quote:

Originally posted by BansheeOne:
Igor "Strelkov" Girkin

Yes, his great-grandfather created the world's largest pickle empire.

It's "Obvious" There Will Be "No Victory For The Poor Ukrainians": Viktor Orban

https://www.zerohedge.com/geop...oor-ukrainians-orban

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has once again spoken the quiet part out loud, as he continues to be a thorn in the side of NATO and the EU regarding continually escalating arms deliveries to Ukraine, with F-16 fighter jets poised to be delivered to Kiev in the near future.

The first day of the annual Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) included a speech and on-stage interview by Orban wherein he bluntly stated that Ukraine can't win the war against Russia, short of NATO directly sending troops - which it isn't willing to do, and which Hungary stands against.

He also reminded the West that the Hungarian government isn't part of the "mainstream" European Union approach to the war, but has pursued attempts at peaceful negotiations.

"The only solution is ceasefire, and then after the ceasefire, peace talks should start," he said. He explained this is the only path forward given Kiev can't win.

As Bloomberg reports, "Hungary was in talks with Qatar to buy gas in an effort to reduce its reliance on Russia for energy and for help to buy Budapest airport," according to Orban's words.

He had been pressed over the question of Hungary blocking more defense aid to Ukraine, and in that context asserted that ultimately Russia and the US must make a deal to end the war, which is "the only way out":

“Looking at the reality, the figures, the surroundings, the fact that NATO is not ready to send troops, it is obvious that there is no victory for the poor Ukrainians on the battlefield. That’s my position,” he said, offering an outlook few European leaders would publicly agree with, given their solidarity with Kyiv.

“The war can be stopped only if the Russians can make an agreement with the US. In Europe, we are not happy with that, but it’s the only way out.”

His assessment, which is likely going to be deeply unpopular and somewhat divisive in terms of public reception, comes just on the heels of the weekend Russian capture of Bakhmut, which was announced by Wagner Group raising the Russian flag over the strategic city.

Despite initial Ukrainian officials rejecting that Bakhmut had fallen, at this point there's widespread acknowledgement both in international press reports and among Western officials that Russia exercises effective control of the city. Wagner is due to hand captured territory over to regular Russian military forces by June 1.

quote:

Originally posted by wcb6092:
It's "Obvious" There Will Be "No Victory For The Poor Ukrainians": Viktor Orban

https://www.zerohedge.com/geop...oor-ukrainians-orban

...
“Looking at the reality, the figures, the surroundings, the fact that NATO is not ready to send troops, it is obvious that there is no victory for the poor Ukrainians on the battlefield. That’s my position,” he said, offering an outlook few European leaders would publicly agree with, given their solidarity with Kyiv.
...

Interesting. I think President Orban has hit the nail right on the head. If this situation is such a dire threat to freedom and democracy wouldn't a rational person think European countries would be throwing ALL the blood and treasure they've got against the Big Red Menace. Wouldn't a rational person think the Europe would do this with or without the US? Yet for some reason they don't. Apparently Germany, France, UK, etc. know that the US will pull their asses out of the fire again. Why shouldn't they? We did it twice last century.

quote:

Wouldn't a rational person think the Europe would do this with or without the US? Yet for some reason they don't. Apparently Germany, France, UK, etc. know that the US will pull their asses out of the fire again.

Donald J. Trump will get us out of Ukraine.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:

quote:

Originally posted by BansheeOne:
Igor "Strelkov" Girkin

Yes, his great-grandfather created the world's largest pickle empire.

Now that's one totally oblique reference. Well played.

I see some potential for expansion in my native language, too.

quote:

German words you need to know: Die Gurkentruppe

Antonia Harrison - news@thelocal.de • 17 Sep, 2021
Updated Fri 17 Sep 2021 16:42 CEST

In the long list of German insults, this is a personal favourite of ours. Here's why you may need to bring a 'troop of cucumbers' with you to the next second-league football match you watch.

Gurkentruppe, made up of the German terms for ‘cucumber’ (die Gurke) and ‘troop’ (die Truppe), is generally used to refer to a group of amateurs or incompetents attempting to carry out a task.

