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An investment in knowledge pays the best interest |
Hope & pray to God you're right Para. | |||
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Oriental Redneck |
There will be no WW III. This thing will fizzle out, once Trump takes over. Q | |||
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Peace through superior firepower |
For reasons I won't go into right now, I absolutely hate it when members says this to me. If I never heard this phrase "I hope you're right" ever again, that would be fine with me. | |||
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Member |
Energy ‘corruption’ leaves Ukrainians facing a deadly freeze Kyiv’s failure to build bunkers for electricity substations that protect them from Russian airstrikes has left the country vulnerable before the winter https://archive.ph/x6DnL#selection-1423.0-1427.151 At a secret location outside Kyiv, the brigadier watched as explosions hammered the concrete structure that his team of ten British military engineers, intelligence officers and diplomats had clandestinely helped to create. The rocket test, described by sources to The Sunday Times, was the culmination of months of hard work, under the constant threat of Russian airstrikes. When it finished in February, the British engineers, alongside teams from America, Germany and Japan, advised their Ukrainian colleagues that they should build the structures to protect Ukraine’s energy grid from Russian attack. Yet nine months later, President Zelensky’s government has not done so, amid accusations that government corruption has stalled the work. About 80 per cent of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. Without it having proper protection, and with temperatures falling below zero, Ukraine faces a punishing and deadly winter freeze. This week Russia launched the largest airstrikes for months against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Hundreds of thousands of people spend up to six hours at a time in the dark without heat, light or running water. Mustafa Nayyem, the head of the agency with the job of protecting critical infrastructure, resigned in June in protest at government failures, claiming that the project has been deliberately delayed by Kyiv’s refusal to release the funds allocated to carry it out. “It was impossible to work. When you see that the leadership of the government is creating some artificial obstacles for you, it’s useless,” said Nayyem, the former head of Ukraine’s State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development. His agency had requested €1.4 billion to deliver the bunkers, termed “third-level protection”, for the substations. Nayyem said vested interests were behind the block on funds. “When people in government see these billions, they can’t even imagine that there is no interest for the people who are delivering this money,” he said. His team suspect that the project was delayed because bribes were not paid to officials in the prime minister’s office who hold the purse strings. “They [the government] didn’t pay contractors; the contractors stopped all projects.” Nayyem’s replacement, Sergiy Sukhomlyn, said the contractors had been expecting “too much profit” and his agency was renegotiating their contracts. Some of the defences were being “redesigned” to cut costs, he added. Ukraine’s presidential office, the prime minister’s office and energy ministry declined to comment. Contractors said they were trying to move forward with building the bunkers, but have had to take out loans to finance a minimal level of work to keep construction going — and that the structures are far from complete. One of the leading Ukrainian building companies involved in the substation protection contracts has had its offices raided by officials who, it says, acted without a warrant, seizing computers, telephones and documents. The company also said the government had failed to release the funds needed for them to build the bunkers. “If the necessary funding had been provided, we would have completed them already, I am sure,” said Mykola Tymofeiev, chief executive of Automagistral, an infrastructure building company. “If the third level had been completed on time … there would have been much, much fewer power outages.” Corruption is a major obstacle to Ukraine’s attempt to join the EU, with Brussels stressing the need for reform. “Despite its efforts, it is not ready for accession; it needs massive internal reform processes,” said Jean-Claude Juncker, a former president of the European Commission, last year. For now, to prevent the collapse of its energy system, Ukraine is relying on “first and second-level” protection from British-supplied gabions — rudimentary rock-filled cages — and large concrete protective arches above ground, as well as a range of advanced anti-air attack systems provided by its western partners. Should Donald Trump curb aid to Ukraine when he takes office as US president in January, Kyiv will have to ration its air defence missiles, probably allowing more Russian rockets through to hit targets. Ukrainian industry and the country’s battered economy, key parts of the resilience plan that Zelensky announced to Ukraine’s MPs last week, will suffer. Without the ability to heat their homes, millions more Ukrainian refugees could head westwards. In September, after power cuts in the summer, Zelensky’s administration arranged the dismissal of Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, chief executive of Ukraine’s state energy company, suggesting that he was responsible for failing to complete the protection. Critics say the move, as well as the cabinet reshuffle that accompanied it, only served to consolidate power in the hands of Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, and his lieutenants. Government insiders say one of those lieutenants, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, is the informal gatekeeper for government building projects. A former official who worked closely with the president’s office alleged that