Guest Post by Paul Craig Roberts
Update on the Ukrainian situation
Ukrainian resistance seems to have ceased as its infrastructure was put out of operation. Only a few neo-Nazi militias trapped within the Donbass territories continue to offer resistance.
Russian paratroopers captured Kiev airport. Hours ago the Russian forces had reached the Dnieper and approached the suburbs of Kiev. Ukraine has lost its air force, air defense, navy, and all military airports. With the destruction of 83 military facilities, the infrastructure of the Ukraine military has been wiped out.
The neo-Nazis will be held accountable. Ukraine will be required to renounce NATO membership, demilitarize, and renounce all claims to Crimea and the independent republics. Ukrainian soldiers will be permitted to return home to their families.
Unlike the Americans and NATO, the Russians have avoided attacking any civilian areas and the barracks and residences of military units.
German readers write to me that they are sitting in front of TVs laughing at their idiot politicians promising that Putin’s imperialism won’t go unanswered, promising more energy sanctions against the German people and facing compensation claims from German investors in the Nord 2 Pipeline. German defense officials admit that they are toothless and have no capability of sending troops even to protect NATO members, much less Ukraine.
The Europeans should have thought many times before they enabled Washington’s war crimes in Serbia and the Middle East. Putin said war criminals will be held accountable. I think he means it.
The European governments are such stupid idiots that it did not occur to them to wonder what happens if Russia responds to sanctions by cutting off the gas supply. Earlier today I asked what is Germany’s fate if Russia replies to sanctions with sanctions? Leon Birnbaum, president of E.ON, one of Europe’s largest operators of energy networks, said that if Russia cuts gas flow to Germany, Germany´s industry would have to be cut off from the power grid.
It is difficult to imagine people so totally stupid and self-defeating as the ones Western peoples trust with leadership. Indeed, Western “leaders” are so totally stupid they may well get us wiped off the face of the earth.
The News Headlines Tell All
US recognizes it cannot stand up to Russia:
“Latest US Sanctions Not Designed to Cause Any Disruption to Current Flow Of Energy From Russia to The World, White House Claims”
In 90 days Ukraine will not exist:
“Zelensky Declares to Hold General Mobilization in Ukraine Within Next 90 Days”
Moreover, the neo-Nazis will be dead by then and no Ukrainians will mobilize.
The dumbshit Speaker of the House must not have heard Putin’s warning:
US House Speaker Pelosi Says Wants to Provide Ukraine With $600 Million in Lethal Defense Weapons
NATO is unravelling:
NATO members object to cutting Russia from SWIFT system
The dumbshit Europeans are learning what it means to be US puppet states—death, destruction, and financial harm, and UK with its destroyed economy wants to destroy Russia’s:
UK Working With Allies to Disconnect Russia From SWIFT, Will Not Rest Until Russian Economy Is Destroyed –British Foreign Office
Why do the British idiots think they can destroy the Russian economy? The problem the world faces is that the Western governments have zero contact with reality.
Comment: The world has reached the point in its history when the Western part of it has totally failed in its leadership. The United States abandonng all principles of its founding, all allegiance to law, has attempted to impose its will on the world. Russia objects, and so does China.
These are powerful objectors. Russia is the world’s preeminent military power. China is the world’s preeminent economic power. Washington, a rapidly declining power, has made itself an enemy of both. This signifies the total failure of Washington’s foreign power. So many corrupt interests are dependent on Washington’s power, that it is impossible for the United States to adjust itself, peacefully, to the new world order created by Russia.
This puts the life of the entire Western world at risk for no reason except the hubristic claim that the West is exceptional and entileded to hegemomy over the world.
Putin put an end to that hegemony a couple of days ago.
Europe Is Killing Itself With Its Russian Sanctions
The sharp rise in natural gas price in Europe is entirely due to Western hysteria and stupidity. According to the EU’s own data, Europe is dependent on Russia for 46% of its natural gas. In the face of such extraordinary dependency on Russian energy, the moronic European “leaders” are falling all over themselves imposing impotent sanctions on Russia. The idiotic German Chancellor actually punished the German people for Russia’s recognition of the Donbass republics by “cancelling” the Nord 2 pipeline. This foolish act was a prime reason for the hysteria that has caused a sharp rise in prices. The price rise helps Russia–if she continues to supply Europe with energy. It hurts Europe and whoever financed the Nord 2 pipeline. If the pipeline sits not operating, it cannot produce a revenue stream to service the capital invested in the pipeline. I do not know who financed the pipeline. If it was Germany, then the chancellor’s sanctions on Russia have twice injured the Germans.
