Biden Finally Says It ...

[ichkeria]

https://www.semafor.com/article/12/12/2023/president-biden-says-us-wants-ukraine-to-win

Is this significant? Because he's never said it before.

[ichkeria]

Re Tusk: there is a rumour he may be prepared  to send ground troops to Ukraine, owing to what he's sees as an existential threat to his country  

[Khandro]

I think we're all with you ichi, but; 

Fresh opinion polls by the Sociological Group Rating confirm that Zelensky’s approval ratings are sinking, with 39 percent “strongly” trusting him and 33 percent who “sooner trust than distrust.” Conversely, General Zaluzhny’s own rating has soared to 63 percent strong trust. Public opinion is also deeply split on how to bring the war to an end, with 44 percent of Ukrainians believing compromise is needed versus 48 percent who wish to continue fighting for victory.

Zelensky continues officially to define Ukrainian victory as restoring its 1991 borders. While no mainstream Ukrainian politician is yet openly calling for a deal with the Kremlin, a backlash against Zelensky’s magical thinking is growing. “We can euphorically lie to our people and our partners,” Mayor Klitschko told Der Spiegel last week. “But you won’t be able to do this for ever.”...........

The Spectator Australia

[ichkeria]

I'd pay scant attention to any of that. Klitscbko has long been at odds with Zelensky. Plainly there is frustration with the lack of progress  but that's in large part due to the failure of Ukraine's allies to provide the weaponry asked for. The bottom line is; Russia stops fighting there's no more war: Ukraine stops there's no more Ukraine. And that's why no one will ever consider deals with Russia which has proved wholly untrustworthy.

[Khandro]

^^ Then sadly, it sounds like a war of attrition until the last man is standing.

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves. Confucius.

[ichkeria]

Russia has lost 90 per cent of the army it had when it invaded in 2022. In that time they've effectively taken the bit of Ukraine circled in blue here ... https://ibb.co/P1878KF

 

[Khandro]

I know, but as I've said, Putin is a nutter & doesn't give a f. for human life & the population of Russia is 145 million as against   the 38 million of Ukraine. Also the economic sanctions don't seem to be working, he's still selling plenty of oil & gas to the East.

The task for Ukraine is daunting, even with fully continuing help from the West,  sorry.

[ichkeria]

Well of course it's daunting but as observed above with a proper political will it is possible and what Putin has started will be his downhfall: his "objectives" as stated in this mornings phone-in circus are wholly unachievable but he has no choice but to plough on  

[ichkeria]

Some great questions finding their way into  the screen at the Putin event: my favourites:

"When can I move to the Russia they talk about on Channel One (Kremlin Propaganda 1)"

“Cucumbers 900 roubles/kilo, tomatoes 950 roubles/kilo, lettuce costs 1,500. I won’t even bring up the price of fruit. Give us normal prices!”

“If Crimea is part of Russia, why does my mobile network switch on roaming after crossing the bridge to Crimea?”

“Why does your reality differ from ours?” - that's a question we all want answered.

[Khandro]

^^^I particularly like the last one!