Hate is natural, without it, nothing bad would be reduced. Directing hate properly is difficult however. We like broad, simple targets, especially when there may be little else we can do. We can't slap Putin but we can boycott vodka. Sometimes it's in earnest, sometimes it's a cheap thrill, the crystal meth of emotional fulfillment. When you can look upon a mass grave or a burning city, can you remain cold? Can you accept and let it wash over you? And if you can't, what can YOU do? How do you ease the hurt you feel o behalf of injustice? When you see the pain of others, can you be made to move on as if it were nothing? Alternatively, can you just ignore it? Know that out there is incredible misery, but close your eyes to it because you don't want to feel bad, feel what's natural? Anger grows, and desire to act, and what are we to do?

That said, it's also not just One Bad Man leading a country of innocents to war. Through corruption, power and misinformation a lot of the populace in any country are complicit in the crimes of their leaders and the forces that drive them. Certainly the ultimate blame behind, say, those attacks trying to burn down a butterfly sanctuary for supposedly being a human trafficking depot can be placed with the spinners of lies, but that does not mean we can let people stroll in there with matches and gasoline under the idea of their innocence. (Especially with gas at the cost it is!)

Things have gone too far for too long now. There can be no stepping back and shaking hands under a banner of peace, because there is no agreement on the truth of the situation. There are those you can message right now quite firm in their belief that the dead bought it upon themselves, that there can be no wrong on their side. Against such conviction you can throw yourself and be broken.

But without hate could anything truly be bad? It's like the Good vers Evil conflict, without Evil nothing could be Good because there would be nothing to compare it to.

While i understand what you're saying, this is about artist attacking one another simply because they back one side or the other. It's cheap shot's at those who are not responsible and have simply chosen a side. Artist on here who openly support the Ukraine are now suddenly being targeted by extremist Russian artist's to the point of death treats. This is just wrong.

War in itself is nothing more than one government disagreeing with another, yet it is the innocent people on Both side's of the fence who must suffer for this disagreement.

Then there are those who come here and attack others with their twisted thoughts of justice or superiority. Making death threats to those who disagree with their opinions. This form of hatred cannot be justified.

"Artist on here who openly support the Ukraine are now suddenly being targeted by extremist Russian artist's to the point of death treats."
I think I have been lucky to only learn of this now. This is awful.

Yes unfortunately a couple of my friends have been attacked over their support of the Ukraine people.
Likewise I have heard of attacks on Russian artist's as well. It's ridiculous and then to go so far as to post Death threats to those who support the Ukraine?
I don't understand how people can justify these sort of actions. We're all adults here and Death threats should not be a thing.
If you agree, fine. If you disagree, fine. There is simply no reason to threaten someone's life over a disagreement.

Yes, yes it could.

"That man seems to be running over kittens with a ride-on mower because he finds it amusing."

"Good thing we don't hate it, or it'd be bad."

"Indeed, oh look, starving children. Perfectly fine. et us do nothing."

Hate is what motivates us to correct. Fear makes us flee a problem, revulsion to push it away from us. Anger and hatred make us act for change. This can be a bad thing when we hate what is good, but that's just the mirror of things like S&M fetishes.

War is more than just those at the top, you are seeing it now. But you shake your head and go 'No, that is not True War; True War is governments, everything else is just People Taking Sides." It is not. The Rwandan genocide for example involved quite regular people. War stains and spreads and you cannot apply innocence to everyone on both sides. This conflict now is fought on a lesser scale by people and bystanders across the world. There is a not small contingent of people who support the war and the deaths it causes r who deny the reality of any wrongdoing. They are not innocent and will not stop, no matter how much you ask or beg. Because they know they are right.

All of this can be justified, it merely depends on if YOU will accept that justification. By the same token, to many your own position cannot be justified. People are standing up for what they believe to be right and that will be a hateful thing for others. This is the complex mire that is life.

You make a very valid point I must admit.
Perhaps this is what happens when you spend too much time alone with no one to bounce ideas and thoughts off of.
Being a truck driver I spend many hours alone with no one but myself so it is sometimes difficult to see more than one point of view.

Yes war does stain people and change their thoughts towards others and it is true that some will justify what others may disagree with.

For such a simple post this has really grown into not only a learning page with the insight of others but a chance to really see where everyone stands without the influence of local media.
But even still must this hate go on here? Why can't people simply listen, learn and admit when they are wrong or leave the conversation at a disagreement?
Why must we argue and make death threats at those who disagree with out point of view?

Man, and even dragon, is a social species. It's why solitary confinement is a punishment and can lead to insanity. We constantly calibrate ourselves according to the people we bump into. (Which is why little isolated groups can quickly spiral into insanity.)

