Zeleban

Do not forget the most important goal - demonstrating the futility of resistance for future potential targets of Russian aggression. Events seem to tell these countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Georgia, etc.) if you dare to resist us. Our large army will invade your country, destroy your economy, kill part of your population and force others to flee abroad, kidnap your children, rob your businesses, create an environmental disaster for some regions, and we don’t care at what cost we will do this. At the same time, there is no point in expecting help from the weak West.

I recently presented a completely realistic scenario for Ukraine’s return to Russia’s orbit. Putin understands Ukraine much better than Western politicians and knows its weak points very well
This is their 2022 statement. Today it's the other way around. Russia is demonstrating effectiveness at least at the strategic and operational-ta
 
ctical level. They have clearly learned how to effectively use air support and are now outmaneuvering the Ukrainian generals. And yes, the West is really afraid of Russia (and after the defeat of Ukraine, this fear will intensify many times over) . At least Ukrainians have not laughed at “stupid Russians” for a long time.
 
The same as in the answer I mentioned above about the “Russian orbit”
This is happening literally before our eyes. Ukraine is becoming more and more toxic, even in the eyes of our closest neighbors such as Poland and Slovakia. I think there is no need to remind you about the blockade of the borders with Ukraine by these countries. This is also evidenced by the choice of the citizens of Slovakia of a clearly pro-Russian president
Russia did not demonstrate weaknesses in NATO, it demonstrated the lack of a clear NATO strategy in response to the growing threat from the east. And of course, the lack of unity among NATO member countries. Hungary, Slovakia, Türkiye
Well, let's not forget about the upcoming US elections and the most obvious presidential candidates in these elections. A significant portion of the US population also demonstrates that they do not believe in NATO
This problem is closely related to my previous answer
Russia is actively doing this right now, trading Ukrainian grain, as well as dismantling equipment from seized Ukrainian enterprises
A very controversial statement. Haven't we discussed before that we are witnessing a crisis in the world order? If Ukraine is captured, there will be a change in the world order - a significant strengthening of the role of Russia in Europe and a weakening of the role of the United States in Europe
This campaign has not failed, it is still in progress.
A very controversial statement, given the growth in Russian energy exports. What difference does it make if Russia sells these energy resources directly to Western countries or through third countries? Still, the profit goes into the pockets of the Kremlin
As we see, this is not the case. Energy resources remain a very effective weapon for the Kremlin. Through countries such as Hungary and Türkiye, Russia has the opportunity to influence EU policy
This is wrong. After the end of the war, we will see a huge demand for simple and effective means of war, such as adjustable aerial bombs, Lancet UAVs, Orlan UAVs, Ka-52 helicopters, etc. Russian weapons are demonstrating their effectiveness right now on the battlefield
 
This is hardly an addiction, rather a partnership. And by the way, quite effective partnerships, unlike partnerships between Ukraine and the West. We see an increase in Russian arms supplies to Iran. Su-35 aircraft, Ka-52 helicopters are from recent deliveries
Instead of piles of old rubbish, Putin receives one of the most numerous and effective armies of our time. Now we are honing new methods and tactics for using the Russian armed forces on the battlefield. Who today still believes that armadas of old tanks are a necessary asset in a modern war, where armadas of drones dominate the battlefield?
Nothing like this. I was especially surprised by the statement about “national pride.” Russia's national pride today is at its highest level in recent memory. Well, as we see the latest news, Putin has more than doubled spending on the army compared to 2021. This clearly does not indicate a decline in the economy.
While the Ukrainian economy is on the verge of collapse. In the latest news, civil servants' salaries have been reduced by almost 40%

I recently presented a completely realistic scenario for Ukraine’s return to Russia’s orbit. Putin understands Ukraine much better than Western politicians and knows its weak points very well
This is their 2022 statement. Today it's the other way around. Russia is demonstrating effectiveness at least at the strategic and operational-ta
 
ctical level. They have clearly learned how to effectively use air support and are now outmaneuvering the Ukrainian generals. And yes, the West is really afraid of Russia (and after the defeat of Ukraine, this fear will intensify many times over) . At least Ukrainians have not laughed at “stupid Russians” for a long time.
 
