Interesting -- but long -- Twitter thread by a think tank analyst.
Russia & Ukraine
- Thread starter UsualName
- Start date
Walking and chewing gum. A multitasker's dream.
Yeah, because that never happens on any threads down here in the cellar.
Russia out of World Cup
FIFA set to suspend Russia from internationals
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/fifa-set-suspend-russia-internationals-source-2022-02-28/
FIFA set to suspend Russia from internationals
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/fifa-set-suspend-russia-internationals-source-2022-02-28/
The Swiss, as in the always neutral European country, will forego its neutrality in the Ukrainian matter and freeze all Russian assets.
It’s important to point out what Putin did was a gamble, not a risk. A risk you can mitigate when you take a loss, a gamble is a loss and there is no mitigation. Putin gambled and lost on the idea he could survive sanctions because the west would be weak or divided. The sanctions are actually bigger and more widespread than we even could have imagined. The only thing really left is oil and gas and now there is talk of putting a penalty on Russian oil. It does not seem the west is losing any appetite to impose sanctions, if anything it is growing.
It’s important to point out what Putin did was a gamble, not a risk. A risk you can mitigate when you take a loss, a gamble is a loss and there is no mitigation. Putin gambled and lost on the idea he could survive sanctions because the west would be weak or divided. The sanctions are actually bigger and more widespread than we even could have imagined. The only thing really left is oil and gas and now there is talk of putting a penalty on Russian oil. It does not seem the west is losing any appetite to impose sanctions, if anything it is growing.
I tell you after you watch this, indeed Ronnie was a true leader of the Free World
Who is Europe’s ‘last dictator’ Alexander Lukashenko?
Belarussian strongman and Soviet throwback has ruled since 1994, forging close ties with Russia while brutally cracking down on his political opponents
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/...kashenko-belarus-ukraine-russia-b2024868.html
This sets aside hundreds of years of neutrality so it is quite a statement. Freezing the Russian accounts will cause some pain -- according to the NY Times -- "Swiss national bank data showed that Russian companies and individuals held assets worth more than $11 billion in Swiss banks in 2020."
We're talking about governments. They can't walk or chew gum. Multitasking not a strong point. They are good at making problems worse.
With the caveat that I have no idea what is right and I heard it on Fox so maybe that is an automatic dismissal for some:
It is being reported that Belarus has not agreed yet to send in troops or is reversing a prior decision. Not sure.
Not to be confused with Russian troops stationed in Belarus who are clearly going in. So there is a movement of troops from Belarus but not necessarily above and beyond the Russian troops. You know when you try to put a lobster in the pot, they brace their legs a little and resist. Belarus may be doing that. They may want to play ball with Putin but not take on all the punishments.
Again, I have no idea. Could be reported totally different in an hour.