People cannot agree, or agree to disagree because hate motivates. They often seek to correct a wrong, and knowing wrong is out there, untouched, is an aggravating thing. It can lead to despair. (How many people have you seen apathetic because they feel they 'don't matter' in things like politics?) This is something people feel they can change, if inelegantly. It takes a lot of strength to listen to someone talk about how kitten punching is justified (because cats are mean and kill mice) and then go 'Well that's your opinion, and I respect it.'

This is, to many people a justification for murder and violence, and people feel strongly about that. Most of it will be bluster (A death threat is a different thing indeed from killing intent.) but it is a display of passion. Unfortunate that it be so hurtful and divisive, but we're not arguing about whether a hotdog's a sandwich anymore.

Let's not punish the many for the sins of the few.

Exactly! *Hug's*

There are Putin propaganda accounts popping up, and some have said they're Russian occupiers, then blame Ukraine for starting things. (One account I saw was later deleted by staff.) There is a user account who promotes peace, but has a decidedly Russian media viewpoint. They're also adept at leaving out facts, or using similarities to other things, to make their argument seem "just." Or maybe they've been spoon fed the same narrative for so long it's all they know. Their State sponsored media does exactly the same thing.

Report and let the admins do what they do.

As for any account issuing death threats, report them, even if the threat isn't towards you. That is inexcusable, and they'll be banned.

I can understand some Ukrainians hating Russians, now. Their country has been invaded, parts destroyed, they're in fear, people killed, lives upended and ended. Most understand it's not most of the Russian civilians at fault, but lashing out, misplaced anger, and just plain anger is a normal reaction when you're under the stress they are now. Some may forgive, some may not. Conversely, there are pro-military action elements in Russia that for whatever reason (believing state media, older people who thought the USSR was a great place to live, etc) feel it is justified, or that Ukraine started it., and hate them for it. I wonder how they'll feel if they're ever told the truth through trusted sources within the new Iron Curtain, or if they saw it live...

As far as Russian artists, they're not to blame. They're mostly scared for making ends meet. I saw one of their posts where someone told them to protest. It's not so simple there. While Navalny encouraged protest as well, not everyone can, or is cut out for it, or ready to (yet). Though I commend those who do and risk the consequences.

Hopefully some sort of humanitarian aid goes to Russian civilians if it becomes necessary. Maybe China will help, without strings attached, since they're friendly with Moscow now, and aren't sanctioning. But right now, Ukrainians need literally everything plus safety and shelter. It's not the same level of need.

There's a Russian artist friend of mine who was ashamed to be Russian as they oppose the war and what their government is doing.
I told them to be Proud of their heritage as they come from a long line of proud people. That they cannot be held accountable for the action's of their now fascist government.
There have been reports on the news here in the U.S. of people attacking Russian citizens in protest of the war as if They themselves are responsible for what is going on. This is just wrong.
The problem with the Media there is that they're all from the "Old Guard".
All they've known for several generations is communism and a communist government. The Soviet Union has been around a very long time and was only dismantled in the mid 80's.
Putin grew up and served in the communist regime, this is what he knows and so this is what he's pushing so hard to bring back. Unfortunately so many of his general's are also in favor of the "Good ol'days" so to speak.
The problem I'm seeing here are these people who support Putin but are too young to know what the Soviet Union was all about.

I agree about reporting the Death Threats.
That is Completely unacceptable!

You are absolutely right about protesting, especially in Russia at this time where you are likely to be gunned down in the streets. That's what happened in Nazi Germany and Cuba after Fidel Castro took power, Putin is no different.
Those who do risk their lives to protest the government I applaud for they understand the risk they take.
People fail to understand our law's do not apply in other countries.

Several countries are sending aid and help in anyway they can to Ukraine without turning this into WWIII.

I've seen a couple of posts like that, one saying they haven't wanted to say they're Russian for several years. Putin is embarrassing his people so much, they don't want to identify as anything he does. One post said something like "Ukraine will never forgive this. The world will never forgive this[...]"

Citizens shouldn't be attacked, I agree. It's just like attacking Chinese civilians here two years ago. They didn't do it.

Not all are. They have a younger set of hosts, but the ownership, probably is, yes. Plus, if they don't regurgitate Putin's propaganda, we see they're fined, then shut down.

In the early 90s, under Bush Sr. The Berlin wall fell in 89, I believe. (Wish I could have gotten a chunk of it...) I believe the USSR dissolved in 91/92. Gorbachev was their last leader. Yeltsin was the first Russian president. He resigned the last day of 1999, I think. He basically tapped Putin to lead next. Putin is the second and fourth president (though the interim president between his terms is still in his circle. They basically switched jobs for a term.) Now it's set so he can be essentially president for life if he wins in 2024. Unless his oligarchs do something, expect to see him in power for years, president or not. Unless things change, the new generation will see what it was like during the Cold War, as many under 32 won't remember what it was like. (Hmm...I should look up who led them when I was little, out of curiosity.)

