When is a war not a war?

[Polarbear]

[Nobby the Bastard]

After annexation of large portions of Ukraine that aren't Crimea and the Ukranian counter offensive pushing the Russians out of those areas thats a bit of a moot point.
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[chickenstrip]

[Easy-X]

The fact that Putin's had to call up reservists (a move that's gone down like a lead balloon back home) just to hang onto what he has doesn't bode well. And full mobilisation would be impossible, they don't have enough officers and NCOs to look after the troops they have now.
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[Islander]

[Easy-X]

I think "deluded" would be more accurate. AFAIK no one who's met the man or worked for him has ever said he was insane or stupid but the general theme is that Russia is run like a criminal organisation.

Battle of the Vlads: "Pretty Boy" Putin versus "Zippy" Zelensky If a mob-boss goes to war with a rival to take over their turf how does it end? I guess one man dies or the body count becomes more than the contenders can stomach
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[Islander]

[Polarbear]

[Islander]

[Polarbear]

[Ste]

[pinkyfloyd]

[Polarbear]

[chickenstrip]

Are there no attempts at mediation going on at all, from any quarter? I find that odd. Nothing from the UN? Or has Putin spurned all requests for such? Nothing in the news on the subject. Given the fears of the nuclear threat, you'd think such avenues would be explored to their utmost. All the press releases from both sides just seem to be inflammatory.
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[Islander]

[pinkyfloyd]

[chickenstrip]

Not backing down does not mean not calling for an end to the fighting. And all the speculation about Putin's state of mind is just that; speculation. Who has actually interviewed him? There is no dialogue, and so no one knows what is going on in his mind. Of course he pushes propaganda on Russian media - he is at war. But this does not mean a way can't be found to reason with him. Every attempt should continually be made at least.

This does not in any way condone Putin's actions. But it is no good being right if you end up living (or more likely dying) in a nuclear wasteland. Both sides ought to be more conscious of that.

Not one single voice trying with all their might to bring this to a peaceful end? Nowhere in the world? Something is very amiss. It's almost like everyone wants this war. If someone had one of your loved ones hostage at gunpoint and you couldn't physically take them out, would you just hurl insults at them? Or would you not let up on trying to reason with them, knowing full well they were deranged? Just in case there were a chance to persuade them?
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[Ste]

[chickenstrip]

[Ste]

What do you mean by seriously calling for it rather than going through the motions?

Actual mediation is impossible when all Putin wants is for Ukraine to be part of Russia.

Rather than saying which countries are the most vocal, perhaps it would be quicker to list the countries who're not trying? As for the possibility that you're watching the wrong news, it's been all over the news since February last year so maybe you've been watching Russia Today.

[Easy-X]

Putin is talking to Erdoğan (although I suspect Turkey has only opportunistically placed itself as a neutral party) even there the message is "pull out of Ukraine." Putin might mutter about the big red button but he'll be on his own. No one will have an appetite for it in Russia and certainly not China, his closest "ally" in relative terms. Cuba, Venezuela? Who gives a fuck.

Really though it all comes down to the most closely guarded secret of the last one hundred years: Russia's shit in wars. The Battle of Stalingrad? The Germans lost due to logistics not 'cos of any amazing bravery or tactics of the Soviets. Afghanistan? Nope. Chechnya? Lots of mercenaries.

Could someone cite a war were the Russians have done really well since... I dunno, the revolution? That's over a century, should be easy surely?
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[chickenstrip]

Russia seems to still have the communist mentality: throw manpower at the enemy.
Russia's military also has a culture of hazing and corruption, where new recruits are treated very badly, and officers are out for what they can get materially, so morale has always been poor.
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[chickenstrip]

[Easy-X]

Ejecting ambassadors is standard diplomatic protocol for "we're very angry with you!" Conversation still continues via other means.
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[Ribenapigeon]