Russia says Canada's decision to send troops to Ukraine "deplorable"

[AkMike]

TORONTO — Russia called Canada's decision to send 200 military trainers to Ukraine "counterproductive and deplorable" on Wednesday.     

On Tuesday, Canada announced 200 soldiers will be posted in western Ukraine, joining U.S. and British soldiers early this summer.

The mission will last until March 31, 2017. Britain is sending up to 75 military trainers. The U.S. has committed 800 troops to train three battalions in western Ukraine. The move comes after a request from the government of Ukraine.

The Russian Embassy in Ottawa said in a statement that Canada's actions are fueling a military build-up.



http://www.startribune.com/world/299875741.html

[Brasscasing]

The Russian Embassy in Ottawa said in a statement that Canada's actions are fueling a military build-up.

The Canadian embassy in Moscow should issue it's own statement..."Bring it on."

Brass

[lordtiberius]

The problem with this is that Russia will move against Canada in the north.  From a Ukrainian POV, this widening of the war dilutes combat power Russia can bring on Ukraine.  From a pro-freedom POV, this is not good. 

Why?

Because Obama will have to make a choice to back up Canada and NATO.  Our President has not shown a willingness to do either.  Harper and Obama do not have a great relationship.  And if Obama cannot find time to see Jens Stoltenberg, how much does he value NATO beyond the photo op?

Is there a NATO without the US?

[Boethius]

The U.S. has a claim in the north as well, so I don't see that happening.
 
However, Russian spies in Ukraine's military are a concern.
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/russian-infiltration-of-ukrainian-military-complicates-canadian-training-mission

[Boethius]

From the article -

It is thought that the reason that Washington has been unwilling to share its best satellite imagery with the Ukrainians is that it does not want the Russians to find out what its satellite capabilities are.

That is why I believe the Americans always knew who shot down MH17, and why they didn't release satellite images.  I also think that is how they know how many Russian troops are in Ukraine.

[Anathema]

I think it would be hilarious if the West took a page from the Russians and just denied there are any "instructors" in Ukraine.  Remove all the unit patches and just make counter accusations.

Russia: There's Canadian military in Ukraine!

Canada: Nope, you're mistaken.  Canada and Ukraine have a good relationship so it's possible that some Canadians are vacationing in Ukraine but that's all.

Russia: Those soldiers are speaking English, say "aboot", wear funny hats, are riding moose, and have canteens filled with maple syrup!

Canada: .....you have no proof.

[lordtiberius]

The U.S. has a claim in the north as well, so I don't see that happening.
 
However, Russian spies in Ukraine's military are a concern.
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/russian-infiltration-of-ukrainian-military-complicates-canadian-training-mission

I hope you are right.

[AC]

TORONTO — Russia called Canada's decision to send 200 military trainers to Ukraine "counterproductive and deplorable" on Wednesday.     

On Tuesday, Canada announced 200 soldiers will be posted in western Ukraine, joining U.S. and British soldiers early this summer.

The mission will last until March 31, 2017. Britain is sending up to 75 military trainers. The U.S. has committed 800 troops to train three battalions in western Ukraine. The move comes after a request from the government of Ukraine.

The Russian Embassy in Ottawa said in a statement that Canada's actions are fueling a military build-up.



http://www.startribune.com/world/299875741.html

AkMike,
I thought that the US training mission had been postponed or abandoned by Obama to try and placate Russia.  Any new developments on this?

[AkMike]

 Yeah AC. I saw somewhere that 700 are either in Lviv now or soon will be.


Anathema, you forgot to mention that every sentence would end with "Eh?"  Ya got love Cannuks!

[alex330]

I thought that the US training mission had been postponed or abandoned by Obama to try and placate Russia.  Any new developments on this?

US troops have been in Ukraine for months now. We sent over a small group in February to train Ukrainian soldiers how to use counter mortar radars.

http://www.army.mil/article/142822/

The 173rd convoy arrived several days ago with 50 men and the the others will arrive soon making it around 300 total from that unit. This is the unit that recently trained Romania how to use Western anti tank weapons.

http://www.stripes.com/news/us-paratroops-convoy-to-western-ukraine-for-training-mission-1.339858

We are also sending a battalion of our National Guard who should be arriving any day now.

[msmobyone]

The problem with this is that Russia will move against Canada in the north.

 

Can I have a pint of what you are drinking, please ?

[AC]

Can I have a pint of what you are drinking, please ?

It would take far more than a pint.  This guy must weigh over 300lbs.   

[lordtiberius]

Can I have a pint of what you are drinking, please ?

Why do you say that?

[lordtiberius]

It would take far more than a pint.  This guy must weigh over 300lbs.   

If I am so inconsequential, why are you trolling me?

[msmobyone]

Why do you say that?

Oh, NATO article 5 might be a good starting point ....

[Boethius]

There is currently a dispute over the territory over the North Pole among Russia, Canada, the US, and Denmark.  I assumed LT was referring to that.

[lordtiberius]

Oh, NATO article 5 might be a good starting point ....

And you think Obama will honor article 5? 

[lordtiberius]

There is currently a dispute over the territory over the North Pole among Russia, Canada, the US, and Denmark.  I assumed LT was referring to that.

Do you the the Russians are just sabre rattling?

[msmobyone]

There is currently a dispute over the territory over the North Pole among Russia, Canada, the US, and Denmark.  I assumed LT was referring to that.

Hi, unless I am mistaken, Boethius - the clue re what LT is discussing is in the title thread...

[msmobyone]

And you think Obama will honor article 5?

YES...

[Boethius]

Moby, threads go off track all the time.


LT, I think all four countries are sabre rattling to a degree.  China has also chimed in, saying the North Pole doesn't belong to any of the four nations, and belongs to everyone.  So, who knows?

[msmobyone]

Moby, threads go off track all the time.

Yes, but this thread was not so long, Boethius...

LT, I think all four countries are sabre rattling to a degree.  China has also chimed in, saying the North Pole doesn't belong to any of the four nations, and belongs to everyone.  So, who knows?

China's response is 'interesting' seeing the stance they are taking re the Spratly Islands ...

[lordtiberius]

Moby, threads go off track all the time.


LT, I think all four countries are sabre rattling to a degree.  China has also chimed in, saying the North Pole doesn't belong to any of the four nations, and belongs to everyone.  So, who knows?

I hope you are right and I am wrong.  The north pole is ideal for submarine warfare.  It makes detection difficult but there are hazards.  You can get stuck there.  An apocryphal story goes that a Soviet sub got stuck there and everyone died except the XO who woke from a coma only to shoot himself.  There's oil there.  Its a good place to launch.nuclear weapons.  Idk.  Hope I am wrong.

[BillyB]

I think it would be hilarious if the West took a page from the Russians and just denied there are any "instructors" in Ukraine.  Remove all the unit patches and just make counter accusations.

That would be counterproductive for the West. The West is held to higher standards than Russia. If we get caught in a lie, Russia will run with the story and be successful in saying the West isn't trustworthy. Putin got caught lying when he said he didn't send troops into Crimea but it didn't affect his popularity ratings and supporters in the West continue to support his actions. Right now Russia is winning the information war. Propaganda or not, they are winning and the West isn't working as hard to educate people to change their minds.

[Anathema]

I was just joking but you're right.  Sad but true.

Unfortunately I don't think the majority of the west cares.  Outside of our little niche community, the majority of Americans (for example) couldn't find Ukraine on a map, let alone care about the country or people there.

The politicians are too busy masturbating to their  campaigns.  They're not going to be pushing for war heading into an election.

I don't think education is going to change anything.