Not gunned down...at least not yet. They're being beaten, though. I saw an article that said they're being threatened with being sent to the front lines if they're caught protesting too many times. (That doesn't seem like they'd really fight, to me, and would turn over equipment and supplies to aid Ukraine, but the threat is probably a strong deterrent.)

Like the WNBA player detained there currently, the American drunk driver sentenced to nine years... It hasn't been a good place for non-Russians for awhile if you're arrested for anything at all, and it's now getting that way for their own people, regarding political protests (worse now, has been bad for many years). Their Duma / court is absolutely not like ours. If there's a political reason to hold you, you're in for a loooong time.

To Ukraine, yes. Logistics is an issue with the humanitarian corridors not being respected. Military aid is a bit dicier. I think Russian civilians may need food aid soon as well, but China and Russia now have a "No Limits" agreement. They're getting Chinese credit cards to fill the vacuum left by our companies that left, selling them wheat (I believe) and oil/gas, likely coal. I just wonder what will happen if they disagree about something in the future, or if they dispute territory/borders they share, both being nuclear superpowers... I think that's a conflict everyone else should stay out of...but they won't, because of the markets.

Any sanctions have a effect by boomerang. It is good that grain will now be produced only in Russia. Buying grain from abroad when the country is rich in land is stupid. These sanctions will force out many foreign companies, so Russia can set up your own production. Oil can also be sold for Russian currency. The economy can be straightened out.

The usual scheme - Russia sells, for example, timber. Western countries make furniture out of it and sell it back to Russia, but for a lot of money. And when the borders are closed, it means the country will begin to develop itself, without these deceptive schemes.

Many Russian furries just yell for no reason, not understanding anything in geopolitics and the economy.

These difficult times are conditions artificially created by the West for the angry Russian people - to overthrow the president. In fact, biological weapons have been tested in Ukraine for a long time, it became known about American biological laboratories on the territory of Ukraine. Nobody needs Ukraine, there are no resources there. This is just a platform for the battle of two powerful powers, Russia and America. The West has long been a vassal of the American dream, and smart people in Russia understand this fact.

You have some very good points.
The U.S. has been proding Russia for as long as I can remember.
This could well be just a launch pad to start a war with between them just as the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was the excuse for starting WWI or the Third Reich invading Austria the start of WWII.
This could all be just a deceptive spring board for things to come between two super powers who feel they have something to prove.
Let's hope not, but there is that possiblity none the less.

You are right that by cutting off trade they will be forced to become self sufficient once more just as there is talk of us doing so as well.
However China and Russia are allies as is Cuba, North Korea and most of the Middle east.
Should China and Russia have a falling out it could prove very detrimental for everyone.

As for overthrowing Putin and his regime, the odds of successfully pulling that off are Very low. Too many people in his party support him and his cause.

In fact, very few people support Putin in the government. There are many traitors, who serve Western interests. But the traitors of the country are not touched yet.

In the far east of Russia, China is using our territories, cutting down hectares of forests. This is not advertised to the Russian people. But precisely for this reason, China will not quarrel with Russia, from which it has its own benefits.

These are all things not openly discussed here or are hidden from the public eye.
The western interest I had already suspected but had no evidence.
Our government has it's hands in everyone's cookie jar but won't admit it.

The oligarchs own the companies in Russia, or the State does. It will only be beneficial if Putin is removed from office. Maybe then progress can happen. But now that Russia is more dependent upon the Chinese Yuan, I don't see how long it will be independent. There are, of course, countries where both China and Russia have competing interests, so how things play out will get...interesting. While China is reliant on imported energy, it's economy dwarfs Russia's. Both are nuclear powers. Both have immense manpower. Any skirmish with China (by any country) will seriously impact world economics.

I don't know if protests in Russia, which covers eleven time zones, will overthrow Putin, when large protests in Belarus only got severe crackdowns, and that leader is still there. But symbolically, it absolutely matters. They risk up to fifteen years in jail, if they're caught protesting too many times. Their protesters are brave, and I commend them. What needs to happen is the people around him, oligarchs, generals, other politicians, to say "enough," and oust him. The longer he's been in, the more nibbles he's made to former Soviet areas.

They yell because they're fearful. Some will, naturally, blame the West. Sanctions hurt everyone, but when Putin's loot is well hidden, it's hard to make them bite on him, personally. He's insulated from them. The point is to paralyze the country, and force him to make concessions, for the good of his country. I doubt how much he actually cares. I think we, here, care more about his people at this point.

