Ukraine! (Title too short or invalid)

Russian advances (and retreats)
since February 24

Today (18 June) the lines stand in much the same place -- small Russian gains have taken place but they would be imperceptible on this map scale.

Russia is losing this conflict and has been since the end of the first week. It's stated goals when entering Ukraine were two-fold:

1) Denazification of Ukraine, a country with a democratically elected Jewish president.

2) Demilitarization of Ukraine, a country that had one of the smallest and oldest armies in Europe (that was then; today Ukraine has one of the best equipped armies in Europe and is growing stronger every day).

Those were the stated goals, but Russia's authoritarian leader has written much in recent years about Ukraine. He claims all of Ukraine for Russia and denies Ukraine's right to exist. He seeks to rebuild the Russian empire to the former Soviet borders. And he likens himself to Peter the Great, a cruel and tyrannical dictator.

Russia is losing this conflict and for all of Europe it needs to lose this conflict. As goes Ukraine, so will go Eastern Europe.

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ViciDraco · 41-45, M

Not just Eastern Europe, but the world. The era of invading to acquire new territory must clearly be marked as over. Though I know the fault last largely with leadership and not the average Russian, we must see this large and powerful entity break itself upon the smaller scrappy underdog.

I will say we do need to stay vigilant. We need to continue and to strengthen our support. Yes, Russia has retreated from the North, but they have enhanced their grip on the south and have begun making gains.

This is not a fight won. It shall not be won unless Russia withdraws fully from the Ukraine. Honestly, my wish is to see Russia lose so bad it is forced to give up on Crimea as well.

Again, for the sake of the entire world this must not be seen as a valid way to acquire territory anymore. Because if it is, what might China reach for next? What if the US decided it was done playing kingmaker in countries it invaded and just started claiming them as territory again instead? How quickly would the world get divided between the superpowers of the day?

sarabee1995 · 26-30, F

@ViciDraco

The era of invading to acquire new territory must clearly be marked as over.

Agreed 100%

And you touch on what I want to see. As a member of the US Navy, I want to see a shiny new Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer make a port call in Sevastopol. But instead of seeing a sea of Ukrainians waiving little American flags for the occasion, I want to see them waiving the flag that Putin seeks to wipe from the face of the earth. 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦

KiwiBird · 36-40, F

@sarabee1995 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🌻🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