Russian military vehicles roll through outskirts of Donetsk after Putin orders troops into Ukraine

[Godfather]

[Godfather]

[DemonGeminiX]

That said, I've seen some very delusional Russians interviewed on TV who clearly buy the Russian propaganda (not much else on TV unless you're young and can work a VPN I guess) so maybe I'm wrong.

If Russians speak out publicly against the military or Putin, they disappear.

[Godfather]

If Russians speak out publicly against the military or Putin, they disappear.

You're right. It's incredibly hard to get any sense for what Russians know or really feel. I've seen some polls showing 60-70% support for Putin, but even then, how do you really know what people think when they're answering polls scared for their safety? Again though, without a VPN, if all you know is state news and propaganda you might really be bought in to their narrative on this war.

[lost in melb.]

I've seen many POW's claim this but I have to say I'm very skeptical.

I believe we have 1-2 veterans on here whomay put me in my place if I'm out to lunch, but how the hell do you believe you're on a 'training exercise' once you cross an international border fully armed? I think they're coached to spew that line if captured personally.

That said, I've seen some very delusional Russians interviewed on TV who clearly buy the Russian propaganda (not much else on TV unless you're young and can work a VPN I guess) so maybe I'm wrong.

Ha. No I meant they weren't told about the invasion necessarily, right up until it happened.

It brings up an interesting point as to whether this is the norm for combat troops. Any thoughts, anyone?

[Teh One Who Knocks]

Australian news station drone footage shows destruction in Kyiv

[Muddy]

Ya'll think CNN is bad? These folks in Russia are being 100% duped by the media. There are no alternate news sources in that grey shithole.

[RBP]

Please go fuck those motherfuckers up.

[KevinD]

In answer to the "training exercise". I could see it. Its a bit different for US armed forces. We only have Canada and Mexico as borders. I believe our military is better educated and informed as well.
If in fact the Traing Exercise was/is real, here's how I see it could have played out:

"Alright you meatheads,mount up. We're going on a little exercise today. We're going to mobilize at X spot, and war game invading Ukraine."

Then orders came down to do so.

[lost in melb.]

United States announced an additional $800m in security assistance for Ukraine that includes 800 Stinger anti-aircraft systems; 2,000 Javelin anti-tank missiles, 1,000 light anti-armor weapons, and 6,000 AT-4 anti-armor systems; 100 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems; grenade launchers; rifles; pistols; machine guns; helmets; ammunition; helmets and other aid.

[Godfather]

In answer to the "training exercise". I could see it. Its a bit different for US armed forces. We only have Canada and Mexico as borders. I believe our military is better educated and informed as well.
If in fact the Traing Exercise was/is real, here's how I see it could have played out:

"Alright you meatheads,mount up. We're going on a little exercise today. We're going to mobilize at X spot, and war game invading Ukraine."

Then orders came down to do so.

I was very curious to hear your perspective, that's great, thanks Kev.

[Godfather]

Something fucky is going on in Belarus.

Could be a false flag? Did this even happen? I'm really not sure. Maybe a false flag by Russia, or perhaps people in Belarus are actually starting a coup? Worth watching at the very least

[Godfather]

I'd never vote for this lady, her Green Party is out of touch with local political reality, but god damn I'm moved by her speech as a Canadian and a human.

[Pony]

In answer to the "training exercise". I could see it. Its a bit different for US armed forces. We only have Canada and Mexico as borders. I believe our military is better educated and informed as well.
If in fact the Traing Exercise was/is real, here's how I see it could have played out:

"Alright you meatheads,mount up. We're going on a little exercise today. We're going to mobilize at X spot, and war game invading Ukraine."

Then orders came down to do so.

If the videos I've seen can be believed, I have heard a number of Russian soldiers say they were told by their superiors "15 years in prison if you don't go".

[RBP]

I'm not super sympathetic to the "duped Russian soldiers" story.