This thread was originally opened in 2013 during the revolt that eventually overthrew the Yanukovyich regime and instituted democratic elections. Since the Russian invasion that began in February 2022, it's been repurposed to focus on the conflict. Some people have expressed the view that the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, beginning in 2014, never really ended.
Although at one time claims were made that different segments of Ukrainian society were more aligned with Russia than the West, the invasion seems to have resulted in a higher level of Ukrainian unity in the face of Russian military aggression. Although it is hard to document public opinion in the occupied areas, there was never very much evidence in favor of support for the Russian annexation of sections of Ukraine.
The invasion is also a result of certain grievances proclaimed by Vladimir Putin, the current President of Russia, and used by him as justification for armed attack and occupation. Western governments, and others around the world, have joined together in condemnation of this attack.
While we do not know what the ultimate outcome of these events will be, this thread will continue to be made available as a place to record news, ask questions and express opinions about the "Crisis in Ukraine."
This map
will help track the latest developments.
Mod notes
- Do not post anything about the Ukrainian military movement and strategy. This could actually result in casualties.
- No discussion regarding nuclear war. As nuclear weapons are not being used by either side, nuclear war is off-topic.
- When posting social media links, please (1) state the source [e.g. Reuters reporter? State-sponsored Facebook account? Civilian Twitter/X?] (2) clarify if it is fact or opinion and (3) summarize the information being presented. If, for example, it's a single civilian voice on Twitter/X, is it really trustworthy or relevant?
Ukrainian protesters besiege government building
Clashes amid huge Ukraine protest against U-turn on EU
Over 300,000 defy protest ban in Ukraine
- "Fierce clashes erupt after protesters take to streets again, chanting "revolution" as anger against government grows."
What started as a protest against the decision not to sign an agreement with the EU seems to have escalated into a "Color Revolution" or "Arab Spring" style movement to force the government to resign. By some reports, the police are using violent tactics to suppress the street protests.
The Western half of the Ukraine has historically felt closer to Europe , and wants to move Ukrainian society in that direction. Eastern Ukraine feels culturally closer to Russia, and favors closer relations with that country. The current regime of President Viktor Yanukovich is part of that camp. The current confrontations can be seen as a clash between these two halves of Ukrainian society.Ukraine protests: Thousands march through capital
- over 100,000 by some counts
Ukrainian protesters besiege government building
Clashes amid huge Ukraine protest against U-turn on EU
Over 300,000 defy protest ban in Ukraine
- "Fierce clashes erupt after protesters take to streets again, chanting "revolution" as anger against government grows."
What started as a protest against the decision not to sign an agreement with the EU seems to have escalated into a "Color Revolution" or "Arab Spring" style movement to force the government to resign. By some reports, the police are using violent tactics to suppress the street protests.
The Western half of the Ukraine has historically felt closer to Europe , and wants to move Ukrainian society in that direction. Eastern Ukraine feels culturally closer to Russia, and favors closer relations with that country. The current regime of President Viktor Yanukovich is part of that camp. The current confrontations can be seen as a clash between these two halves of Ukrainian society.
EDIT (2/24/2022)
This thread was originally opened in 2013 during the beginning of the revolt in Ukraine that eventually over-threw the dictatorship of the Yanukovyich regime and instituted democratic elections soon afterward. As of this writing, in the aftermath of the Russian invasion that began on 2/23, it is not clear whether or for how long Ukraine will continue to exist as an independent country.
Statements made nine years ago still seem relevant: "The Western half of the Ukraine has historically felt closer to Europe , and wants to move Ukrainian society in that direction. Eastern Ukraine feels culturally closer to Russia, and favors closer relations with that country... The current confrontations can be seen as a clash between these two halves of Ukrainian society." Some people have expressed the view that the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, beginning in 2014, never really ended.
The invasion is also a result of certain grievances proclaimed by Vladimir Putin, the current President of Russia, and used by him as justification for armed attack and occupation. Western governments, and others around the world, have joined together in condemnation of this attack.