The bio labs you reference were left over from the Soviets, who once had Ukraine as part of its territory, and the US and Ukraine have been partners in safely decommissioning what was there. It's been said for years. Even the WHO has said they advised anything especially virulent be destroyed. Even Trump's administration said this. It's one program where our DOD dollars were for something to lessen the problem. They are not "our" labs. They are Ukraine's. I believe they were trying to get them switched over to being useful research labs. You may say this is Western "propaganda," but one side always says that about the other.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opin.....ne-bioweapons/

https://www.reuters.com/world/europ.....nt-2022-03-11/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/poli.....-labs-ukraine/

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/11/.....formation.html


Whereas the Kremlin has used chemical weapons in Syria, on Navalny, and on the couple who were on UK soil. The US has renunciated chemical weapons since the Nixon administration, and is going to soon be rid of them entirely.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uni.....eapons_program
(Apologies for the Wikipedia link. It's got the longest history of our program, however.)

https://www.armscontrol.org/events/.....rogress-update


Whereas Putin in recent years has withdrawn from some elements of the Geneva convention. I believe around 2020. That's a warning sign.

https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-.....efore-12563036

https://www.economist.com/news/2022.....ons-in-ukraine

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-.....-idUSKBN1WW2IN


While you say "Nobody needs Ukraine," that is incorrect. Their people need Ukraine. It has pipelines and factories. It has been a sovereign nation for thirty years. Putin "needs" it as a buffer against NATO. It's "unnecessarily necessary" to both sides.

Our President sought NATO solidarity and not unilaterally move? It's not just the US. If these nations share a common belief, that's well and good. Many younger Russians believe in a similar "Russian dream." Hopefully Putin will make this happen with his exit from power. I only hope whoever replaces him is better for everyone.

Biolabs have been found not only in Ukraine, but also in other neighboring republics along the Russian border. Laboratories protected by US Navy SEALs. It is even clear to the blind that this is an intrusion into the affairs of other states.

Please provide proof of some sort. Preferably not State media, if you are able.

Please name the former republics, now sovereign nations. If they are part of NATO or the EU, even the UN, it's possible we may have a presence there. It is an alliance of nations, after all.

It is probable that the USSR had many biolabs it abandoned after the Soviet Union collapsed. It's natural they would have some protection, though probably the country's own forces, or ones they asked to help.

But as one of my links above shows, our Department of Defense is assisting with rendering former Soviet chemical weapons inert. This has been known since at least 2005. Former USSR people had admitted the "killer mosquito" and other claims were fake. So why should claims now under Putin be real, when he won't let independent news call the "operation" a "war"?

If Russia had done the same, let Ukraine sort out its own problems, even have a civil war (as we had when Abraham Lincoln was president), perhaps those regions would have joined Russia of their own accord. Even if Putin had a "peacekeeping force" there (the UN, which Russia is presently still a member of, could have sent their own to help as well, if he'd asked), it does not excuse invading the rest of the country.

I think I would like to end this here. But do reply if you wish.

(Edited to add a thought.)

The Soviet Union dissolved under the Reagan administration if I remember correctly.

The Soviet Union had a completely different mentality. Now Russia has long been given to merchants to be torn to pieces under the guise of freedom and democracy. Our Russian world is very dependent on the price policy of the state. Many Russian artists make money here because foreign clients pay more than they would here in Russia.

He initiated it. "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

It fell in 91 under Bush Sr. Clinton joked Russia (no longer the USSR) should join NATO. I can check later for dates. My reply to the other who replied to my comment for you took a lot of time.

Gorbachev was a traitor. He gave the water area the size of 4 Poland to the Americans. There were 16% oil deposits, that America sold off to companies.

Medvedev is also a traitor. He gave Norway disputed lands worth 30 billion euros. This is not advertised to the Russians.

Russia was already a vassal of America. In our constitution, adjustments were recorded where we were sold to the same America.

Putin declared the sovereignty of the country. This caused the aggression of other countries and the American government. Nevertheless, for many years we were under external control. But this war will allow Putin to rightfully nationalize the resources that up to this point have been sold to Western countries.

If Putin does not leave a successor, then a weak ruler will come to power who will sell our country to America. The Ukrainian conflict is trifles compared to these things.

This is not a true statement on its face, but hopefully only your passion. Our countries tried to normalize trade relationships and investment opportunities. Do not forget how much land oligarchs had purchased in the US, in the UK, etc. (Don't worry, Americans today don't like their own rich people much, either.)

Our government has not bought your country (at least not since you sold us Alaska, which I appreciate. It's beautiful, and I'd like to visit it someday). Being your own sovereign nation has never bothered us. Wanting sovereignty is like Trump's "America First."