The same as in the answer I mentioned above about the “Russian orbit”
This is happening literally before our eyes. Ukraine is becoming more and more toxic, even in the eyes of our closest neighbors such as Poland and Slovakia. I think there is no need to remind you about the blockade of the borders with Ukraine by these countries. This is also evidenced by the choice of the citizens of Slovakia of a clearly pro-Russian president
Russia did not demonstrate weaknesses in NATO, it demonstrated the lack of a clear NATO strategy in response to the growing threat from the east. And of course, the lack of unity among NATO member countries. Hungary, Slovakia, Türkiye
Well, let's not forget about the upcoming US elections and the most obvious presidential candidates in these elections. A significant portion of the US population also demonstrates that they do not believe in NATO
This problem is closely related to my previous answer
Russia is actively doing this right now, trading Ukrainian grain, as well as dismantling equipment from seized Ukrainian enterprises
A very controversial statement. Haven't we discussed before that we are witnessing a crisis in the world order? If Ukraine is captured, there will be a change in the world order - a significant strengthening of the role of Russia in Europe and a weakening of the role of the United States in Europe
This campaign has not failed, it is still in progress.
A very controversial statement, given the growth in Russian energy exports. What difference does it make if Russia sells these energy resources directly to Western countries or through third countries? Still, the profit goes into the pockets of the Kremlin
As we see, this is not the case. Energy resources remain a very effective weapon for the Kremlin. Through countries such as Hungary and Türkiye, Russia has the opportunity to influence EU policy
This is wrong. After the end of the war, we will see a huge demand for simple and effective means of war, such as adjustable aerial bombs, Lancet UAVs, Orlan UAVs, Ka-52 helicopters, etc. Russian weapons are demonstrating their effectiveness right now on the battlefield
 
This is hardly an addiction, rather a partnership. And by the way, quite effective partnerships, unlike partnerships between Ukraine and the West. We see an increase in Russian arms supplies to Iran. Su-35 aircraft, Ka-52 helicopters are from recent deliveries
Instead of piles of old rubbish, Putin receives one of the most numerous and effective armies of our time. Now we are honing new methods and tactics for using the Russian armed forces on the battlefield. Who today still believes that armadas of old tanks are a necessary asset in a modern war, where armadas of drones dominate the battlefield?
Nothing like this. I was especially surprised by the statement about “national pride.” Russia's national pride today is at its highest level in recent memory. Well, as we see the latest news, Putin has more than doubled spending on the army compared to 2021. This clearly does not indicate a decline in the economy.
While the Ukrainian economy is on the verge of collapse. In the latest news, civil servants' salaries have been reduced by almost 40%

Buy what exactly? Has the West really increased the production of military products in volumes sufficient to arm at least itself, not to mention the sale of military products for export? Today there are long-term queues for the purchase of certain military goods, even for NATO countries
Is Ukraine gutting the Russian army? Everything is just the opposite: Russia is gutting the Ukrainian army. We have an acute shortage of literally everything from personnel to ammunition. And it’s not clear where we can get all this? While Russia is only increasing the supply of everything necessary.

I recently presented a completely realistic scenario for Ukraine’s return to Russia’s orbit. Putin understands Ukraine much better than Western politicians and knows its weak points very well
This is their 2022 statement. Today it's the other way around. Russia is demonstrating effectiveness at least at the strategic and operational-ta
 
ctical level. They have clearly learned how to effectively use air support and are now outmaneuvering the Ukrainian generals. And yes, the West is really afraid of Russia (and after the defeat of Ukraine, this fear will intensify many times over) . At least Ukrainians have not laughed at “stupid Russians” for a long time.
 