Perhaps the most common translation into English of this word would be ‘a bunch of amateurs’. It can be used in a number of contexts, but is most commonly used to refer to situations in the workplace, sports or in politics where people with little sense or experience get in over their heads on a task.

In a country famed for its productivity, you wouldn’t expect this to be a popular addition to the roster of oddly specific and accurate German words, but it seems like even Germans have their workplace woes.

And in fact, this word has a certain efficiency and cleverness of its own. Cucumbers are the only vegetable enjoyed whilst still unripe - similarly, the football team or cabinet of politicians that this term may be used to refer to are likely not experienced or mature enough to do their job correctly.

[...]

https://www.thelocal.de/202109...now-die-gurkentruppe

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:

quote:

Originally posted by BansheeOne:
Igor "Strelkov" Girkin

Yes, his great-grandfather created the world's largest pickle empire.

Gherkin Building, 30 St Mary Axe, London.

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:

Interesting. I think President Orban has hit the nail right on the head. If this situation is such a dire threat to freedom and democracy wouldn't a rational person think European countries would be throwing ALL the blood and treasure they've got against the Big Red Menace. Wouldn't a rational person think the Europe would do this with or without the US? Yet for some reason they don't. Apparently Germany, France, UK, etc. know that the US will pull their asses out of the fire again. Why shouldn't they? We did it twice last century.

Perhaps, if that is what the globalists really wanted. I don't think they do.

quote:

BBC.com: Putin: Russia to station nuclear weapons in Belarus

Russia will station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, President Vladimir Putin has said.

President Putin said the move would not violate nuclear non-proliferation agreements and compared it to the US stationing its weapons in Europe, according to Russian state media.
Moscow would not be transferring control of its arms to Minsk, he added.

The US said it did not believe Russia was preparing to use the nuclear weapons after the announcement.

ROSAL

Another escalation.

Lindsay Graham Meets With Zelensky - Says Ukraine War 'Best Money We've Ever Spent'

https://www.zerohedge.com/geop...oney-weve-ever-spent

Lindsay Graham, a remnant of the Bush era Neocon fold, has been a busy bee in the past year. He has visited Ukraine at least three times since the war with Russia began, called for the assassination of Vladimir Putin, called for the US to directly attack Russian planes, and he's even demanded that the US put troops on the ground in Taiwan to fight the Chinese. It just goes to show that there are certainly a number of politicians that identify as GOP Republicans that do not represent the will of most conservatives and moderates.

Graham's latest visit with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has been broadly publicized. Andriy Yermak, the head of the president’s office, released footage of the meeting, intercut with dramatic piano music for effect:



more at link

quote:

Originally posted by wcb6092:
Lindsay Graham Meets With Zelensky - Says Ukraine War 'Best Money We've Ever Spent'

Just when I thought that I could not have more disdain for Lindsay boy I surprise myself. I don't think that clueless fuck has any idea of what well spent money is.

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:
Just when I thought that I could not have more disdain for Lindsay boy I surprise myself.

Just wait until re-election time, when he becomes the most conservative SOB you'll ever meet and he'll be all over the news begging for your money and your vote with tears in his eyes.

Yeah, McCain's girlfriend is a real piece of work.

quote:

Originally posted by wcb6092:
Lindsay Graham Meets With Zelensky - Says Ukraine War 'Best Money We've Ever Spent'

This cat is an inscrutable douchebag deluxe, as changeable as the wind.

Training of Ukrainian crews on 31 M1A1 main battle tanks in Germany officially started on Friday. It was previously stated to last "up to ten weeks", which is one of the reasons I believe that the main phase of the long-expected counter-offensive may start only in August. Looking at some other recent and upcoming deliveries of armored fighting vehicles:

- The Swedish CV9040 infantry fighting vehicles (at least 50 pledged) were reported to transit Slovakia only last Wednesday. Crucially, the Swedish package also includes ten Leopard 2 tanks, which will complete one of the battalions equipped by a number of user nations of that type (18 from Germany, 14 from Poland, eight each from Canada and Norway, six from Spain, three from Portugal). Along with another 14 bought from industry stocks by Denmark and the Netherlands and another four from Spain, plus possibly five from Greece and another three from Portugal to be delivered later this year, that would bring the total to 93, exactly three Ukrainian battalions' worth.

