Ukraine has always been the most significant economic and strategic possession of Russia. Putin is a 20th century person. Russia for centuries has desired buffer zones to protect against invasion from Western Europe
Russia’s real problem will be China but Putin doesn’t see it that way
I am afraid all of Ukraine will soon be lost
1. Agreed.
2. Why will China be Russia's real problem?
China is having its own problems with that train station attack in SW China that left 27 dead in a terrorism act. China may not have the will to go after Russia with these problems facing it. Who knows?
3. I'm afraid you're right. Who will defend Ukraine if we don't?
What would make Putin change his mind?
Sanctions?
Diplomacy?
Gold bullion?
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I personally think that there are pressures on Putin that we don't know about. I doubt that we will ever get the whole story. Between the Russian and Western media we get nothing but lies, more lies and statistics. [Mark Twain, probably, but NOT Disraeli.]