Putin is Ruining Russia

[Doll]

I am just not reacting on bullying but being Russian I understand why and what Mendy is doing.
Actually, it is a "group of anonymous  robots , I think

[sleepycat]

Maybe you can explain to us dumb Westerners why and what Mendy is doing?

Judging by the substance of the postings, as in this point in time Mendy appears to have all the credibility while you have none.

[Taz]

I believe you are an a-10 Warthog pilot and Iraq war veteran (?) and very smart as well as thoughtful.  Would you risk inserting US or NATO troops into Ukraine (provided they were ordered to go, which they likely won't be) or would you limit Ukraine to getting all the weapons they need? (not that Obama will approve it but hopefully somebody will).  Curious what your thoughts are on the best course of action to prevent them from being overwhelmed.

Thanks for your comments. Let's just say I have a strong love for the capabilities of that aircraft. I was usually carrier based.


The problem with our idiot Commander in Chief is that he always PUBLICALLY says what options he won't consider. So while I am in NO HURRY typically to rush into war, don't tell your enemy you won't even consider a military option. By doing so makes Putin's political calculus much easier. I strongly feel that Obama'a inaction in Syria emboldened Putin.


Putin saw Obama was a pussy and realized the US wouldn't do much if he took advantage of the instability in Ukraine. Once Obama said military action was pretty much off the table then Putin thought "eff" you USA. There isn't much you can do to stop me and rolled on with his plan.


So now he has stolen a big chunk of Ukraine in violation of the Budapest Memorandum and we've failed to strongly support our commitment in that document of protecting Ukraine.


So while I personally would be willing to go support Ukraine in anyway I can, prudence dictates that we should tread somewhat carefully but at the same time greatly increase our support of their efforts. I strongly believe MH17 could have been prevented. We could have given Ukraine more support early on to counter Russia without being directly involved. Russia built a lot of the equipment Ukraine used for monitoring and comm so they knew all its limitations and used that against Ukraine. We could have provided radar, REAL TIME satellite intel (which we didn't do) and more to help Ukraine more effectively counter Russia. They were pretty much blind and we gave them old info. Typically days late which is of little use other than to know you are screwed and not prevent it in the first place.


If we don't counter Putin's aggression now, the Baltic States and others are at risk. So I would immediately turn the sanction screws to max, shutdown SWIFT financial networks, I would shut down all credit card processing to Russia. I would revoke all Russian visas (EU and US)I would ramp up oil and gas production in the US to further drive the price of oil down. I would start work on the Keystone pipeline to send a message. I would do all that I can to export natural gas to Europe to reduce their dependence on Russia. I would aggressively pursue all courses of legal action against Russia for the shooting down of MH17. I would (in conjunction with the EU) issue a statement saying we'll never recognize the Crimean State or any new Novorossiya enclaves and that any foreign investment in those areas will be forbidden as well as banking. In addition any residents of those areas will never be issues visas to the US or EU. Should Putin try to connect a land bridge through Ukraine (like he is doing now) from Russia to Crimea then that will be the redline that will involve immediate and direct military action from the US and NATO.


I would give him 1 week to remove all Russian armor from Ukraine or they will be destroyed where they sit. A couple hundred cruise missiles or drone strikes would send them running. Just like there are no Russians or armor in Ukraine, there would be no US missiles or bombs either. I would also give you Ukraine access to drones immediately as well as all current, up to the second, intel on troop buildups. Most of all I would give Putin one last chance to save face and get the hell out of Ukraine. What he needs is a way to get out without looking like he capitulated. We need to show him that he'll suffer huge losses if he continues and that will undermine his support once even more Russians come home in body bags. We need to make sure he won't consider anything like this in the future. In addition he needs to compensate Ukraine for the loss of Crimea, the damage done in Eastern Ukraine, compensate  the victim's families (in Ukraine and MH17). Furthermore he needs to compensate Ukraine for all the Ukrainian Navy ships that were seized.


I think this would be a good start. If I were Obama (and I hadn't pissed myself because I suddenly found out I was such a pussy) I'd make a call to Putin and tell him to get the hell out or else. Obama tries to be strong with the Republicans but weak with terrorists and dictators. Most inept and incompetent US President in my lifetime.

[Taz]

Maybe you can explain to us dumb Westerners why and what Mendy is doing?

