Russia

[elliseamos]

Wonder if not disturbing the Olympic games that their ally hosted was everca part of the timing of this. We’ll see.

Certainly provides some cover for stories about China's covid, human rights, and pollution problems. And no, that's not to say the US nor Russia are any better with respect to any of these topics, I merely mean with increased attention on China due to it hosting the games.

[Anders]

Wonder if not disturbing the Olympic games that their ally hosted was ever a part of the timing of this. We’ll see.

Certainly provides some cover for stories about China's covid, human rights, and pollution problems. And no, that's not to say the US nor Russia are any better with respect to any of these topics, I merely mean with increased attention on China due to it hosting the games.

Yes, that is true. But if Russia attacked last week, it would have completely overshadowed the games with negativity.

[elliseamos]

Xi: Puttie, babe, how you doin'? Good ski season? Any way, enough bullshittin' how 'bout you tease Ukraine a bit. These reporters, you know... up my ass, man.
Putin: Yes, Pooh Bear, seems good time to troll Biden & his friends in Kyiv. I shall plan exercises. Sit at big tables and look stoic. Maybe I take my shirt off?
Xi: OH yes, big tables, HUGE, the biggest. Good touch. No need to overdo it with your clothes though. Save that for the eventual victory March in seperatist region. They can't help but be more loyal when you stroll in straddling an ICBM with your shirt off.
Putin: Da, comrade. Very good. And yes, ski season was good, but I want all the lady skating medals for this to happen.
Xi: That's my guy. Puttie, babe... this is great, but how 'bout 2 of 3 medals. I worked a medal into new trade deal with Abe. Such a good deal. The best.
Putin: Da. That is good enough, PB. Exercises to start soon. Love to Professor Peng.
Xi: That's my guy! Great deal! See you at the closing ceremony.

[simple schoolboy]

Per Putin, Ukraine is not entitled to self determination because they were part of the Russian Empire. The Baltic states are probably asking if they can house some B-61s right about now.

[elliseamos]

Georgia and Azerbaijan are probably alright.

[BurtReynolds]

I just hope everyone has a good time.

[simple schoolboy]

Georgia and Azerbaijan are probably alright.

Georgia already was invaded, no reason to do that again. Azerbaijan will do whatever Russia wants as long as they get to erase Armenian cultural heritage.

[elliseamos]

Right. They've already ceded self determination. Like Belarussia.

[simple schoolboy]

US evacuated remaining embassy staff from temporary embassy in Lviv to Poland (possibly using Ospreys). Seems like they believe invasion is imminent.

[simple schoolboy]

The tiny man is the most oppressed race.

Putin is officially 5'7", but is likely shorter.

[BurtReynolds]

Zelensky is 5'7" too

[simple schoolboy]

Zelensky is 5'7" too

Is there no solidarity among manlets?

[Rob]

I’m 5’6”

You can’t hurt me

[BurtReynolds]

Zelensky is 5'7" too

Is there no solidarity among manlets?

They're a very warlike race.

[Biff Pocoroba]

Weird waking up every morning to see if a shooting war has broken out yet.

[elliseamos]

Which way will Erdogan go with this (expected) conflict?

Does he really want to be in NATO?
Does he want to be like Putin & Xi?

Also, I know the Saudis don't like Biden as much as Trump and are killing us on gas prices, but are they more chummy with Putin & Xi now? Don't recall much Russian-made equipment killing people in Yemen.

Lastly, it's guaranteed that Xi is supportive of Putin and will seek opportunities for China when shit hits the fan, right?

[elliseamos]

Weird waking up every morning to see if a shooting war has broken out yet.

I mean, this regional/separatist fight has been going since 2014.

[simple schoolboy]

A Russian column going through the Chernobyl exclusion zone straight to Kiev is fun.

[simple schoolboy]

Which way will Erdogan go with this (expected) conflict?

Does he really want to be in NATO?
Does he want to be like Putin & Xi?

They probably have a private understanding see: S-400 deal. Seeing as Russia apparently wants to restore their borders to those that existed at the time of Catherine the great, they can't be super happy.

[elliseamos]

Which way will Erdogan go with this (expected) conflict?

Does he really want to be in NATO?
Does he want to be like Putin & Xi?

They probably have a private understanding see: S-400 deal. Seeing as Russia apparently wants to restore their borders to those that existed at the time of Catherine the great, they can't be super happy.

I had to look this up: Did Turkey end up selling these to the US?