Be proud of your country, your heritage. But there is such a thing as going too far with ultranationalism.

(From our viewpoints as citizens, at least), Gorbachev's and Yeltsin's reforms allowed for other countries to establish relationships in Russia. It's simply part of the "preferred nations" trade relationship. Like any country, Russia may sell rights for mining, oil production, and so on to foreign investors. I understand that even Gorbachev thinks you opened up too far, but yet he still feels Reagan truly wanted to reduce nuclear arms. At least through his former translator.)

Now that most Western investors are gone, they may sell them to China, India, or other businesses...or develop them through State control, as LADA once was (now the parent company AutoVaz is partially owned by French Renault, but the other part is owned by Rostec, a state-owned Russian firm which makes weapons and medical technology. Its chairman is Denis Manturov, Russia’s trade minister, while Sergei Chemezov - a close ally of President Vladimir Putin - serves as chief executive).

The Russian State still owns much of your domestic businesses, your media, etc. It never truly went away.

So Putin, since 2000, has been pressing for more control of his own country (which is understandable), but having it State controlled goes back to Soviet ideology, instead of private Russian corporations. Is this what you're getting at?

It's like China's investment in America, and our people disliking it.

I don't think whoever replaces Putin will be weak. Disliked by some or many, sure. But that's politics. But I hope they're elected, not chosen to succeed him. Otherwise you have a Tsarist rule.

Don't you feel this is straying too far from Dargon1's original intent of their journal? They simply didn't want Russian artists or civilians hated for their nationality. I think we can agree on that. Correct?

It's a bit difficult for me to write in a foreign language. And I would be happy to talk with you on all topics that interest you. But I can say in general terms about the whole situation.

This world has long been owned by merchants, and the only reason for war is resources. Have you ever thought about the fact that drinking water on earth is running out? This is a separate topic, which is not talked about to the people of the whole world.

The planet is overpopulated with billions of people, and therefore every year the consumption of the planet's resources is increasing. Many countries are in debt as if in silks. This does not suit the bankers, it is more expedient for them to kill half of humanity through the Covid virus and other strains. Leave a few million people on the planet to serve the factories, appoint others as guards. But in the end, bankers will rule, who will have enough resources for many years to come.
________________
Time to understand, that Russia is a fat cow, that can give milk to the whole world. As for Ukraine, which only took loans and stole Russian gas, other countries will not get anything good from this country. Therefore, this is one of the reasons, why they don’t want to accept Ukraine into the EU

While water is plentiful, drinking water / fresh water is not. This is true. Australia needs its own desalination plant for drinking water. As glaciers melt, the salt level increases, and it affects ocean undercurrents and oxygen levels. It's why climate change is something needing attention. But...people without money cannot afford the newest technology. Electric furnaces do not put out enough heat. This is a problem in cold climates. Geothermal would help, but would be difficult to implement everywhere. But if vehicles were hydrogen powered, their only emission is water, which would help with the atmosphere, and then rain/snow. If we can make gas tanks safe, we can make hydrogen fuel cell tanks safe. They can be filled up at a pump, not needing recharge time, nor electricity that comes from coal or natural gas. The electric vehicle shifts the problem, but doesn't eliminate it. There is much to do in little time, but we can't make life impossible for the poor.

That is a very dystopian view you have. Yes, the world is overpopulated. Humankind is very good at breeding. Fewer people would mean less money for the merchants / corporations. If the bankers were to war with corporations, maybe that would solve things. (I jest. Do not take it seriously.)

Are you speaking metaphorically? Russia doesn't have the resources for feeding the entire world, though it does have a lot of wheat production, if I recall. It's not what a country has or doesn't. It's a sovereign nation. Even tiny Malta has the right to exist, and do its best. If I remember, isn't it just collecting charges on gas that flows through it, on its way to Europe? Isn't that just like a business for using its equipment? Doesn't it buy the natural gas to store for its own use, or to sell? In effect, it's a merchant, doing business. All countries do this.

I cannot speak for the EU, whether or not they admit Ukraine. I will say from what I've read on the subject, it is unlikely for it to be accepted, even now, as well with NATO. But as a sovereign nation, unless they agree otherwise, and not under duress, it's their decision to apply if they choose. It's the alliance's decision to accept or not. Ukraine has to decide for itself what's in its own interests, and live with that.

One topic I want to know more about is... Why are all the car accident videos on YouTube seemingly in Russia? (I'm being lighthearted, here. Tired of politics.)

In closing, you write very good in English. Were it not for the subject matter, and you saying to Dargon you lived in Moscow elsewhere, it would not be evident.