The EU’s 46% dependency on Russian natural gas is independent of the Nord 2 pipeline, the opening of which has been on hold due to Washington’s pressure on Germany. Therefore, the rise in gas price is not due to a reduction of supply, but due to speculation that Russia will reduce or cut off supply. Europe is served by other pipelines. What if Russia responds to the EU’s “sanctions” by closing the pipelines that deliver 46% of Europe’s natural gas? What would Europe’s fate be?
Russia has accepted sanctions without replying in kind. Perhaps it is time for Russia to impose sanctions to teach the West a lesson.
In my opinion there is no reason for Russia to deplete its own energy resources by sharing them with its European enemies. Perhaps the Russian government’s idea was that energy sales would be a source of foreign exchange earnings and that providing Europe with energy was in the interest of good relations with the West.
Now that the West has demonstrated that the West has no interest in good relations with Russia there is no point in the Russian energy sales. As I pointed out ( https://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2022/02/22/russia-and-china-should-go-their-own-way/ ) Russia has no need for foreign exchange. The Russian central bank can finance Russian economic development with no need of foreign involvement. Russia’s holdings of instruments denominated in dollars or euros would just be confiscated by sanctions.
To summarize: Europe brought the high energy price on itself with its thoughtless sanctions; the high prices benefit Russia and hurt Europe; Russia should consider turning off all natural gas to Europe and conserve its energy source for its own and China’s development.
Europe is nothing but a thorn in Russia’s side, a collection of Washington’s puppets. Russia owes Europe nothing.
“They didn’t hear what we told them. They had better hear this time.” — Vladimir Putin
Think back to 2014 when the US overthrew the Ukrainian government and installed a neo-Nazi regime. The neocons were smirking, laughing at how easy it was to buffalo the Russians. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland publicly bragged about how the US had spent $5 billion dollars preparing the overthrow of Ukraine. Much cheering of how Ukraine would now be used to destabilize Russia and seize the Russian Black Sea naval base.
After a long frustrating, humiliating 8 years of trying to get the West’s attention that this was not a scheme Russia could accept, and after one last effort which got nowhere, Russia has acted.
In his speech this morning Putin explained the long years of Russian frustration in her efforts to achieve mutual security with the West which remained intent on its own domination. Here are opening words from Putin’s address:
“I consider it necessary today to speak again about the tragic events in Donbass and the key aspects of ensuring the security of Russia.
I will begin with what I said in my address on February 21, 2022. I spoke about our biggest concerns and worries, and about the fundamental threats which irresponsible Western politicians created for Russia consistently, rudely and unceremoniously from year to year. I am referring to the eastward expansion of NATO, which is moving its military infrastructure ever closer to the Russian border.
It is a fact that over the past 30 years we have been patiently trying to come to an agreement with the leading NATO countries regarding the principles of equal and indivisible security in Europe. In response to our proposals, we invariably faced either cynical deception and lies or attempts at pressure and blackmail, while the North Atlantic alliance continued to expand despite our protests and concerns. Its military machine is moving and, as I said, is approaching our very border.
Why is this happening? Where did this insolent manner of talking down from the height of their exceptionalism, infallibility and all-permissiveness come from? What is the explanation for this contemptuous and disdainful attitude to our interests and absolutely legitimate demands?
The answer is simple. Everything is clear and obvious. In the late 1980s, the Soviet Union grew weaker and subsequently broke apart. That experience should serve as a good lesson for us, because it has shown us that the paralysis of power and will is the first step towards complete degradation and oblivion. We lost confidence for only one moment, but it was enough to disrupt the balance of forces in the world.”
The imbalance of force has been corrected, and since force is all that the West understands, Russia is using force to end the use of Ukraine as a pawn against Russia.
In the past the stupid and arrogant West ignored Russia’s warnings. In his address this morning Putin gave another warning. If the dumbshit Western leaders do not hear this warning, the West will cease to exist:
“I would now like to say something very important for those who may be tempted to interfere in these developments from the outside. No matter who tries to stand in our way or all the more so create threats for our country and our people, they must know that Russia will respond immediately, and the consequences will be such as you have never seen in your entire history. No matter how the events unfold, we are ready. All the necessary decisions in this regard have been taken. I hope that my words will be heard.”
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Unfortunately, our Senile Resident in the White House is deaf, dumb and blind.
But, but, but… How are Biden, Pelosi and Kerry’s kids gonna get paid now that Ukraine has fallen?
A9racer
Kerry’s kids?
Their national flag should be all white.
The NS2 pipeline ownership consortium involves about half a dozen companies including Gazprom, Shell and at least 2 other Western companies whose names escape me.
Ummm… nobody would ever consider this a possibility. I know… russians will keep selling us oil, natural gas, wheat and we’ll hit them hard with sanctions on tennis balls, video games and ladas… That’ll learn’m a lesson and they’ll fold in a week…
It’s cold in Germany this time of year. Or so I hear.