Tymoshenko demanded a 10 per cent fee from the companies to select and present their projects for approval. The former official alleged that Tymoshenko kept large amounts of “dirty” cash and distributed this cash to unofficial “volunteer” advisers in the presidential office. The official also said that Tymoshenko would collect payments of $10,000 from companies that wanted a presidential visit during official trips to the regions. A spokesman for Tymoshenko denied the allegations: “Kyrylo Tymoshenko does not take part in making any decisions regarding construction of infrastructure facilities and has nothing to do with the processes of financing or managing those projects. Regarding allegations of wrongdoing, only through an official investigation can objectivity be ensured and the truth transparently established.” _________________________ "Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." Mark Twain | |||
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The Ice Cream Man |
Putin just did an "unannounced" visit in Kazakhstan. The corrupt SOBs in Astana put up Russian flags all over the displays. (Not the usual Kazakhstan and Russian flags for conferences.) Putin was referred to as "His Majesty". Hopefully, he's close to the lamp post/knifed in a cathedral stage of Russian Autocracy. There is chatter about Putin claiming the ability to draft any Kazak male under 40, to go to Ukraine. Now, I really doubt Russia is going to invade KZ during Trump's term - and it would be a powder keg if he did. (KZ is, essentially, a buffer between a bunch of countries which dislike one another.), but it's worrisome. KZ has a growing population, and a large amount of arable land, as well as a lot of mineral resources, along with the US acting incredibly friendly, and a very corrupt government. | |||
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The Main Thing Is Not To Get Excited |
Seems to me you're borrowing a whole lot of trouble here. _______________________ | |||
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The Ice Cream Man |
I have family in KZ. | |||
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Peace through superior firepower |
Well, I'm certain the timing is purely coincidental. Ukrainian President Agrees for First Time to Cede Territory to Russia in Order to End War For the first time since the war began Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenzkyy announced that he would be willing to cede territory to Russia in order to end the Russia-Ukrainian/NATO war. Zelenskyy added that the agreement would also recommend a “NATO umbrella” of protection for territory still under its control. Via Disclose TV. https://x.com/disclosetv/status/1862586677769736316 Zelensky made the comments in his first interview since Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election. In his interview with Sky News he made the remarks that he would be willing to cede ground to Russia in exchange for NATO membership. It is likely that Russia will not agree to Zelensky’s demands. https://x.com/TheUndercoverX/s.../1862597335714234415 I've got news for this grifter- He's not getting into NATO. ____________________________________________________ "I am your retribution." - Donald Trump, speech at CPAC, March 4, 2023 | |||
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Lawyers, Guns and Money |
Zelenskyy just doesn't get it... NATO is the one thing the Russians will not accept. They've said so since 2014. They wouldn't have invaded if NATO membership wasn't even under consideration. Headline from today (Monday): ‘Major compromise’: How Ukraine’s Zelenskyy shifted goals to end Russia war President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said over the weekend that he seeks an early end to the war with Russia, adding Ukraine could retake occupied land later through diplomacy if Kyiv’s NATO membership is certain. This marks a shift from his earlier stance, where he said the end of the war was contingent on Russia returning seized Ukrainian territory. * * * Russia could see itself in such a position as to not need negotiations at this point. If the two sides two sit down at the table to seek ceasefire, the terms will without doubt be fully in Moscow's favor. With Russia winning on the battlefield in the east in this tragic war of attrition, the Kremlin is unlikely to want to "give up" anything at all. Compromise and territorial concessions will be on the Zelensky government's shoulders. https://www.zerohedge.com/geop...dy-russian-onslaught "Some things are apparent. Where government moves in, community retreats, civil society disintegrates and our ability to control our own destiny atrophies. The result is: families under siege; war in the streets; unapologetic expropriation of property; the precipitous decline of the rule of law; the rapid rise of corruption; the loss of civility and the triumph of deceit. The result is a debased, debauched culture which finds moral depravity entertaining and virtue contemptible." -- Justice Janice Rogers Brown "The United States government is the largest criminal enterprise on earth." -rduckwor | |||
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Frangas non Flectes |
Oh, I think he’s a crooked grifter and a power-grubbing whore, but even he isn’t that stupid. I take his little announcement as nothing more than a new way of saying Ukraine isn’t going to cede anything. That’s ok. Soon, he’ll have to, because the high pressure valve of American money and equipment is going to be shut off. Europe clearly isn’t going to foot this bill, and so with no support, Zelensky won’t be able to continue a war. He’ll have to negotiate, and as you note, not from a place of strength. Until then, more bluster. ______________________________________________ “There are plenty of good reasons for fighting, but no good reason ever to hate without reservation, to imagine that God Almighty Himself hates with you, too.” | |||
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7.62mm Crusader |