Italy has already launched a coal-fired power plant. I wonder, if Russia stops supplying wood to Europe, then many countries will start sawing their relic forests, will they turn their country into a desert? The Sahara is growing. The deserts of the Eurasian continent are growing. America is no exception. Three hundred years ago, deserts on the continent occupied two and a half percent. Now they occupy 10 percent. Reason: human economic activity. The territories with the highest degree of desertification are in Asia about 19%, in Africa - 23, in Australia - 45 and in South America - about 10% of the total area. The Sahara Desert is moving south at an average speed of 6 km/year, in places up to 10 km/year. How to stop the catastrophic desertification of lands? This question is most relevant when it comes to the largest desert on Earth - the Sahara. Is it possible to stop the Sahara, these billions of tons of sand, under the pressure of which a huge amount of land disappears every year?

To anyone else happening upon these comments, this is true. I actually do remember learning about different types of deserts as a child. Not all are sandy, and they are expanding.

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/...../desert-biome/

https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/.....es/deserts.php

https://earth.org/data_visualizatio.....sahara-desert/

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas.....0329141035.htm

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/.....-back-a-desert

It's something to think about.

Thank you, for such a rich dialogue :) I am well disposed to any opinion, and simply offer my view on the world situation. This morning I decided to add some information for reflection.

You're welcome! :)

I think it was an interesting discussion :) write a whole carpet of comments.

https://disk.yandex.ru/i/nJaTR7j13AGKSg - I live in Moscow and this is the view from my window (Ostankino TV Tower). And I want to say, that no one is shooting anyone here, there is no fascism or communism here. No nesting dolls and bears with balalaikas. The 80s have long been forgotten here. Your conclusions are absolutely wrong about the country in whose capital I live :) Yes, there are stupid Russian people, who rally without understanding one thing. That Putin is many years old, and perhaps this is his last presidential term. Most of the deputies did not want to start a war. But if it were not for it, then with the new president, Russia would have fallen on its shoulder blades because of Ukraine. Because it is on Ukrainian territory that the Americans can put military bases closer to the borders of Russia. Any intelligent person would not expose his country to such a danger. Ukraine sold out to the Americans a long time ago, which is why it is so eager to join the EU, but the main reason is that Nazi battalions exists in Ukraine. And they kill civilians in the Donbass within 8 years.

Okay please calm down, I'm not trying to start anything here I promise.
I absolutely appreciate your valuable input into this conversation and will gladly admit you have educated me a great deal today on things concerning Russia and of the Russian people.
I'm simply repeating what I've seen in our media here as are most american people.
Our media (which is heavily influenced by the government) has failed to explain any of this and has hand picked certain things to feed it's populous.

I am Completely willing to admit I was wrong with my assumptions now after you, a national citizen of Russia have taken the time to correct me.
This is why I prefer to talk to people online who live the life and culture of different countries vers listening to media or reading it in a book.
You know, love and understand the country and culture you live in unlike an outsider who is only looking in.
When Bush Jr was in office I was criticized as we're the american people in general for his war in the middle east.
Just like you I found myself defending the people though not the president.
You truly have enlightened me to many facts that I did not know before and I thank you for this.

It's all right, and I just decided to talk about the war. I am interested to know the opinion of foreign friends. Because our perception of the situation with the war is very different. On the contrary, it is very interesting. Unfortunately, even with Russian furry artists, I do not communicate on this topic, because they can ban me.

Any war is a heavy burden, but it lasts throughout the history of mankind. To reason about this, you need to have an analytical mind.

Death threats are unacceptable... always.

Thank you my friend, I agree absolutely.

Today I saw a video of a dead ukrainian soldier chained to a pole. He was chained by his friends, saying, that this would be the case with anyone, who wanted to surrender to the russian army. I can link to the video, if you're interested. This is an information war, however, the truth is one.

No I'm good thanks.
That's not uncommon in times of war, even with surrender there is no guarantee that you not be tortured and killed.
War is brutal and brings the worst out in people, but here there should be some sort of reform.

Unfortunately, there can be no reform because of the government of Ukraine, which does not make concessions. Russia puts forward conditions on the neutrality of Ukraine. That it will not place any American military bases and biological laboratories on the territory of a state close to our borders.

Most likely, after Putin, a new president will come who will not be able to solve this important issue. He is not a dictator, but a man who risked his reputation. Apparently, there were very good reasons to provoke the demilitarization of Ukraine. This is not a war against the Ukrainian people. The media gets a lot of hype because of this intrusion.

My sister could lose her job in a couple of months because her firm is failing because of the sanctions. I agree with you that war is the worst solution. But other countries were silent when people were killed in Donbass for 8 years. They were silent, because they themselves supplied the government of Ukraine with weapons all these years.

I did not know this about the American bases and such, these things have not been mentioned on local media.
The last I heard was Putin was against Ukraine joining the UN and that is what's sparked all of this.
No he is not a dictator but his actions are very similar to those of the past or at least that is how they are being compared.