While we do not know what the ultimate outcome of these events will be, this thread will continue to be made available as a place to record news, ask questions and express opinions about the "Crisis in Ukraine."
This map
will help track the latest developments.
Do not post anything about the Ukrainian military movement and strategy. This could actually result in casualties.
No discussion regarding nuclear war. As nuclear weapons are not being used by either side, nuclear war is off-topic.
When posting social media links, please (1) state the source [e.g. Reuters reporter? State-sponsored Facebook account? Civilian Twitter?] (2) clarify if it is fact or opinion and (3) summarize the information being presented.
Edited by DeMarquis on Dec 25th 2024 at 7:44:33 AM
If the US end up arbitring an outcome, or the outcome otherwise resulting from its decisions then it's nearly impossible to discuss said outcome following such guidelines.
That's the problem with the biggest actor in international politics being barred from discussion of international politics. The touchy issues mostly seem to come out when internal politics are discussed so might I suggest at least some leeway when international interactions are discused?
Because most of these international discussions are being forced to lack a major piece of key context so they become borderline useless.
Edited by TomWithoutJerry on Feb 19th 2025 at 3:45:33 PM
Please remember that, ultimately, fictional works of entertainment are just that.@Will Keaton We had years to propare, yet we failed to do much.
Edited by Risa123 on Feb 19th 2025 at 10:07:34 AM
No. Heck, the leader of Germany's main conservative party literally made up a story of how people had to wait longer at the dentist's because of Ukrainian refugees (it's complete bullshit) at one point.
Edited by DrunkenNordmann on Feb 19th 2025 at 5:23:40 PM
We learn from history that we do not learn from historyThe Irish have a very long history of being discriminated against, both in the UK and in America. The Italians as well, to a lesser extent. You may have also noticed that anti-French sentiment is very common on the internet and French-Canadians in particular tend to get the worst of it.
Edited by Resileafs on Feb 19th 2025 at 12:11:03 PM
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 19, 2025
- cutt-off was 1:30 pm ET.
- US talks about permanent settlment and it being acceptable to all parties involved. US parterns in europe were explicitly inclued. (note: color me skeptical you have not even included them in negotiations yet)
- Luthuania announced aid.
- Ukraine continues to attack Russian energy facilities.
- Ukraine advanced near Vovchansk and Toretsk.
- Russsia advanced near Borova, Siversk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka.
- Russia's regions are allegeldy halting recruitment of foreigners that do not speak Russia.
My country has a "Ukrainian cleaning lady" stereotype. So absolutly people will complain. I mean they already do. Remember the pro-Russian troll recently. They called them "Uk's" that is a slur. That is why outside of some NationalCringe I was skeptical of my country's support for Ukraine. So people did not even care to differtiate between Russian's and Ukrainian's.
Also, if disapear from the thread for some time do not be suprised. Lately I have had some anexity and "Munich flashbacks". I have considered break, but we will ssee.
Edited by Risa123 on Feb 19th 2025 at 8:09:44 PM
I don’t understand ISW here. They don’t report on Ukraine’s internal military and political situation, that’s understandable (not really, but ok). But them reporting on current negotiations while not even mentioning Trump’s statements is laughable.
Edited by Smeagol17 on Feb 19th 2025 at 10:37:53 PM
https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-behind-fpv-goggles-explosions-in-russia-source-claims/
The story of rigged goggles for FPV drones.
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 20, 2025
- cutt-off was 11:45 am ET.
- Ukraine advanced near Pokrovsk.
- Russia advanced near Pokrovsk and Velyka Novosilka.
- Russia is alledly increasing production of glide bombs and improving cruise missiles.
https://x.com/trip_to_valkiri/status/1731702773840822326
Spotted this photo of a captured T-62M with Ukranian TDF, used in 2023. Has "Leopard 2" painted on it.

Cmon, you know US politics is off limits.
Now Monitoring Query Bugs and Query Wishlist