Crooked Joe just drew up another $725. Mill in support for Ukraine. Is it not true this money comes right back to buy US weapons? And, I understand the EU sends more support than we do. Zelensky seems to be the only man in his country who has come to the front to save Ukraine. FJB, crooked ass demorats and a number of rinos jumped in on this side of the pond. It is also my understanding, President Trump is not going to be played a fool by this 3rd world criminal mad man in Moscow. He will arm Ukraine up big time if Ivan don't play along. Vlad is not getting everything he demands out of this. I personally hope he catches a 30 cal round. | |||
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Not really from Vienna |
After the big guy and Zelenskyy each get their 10% cut, maybe. | |||
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Looking at life thru a windshield |
The way I understand it is when they say Ukraine is getting a certain sum of money, it goes straight to the US manufacturer, and they send that dollar amount of weaponry to Ukraine. Now Ukraine also gets funding for their salaries and other expenses too, but I believe that is counted separately. | |||
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Shall Not Be Infringed |
^^^Uhhh, NO, that's not true. We've been sending MONEY to Ukraine! Actual cash...Lots of it! The United States Contributes $4.5 Billion to Support the Government of Ukraine Tuesday, November 22, 2022 The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and in coordination with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Department of State, is providing an additional $4.5 billion in direct budgetary support to the Government of Ukraine. The funding, which will help alleviate the acute budget deficit caused by Putin’s brutal war of aggression, was made possible with generous bipartisan support from Congress. The Government of Ukraine will receive the funding in two tranches before the end of 2022. These funds, provided by the United States through the World Bank, allow the Government of Ukraine to withstand the immense economic, social, and political pressures from Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. This assistance keeps basic government services like hospitals, schools, and utilities running, and it sustains support for emergency responders and firefighters that save the lives of Ukrainian citizens every day. The budget assistance maintains support to Ukrainians further pushed into poverty since the start of the war, including low-income individuals, seniors, children with disabilities, and internally displaced persons. It will also provide new housing and utility subsidies over the winter season in response to Putin’s brutal assault on Ukraine’s electricity and heating infrastructure. Once these additional funds are fully disbursed, the U.S. government will have provided $13 billion in direct budgetary support to the Government of Ukraine. Robust safeguards put in place by the World Bank, coupled with USAID-funded, expert third-party monitoring support embedded within the Ukrainian government, ensure accountability and transparency in the use of these funds. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, USAID has been coordinating with humanitarian partners in the country and region to provide Ukrainians with lifesaving humanitarian assistance while also ramping up critical development assistance to respond to cyber-attacks and threats to the energy sector, countering disinformation, supporting small businesses and the agriculture sector, documenting human rights violations, meeting essential health needs, and bolstering the continued functioning of local, regional, and national government entities. The United States remains committed to supporting Ukraine and its people in the wake of the Kremlin’s unprovoked and unjustified war. https://www.usaid.gov/news-inf...t-government-ukraine ____________________________________________________________ If Some is Good, and More is Better.....then Too Much, is Just Enough !! Trump 2024....Make America Great Again! "May Almighty God bless the United States of America" - parabellum 7/26/20 Live Free or Die! | |||
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Looking at life thru a windshield |
^^^ I believe that is what I was referring to in my second sentence. Weapons money usually goes straight to manufacturer. | |||
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Shall Not Be Infringed |
Doesn't really matter...Regardless of whether it's cash money or 'weapons money', it's all freshly printed money! ____________________________________________________________ If Some is Good, and More is Better.....then Too Much, is Just Enough !! Trump 2024....Make America Great Again! "May Almighty God bless the United States of America" - parabellum 7/26/20 Live Free or Die! | |||
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Member |
A lot of it comes from drawing down U.S. military supplies. That is why the U S Pacific commander recently said we are dangerously low on missiles and other systems. Not a lot of military weaponry is just sitting at the manufacturers waiting for someone to hit a send button. It will take many years to make our military capable again. US Support for Ukraine and Israel Is Eating into Weapons Stockpiles, Indo-Pacific Commander Says https://www.military.com/daily...