I'm sorry about your sister's loss, I just found out today the company I work for will be closing their doors and going out of business at the end of this month due to these ridiculously high fuel prices that our president is doing nothing while he continues fuel the flames overseas.
So now I will have to look and hope I can find something before I'm left homeless.

You are absolutely right about Donbass and many other countries over the last 30 years or so. It is only certain countries that get recognized when such things come to light.

Ukraine wanted to be part of NATO, and I believe EU and the UN. It is their decision as a sovereign nation whether to apply or not, NOT Russia's. They have interests, sure, just as other countries do. It's also up to those bodies whether to accept them or not. The process can take years or longer.

NATO has kept them at arm's length for over thirty years because of the Russian hesitancy to have NATO in former Soviet satellite countries, right at their doorstep. This is understandable. However, one must remember why NATO exists...to counter Russian (formerly USSR) military power in the region. Remember how far the Soviet Union once stretched, after WWII. They were allowed to absorb territory they'd overcome while pushing against Nazi Germany. They did not have as much territory before WWII. So Ukraine was kept in perpetual limbo as a buffer. This, obviously, has not worked.

Russia is enormous in size compared to the NATO and EU countries. The EU is mostly about economic trade, allowing people to travel between the countries freely, etc.

I'm sorry about your employment, Dargon (and their sister's as well, truly). The president doesn't have a lever to raise and lower prices, but does set policies that affect it. Politicians can be duplicitous, and we see it every election.

I shall research a variety of articles available on the internet to know more about Donbass, Crimea, etc, before I comment on that.

During the Second World War, when the Russian army liberated Berlin and Europe from fascism, it returned back. Japan helped the Nazis, as a result of which they lost part of the Kuril Islands for war crimes. There is still a dialogue between Russia and Japan, because Japan wants its lands back.

Some europeans have a stereotype, that Russia wants to take over their territory. In fact, this is not the case, because we will not be able to feed all the people on the continent.

When the Turkish Khaganate captured almost all of Europe, the Russian commander Suvorov began to fight and win with them. It was then that Crimea became part of Russia. Crimea is an important strategic point, if you allow American military bases to be set up there, then Russia will be on its knees. In addition, it is an outlet to the sea. If a nuclear war happens, Russian nuclear submarines can retaliate. Ukraine was simply given that territory, because one stupid president thought, that distant lands are difficult to feed.

We have had many stupid kings / presidents. I want to say, that President Yeltsin was an alcoholic. He barely spoke, when he addressed the Russian people from television. It was a time, when the whole country was soldered with vodka. But now times are different, and the new generation abuses alcohol less. There are those who do not drink at all, and those, who have other stupidity :)

This is a long topic.

Don't forget the Allied forces, including American General Eisenhower. He decided not to press into Berlin to avoid friendly fire incidents with the Soviets. That was wise, and avoided casualties and mistrust. They helped liberate Europe as well. Even though the two sides' official relations were strained, they needed to work together to beat Germany. Think about how bad it was for them to be united. Later on, Germany became literally divided by the Berlin Wall. When it eventually came down, People seeing the other side being struck by how different they were.

Japan got less attention, until after Germany was defeated, but they'd pressed into the mainland peninsula pretty deeply. At least their government (much later) expressed regret for those actions. It's always much later when governments admit to doing wrong. Usually when those involved are no longer around.

I'll admit to not knowing anything about the Turkish empire days, Ottoman empire, or the like. That is literally ancient history, and nothing countries should fight over now. But back then empires took what they wanted. There were no diplomatic solutions.

To my knowledge, America did not have plans to set up bases in Crimea, precisely because it wasn't part of NATO, and doing so would upset Russia. It's why for thirty years they weren't allowed to join.

Anywhere with bases it was negotiated with the nation itself. Former breakaway satellite countries feared Russia, and still do. The current situation won't alleviate that fear, unfortunately. It's turned back the clock to the 1950s for relations, at least for now. The 1990s may have been a period of change for Russia that not all agree with, but it was nice for countries to finally seem to be able to get along. Neither side worried the other would attack. We need a return to that.

Bases are good strategically, yes. America would rather not have war. Nobody wants war. Russia has other sea outlets. If they gave Crimea to Ukraine, why not just let that be, have a compact allowing for joint use? In peace, a port is better used for commercial purposes. It would benefit both countries. Nobody wants a nuclear war.

We've had our share of presidents we look back on and fault. I think every country has. I had heard that of him. It is unfortunate, and it probably contributed to his demise. I believe heart disease/heart attack, if I remember.