- The second batch of 60 Italian M109L self-propelled howitzers was also observed crossing the same country on Friday.

- Training on older Leopard 1A5 tanks bought by Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands in Germany began in early May; if it goes similar to Leopard 2, it will take about six weeks, i. e. conclude in mid-June, when the first 30 vehicles may have completed refurbishment. 50 more announced by year's end, at least another 30 next year. Theoretical maximum from currently available stocks 179.

- Training on additional 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles over the 40 already supplied by Germany was announced to begin "soon" at the same time, so those may arrive in Ukraine in July.

Historically, major offensives by both sides in Ukraine during WW II launched in late June to early July due to local weather and soil conditions. Last year, the Ukrainian push to take back territory in the east and south only really got moving in September, too. Of course, as one Ukrainian source noted the other day, "this is not a single event that will begin at a specific hour of a specific day with a solemn cutting of the red ribbon", and actions like the diversionary raids into Russian territory and long-range strikes with artillery, drones and the British-delivered Storm Shadow cruise missiles against their logistics hubs should also be counted as part of it.

quote:

Ukrainians have started training on tanks in Germany

By JOHN VANDIVER

STARS AND STRIPES • May 28, 2023

STUTTGART, Germany— About 200 Ukrainian soldiers have begun training on Abrams tanks at military ranges in Germany, the U.S. Army in Europe said Sunday in a statement.

The Ukrainian soldiers, who comprise an armored battalion, are joined by an additional 200 soldiers focused on the unique refueling and maintenance requirements needed to keep the M1A1 Abrams system operating, the Army said.

Col. Martin O’Donnell, spokesman for U.S. Army Europe and Africa, said the Ukrainian tank battalion will be working on combined arms drills that includes everything from basic marksmanship and medical training to battalion level force-on-force tactics.

[...]

https://www.stripes.com/theate...eur-af-10260719.html

So many ass clowns in this ridiculous soap opera:

Russia issues Lindsey Graham arrest warrant after Ukraine comments

Right, the Russians are going to arrest a US senator. Absurd theater

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:

quote:

Originally posted by wcb6092:
It's "Obvious" There Will Be "No Victory For The Poor Ukrainians": Viktor Orban

https://www.zerohedge.com/geop...oor-ukrainians-orban

...
“Looking at the reality, the figures, the surroundings, the fact that NATO is not ready to send troops, it is obvious that there is no victory for the poor Ukrainians on the battlefield. That’s my position,” he said, offering an outlook few European leaders would publicly agree with, given their solidarity with Kyiv.
...

Interesting. I think President Orban has hit the nail right on the head. If this situation is such a dire threat to freedom and democracy wouldn't a rational person think European countries would be throwing ALL the blood and treasure they've got against the Big Red Menace. Wouldn't a rational person think the Europe would do this with or without the US? Yet for some reason they don't. Apparently Germany, France, UK, etc. know that the US will pull their asses out of the fire again. Why shouldn't they? We did it twice last century.

Uncle Sugar.

“Ukraine has revealed its forces have killed scores of Russian Wagner mercenaries as they tried to withdraw from the embattled city of Bakhmut.

Some 80 Wagner fighters were killed and a further 119 were wounded after Ukrainian troops attacked their positions as they retreated from the eastern city, a Ukrainian military spokesman said.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin announced last week his mercenary units are retreating from Bakhmut and being replaced by Russian paratroopers and motorised units after he admitted 20,000 of his troops had been killed in the battle for the city.

The battle for Bakhmut has raged for nearly one year, levelling the industrial hub and wiping out waves of Wagner recruits who have led the assault.

Cherevatyi told news outlet Ukrinform: 'In recent days, we have seen a significant decrease in fighting, there were 2-3 clashes. This day there were none at all.

'The enemy continues to rotate, withdrawing the 'Wagner' group, replacing it with units of airborne troops and motorized infantry.'

He said Wagner's withdrawal from Bakhmut 'has a depressing effect on those who take their place'.