-commander-says.html The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are eating away at critical U.S. weapons stockpiles and could hamper the military's ability to respond to China should a conflict arise in the Indo-Pacific, the top U.S. commander for that region said Tuesday. Head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Adm. Samuel Paparo cautioned Tuesday that the U.S. providing or selling billions of dollars worth of air defenses to both Ukraine and Israel is now impeding his ability to respond in the Indo-Pacific, such as if China invades Taiwan. “Up to this year, where most of the employment of weapons were really artillery pieces and short-range weapons, I had said, ‘not at all,'" when asked if the conflicts were hampering U.S. ability to respond to threats in the Indo-Pacific, Paparo said. "It’s now eating into stocks, and to say otherwise would be dishonest,” he told an audience at the Brookings Institution in Washington. China has ramped up its military pressure against Taiwan, including a massive military exercise that involved 125 warplanes in October, and has said annexing Taiwan is a historical inevitability. China’s military has increased its encircling of Taiwan’s skies and waters in the past few years, holding joint drills with its warships and fighter jets on a near-daily basis near the democratically run island. The U.S., like most countries, does not recognize Taiwan as a country but is the island’s main partner and is bound by U.S. laws to provide it with the means to defend itself. Ukraine just passed its 1,000th day since Russia invaded, and in that timeframe the U.S. has provided more than $60.4 billion in military assistance, including three Patriot air defense systems and missiles, more than 40 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and ammunition, and the coveted longer-range Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMs, which Ukraine deployed in Russia for the first time on Tuesday. In October, after Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles into Israel, the U.S. deployed one of its few Terminal High Altitude Area Defense batteries to Israel and about 100 troops to help operate it. The U.S. also has regularly shipped air defense munitions as Israel presses its offensives against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The conflicts have killed tens of thousands of civilians. The outgoing Biden administration has committed to spending the remaining $7.1 billion in presidential drawdown authority — meaning weapons pulled from U.S. stockpiles — to send weapons to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. It will announce another package this week, according to U.S. officials. However, the ability to send the weapons will be limited by what is on the shelves, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Tuesday. Paparo told the think tank audience that the push to get weapons to Ukraine and Israel has left the U.S. with too few munitions in reserves. “We should replenish those stocks and then some," Paparo said. “I was already dissatisfied with the magazine depth. I’m a little more dissatisfied with the magazine depth,” he said, referring to the numbers of munitions in reserve. _________________________ "Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." Mark Twain | |||
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Member |
Ukraine Firmly Rejects US Calls to Lower Conscription Age To 18 https://www.zerohedge.com/mark...-conscription-age-18 Ukraine has firmly rejected calls from Washington and NATO leadership to lower its age of conscription from 25 to 18, amid widespread acknowledgement that it doesn't have enough able-bodied fighting men to defend the front lines or slow the Russian military advance. President Zelensky's office responded to White House urgings to get "younger people" into the fight by saying there are not enough weapons to begin with, so forcing more young men into the military will make little difference. Zelensky’s communications adviser, Dmytro Lytvyn, issued a statement Wednesday night, directly addressing the controversy which is currently in international headlines, also after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte piled on the pressure from Brussels. He started by explaining that the real problem Ukraine's military faces is delayed weapons transfers from Western partners. He asserted that Kyiv "lacks weapons to equip already mobilized soldiers." "It doesn’t make sense to see calls for Ukraine to lower the mobilization age, presumably in order to draft more people, when we can see that previously announced equipment is not arriving on time. Because of these delays, Ukraine lacks weapons to equip already mobilized soldiers," Lytvyn said on X. He claimed further that the Western allies "have complete access to the data and can compare promises to actual deliveries" - again putting the blame on Ukraine's foreign supporters. "Ukraine cannot be expected to compensate for delays in logistics or hesitation in support with the youth of our men on the frontline," he added. Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the Zelensky government to make "hard decisions" about expanding mobilization efforts to fight the Russians. "Getting younger people into the fight, we think, many of us think, is necessary" Blinken stated in a NATO press conference on Wednesday. "Right now, 18- to 25-year-olds are not in the fight," he explained. He emphasized that that manpower is critical "because even with the money, even with the munitions, there have to be people on the front lines." The Biden White House has been rushing as much arms to Ukraine forces as it can with little time left in the Democratic administration. Blinken also stressed that NATO is seeking to ensure every soldier Ukraine mobilizes has "the training and the equipment they need to effectively defend the country." Zelensky's rejection of lowering conscription age is probably a strong indicator that negotiations are just around the corner. Also, if he moved to suddenly change the current policy, he could face rebellion among Ukrainians who don't want to prolong the war, and who worry about their family members dying in the Donbas. _________________________ "Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." Mark Twain | |||
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Get my pies outta the oven! |
Is this clown allergic to jackets and ties for some reason? He doesn’t seem to own anything but sweatshirts, it’s so bizarre to me. He goes to all these high-end functions wearing a freaking sweatshirt while everyone else is dressed up. This was in France today: | |||
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Member |
He is an actor, and that is his costume. | |||
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