Russia Ukraine Update Thread

It seems about time to start a Russia Ukraine situational update thread to consolidate all of the important updates and info about this impending situation.

President Vladimir Putin ordered his defense ministry to despatch Russian peacekeepers to eastern Ukraine's two breakaway regions, according to a decree published early on Tuesday after he said Moscow would recognize their independence.

Source: www.jpost.com...

Have been reading multiple reports of this. Well, that was quick! Will this be seen as an "invasion" by NATO and the West? Is this report true? Time will tell. Russia always can say we didn't encroach on Ukraine since it doesn't recognize Donetsk and Lugansk as Ukraine.

Russian military convoy entering #Donbass

Feb 21, 2022 • Unconfirmed video: Putin orders Russian military "peacekeepers" into Donbas.

Cannot be confirmed, but this video has been circulating showing "Russian units entering Donbas." Who knows whether or not this is true, but if anyone can verify that would be great.

a reply to: majesticgent

It doesn't matter what Russia recognizes or what they don't, from an international law perspective, Russia's declaration doesn't hold water.

The only nations that will recognize it as legitimate are rogue nations like North Korea and Iran. Not even China will recognize the legitimacy as doing so could potentially bite them in the ass with regions like Tibet that would love to split from China.

a reply to: majesticgent

I received this in an email and IMO it explains much.

For those who ask: “Why does Ukraine matter? “
How the nation of Ukraine ranks:
1st in Europe in proven recoverable reserves of uranium ores;
2nd place in Europe and 10th place in the world in terms of titanium ore reserves;
2nd place in the world in terms of explored reserves of manganese ores (2.3 billion tons, or 12% of the world's reserves);
2nd largest iron ore reserves in the world (30 billion tons);
2nd place in Europe in terms of mercury ore reserves;
3rd place in Europe (13th place in the world) in shale gas reserves (22 trillion cubic meters)
4th in the world by the total value of natural resources;
7th place in the world in coal reserves (33.9 billion tons)
Ukraine is an agricultural country:
1st in Europe in terms of arable land area;
3rd place in the world by the area of black soil (25% of world's volume);
1st place in the world in exports of sunflower and sunflower oil;
2nd place in the world in barley production and 4th place in barley exports;
3rd largest producer and 4th largest exporter of corn in the world;
4th largest producer of potatoes in the world;
5th largest rye producer in the world;
5th place in the world in bee production (75,000 tons);
8th place in the world in wheat exports;
9th place in the world in the production of chicken eggs;
16th place in the world in cheese exports.
Ukraine can meet the food needs of 600 million people.
Ukraine is an industrialized country:
1st in Europe in ammonia production;
2-е Europe's and 4th largest natural gas pipeline system in the world (142.5 bln cubic meters of gas throughput capacity in the EU);
3rd largest in Europe and 8th largest in the world in terms of installed capacity of nuclear power plants;
3rd place in Europe and 11th in the world in terms of rail network length (21,700 km);
3rd place in the world (after the U.S. and France) in production of locators and locating equipment;
3rd largest iron exporter in the world
4th largest exporter of turbines for nuclear power plants in the world;
4th world's largest manufacturer of rocket launchers;
4th place in the world in clay exports
4th place in the world in titanium exports
8th place in the world in exports of ores and concentrates;
9th place in the world in exports of defence industry products;
10th largest steel producer in the world (32.4 million tons).

If you have something someone wants whether you be country or individual you need a way of keeping what is yours and protecting your country; otherwise the bully or the big bad neighboring country can and will take your stuff.

originally posted by: Xcalibur254
a reply to: majesticgent

It doesn't matter what Russia recognizes or what they don't, from an international law perspective, Russia's declaration doesn't hold water.

As what happened in Crimea. Nothing happened then. We'll see this time around

originally posted by: Xcalibur254
a reply to: majesticgent

It doesn't matter what Russia recognizes or what they don't, from an international law perspective, Russia's declaration doesn't hold water.

The only nations that will recognize it as legitimate are rogue nations like North Korea and Iran. Not even China will recognize the legitimacy as doing so could potentially bite them in the ass with regions like Tibet that would love to split from China.

I agree, Putin doesn't care it was nothing but formalities, and FWIW with all the communications back and forth it is probably not a surprise to NATO. Even Putin alluded he knows Russian moves influence the rest of the world and he has to be precise and selective.

a reply to: majesticgent

Here:

www.theguardian.com...

Putin has gone and done it.

Prepare for the dismemberment of a sovereign country which Putin now does not recognise as an independent state.

a reply to: majesticgent

I have to say that Russia wins again.

I was reading The Evil and Malevolence of the Pentagon’s Brilliant Strategy in Ukraine, the other day and I thought ....... ummmm, yeah nah.

The crisis in Ukraine demonstrates the sheer brilliance of Pentagon strategists. Yes, granted, it’s an evil and malevolent strategy, but nonetheless one cannot help but admire it for its sheer ingenuity.

The strategy has involved maneuvering Russia into having to make a choice between two scenarios, both of which have bad consequences. The choices are these:

(1) Russia does not invade Ukraine, in which case the U.S.-controlled NATO absorbs Ukraine, which means U.S. bases, missiles, tanks, and troops permanently situated on Russia’s borders; or

(2) Russia invades Ukraine and takes over the reins of government, in which case U.S. officials portray Russia as a horrific aggressor that now threatens the rest of Europe, the United States, and all mankind.

So if that was the plan, it was a sh!t one.

So now if these "peacekeepers get attacked/killed/sacrificed in a false flag,putin will blame Ukraine and launch the full force he has ready on the border I imagine.

what a nightmare for everyone in Ukraine.

a reply to: majesticgent

Newsflash for ya.. it's just happened.

www.theguardian.com...

Here's Biden's tough response, was this was planned all along? Putin told Macron and Macron broke the news to Biden.

prm.ua...

Washington was ready for the Russian Federation to recognize the independence of the so-called "LPR" and "DPR", so US President Joe Biden will immediately sign a new package of sanctions against Russia and "L / DPR".

This was stated in the press center of the White House.

EU to impose new sanctions on Russia for recognizing L / DNR
"We have been waiting for such a step on the part of Russia and are ready to react immediately. President Biden will soon issue a decree banning investment, trade and financing by Americans from or in the so-called "DPR" and "LPR" regions of Ukraine. This decree will also give the authority to impose sanctions on any person who decides to work in these regions of Ukraine, "the agency said.

a reply to: majesticgent

A thread was saying Russian troops where returning to base didn't it ?

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Bit premature.

Currently two HC 130 Super Hercules planes been flying in a tight circle on the Polish/Ukraine border for the past few hours. First time I’ve seen this. They’re just up there flying in a circle.

Now both flying westward, without landing?

a reply to: majesticgent

Russian Peacemakers.

a reply to: Xcalibur254

from an international law perspective

You mean that same international law perspective that have a issue with the Catalonia independence? but had no issues with Kosovo because of Geo Political interests in the Balkans?

originally posted by: majesticgent
Russia always can say we didn't encroach on Ukraine since it doesn't recognize Donetsk and Lugansk as Ukraine.

Deadly precedent if not recognizing an area means a green light to send troops in.

Wonder which domino is next...

a reply to: vNex92

"Russian Peacemakers."


Comedy gold.

a reply to: vNex92

Handwaving and whataboutism?

Smells of agreement all round. Donbas for Putin. Stops there. Everyone claims they’re tough as fuch and won. Dust settles. Get the boosters out. Ukraine? Where’s that again? Deal has been done since before Biden’s limited incursion slip up.

a reply to: ARM1968

Smells alright. But not where you think it's coming from.