General Winter has always been on Russia’s side, I’ve heard.
CNN reports that White House states this to be Russian Disinformation
France and Italy have already cut the Russians off from quality fragrances and leather-goods.
and snails and pasta.
“neo-nazis”
I believe the word you are looking for is ‘jew’
Correct. These “neo-nazis” are literally funded by Israel. The Azov Battalion posted a video online instructing their “Nazis” how to use the Tavor rifles the Israelis had shipped them.
Beyond that, the leadership of these groups is literally jewish, itself.
I know about Azov, but I mean more that calling the jews running the country ‘neo-nazis’ is absurd. It would be sillier than calling the historical National Socialists a bunch of Frenchmen because of the SS Charlemagne.
Exactly.
If the intent is continued destruction and demoralization of the West, I’d say things were progressing expediently.
“They didn’t hear what we told them. They had better hear this time.” — Vladimir Putin
After the defeat at Little Big Horn two Cheyenne women claimed they had pierced George Custer’s ears with knitting needles, so he could hear better in the afterlife.
That is, if you believe in the afterlife…….
Vis a vis, clearly the West is in terminal decline.
We have no statesmen the caliber of Lavrov or Putin.
PCR is correct that our ‘leaders’ will walk us into oblivion.
The Empire of lies might have to stop pretending.
When countries that are supposed to be in your fold get attacked and the only response is, hey Putin look at our big shiny scary sanctions we know they won’t do anything to stop you but……………..here they are anyway.
That rustling sound you hear is a huge paper tiger flapping about in the breeze.
Not sure about the truth, there are so many allegations going back and forth; it’s hard to know what the reality is.
I have noticed that Ukraine spoke constantly about how they were not concerned about a Russian invasion, right up to the point it actually began.
I have read many accounts saying that Ukraine had retaken airports that were under the Russian armies control at the start of the festivities.
If PCR is correct, my guess is the NATO and US are trying to keep the crisis going to further beat their chest and consolidate opposition from the rest of the world to oppose Russia; if Ukraine falls too quickly, the US president will have to very quickly create a new emergency to cover all of the missteps that have happened since the last election.
The longer this conflict continues, the greater the chance that Russia will need to resort to asymmetrical warfare against any government that will side with Ukraine. This, if it happens, is where TSHTF.
I understand that the Ukrainian government is/was distributing gratis small arms to any citizen willing to use them against the Russians. The Russians claimed this action (deliberately weaponizing civilians) is a war-crime.
There’s no question that the Russkies want to avoid getting bogged down in a protracted war… but you can’t always get what you want.
Thread: Ukraine Conflict Live 2022
Long story short: I just walked to Poland.
It was a hellish 20-hour journey undertaken in the middle of winter with thousands of refugees. I saw some terrible things: …
UA soldiers were stopping cars and busses and yanking out any man aged 18-60 to conscript in the Ukrainian Army. In one place, a commissar was shouting “say goodbye to your daughters, mothers, and girlfriends; you must turn back and fight the Russian invader!”
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1497106587877584896.html
B_MC- It’s six of one or half dozen of another. If they had not been conscripted, they would find out that entering Poland the UN is requiring you to take the Covid Vax so not good either way. Interesting to demand vaxxing or no entry for the Ukies while there is no mandate for the Polish people.
Well, that’s two ways to reduce the alien population…Spike Proteins and Graphene Oxide.
If anyone sees this as worth a full post, as I do, please do so. This is profound, of We the People reminder quality, for those Ayn Rand fans who went the distance with her.
There are videos but I don’t really know how to grab them easily.
The photos and words say it all but here is the link, provided above.
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1497106587877584896.html
“UA soldiers were stopping cars and busses and yanking out any man aged 18-60 to conscript in the Ukrainian Army. In one place, a commissar was shouting “say goodbye to your daughters, mothers, and girlfriends; you must turn back and fight the Russian invader!” ”
Regardless of what side or no side you are on, this is the correct response. Look at old pictures of real wars. Women and children and some elderly are refugees. Men were not, at least not until the shitskin invasion of Europe.
Good to know that it’s just not the American people that are insouciant.
Well, you think the brief Russian police action was impressive, just remember Biden’s 20 year victory and withdrawal from Afghanistan, so there.
Go Putin.
Putsky lost 2000 troops. The NWO kept the fear factor going after the Canadians shut down the Covid crap.
They are in a population deficit with such a YUGE land mass and only 144 million citizens. Granted a couple thousand hardly matters but in a global conflict, they will have to conscript the Babushkas.
.
The Ukies claim 2800 kills and destruction of many Russian jets at Millerovo Air Field in Russian territory (southern Russia).
