he does have a point.  It's galling that people who dislike us demand we do more to guard them.

"Hey, warmongering theocratic fascists, come back here!  You are suppose to be protecting us!"

Plenty of those countries have made political sacrifices as well as lent us their soldiers in our operations to support us over the years.  I was concerned they seemed to be getting nothing but shit and abuse and paying a huge price for their willingness to help us. I would prefer countries be rewarded for helping us.

I guess I fail to remember the time these governments called us warmongering theocratic fascists.

Anyway you absolutely despise the one country who wanted Europe to protect itself and us to NOT protect them. There is just no fucking winning with you.

Valmy, the US approval rating in most of Europe was underwater well before Trump was elected.  Posters like Zoupa and Josq have held us in contempt much longer than Trump.  Politicians in Europe routinely denounce us in Europe.  I support Ukraine, but it isn't a NATO member.  Nobody can invoke Article 5.  It's much closer to say the Iraq war or Vietnam.

[viper37]

Valmy, the US approval rating in most of Europe was underwater well before Trump was elected. 

Freedom fries.

[Sheilbh]

What's the Valdai club?

Putin's Davos.

[Valmy]

Valmy, the US approval rating in most of Europe was underwater well before Trump was elected.  Posters like Zoupa and Josq have held us in contempt much longer than Trump.  Politicians in Europe routinely denounce us in Europe.  I support Ukraine, but it isn't a NATO member.  Nobody can invoke Article 5.  It's much closer to say the Iraq war or Vietnam.

CountdeMoney has held us in much more contempt than Zoupa or Josq. I am not familiar with the routine denunciations of us in Europe.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1395796/views-united-states-worldwide-country/



Yeah they clearly fucking hate us  46% of French people have a FAVORABLE view of the United States, plenty might have a neutral view. But it is underwater? You sure the other 54% have an Unfavorable view? Doubtful.

Anyway I produced data that clearly proves you wrong. Your ball.

I don't see the similarities with Iraq or Vietnam, except that Vietnam did involve a proxy war but everything else kind of falls apart after that.

[Jacob]

What's the Valdai club?

Putin's Davos.

Ah I see. Thanks.

[crazy canuck]

The US suspend all military aid to Ukraine.

[Zoupa]

They're even recalling what's already in transit.

Next time an Iskander slams into a maternity ward in Dnipro, that'll be on Trump. Not that he gives a shit.