Russia & Ukraine
- Thread starter UsualName
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It is a growing number according to The New York Times Russia correspondent. It's been reported that the return of body bags to Russia, contrary to what I foolishly predicted would happen, is moving Russian sentiment toward Putin's gelatinous position*; not away from it. The original public excuse for his "Special Military Operation" was to offer support and protection from Ukrainian Nazis to Russians living in Ukraine. The Times reports that this has now morphed into a special military operation needed to preempt NATO's planned invasion of __________ (fill in the blank). And, again according to the Times, Russians are buying into this.
Hasn't this, however, the making of yet another Russian calamity added to Russia's long calamitous history? I have observed that those who throw in too incautiously with tyrants, especially beguiling ones such as Putin, Trump, etc., often end up voluntarily wrecking their own lives in loyal obeisance to their Masters.
Russia cannot win this war. Sadly, the reasons why will come too late to many, hapless, 18 year-old, Russian cannon fodder.
______________
*Not referring to Putin's steadfast, personal belief that Ukraine is Russia, but rather to his chameleon like reasons for invading Ukraine having to do with first Nazis then NATO, etc.; reasons that go well beyond his nostalgic vision of Ukraine.
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EU puts forward ammo supply plan for Ukraine
The European Commission has prepared a plan to increase the supply of ammunition to Ukraine, and also replenish the reserves of the European Union, German newspaper Spiegel reported on March 1.
https://english.nv.ua/nation/eu-puts-forward-ammo-supply-plan-for-ukraine-news-50307776.html
The first step of the three-step-plan involves an immediate increase of the ammunition supply, including 155mm artillery shells, to Ukraine. The EU intends to allocate EUR 1 billion ($1.07 billion) for it.
The second step involves the joint purchase of 155mm ammunition by the European Defense Agency in order to refill the stocks of EU countries and ensure supplies to Ukraine in the long term.
The third step is meant to ensure a long-term increase in European capacity of ammunition production.
Emergency assistance under the first step will be provided following the already established plan: the EU countries supply Ukraine with ammunition, and receive money from the European Peace Fund.
The second step of the plan contains a clear message: the time when peace in Europe was guaranteed is over. The situation has changed dramatically with the Russian attack, and the EU countries should take this into account by purchasing more ammunition in the long term. This has to happen with the help of EDA. EU member states and Ukraine need to bring their needs together to "place bulk orders and give the industry a clear signal of demand". According to the European Commission, only if the industry is confident that such demand exists, it will be ready to increase its production capacity in the long term.
The commission also hopes that the joint order will result in significantly lower prices than before. 25 out of 27 EU countries, and Norway, have already expressed their interest in participating in the project, which will last seven years.
The European Commission has prepared a plan to increase the supply of ammunition to Ukraine, and also replenish the reserves of the European Union, German newspaper Spiegel reported on March 1.
https://english.nv.ua/nation/eu-puts-forward-ammo-supply-plan-for-ukraine-news-50307776.html
The first step of the three-step-plan involves an immediate increase of the ammunition supply, including 155mm artillery shells, to Ukraine. The EU intends to allocate EUR 1 billion ($1.07 billion) for it.
The second step involves the joint purchase of 155mm ammunition by the European Defense Agency in order to refill the stocks of EU countries and ensure supplies to Ukraine in the long term.
The third step is meant to ensure a long-term increase in European capacity of ammunition production.
Emergency assistance under the first step will be provided following the already established plan: the EU countries supply Ukraine with ammunition, and receive money from the European Peace Fund.
The second step of the plan contains a clear message: the time when peace in Europe was guaranteed is over. The situation has changed dramatically with the Russian attack, and the EU countries should take this into account by purchasing more ammunition in the long term. This has to happen with the help of EDA. EU member states and Ukraine need to bring their needs together to "place bulk orders and give the industry a clear signal of demand". According to the European Commission, only if the industry is confident that such demand exists, it will be ready to increase its production capacity in the long term.
The commission also hopes that the joint order will result in significantly lower prices than before. 25 out of 27 EU countries, and Norway, have already expressed their interest in participating in the project, which will last seven years.
Quite so indeed.