Judging by the substance of the postings, as in this point in time Mendy appears to have all the credibility while you have none.

I think Mendy is spot-on. I've seen lots of contact that clearly shows Russian violations, dead soldiers, evidence of their presence in Ukraine,  suddenly vanish from Russian sites. The Putin fascists clearly have pressed for it to be removed. I once read there were basically 36,000 Russian trolls on the payroll looking out for these things and trying to disseminate the Russian propaganda. I have seen things disappear from VK regarding EuroMaidan.


My wife no longer posts much on Facebook against Russia because of her very real concern of Russian retribution. I don't bother using social media sites such as FB, Odnoklasnikki or VK but I do keep accounts just to see what is going on. I always use a proxy server so as to not give up my location. I remove all location stamping from any social media sites and use proxy servers to change the IP addresses of where I post from. While I can't totally erase my footprint on the Internet I do try to minimize it. I will give up some PII but not so much as to 100% identify me. I am just one of a very large group of military pilots. Sure someone could potentially find me but if they want to cause me harm they'll likely get my guns so to speak but bullets first. All my children are trained to use firearms and I am teaching my wife as well. Fortunately I am not the only combat trained person in the household as well.


One big difference with this conflict is I think the attitude of the people in Russia and Ukraine. I don't see, hear, or read, about Russians sending money to support their troops. In Ukraine it is quite widespread where people send their own money to support the resistance to Russian aggression over and above any money the government uses in their common defense.  My wife sends about half her salary to support the troops and to help take care of the wounded soldiers. I was in the military hospitals as well with her. We brought food and stuff to share. She bought medicines for the soldiers as well. She only keeps about 25% of her salary for herself. As mentioned half goes to support the war, buy medicine, buy flak jackets, protective gear, etc. and 10-15% to orphanages and about 10% to the church. I think I married a saint.

[sleepycat]

but being Russian I understand why and what Mendy is doing.

What sort of whackjob explanation is this?

Doll keeps accusing Mendy of having a hidden agenda yet she refuses to explain to us what that hidden agenda is.

Her credibility sinks lower by the hour...

[Hammer2722]

What sort of whackjob explanation is this?

Doll keeps accusing Mendy of having a hidden agenda yet she refuses to explain to us what that hidden agenda is.

Her credibility sinks lower by the hour...

Exactly, what credibility is that? 

[Doll]

Maybe you can explain to us dumb Westerners why and what Mendy is doing?

Judging by the substance of the postings, as in this point in time Mendy appears to have all the credibility while you have none.

Propaganda war or another term is "informational war"
I don't care for you opinion on my credibility.
At least I am being logic to stand for my country while he is the opposite.

[sleepycat]

Propaganda war or another term is "informational war"
I don't care for you opinion on my credibility.
At least I am being logic to stand for my country while he is the opposite.

And you think the regime of that midget president of yours don't engage in an informational war?

Stand for the economic destruction of your country I'll say... 

[AkMike]

I don't care for you opinion on my credibility.
At least I am being logic to stand for my country while he is the opposite.

 IF you say it loud enough and long enough you'll believe it. 


 But no one else will.   

[Boethius]

Propaganda war or another term is "informational war"
I don't care for you opinion on my credibility.
At least I am being logic to stand for my country while he is the opposite.

I disagree with you.  First, Mendy does use his real name on work he is paid for.  I have read some of those articles.  Second, there are named sources on his site.  I have seen some of those articles, complete with names.


You are questioning his motives.  That is fundamentally wrong.  I believe his motives are as pure as yours, but his perspective differs from yours. 

[AC]

Taz,
Thanks for the comprehensive response.  I'll comment later when I have time.  Mostly agree with everything you wrote.  Too bad Romney was not President, I doubt if any of this would have happened.

[jone]

I think Mendy is spot-on. I've seen lots of contact that clearly shows Russian violations, dead soldiers, evidence of their presence in Ukraine,  suddenly vanish from Russian sites. The Putin fascists clearly have pressed for it to be removed. I once read there were basically 36,000 Russian trolls on the payroll looking out for these things and trying to disseminate the Russian propaganda. I have seen things disappear from VK regarding EuroMaidan.