The same as in the answer I mentioned above about the “Russian orbit”
This is happening literally before our eyes. Ukraine is becoming more and more toxic, even in the eyes of our closest neighbors such as Poland and Slovakia. I think there is no need to remind you about the blockade of the borders with Ukraine by these countries. This is also evidenced by the choice of the citizens of Slovakia of a clearly pro-Russian president
Russia did not demonstrate weaknesses in NATO, it demonstrated the lack of a clear NATO strategy in response to the growing threat from the east. And of course, the lack of unity among NATO member countries. Hungary, Slovakia, Türkiye
Well, let's not forget about the upcoming US elections and the most obvious presidential candidates in these elections. A significant portion of the US population also demonstrates that they do not believe in NATO
This problem is closely related to my previous answer
Russia is actively doing this right now, trading Ukrainian grain, as well as dismantling equipment from seized Ukrainian enterprises
A very controversial statement. Haven't we discussed before that we are witnessing a crisis in the world order? If Ukraine is captured, there will be a change in the world order - a significant strengthening of the role of Russia in Europe and a weakening of the role of the United States in Europe
This campaign has not failed, it is still in progress.
A very controversial statement, given the growth in Russian energy exports. What difference does it make if Russia sells these energy resources directly to Western countries or through third countries? Still, the profit goes into the pockets of the Kremlin
As we see, this is not the case. Energy resources remain a very effective weapon for the Kremlin. Through countries such as Hungary and Türkiye, Russia has the opportunity to influence EU policy
This is wrong. After the end of the war, we will see a huge demand for simple and effective means of war, such as adjustable aerial bombs, Lancet UAVs, Orlan UAVs, Ka-52 helicopters, etc. Russian weapons are demonstrating their effectiveness right now on the battlefield
 
This is hardly an addiction, rather a partnership. And by the way, quite effective partnerships, unlike partnerships between Ukraine and the West. We see an increase in Russian arms supplies to Iran. Su-35 aircraft, Ka-52 helicopters are from recent deliveries
Instead of piles of old rubbish, Putin receives one of the most numerous and effective armies of our time. Now we are honing new methods and tactics for using the Russian armed forces on the battlefield. Who today still believes that armadas of old tanks are a necessary asset in a modern war, where armadas of drones dominate the battlefield?
Nothing like this. I was especially surprised by the statement about “national pride.” Russia's national pride today is at its highest level in recent memory. Well, as we see the latest news, Putin has more than doubled spending on the army compared to 2021. This clearly does not indicate a decline in the economy.
While the Ukrainian economy is on the verge of collapse. In the latest news, civil servants' salaries have been reduced by almost 40%

Do not forget the most important goal - demonstrating the futility of resistance for future potential targets of Russian aggression. Events seem to tell these countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Georgia, etc.) if you dare to resist us. Our large army will invade your country, destroy your economy, kill part of your population and force others to flee abroad, kidnap your children, rob your businesses, create an environmental disaster for some regions, and we don’t care at what cost we will do this. At the same time, there is no point in expecting help from the weak West.

Do not forget the most important goal - demonstrating the futility of resistance for future potential targets of Russian aggression. Events seem to tell these countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Georgia, etc.) if you dare to resist us. Our large army will invade your country, destroy your economy, kill part of your population and force others to flee abroad, kidnap your children, rob your businesses, create an environmental disaster for some regions, and we don’t care at what cost we will do this. At the same time, there is no point in expecting help from the weak West.

I recently presented a completely realistic scenario for Ukraine’s return to Russia’s orbit. Putin understands Ukraine much better than Western politicians and knows its weak points very well
This is their 2022 statement. Today it's the other way around. Russia is demonstrating effectiveness at least at the strategic and operational-ta
 
ctical level. They have clearly learned how to effectively use air support and are now outmaneuvering the Ukrainian generals. And yes, the West is really afraid of Russia (and after the defeat of Ukraine, this fear will intensify many times over) . At least Ukrainians have not laughed at “stupid Russians” for a long time.
 
The same as in the answer I mentioned above about the “Russian orbit”
This is happening literally before our eyes. Ukraine is becoming more and more toxic, even in the eyes of our closest neighbors such as Poland and Slovakia. I think there is no need to remind you about the blockade of the borders with Ukraine by these countries. This is also evidenced by the choice of the citizens of Slovakia of a clearly pro-Russian president
Russia did not demonstrate weaknesses in NATO, it demonstrated the lack of a clear NATO strategy in response to the growing threat from the east. And of course, the lack of unity among NATO member countries. Hungary, Slovakia, Türkiye
Well, let's not forget about the upcoming US elections and the most obvious presidential candidates in these elections. A significant portion of the US population also demonstrates that they do not believe in NATO
This problem is closely related to my previous answer
Russia is actively doing this right now, trading Ukrainian grain, as well as dismantling equipment from seized Ukrainian enterprises
A very controversial statement. Haven't we discussed before that we are witnessing a crisis in the world order? If Ukraine is captured, there will be a change in the world order - a significant strengthening of the role of Russia in Europe and a weakening of the role of the United States in Europe
This campaign has not failed, it is still in progress.
A very controversial statement, given the growth in Russian energy exports. What difference does it make if Russia sells these energy resources directly to Western countries or through third countries? Still, the profit goes into the pockets of the Kremlin
As we see, this is not the case. Energy resources remain a very effective weapon for the Kremlin. Through countries such as Hungary and Türkiye, Russia has the opportunity to influence EU policy
This is wrong. After the end of the war, we will see a huge demand for simple and effective means of war, such as adjustable aerial bombs, Lancet UAVs, Orlan UAVs, Ka-52 helicopters, etc. Russian weapons are demonstrating their effectiveness right now on the battlefield
 
