Sh#t's getting real over in Ukraine and Obama is somewhere praising how great it is to have a gay football player in the NFL and planning his next golf outing. What a great leader.

Tensions between Ukraine and Russia escalated sharply on Friday, as Ukrainian officials said Russian military forces had seized control of two airports in country’s the southern peninsula of Crimea.

Masked gunmen seized the airports overnight, the Associated Press reports, and Ukraine, whose new government is trying to tack away from Russia and toward Europe, quickly blamed the Kremlin. Ukraine’s State Border Guard said one base had been surrounded by Russian marines.

“I can only describe this as a military invasion and occupation,” Ukraine’s interim Interior Minister, Arsen Avakov, wrote on Facebook.

The latest tensions came after heavily armed pro-Russian militias seized several government buildings in the Crimean capital and hoisted a Russian flag above their barricades. Analysts fear that Russian President Vladimir Putin may push for military intervention in the region following the fall of the country’s pro-Moscow administration last week.

Meanwhile, ousted Ukrainian leader President Viktor Yanukovych, who has been lying low since fleeing Kiev amid protests last week, spoke publicly for the first time since leaving the country, saying from Russia that he’s still the country’s legitimate leader. Earlier this week, Ukrainian authorities issued a warrant for Yanukovych’s arrest for allegedly committing mass murder after security forces killed dozens of protesters during months of protests against the former president’s rule.

http://world.time.com/2014/02/28/ukraine...and-roads/

Putin will do what he wants and Obama will stick his nose up. Next.

If they were actual Russian forces the Ukranian military would have responded as would some Eu countries, mainly Poland.

I thought Obama brought peace to the region.

Wait a minute, I thought we had one of these???

(02-28-2014 10:02 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  If they were actual Russian forces the Ukranian military would have responded as would some Eu countries, mainly Poland.

If they're not Russian then what are they? Process of elimination leads to only one possible outcome. Let's not forget the team that seized a government building in full commando gear and subsequently raised a Russian flag.

(02-28-2014 10:11 AM)Pyrizzo Wrote:  

(02-28-2014 10:02 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  If they were actual Russian forces the Ukranian military would have responded as would some Eu countries, mainly Poland.

If they're not Russian then what are they? Process of elimination leads to only one possible outcome. Let's not forget the team that seized a government building in full commando gear and subsequently raised a Russian flag.

If not Russians, the probably those militias that were reported yesterday. The ones that raised the Russian flag in Crimea type folks. Russians will probably just issue Russian passports those that want them. However, history suggests that IF Russia starts up with strong talk, the tanks aren't far behind.

(02-28-2014 10:11 AM)Pyrizzo Wrote:  

(02-28-2014 10:02 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  If they were actual Russian forces the Ukranian military would have responded as would some Eu countries, mainly Poland.

If they're not Russian then what are they? Process of elimination leads to only one possible outcome. Let's not forget the team that seized a government building in full commando gear and subsequently raised a Russian flag.

BBC is reporting that they wear no insignia, on either their clothes or vehicles.

The thing is, if they were Russian it would have triggered a massive military movement on the part of the Ukranians. And, if not them then by the Poles who are equally as worried.

The BBC also is reporting that they could be eithe Ukranian defectors or Militia armed by the Russian military.

The equipment and weapons used by the Ukranians and Russians are too similar to just make a quick assessment.

Guys, I know you all want to blame Obama for this, but what do you think some 'manly-man leader' like W would have done in this case.

I'm willing to assume that these forces are Russian military, just like the forces used in Abkhazia, Ossetia, and Transdnestria.

This turn of events is expected. We aren't going to invade Russia over this.

By the way, the Ukrainians just took back the airports.

However the principle that made it impossible for Yanukovich to retain control over Kiev and Lvov works in Russia's favor in the Crimea. 70% of the population is Russian and wants enosis with Russia. Anyone who tries to assert non-Russian control over the Crimea is going to have problems with the locals. I'd just rather let the Ukranians, the Russians, and those who actually have some skin in this game (eg the Turks and the EU) sort the division of the Ukraine up between themselves. I'd certainly prefer that the Ukraine retain control over all of its territory, but I'm not willing to invade a region of hostile locals to do so.

Again, the most likely result is a vivisection of Ukraine. Its still a huge loss for Putin, who had defacto control over all of Ukraine prior to the Yanukovich regime's fall.

(02-28-2014 10:20 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(02-28-2014 10:11 AM)Pyrizzo Wrote:  

(02-28-2014 10:02 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  If they were actual Russian forces the Ukranian military would have responded as would some Eu countries, mainly Poland.

If they're not Russian then what are they? Process of elimination leads to only one possible outcome. Let's not forget the team that seized a government building in full commando gear and subsequently raised a Russian flag.

BBC is reporting that they wear no insignia, on either their clothes or vehicles.

The thing is, if they were Russian it would have triggered a massive military movement on the part of the Ukranians. And, if not them then by the Poles who are equally as worried.

The BBC also is reporting that they could be eithe Ukranian defectors or Militia armed by the Russian military.

The equipment and weapons used by the Ukranians and Russians is too similar to just make a quick assessment.

Probably both, I just find it difficult to believe Russia is not in play here.