My wife no longer posts much on Facebook against Russia because of her very real concern of Russian retribution. I don't bother using social media sites such as FB, Odnoklasnikki or VK but I do keep accounts just to see what is going on. I always use a proxy server so as to not give up my location. I remove all location stamping from any social media sites and use proxy servers to change the IP addresses of where I post from. While I can't totally erase my footprint on the Internet I do try to minimize it. I will give up some PII but not so much as to 100% identify me. I am just one of a very large group of military pilots. Sure someone could potentially find me but if they want to cause me harm they'll likely get my guns so to speak but bullets first. All my children are trained to use firearms and I am teaching my wife as well. Fortunately I am not the only combat trained person in the household as well.


One big difference with this conflict is I think the attitude of the people in Russia and Ukraine. I don't see, hear, or read, about Russians sending money to support their troops. In Ukraine it is quite widespread where people send their own money to support the resistance to Russian aggression over and above any money the government uses in their common defense.  My wife sends about half her salary to support the troops and to help take care of the wounded soldiers. I was in the military hospitals as well with her. We brought food and stuff to share. She bought medicines for the soldiers as well. She only keeps about 25% of her salary for herself. As mentioned half goes to support the war, buy medicine, buy flak jackets, protective gear, etc. and 10-15% to orphanages and about 10% to the church. I think I married a saint.

Taz, we absolutely agree.  Anyone who could marry you must be a saint.

[Belvis]

Propaganda war or another term is "informational war"
I don't care for you opinion on my credibility.
At least I am being logic to stand for my country while he is the opposite.

Irina, I've got impression you regards Mendy as Russian 
Well, may be he has became already half-Russian, however his attitude is drawn not by his citizenship but rather his circle of contacts in Moscow.

[Boethius]

Or his own eyes.

[Hammer2722]

Or his own eyes.

 

[Belvis]

My wife no longer posts much on Facebook against Russia because of her very real concern of Russian retribution.

Big Brother is watching your wife  Funny to hear but probably it transmits the social mood in Ukraine, they believe in their own propaganda.

One big difference with this conflict is I think the attitude of the people in Russia and Ukraine. I don't see, hear, or read, about Russians sending money to support their troops.

You're not correct. Russians send money to support rebels and organize trucks with stuff to Donbass at the level of comparable with Ukrainian volunteers. They're doing it without much publicity because the  state help from Russia is much larger.

[Belvis]

Or his own eyes.

Only if he is reporting from Donbass 

[papacool]

Hello,
I read you since many months, but I registrate only today to give you news importants.
Sorry for my bad english, I am french, my wife is from Ukraine and I live in Ukraine, Cherkassy oblast (state), 250 kms south from Kiev.
First, I like your site, your work. This helped me to try to destroy russian propaganda in west Europe.
I writed more than 1.000 messages during 10 months in forum that read all embassys in the world.
I want first to thank you about what is doing now USA to help Ukraine and put away this crazy Poutler.
May be you don't know, but yesterday in Donetsk'airport was a monster war.
The best soldiers from russia were in action.
At the end, ZERO soldiers from Ukraine died or go to hospital.
115 russian died, 158 to hospital, many, no news about them.
4 tanks destroied.
And a full regiment without news.
These informations are from russian army, not from propaganda.
The result at the end will be much more important and bad for Russia.
I am thinking that drones entered in action to do this.
What country can help Ukraine like this?
Israel a little, and USA for sure.
Thank you USA and Mac Cain.

[lordtiberius]

Hello,
I read you since many months, but I registrate only today to give you news importants.
Sorry for my bad english, I am french, my wife is from Ukraine and I live in Ukraine, Cherkassy oblast (state), 250 kms south from Kiev.
First, I like your site, your work. This helped me to try to destroy russian propaganda in west Europe.
I writed more than 1.000 messages during 10 months in forum that read all embassys in the world.
I want first to thank you about what is doing now USA to help Ukraine and put away this crazy Poutler.
May be you don't know, but yesterday in Donetsk'airport was a monster war.
The best soldiers from russia were in action.
At the end, ZERO soldiers from Ukraine died or go to hospital.
115 russian died, 158 to hospital, many, no news about them.
4 tanks destroied.
And a full regiment without news.
These informations are from russian army, not from propaganda.
The result at the end will be much more important and bad for Russia.
I am thinking that drones entered in action to do this.
What country can help Ukraine like this?
Israel a little, and USA for sure.
Thank you USA and Mac Cain.

Wow, hmm, Billy, didn't you say that Donestk is in Russian hands?

viva l'france!