We don't have to continue. Politics can be interesting, but it is very draining to talk about. It was nice chatting with you. :)

When Crimea was part of Ukraine, Kyiv pulled resources from the eastern part of the country, including the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. The government of Ukraine did not develop the infrastructure of the eastern regions for years.

And when Crimea went to Russia after the referendum, the Ukrainian Nazi battalions cut off the supply of the peninsula. There were problems with drinking water and food - so Russia built a bridge to the Crimea, connecting the peninsula with the mainland.

Because of this bridge, Russia was imposed new sanctions by Western countries. And the Ukrainians said - let the Russians in Crimea die of hunger. Therefore, there can be no real friendly dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.

For eight years, NATO has been supplying Ukraine with weapons, that have been used against the Lugansk and Donetsk regions. There's a lot of video of the bombing.

In some cities, phosphorus bombs were used by the Azov Nazi battalion. In one city, 70% of civilians were destroyed.

You must understand one detail. At the very beginning, the soldiers of the Ukrainian army refused to kill their own Ukrainians in the Donbass. The army was disbanded. Therefore, in the summer of 2014, the first neo-fascist battalions were created, consisting of ultra-radicals and criminals released from prisons. And in the current war, these criminals are hiding behind civilians, because they know - the Russian army will destroy such battalions of Azov, Aidar and others.

The modified fascist swastika can be recognized on the emblems of the Nazi battalions. They consider themselves the chosen ones.

Now the whole world is looking at Russia's aggression and condemning it. But on the other hand, it is the West that is to blame for this situation. If there were no intrigues with weapons, biolabs, military bases and plutonium (!), then Ukraine would not become a topic of contention.

Russia has provided evidence for 8 years. I think, that NATO members know very well, what Nazi battalions are. But for EU citizens and Americans, fake stories are being told. For some reason, the genocide of Luhansk and Donetsk regions is not called a crime.

Here is the opposing view. Again, sorry it's Wikipedia, but it contains the most information in one spot. This is how the West views these events. There is also no proof of widespread Nazism.

As for emblems on uniforms, I have not found a good picture of Ukraine's uniform. If, by referring to Germany's old uniform, do you mean the Iron Cross? It is not directly associated with the Swastika, and was used by Germany for many generations. It is avoided by Germany more now, but doesn't have the same symbolism. If you mean the symbol on their old Panzer tanks, which resembled a simplified iron cross (and was used in WWI on biplanes), I will have to research it more. It is confusing because they used three symbols simultaneously, and the history on them goes back over eighty years. But I believe Germany has moved away from all three of them.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann.....ian_Federation

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rev.....ion_of_Dignity

But to my understanding, and the tl;dr version:

The protests were against former Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych, who was friendlier towards Russia than the population wanted to be. He was overthrown after protests by the bulk of civilians. Zelenski was elected after. The people of Crimea were closer to Russia in ties. This is where the stage was set for its annexation by Russia, and the later actions.

If anyone else has better information than a Wikipedia link that is relevant, please enlighten the discussion.

Also, had a bit of trouble finding information on the Donbass region. I kept getting tourism information on Donetsk.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Donbas

Information on the current situation, and history.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rus.....-Ukrainian_War

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/202.....ion_of_Ukraine

Okay, after researching, I did find the insignia referenced. Because of FA's policies, I will not be linking it. However, it is another example of Hitler using a formerly pagan, inoffensive mark, and making it something to be reviled. I had not come across this symbol before, ever. I believe it isn't taught to try to keep it from being used or widely known.

As for the batallions mentioned, I researched, and will not be posting links for the same reason. Others interested may research them on their own.

Sorry friend for spamming your journal, I feel a little guilty :)

No my friend you have no need to apologize nor feel guilty at all for this is the very purpose of this journal.
For people on Both side's to come together and voice their Uncensored opinions about what is going on and how it affects them Without being judged by either side.

Though we have all strayed from the original post I feel we have all learned something of each other and of our personal views and even some history on what has become a very tense subject, but best of all we have viewed and shared our opinions Without the hate and slander I see on so many other posts. This alone to me at least is a Good thing. Everyone should be open, unjudgmental and respectful of the opinions of others for This is how we grow as a community.

Thank you, friend :)

Also, wanted you aware that some are trying to get PayPal back in Russia.

https://www.furaffinity.net/view/46283686/

People can be stupid. Many sane Russians do not want this war to happen and as far as I know, there are many of them who do not want the Ukrainians butchered and wiped out. I do stand for both the Ukrainians and Russians alike (with the only Russians I am against being Putin and his crazy warmongers) an d I wish for peace for both of them.

I agree and this war should end peacefully though I fear it will not.
I also fear that our governments nose is much too long and we shall find ourselves in the midst of this conflict. We can only hope that things settle down before these things can transpire.