(02-28-2014 10:27 AM)Pyrizzo Wrote:  

(02-28-2014 10:20 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(02-28-2014 10:11 AM)Pyrizzo Wrote:  

(02-28-2014 10:02 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  If they were actual Russian forces the Ukranian military would have responded as would some Eu countries, mainly Poland.

If they're not Russian then what are they? Process of elimination leads to only one possible outcome. Let's not forget the team that seized a government building in full commando gear and subsequently raised a Russian flag.

BBC is reporting that they wear no insignia, on either their clothes or vehicles.

The thing is, if they were Russian it would have triggered a massive military movement on the part of the Ukranians. And, if not them then by the Poles who are equally as worried.

The BBC also is reporting that they could be eithe Ukranian defectors or Militia armed by the Russian military.

The equipment and weapons used by the Ukranians and Russians is too similar to just make a quick assessment.

Probably both, I just find it difficult to believe Russia is not in play here.

Oh, we'll I certainly think they are. I was just saying not to the point where this is a war or an invasion.

If I was a non-Russian Sympathizer in the Crimea region, I would be moving West as fast as I could.

(02-28-2014 10:25 AM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  Guys, I know you all want to blame Obama for this,

Another post to get attention from the self-absorbed.

(02-28-2014 10:40 AM)DrTorch Wrote:  

(02-28-2014 10:25 AM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  Guys, I know you all want to blame Obama for this,

Another post to get attention from the self-absorbed.

Torchy, what would you do if President regarding the Ukraine?

I see all this criticism of Obama vis a vis Russia. I'd love to see you guys come up with any valid criticism of Obama's POLICY on Russia, of which I've heard none.

Obama has been harder on Putin than W. Unless you think putting the US into ANOTHER Middle Eastern civil war where we would be attacked on all sides as a good idea.

Putin WANTS the US bogged down in Syria. So does China. Obama isn't going to take the bait.

Since Obama has been elected, Russia has lost its client state in Libya, at least half the Ukraine, and cannot use its client state in Syria. It has had its attempt to buy a EU nation (Cyprus) shut down by the EU. Its Latin American lackeys are on their rear ends. And the best part of all of it is this....the US hasn't had to do much in order to ease this process along. We aren't responsible for rebuilding any nations due to Obama.

(02-28-2014 10:02 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  If they were actual Russian forces the Ukranian military would have responded as would some Eu countries, mainly Poland.

I'm not so sure. The Ukraine doesn't have a government right now, and what crazy military leader in a small crumbling country is going to start an all out war with Russia?

Also, Europe will do nothing because we don't have much of a presence there anymore.

Honestly though, what do you expect Obama to do? Do you want him to send in the troops?

Nothing he says is going to make a bit of difference. Unlike China, Russia doesn't really need us for economic success. They have more natural resources than anyone else in the world.

These are Russian forces or Ukrainians trained by and loyal to Russia, which is the same thing. As Vladimir said, they do not want to break up the Ukraine...because they are going to take over the whole thing. Once Russia has taken over the Ukraine, there will probably be a vote to have a strategic alliance with Russia followed by annexation. Can't wait to see how the Georgians feel about that.

(02-28-2014 11:20 AM)Niner National Wrote:  Honestly though, what do you expect Obama to do? Do you want him to send in the troops?

Nothing he says is going to make a bit of difference. Unlike China, Russia doesn't really need us for economic success. They have more natural resources than anyone else in the world.

I think O is half evil and half worthless, but you are exactly right.

(02-28-2014 11:20 AM)Niner National Wrote:  Honestly though, what do you expect Obama to do? Do you want him to send in the troops?

Nothing he says is going to make a bit of difference. Unlike China, Russia doesn't really need us for economic success. They have more natural resources than anyone else in the world.

Actually Russia needs the West more than the Chinese do. Russia's economy is a one trick pony. Furthermore, virtually all of its extraction is done with Western technology and is geared towards Western states. This issue is complicated by the fact that Russia has been an unreliable supply partner AND new sources of energy are coming online to compete with Russia rapidly. Russia doesn't export much, so a falling Ruble doesn't help them. Nor do they have an infrastructure to quickly do so.

Putin SHOULD be working with his economic partners (or finding new ones) but he won't do so due to excessive pride and resentment on his part. That's what makes Putin such an idiot. His policies harm his nation much more than they threaten anyone else.

Obama, along with every other Western leader, knows this, and is basically letting Putin self destruct.

(02-28-2014 11:44 AM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(02-28-2014 11:20 AM)Niner National Wrote:  Honestly though, what do you expect Obama to do? Do you want him to send in the troops?

Nothing he says is going to make a bit of difference. Unlike China, Russia doesn't really need us for economic success. They have more natural resources than anyone else in the world.

Actually Russia needs the West more than the Chinese do. Russia's economy is a one trick pony. Furthermore, virtually all of its extraction is done with Western technology and is geared towards Western states. This issue is complicated by the fact that Russia has been an unreliable supply partner AND new sources of energy are coming online to compete with Russia rapidly. Russia doesn't export much, so a falling Ruble doesn't help them. Nor do they have an infrastructure to quickly do so.

Putin SHOULD be working with his economic partners (or finding new ones) but he won't do so due to excessive pride and resentment on his part. That's what makes Putin such an idiot. His policies harm his nation much more than they threaten anyone else.

Obama, along with every other Western leader, knows this, and is basically letting Putin self destruct.

Putin is a lot of things, but "idiot" isn't one of them.