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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?

    Previous text of OP 
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.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

AngelusNox Warder of the damned from The guard of the gates of oblivion Since: Dec, 2014 Relationship Status: Married to the job
Warder of the damned
#37101: Aug 12th 2025 at 9:43:38 AM

Honestly, it baffles me how Ukraine is engaging static defenses and using drone units to plug the gaps.

Static and Defense in Depth require considerable manpower. Both to fill gaps in defensive lines and also to provide mutual and overlapping support. Ukraine is fighting with a manpower disadvantage and possibly a force concentration could be better to react to assaults or defense breeches.

Of course it has it risks. Concentrated and reactive forces are more vulnerable to strikes and not having enough of them to commit to multiple sectors simultaneously leaves them vulnerable to feints and diversionary assaults, leaving them no time to relocate.

But there is no excuse to hold ground as hard as they are doing, specially when you can inflict a lot of attrition on advancing units using drones, mines and obstacles.

There is also the problem that the Russians at critical armor depletion, since the frequency and intensity of armored assaults is dropping significantly. As well the density, as noted on the links above, being something like 4-5 people on bikes and buggies. This also leaves the Russians with very few manpower to hold territory.

Inter arma enim silent leges
NewEnglandPinniped from New England, doh! Since: Jun, 2023
#37102: Aug 12th 2025 at 5:47:42 PM

Am I the only one confused? (Genuine question, I want to hear y'all's opinions)

Everybody keeps saying these days that Mordor's minimal viable robbery is the Donbass, then perhaps also this and that, and mayhaps the other, but no mention of Crimea that I hear.

I am expecting soon a dialogue along these lines: "and, of course, Crimea, obviously." "What do you mean, Crimea obviously? We didn't talk Crimea, did we? OF COURSE you're not having Crimea!" "We didn't talk Crimea because everyone knows that Crimea is ours!" "Everyone? You and whose army?" Etc.

RSunny Since: Mar, 2022
#37103: Aug 12th 2025 at 8:18:37 PM

[up]Annexation of Crimea happened in 2014 and most countries did not care, since Crimea is seen as Russian national territory.

To put things into perspective, capture of Crimea was widely celebrated in Russia by common people, capture of Melitopol or Mariupol received a very "well, ok" response.

Risa123 Since: Dec, 2021 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
#37104: Aug 13th 2025 at 1:58:20 AM

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 12, 2025

  • cutt-off was 12:30 pm ET.
  • Russia is infiltrating Ukrainian defenses east and northeast of Dobropillya (northwest of Pokrovsk) with small recon groups. Russia has not deployed signifacant force here and is likely to have trouble doing so.
  • Russian milbloggers who are usually optimistic about Russian advances, were skeptical of Russias ability to take advantage of this.
  • Russia is trying to use their limted success near Dobropillya to influence upcoming US-Russia summit in Aliaska.
  • Ukrainian intelligence claims that North Korea sent 11,000 soldiers to Russia.
  • Russia advanced near Velykyi Burluk, Borova, and Pokrovsk.

SeptimusHeap from Switzerland (Edited uphill both ways) Relationship Status: Mu
#37105: Aug 13th 2025 at 3:20:50 AM

Some discussion about how Bakhmut signalled an inappropriate (too many friendly losses) strategy by Ukraine, if memory serves Syrski (sp?) played a major role in that debacle and others more recently. Definitely overdue a pink slip.

"For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled." - Richard Feynman
Risa123 Since: Dec, 2021 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
SeptimusHeap from Switzerland (Edited uphill both ways) Relationship Status: Mu
#37107: Aug 13th 2025 at 3:31:16 AM

Sacking. Dismissal. Removing from post.

Ukraine’s Once Nimble Army Is Mired in Soviet Decision-Making - As U.S.-Russia summit approaches, Ukrainian military faces growing divisions between the rank-and-file and top brass. ‘If you’re dumb and obedient, they leave you alone.’ looks like the Wall Street Journal is also discussing the issue.

"For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled." - Richard Feynman
AngelusNox Warder of the damned from The guard of the gates of oblivion Since: Dec, 2014 Relationship Status: Married to the job
Warder of the damned
#37108: Aug 13th 2025 at 4:05:20 PM

Speaking of the summit.

Here are some of the "deals" being discussed between Russia and Trump's envoy.

Since it goes into two banned topics, all I can do is leave a reaction: ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? THAT IS SOME HARDCORE BULLSHIT!

Inter arma enim silent leges
Blueace Surrounded by weirdoes from The End Of the World Since: Dec, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Surrounded by weirdoes
#37109: Aug 13th 2025 at 4:08:32 PM

The bar is set so low for them, it's hard to be disappointed. And just bringing Russia, you just know it's gonna be bullshit.

Wake me up at your own risk.
Kaiseror Since: Jul, 2016
#37110: Aug 13th 2025 at 4:37:25 PM

What's to stop Ukraine from telling them to fuck off?

RSunny Since: Mar, 2022
#37111: Aug 13th 2025 at 8:31:28 PM

[up]If they would do that, they will lose USA support.

Kaiseror Since: Jul, 2016
#37112: Aug 13th 2025 at 8:41:59 PM

Not sure it means anything, but apparently you-know-who agreed to Ukraine red lines with Europe and won't negotiate territorial issues on Friday. Though with this administration, who knows.

Protagonist506 from Oregon Since: Dec, 2013 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
#37113: Aug 13th 2025 at 8:45:34 PM

Here's a video from William Spaniel on the subject. He actually argues that it's likely not much will happen in general.