This is hardly an addiction, rather a partnership. And by the way, quite effective partnerships, unlike partnerships between Ukraine and the West. We see an increase in Russian arms supplies to Iran. Su-35 aircraft, Ka-52 helicopters are from recent deliveries
Instead of piles of old rubbish, Putin receives one of the most numerous and effective armies of our time. Now we are honing new methods and tactics for using the Russian armed forces on the battlefield. Who today still believes that armadas of old tanks are a necessary asset in a modern war, where armadas of drones dominate the battlefield?
Nothing like this. I was especially surprised by the statement about “national pride.” Russia's national pride today is at its highest level in recent memory. Well, as we see the latest news, Putin has more than doubled spending on the army compared to 2021. This clearly does not indicate a decline in the economy.
While the Ukrainian economy is on the verge of collapse. In the latest news, civil servants' salaries have been reduced by almost 40%

Not sure if it has been posted yet.
Russian military expenditure increased to 30% of GDP.
A 70% increase.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-approves-big-military-spending-hikes-russias-budget-2023-11-27/?utm_source=reddit.com
 

I'm not sure why you'd say "Russia is done".
Russia is winning in all metrics they care about - they wanted a piece of Ukraine and they got it, they will get to keep it forever and try again in a few years after West pushes Ukraine to give up this round. They got to send thousands of prisoners, poor men from undeveloped regions and minorities to their deaths. They wanted to show NATO in particular and Western world order in general as a shams and the whole West as weak and corrupt, and they succeeded. They strengthened their relationships with similar regimes like China and Iran as well. Common Russians even get to bully Ukrainian refugees when they visit West for vacations.
The only price they had to pay for that was some sanctions that do nothing, and that's about it.

I also share with you the latest trends in the Ukrainian army. From the very beginning of the war, giving bribes to the medical board in order to be recognized as unfit to fight has become increasingly popular among soldiers who fought. They simply mentally cannot withstand this war. One of these guys describes that his daughter was born when he just went to war and since then he has only seen her in photographs. I don’t think it’s worth reminding you that there is simply no one to replace these guys.
And one more fact. I think you noticed that most Ukrainian soldiers at the front have an average age of about 40 years. Now there is a very active growing dissatisfaction among older soldiers that young people are not going to go to war. And in this they are absolutely right. Our youth are mentally much closer to Westerners than men 40-50 years old who were born and raised in the USSR. For them, Ukraine is a corrupt, backward state, for which it is not worth shedding their blood

Agreed but that author (Aslund) lives in copium land IMO. He has not got a great track record of predicting the Russians are gonna collapse any day now, and I label him as a propagandist more than a serious journalist. 

There are confounding factors to demographic decline:
USA, having the most lucrative jobs and real mobility (you can actually be rich), will take your best people (hard working, or smart, or lucky). These are the people you’d like to keep. Your economy sucks, so your native inhabitants won’t have kids, and the new immigrants won’t either past the next generation. Europe has fantastic social benefits, in principle, especially wrt to having children. Why does this not work? The new immigrants have minimal education and skills needed to power an advanced economy. If they have work ethic that’s great, but if there aren’t any jobs… Basically, the USA is the best country of all time, and we will take all your best people because they want to come to our country. That is our real superpower.

