The State of Affairs in Russia

[PJL]

Honestly, at least Greece being pro-Russian I can understand, given their shared religion and the fact Russia hasn't invaded them. But Hungarians doing that seems unforgivable to me given their history. Hell, I'd understand them more if they were neo-Nazi sympathisers instead.

[Tamas]

Honestly, at least Greece being pro-Russian I can understand, given their shared religion and the fact Russia hasn't invaded them. But Hungarians doing that seems unforgivable to me given their history. Hell, I'd understand them more if they were neo-Nazi sympathisers instead.

Yes, but the current government works like an organised crime gang, and Russia is much more compatible with them than the EU.

[Tamas]

As if it wasn't obvious enough already that Putin basically had himself invited to parade around an EU and NATO member country as if he isn't becoming a pariah, two things made that clearer:
-The Hungarian side claimed pre-meeting that this personal visit was necessary to sign the extension of the long term gas contract ("OMG TEH FAMILIES WILL BE WITHOUT HEATING OTHERWISE") Then what they signed was a minor agreement they have already made a year ago concerning the consumption of the gas we already payed for IIRC.

-On the press conference, Putin really didnt give a damn about Hungary or common affairs, he was busy telling the defenders of that besieged town to surrender if they know what is good for them.


You better face it guys: you have a Trojan Horse in NATO and EU.

More a rickety 3-legged stool than a huge wooden craven symbol.

I'd entirely forgotten Hungary was in NATO and no doubt when it leaves, it'll be on page 3/4 for a day or two.

Worthless military or not, they do have access to NATO intelligence and whatnot, and as a result Russia does too, I am fairly certain.

[KRonn]

Worthless military or not, they do have access to NATO intelligence and whatnot, and as a result Russia does too, I am fairly certain.

I would think that Hungary had enough of Russia when it was the Soviet Union, and given that Putin's government and the resultant kleptocracy there would ensure that Hungary does as little as possible to have anything to do with it, aside from getting energy contracts signed. Russia needs to sell the energy, especially now with their crumbling economy, as much as Hungary needs to buy the energy.

As for a poor military, from what some Euro posters have been posting, it would seem that most Euro military forces are in a sorry condition.

[Tamas]

Worthless military or not, they do have access to NATO intelligence and whatnot, and as a result Russia does too, I am fairly certain.

I would think that Hungary had enough of Russia when it was the Soviet Union

You would think so wouldn't you. But stuffing the "we like Russia, mucho gusto" party line down the throats of government supporters was relatively easy, even if decidedly with losses and support. And cleptocracy is the business our government is in as well.

Plus, there are shady guys with extremely close ties to Russia in basically all major parties.

[KRonn]

Yeah, Hungary was in the Soviet Bloc for so long, I guess it should be no surprise that there are still many who want things to be more like the bad "good old days". Still communists and totalitarians at heart.

[alfred russel]

Yeah, Hungary was in the Soviet Bloc for so long, I guess it should be no surprise that there are still many who want things to be more like the bad "good old days". Still communists and totalitarians at heart.

But Orban was one of the guys that helped bring it all down. It's like George Washington turning the country over to the British in his second term as President.

[Valmy]

Well according to the Republicans he pretty much did.

(And by Republicans I mean the 1790s Republicans)

[jimmy olsen]

This story is two years old but CdM should get a kick out of it. 

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/man-who-hijacked-banks-fine-print-to-flee-russia/484348.html

[Barrister]

As if it wasn't obvious enough already that Putin basically had himself invited to parade around an EU and NATO member country as if he isn't becoming a pariah, two things made that clearer:
-The Hungarian side claimed pre-meeting that this personal visit was necessary to sign the extension of the long term gas contract ("OMG TEH FAMILIES WILL BE WITHOUT HEATING OTHERWISE") Then what they signed was a minor agreement they have already made a year ago concerning the consumption of the gas we already payed for IIRC.

-On the press conference, Putin really didnt give a damn about Hungary or common affairs, he was busy telling the defenders of that besieged town to surrender if they know what is good for them.


You better face it guys: you have a Trojan Horse in NATO and EU.

More a rickety 3-legged stool than a huge wooden craven symbol.

I'd entirely forgotten Hungary was in NATO and no doubt when it leaves, it'll be on page 3/4 for a day or two.

Worthless military or not, they do have access to NATO intelligence and whatnot, and as a result Russia does too, I am fairly certain.

A certain naval intelligence sailor once told me that the US certainly does not share all it's intelligence with its NATO allies.

[Ed Anger]

They'll see the big board!

[Syt]

I can't help but feel that it's no coincidence that Putin says that he knows the Americans are supplying weapons to Ukraine ("according to Russian intelligence") while visiting Hungary and after talking to Orban behind closed doors for several hours longer than scheduled. Even if it's a bluff the timing is well calculated.

[KRonn]

Yeah, Hungary was in the Soviet Bloc for so long, I guess it should be no surprise that there are still many who want things to be more like the bad "good old days". Still communists and totalitarians at heart.

But Orban was one of the guys that helped bring it all down. It's like George Washington turning the country over to the British in his second term as President.

That is pretty damn tragic. And I assume he's getting "paid" well by the Russkies in some manner for his turncoat ways.

[grumbler]

A certain naval intelligence sailor once told me that the US certainly does not share all it's intelligence with its NATO allies.

Correct.  The Brits see pretty much everything, but I don't know if any non-US-non-Brit has ever had the highest level TK clearance.  I seem to remember being told that it wasn't possible.

[Barrister]

A certain naval intelligence sailor once told me that the US certainly does not share all it's intelligence with its NATO allies.

Correct.  The Brits see pretty much everything, but I don't know if any non-US-non-Brit has ever had the highest level TK clearance.  I seem to remember being told that it wasn't possible.

I subsequently learned that Canada, Australia and New Zealand though were also partnered with the US/UK in the "Five Eyes" alliance (which obviously doesn't include Hungary), so do you happen to know why the UK is elevated to such a "special relationship" above all others?