Artorias said:
I really wish these threads didn't always devolve into "if Putin had never invaded, there wouldn't be a problem!"... or "Putin can end the war whenever he wants by taking his forces out of UKE!"
Yes, we all know that, Captain Obvious. Those statements are meaningless and irrelevant because Putin did invade and he is never going to just pick up and go home. How about we focus on actual potential solutions to end the war that live in reality.
Wish to raise just one point.
Do we know for sure Russia had zero reason to invade? Isn't it interesting that narrative that came from the same admin and press that gave us the past four years is accepted without question.
There are anomalies about the whole matter that are concerning. What we forget is many are more decisive than we are -- they will act against a threat faster, with more risk. That doesn't mean there wasn't a provocation, a reason, beyond simple land grab greed.
It still bothers me that Cruz -- a very reliable person -- appeared to confirm Ukraine was doing some of dubious bioweapon work. Was that ever settled? It wouldn't take much of that to see a possible need to intervene. But it may be all BS, yes, without a doubt. I don't even wish to raise it--- but its an example of the kind of thing that may pre-date 2014 and that is what few seem to be looking at.
Yes -- put that starting assumption under greater scrutiny. Maybe with an honest regime not involved in profiteering and laundering in the region, we can learn if it was entirely unprovoked.
Please don't jump in with a bunch of this or that's about it. Not saying what is true. Just saying -- examine the automatic acceptance, that there was nothing operating against Russia's interests. If there were, they have always acted more boorishly in such matters.