Some more about anti-shakhed mobile groups equipment
Where they found "Dnipro" motorcycle by Kyiv motorcycle factory, which died many years ago? %) This one, further development of German BMW R71 was very popular in the villages, before jeeps appeared on our market )))

With this humility, you are doomed as ENGLISH nation. Just some dozen years will pass... Europeans lost a capability to defend own area of life. Endless compromisses, concessions, feel of guilt, "non-resistance to evil by force" according to Tolstoy... 

Fact of illegal migration is a fact, which plays on political situation in EU and this can affect on the political support of Ukraine. Russia also stimulates both illegal migration (you can recall situation on Polish and Baltia borders before a war and current sitaution in Finland) and populist right parties like German AfD. Wise strategy - divide and rule.  
I don't know about what health of economy if taxpayers must pay from own pockets milliards to support of hords of these "refugees". So, I greeting a decision of Germany to reduce payments for them (and for Ukrainain refugees too). About our compatriots - enough part of them lost own conscience, for two years they just live on own 450 EUR of allowance, don't want to study a language and work, but show in Instagram, how they rest in Turkey or havee a trip to Paris and complain that they forced to live in "tough conditions". Damned bastards, did you expected hotel appartment with lobsters and wine each morning? I visited Malta in 2019 - they havn't problem with illegal migration. Do you want to live here? Go to work. Do not want to work? Get out. 

I believe any of those plans are really not all that likely while SMO goals have not been fullfilled.
However
US troops will not deploy in the hundred thousands to die by FPV drones in a muddy trench if Trump is elected.
Whatever else Europe has (left) in terms of military is tiny in scale and wouldnt stand a few months of current war attrition. 
How many Germans, French, Hungarian.. citizens would really give their lives for say Lithuania? Russia is absolutely fine throwing a thousand lives away per day, are europeans too?
All it takes is some political instability in Europe and mass mobilisation in Russia, which by the absolute lack of anti war movement doesnt seem that unsuccessfull in pulling off.

Something like this

Something like this

Propaganda, subversion and psychological warfare have been considered useful enough that nation states invested a lot of time and money into research and development of related techniques.
At the moment the West is losing on this front, hard, and has been for many years. 
We can decide to try and save most of our civilisation and values, or we can clutch our pearls, aim for purity of idealism, and watch it all go down the drain. 
Cultural practices which lead to the destruction of their own culture should be allowed to be questioned. Cultures which don't change in response to new environmental stimuli are not around for long, historically speaking.

To begin with, I recommend solving the problem of information security in Western countries. Many of you still refuse to understand that Russia has long been waging a war against your countries - an information war. To wage this war, missile attacks, thousands of tanks, hundreds of aircraft are not needed. Recent events show that Putin is very aware of the weaknesses of the West and knows how to exploit them. Otherwise, the NATO bloc will simply rot from the inside.

To begin with, I recommend solving the problem of information security in Western countries. Many of you still refuse to understand that Russia has long been waging a war against your countries - an information war. To wage this war, missile attacks, thousands of tanks, hundreds of aircraft are not needed. Recent events show that Putin is very aware of the weaknesses of the West and knows how to exploit them. Otherwise, the NATO bloc will simply rot from the inside.

A simple step that is a few years below 1984 would be to just block any and all political party "donations" coming from some unknown strongly moved spectator, that cares so ever deeply about <insert country> politics as to involve himself in their funding campaigns, while residing in russia. 

I am not going to overreact to our good friend @Zeleban's anecdata at the moment, although I do sympathise with the pressure he and the Ukrainian nation is under while we sit in peace and comfort. Perhaps other Ukrainian threaders might chime in here?
That said, there are disturbing signs that the war is likely to become much more deadly for Ukrainian infantry in the field this winter, absent effective counters to the growing Russian drone threat. For example....
And please, can we take a pass on the kneejerk 'surebutthemobikshaveitfarworse' whataboutism. Until enough mobiks actually quit or mutiny over the 'far worse', it's cold comfort to the Ukrainian guys.
....Anyhow, it seems impossible that the Ukrainian nation can keep letting its already weary volunteer force continue doing the bleeding while able-bodied young men go about their peacetime business, or live as refugees abroad.
If that is indeed what is happening, which I'm not totally sure of tbh.
(more anecdata though: I recently I had a Linkedin friend trying to find a 30 year old Ukrainian engineer a job in Canada and I was tempted to ask why he wasn't at home serving his country?)