'They themselves have already taken part in a lot of fighting, this is the second or third group that comes in, plus they see the condition of the criminals from Wagner mercenaries.' …”

https://mol.im/a/12143161

Since they are doing so well, maybe we can stop sending them billions of dollars borrowed from China so we can send more borrowed money to Taiwan to fight China.
China soooo stupid

Why the White House Wants War
By Matthew G. Andersson

With Ukraine’s capital, Kiev, subject to increasing Russian bombardment, and Moscow subject to new drone attacks, the hostility now reflects direct provocation of central government and leadership. Whether you rightly find Russia’s aggression in Ukraine unacceptable, or like University of Chicago political scientist John Mearsheimer, you also see, pragmatically, a long trail of U.S. and EU provocation and mismanagement in foreign affairs, one thing is fairly obvious: the United States is not interested in pursuing, or trying to broker, a peace deal. Current U.S. foreign policy toward Russia is following a narrow path of strict escalation toward superpower confrontation. Russia is not going to lead a peace effort, nor will Ukraine.

Former Undersecretary of State and arms negotiator Eugene V. Rostow, in his Toward Managed Peace, correctly argued that the United States cannot avoid its leadership role in global affairs, and moreover, its highest national security interest involves deploying its government system as a mechanism of peace. Instead, the Biden administration is following precisely the opposite strategy, and has through its own incompetence and incapacity, also left leadership open to other countries. It is a strategy that creates economic and industrial disruption, perhaps even deliberate destruction, including of American government itself.

Why would this be?

I suggest that there are six reasons that directly serve the “Biden” administration by this foreign policy of war escalation:

1. The current administration’s domestic social policies are so radical that they cannot be implemented (or disclosed) within a normal spectrum of law and government. Its plans require extra-constitutional authority. War provides that authority.
2. A formalized war footing with Russia is presumed an essential path to oil and gas supply disruption, both physical (exploration, production, and refinement, including Arctic claims) and price stability disruption, which presumably will accelerate green energy switching behavior (problem: there is nothing to switch to). In reality, war merely enriches oil and gas, and further consolidates its central energy role.
3. Financial flows, commercial/central banking, and U.S. dollar stability would all be subject to war-time emergency manipulation. The U.S. is not able to absorb over $30 Trillion in national debt obligations under normal economic arrangements and methods.
4. War is also an ideal platform to fully effect political persecution, and the marginalization or complete removal of competitive political parties. The U.S. is already well on its way to a single-party consolidation. A civil or world war “seals the deal” just as it did in wartime Germany, the Soviet Union, North Korea, and eventually in Cuba and China. The Biden administration has numerous “blueprints” it can follow from other countries, as the administration is saturated with inexperienced ideologues who both naively admire “revolutionaries” and at the same time are intellectually incapable of imagining and carrying out actual economic development policy.
5. A fifth reason involves traditional Pentagon motivations in defense spending. Most of the public (and even political class) doesn’t acknowledge that the GWOT (Global War on Terror) is still fully operational, but more, its legal infrastructure, formed after 2001 through the Patriot Act, among other legislation and executive orders (hundreds that remain undisclosed or unexamined) can be activated at-will under emergency pretext. Moreover, the GWOT has been turned inward toward America’s own citizens. All that was required was a structured program of terror accusations against a manufactured target: Trump provided that, and now Russia does in a war context.
6. Finally, war unleashes massive disruptions in population, demographics and health risk. The current administration and its supporters, above all else, are ideologues devoted to population control because it is the “root cause” of global warming. And global warming is the fundamental organizing policy of the Left, even though it has nothing to do with climate, but rather with absolute social control.

An unsettling aspect of the Biden administration’s foreign policy is that, while it seeks war, it isn’t prepared to fight one (especially with a putative civilian commander qualified for 25th Amendment removal): it invites a confrontation with Russia (and to some extent with China) not to win, but in an unprecedented perversion of U.S. national security interests, to lose: it has declared America, Americanism, and a majority of Americans, as its enemy. It will use Russia as a tool for its own domestic “transformation” which means the attempted dismantling of U.S. constitutional law. The White House wants war, but an effective internal civil war that results in a reconstructed government, legal system, and political order. Biden was installed not just as an Obama proxy, but as a signal of weakness. To appreciate the risk, imagine Israel’s security interests headed by such a figure, rather than a Netanyahu.

https://www.americanthinker.co...house_wants_war.html