[sleepycat]

115 russian died, 158 to hospital, many, no news about them.

 

***One  for each supposedly dead Russian!!!***

[papacool]

Thank you Lord
You must know, my family was from Frisco, since 19th century, speaking spanish, before was post in the USA.
They writed on wood, and company Cargo send the letters.
They were the first doing french bread in Frisco.
After big fire in 1906 they loose all and came back to France.
My gran father and gran gran father were american.

[Taz]

Big Brother is watching your wife  Funny to hear but probably it transmits the social mood in Ukraine, they believe in their own propaganda.

You're not correct. Russians send money to support rebels and organize trucks with stuff to Donbass at the level of comparable with Ukrainian volunteers. They're doing it without much publicity because the  state help from Russia is much larger.

It is Putin's war! Let him pay for it. He already robs the money from the pension funds to do it anyway. Why sacrifice more for his ego. It is a WAR he is financing. There aren't a lot of rebels left fighting based on the numbers. It is seems more Russian soldiers now at this point.

As for propaganda about monitoring of social media, it is well known in both Ukraine and Russia. I know for a fact as when I lived there my accounts were routinely opened by someone other than me. I setup test emails that would alert me anytime my emails were accessed. I could then track the source of the people that opened them. It was very easy to find where that source IP address came from. It was almost always Russian security (FSB) or their proxies.

As for my wife's account. I have sent her emails where I can track when it is opened. I have several times were the emails I sent to her were opened by IP addresses in Russia as well. So she no longer uses a mail.ru or yandex accounts for anything important. I still keep mine just to mess with them and send stuff that will get them all wound up and waste resources on investigating what I wrote. 

[jone]

Big Brother is watching your wife  Funny to hear but probably it transmits the social mood in Ukraine, they believe in their own propaganda.

You're not correct. Russians send money to support rebels and organize trucks with stuff to Donbass at the level of comparable with Ukrainian volunteers. They're doing it without much publicity because the  state help from Russia is much larger.

Oh, those must be the convoys coming to Ukraine with foodstuffs and support for the Ukrainian citizens there.  That is really admirable that you (personally) would support those Russian speaking Ukrainians who want to separate from the Kyiv Nazi Junta.

I heard that the trucks were filled with Oranges and Flour and potable water and canned goods.    That is really admirable.

I think that we, here in the US, should send over some care packages as well to assist those Russian speaking Ukrainians too.  After all, Ukraine is not our country, but the people are suffering.  We should do everything we can to ease their plight.

[Gator]

One pro-Ukrainian source yesterday began uploading videos on VK and YouTube of funerals/burials in the Rostov region of Russian soldiers who were killed in Ukraine. Today those videos are gone, scrubbed clean.

Curious as to what is happening, I went to their VK page to be greeted with this message from VK administrators:

Данный материал заблокирован на основании требования Генеральной прокуратуры Российской Федерации.
(Material blocked at the request of the Russian Federation Prosecutor General office.)

I am a member of 101 specialized communities on VK. Some are Russian, some Ukrainian, and they represent a variety of interests from culinary, culture, language, photography, history, religion, literature, etc. Thinking I might have clicked on a wrong link, I returned to vk.

Now that community is not even listed. It is gone, as if it had never existed. Poof, just like that.

The pen eraser is mightier than the sword pen. 

[jone]

It is Putin's war! Let him pay for it. He already robs the money from the pension funds to do it anyway. Why sacrifice more for his ego. It is a WAR he is financing. There aren't a lot of rebels left fighting based on the numbers. It is seems more Russian soldiers now at this point.

As for propaganda about monitoring of social media, it is well known in both Ukraine and Russia. I know for a fact as when I lived there my accounts were routinely opened by someone other than me. I setup test emails that would alert me anytime my emails were accessed. I could then track the source of the people that opened them. It was very easy to find where that source IP address came from. It was almost always Russian security (FSB) or their proxies.

As for my wife's account. I have sent her emails where I can track when it is opened. I have several times were the emails I sent to her were opened by IP addresses in Russia as well. So she no longer uses a mail.ru or yandex accounts for anything important. I still keep mine just to mess with them and send stuff that will get them all wound up and waste resources on investigating what I wrote. 

Since Russians like Herring so much, maybe you should opt to put a couple of red ones attached to those emails.