Leviticus 19:34
Risa123 Since: Dec, 2021 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
#37114: Aug 14th 2025 at 12:36:06 AM

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 13, 2025

  • cutt-off was 12:45 pm ET.
  • US claims that they will not make an agreement without Ukranian involvement.
  • US claims that Russia will face consquences unless they take things serioursly.
  • Russia is using summit the make it themselvels look like a great power equal to US.
  • Russia is allegeldy preparing for offensive in Kherson and continued strikes.
  • Russa has not reinforeced positions near Dobropillya yet.
  • Russia continues to inflitrate Porkovsk as city faces strikes.
  • Russia drones are endangering Ukrainian evacuations in Pokrovsk-Dobropillya area.
  • Russia engages in nuclear saber rattling regarding Zapad-2025 excercise.
  • Ukraine advanced in northern Kharkiv Oblast and western Zaporizhia Oblast and near Lyman and Toretsk.
  • Russia advanced in northern Sumy Oblast and near Toretsk.

DeMarquis (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#37115: Aug 14th 2025 at 9:59:46 AM

"Red lines" in this case seems to refer to limitations on the talks that both Europe and Ukraine agree should not be discussed. In other words, Russia and the US are not going to redraw Ukraine's territorial boundaries on their own.

I'm done trying to sound smart. "Clear" is the new smart.
NewEnglandPinniped from New England, doh! Since: Jun, 2023
#37116: Aug 14th 2025 at 1:50:31 PM

Annexation of Crimea happened in 2014 and most countries did not care, since Crimea is seen as Russian national territory.

To put things into perspective, capture of Crimea was widely celebrated in Russia by common people, capture of Melitopol or Mariupol received a very "well, ok" response.

Hmmm. Likewise "could be said," especially by those who have a vested or paid interest in saying so, about most of the territories in the East.

2014, majority Russian...

Of course Crimea is "vital" to Russia. Fancy apartments and cheaper accommodations also, the oligods and the "common people" are of one mind. But, sorry, it's Ukrainian territory, as supposedly recognized by all decent powers(?!?!). I don't see Ukraine renewing the lease for the Black Sea fleet ports. There is probably going to be funny talk about this. Don't forget that any higher ranks training in the West makes the cadets write a make-work paper on Tennyson's poem. We know Crimea has merit. The Silence is deafening... Just sayin'

Edited by NewEnglandPinniped on Aug 14th 2025 at 4:51:40 AM

RSunny Since: Mar, 2022
#37117: Aug 14th 2025 at 8:18:19 PM

[up]As it turns out, territorial recognition by "decent powers" does not mean that much. The only thing that matters is an amount of action said "decent powers" would do in case of annexation, and in 2014 Crimea case it was pretty minimal. While majority of people on the planet thinks that Crimea is de jure Ukrainian, they also do not care enough about it to challenge de facto Russian control of peninsula.

Come to think about it, the vast majority of countries were formed by annexation and conquest, not by arguing in planetary court. If one tribe claims themselves some territory and successfully maintains control over it, other tribes will eventually perceive that territory as belonging to that tribe.

Risa123 Since: Dec, 2021 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
#37118: Aug 15th 2025 at 1:55:43 AM

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 14, 2025

  • cutt-off was 12:30 pm ET.
  • Alaska summit will involve a one-on-one Putin-Trump meeting. Possibly followed by a joint press conference.
  • Russia is concerned about state of its economy and wants to get relief on the summit.
  • US is concerned the Putin-Zelensky meeting will fail and quick casefire is unlikely.
  • Russia has not consolidate positions near Dobropillya.
  • UK wants to give Ukraine post-war guarnatees such as military training and mine clearing.
  • Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Czech Republic announced aid.
  • Ukraine and Russia did a prisoner exchange.
  • Ukraine attacked oil refinery in Volgograd.
  • Ukrainine advanced in Sumy Oblast and near Lyman.
  • Russian advanced near Velykomykhailivka.

CosmosAndChaos Peach from Brazil (Don’t ask) Relationship Status: Hugging my pillow
Peach
#37119: Aug 15th 2025 at 11:16:07 AM

I'm definitely concerned about the fate of Ukraine after Putin and you-know-who's meeting. I wonder what will happen?

"Oh, did I win?"
Kaiseror Since: Jul, 2016
GearFriedTheKnight BLOCKING - A weapon for the 21st century. from The nearest road that can be raced (Experienced Trainee) Relationship Status: I'm in love with my car
BLOCKING - A weapon for the 21st century.
#37121: Aug 15th 2025 at 1:02:25 PM

It's reportedly started an hour ago, even if it was going to go belly up we're not going to hear anything just yet.

''There's no magic in tuning; yet, it's something that tends to escape from any logic."
Resileafs I actually wanted to be Resileaf Since: Jan, 2019
I actually wanted to be Resileaf
#37122: Aug 15th 2025 at 4:25:02 PM

As expected, it ended up being a whole lot of nothing. No ceasefire, Putin continues to repeat his propaganda while celebrating friendlier relations with the US.

M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#37123: Aug 15th 2025 at 4:26:17 PM

Times like this my signature is the most apropos reaction.

Edited by M84 on Aug 15th 2025 at 7:26:24 PM

Disgusted, but not surprised
AngelusNox Warder of the damned from The guard of the gates of oblivion Since: Dec, 2014 Relationship Status: Married to the job
Warder of the damned
#37124: Aug 15th 2025 at 4:48:36 PM

Your signature sums up the last 10 years, really.

Inter arma enim silent leges
Kaiseror Since: Jul, 2016
#37125: Aug 15th 2025 at 6:11:36 PM

I'm honestly relieved it was just nothing.


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