IMHO the reason for the whole war is that NATO was expanding and threatening them. If Ukraine joined NATO they would be fucked and it would only be a matter of time before Russia was attacked.
I don't love Russia or Putin, but I think this idea that this is all about their aggression is not accurate. If they sat back and did nothing they would be screwed.
Given that we lied to them about NATO expansion as well (the promise from Baker was NATO would not expansion east if Russia did not interfere with German reunification.), I don't blame them.
Even more impressive is the yield of what they can arm with for the cost.
I was laughing when everyone was pointing out they used old hardware for the initial invasion. You always probe with deprecated hardware. Why risk the good stuff.
IMHO the reason for the whole war is that NATO was expanding and threatening them. If Ukraine joined NATO they would be fucked and it would only be a matter of time before Russia was attacked.
I don't love Russia or Putin, but I think this idea that this is all about their aggression is not accurate. If they sat back and did nothing they would be screwed.
Given that we lied to them about NATO expansion as well (the promise from Baker was NATO would not expansion east if Russia did not interfere with German reunification.), I don't blame them.
Russia is playing the long game thank goodness.
The restraint when you really look is impressive.
Even more impressive is the yield of what they can arm with for the cost.
I was laughing when everyone was pointing out they used old hardware for the initial invasion. You always probe with deprecated hardware. Why risk the good stuff.
And you keep your best troops, equipment, and air assets in reserve in case NATO wants to FAFO.