We will spare this fighting machine to help who ever pays the most between the Ukes and ruskies… Start the bidding… Sure fire win with this from our freedom rally today…
Don’t you guys and gals ever tire of Outrage Porn and Larping?
I was totally outraged today when I saw video of two separate incidents of Russian tanks literally running over civilians in private passenger automobiles squashing them flat with people inside. It was like they did it for sport….damn.
A link on Twitter said that Russia threatened Sweden and Finland if they join NATO, Uhh … did Sweden and Finland just join NATO? Did I miss this?
Our Commies are worse than Russians. I’m just a bystander, but who wants you to go to war against Russia? Not me.
I would want to know where that video came from. Smacks of Syrians gassing babies when nobody is looking. And who was inside those alleged innocent cars. Carpet bagger enablers maybe. I’ve learned not to get outraged over outrage porn.
I get outraged every once in a blue moon. I mostly dislike crimes against humanity. One of the cars was a really old person with snow white hair maybe 70ish.
I don’t fault the anger I question the markings on the tank. Someone just happens by with a phone to record a well marked Russian tank running over gramps. Was the tank crew carrying those indestructible passports left over from the WTC bombing?
BL I hope you don’t mean this staged video. Please tell me you didn’t mean this one.
Perfectly timed woman screaming and crying a split full 2 seconds before it even happened. it was filmed from a high rise window. No clear markings. No one else on the street except a tank and an old guy in a car. Eagerly carried by FOX replete with a stern looking disapproving Mike Pence.
Flea- No, it was itv made from a 3rd or 4th floor stack and pack. I refuse to play deflection. We can’t let the genocide be swept under the rug.
Stack and pack=high rise 3 or 4th floor. Playing deflection WTF is playing deflection and that wasn’t genocide. It was a staged shock porn hit piece on Russia. Good gosh man, you’ve lost your mind.
Genocide from vax and Covid. Remember Covid deaths, how soon we move on to BS war for deflection. I guess I am not being very clear.
(((TPTB))) are yet again sending the sheep into hysterics, you and I both know or at least I think you know what this is about. One can’t help but have disgust for the joo aggression toward humanity . That does not give me reason to have hero worship for someone who is not outside of the cabal. I do not look forward to expansion of this.
I’m no putin lover. I have exposed him here often but I’m not going to wrongly blame russians themselves allegedly running over a helpless old man. The staged video is too obvious.
This is a repost I did on the chos thread. It fits here. This is an attack on the russians and their Church.
At the end of the day we are no longer talking about the maimed, dying and dead but a trumped up aggression . So who really won? The USUAL SUSPECTS.
You want outrage? They kill off millions in the Covid scam and get away with it scot -free.
I’m not outraged you are. Repeating outrage porn videos like it was fact. Have the last word if you want. I’m done playing.
Be sure and watch the first 7 seconds and then tell me where the Russian markings are on that tank. First listen to the lady get hysterical 4 seconds before the incident and her partner telling her in Ukie spesak “Not yet”.
The one with the old guy in it, it was a Ukrainian anti aircraft unit that ran over the car. Not the russians… the russians painted a large ‘Z’ on their equipment and the unit that ran over the car was in Kiev… and the russians hadn’t arrived there yet…
Its propaganda to create outrage against the russian, garner sympathy from western nations to invest in blood and treasure against the evil empire of russia russia russia…
Sigh… Shoulda kept scrolling… Flea already answered this… sorry…
I don’t mind a bit. Confirmation by someone else is sometimes needed in this new info age of cell phone cameras and photoshopping. That particular video stunk so so bad I could not just let it go as remotely legitimate.
Why did you single out blue haired dykes and not green haired dykes. You are a bluedyke hate ist
I know the Soviet rulers were largely jewish, but then again, they still largely rule there today. If you look at the things Russians have done to their own people in the last 100ish years (including recent years), quite a few are on that list. With some rewording, I count 10 I’m pretty sure I could back up, and I’m fairly ignorant on the subject.
Putin has not won anything. He does not want to be in this situation. Putin like the rest of us is being jerked around by the globalist psychopaths and is simply dealing with it the only way he can. He is not going to put up with a hostile globalist puppet government on his doorstep so long as he has the military to prevent it. He knows what their agenda is, and unlike the rest of us is willing to fight them with lethal force.
If we finance our ‘enemy’ we don’t really have an ‘enemy’. We aren’t quitting buying oil from our ‘enemy’ and Europe will collapse immediately if it stops buying energy from the ‘enemy’. There has been and will be a great deal of suffering due to this invasion but NOT A SINGLE BIT by the blindly hubristic psychocuck elites in the US and Europe, may they all, each and every one, rot in hell.