Azsy

Wheat is not the only problem, fertilizer prices are also disrupted and it might get worse.

Next to the deaths in Ukraine, we might thank Putin for 100 million plus deaths by famine within the 3 years.

How is this non-sense the top comment? I can't believe we get this level of ignorance on HN.

(1) the ruling power will eventually control all communication and remove any free speech.

You think people can trade child porn online because we allow them too? Anyone building a illegal operation ( i.e. a resistance ) knows that you can make anything carry information. Even IF they find what you are using to transmit it, that doesn't mean they can read whats in it.

(2) they will constantly find and kill leaders through electronic means which are now amazingly effective.

You are overestimating the Russian tech by a mile. And you are overestimating the ability to automate this process by another mile.

The Russians will eventually torture people for information on others. That is exactly how it happens in the past.

A guerilla will be spectacularly effective, even today. But it will be extremely bloody if the Russians decide that is okay.

Well consider me expanded. But id argue my first reason isn't that far off from his take on Putin's goal.

Its a little strange whenever i find media from before the invasion talking about Putins position.

I would simply start with: "You have to be more specific" and go from there.

And as a warning to your approach: don't take on the job to make dysfunctional people function for free. Either communicate that you are taking on a burden, or escalate to those whose job it is.

I would counter that some of the best software was built to simply fix a problem the dev had.

Although you could argue the market had at least one interested party.

Just to lay out the Russian side.

There are two primary reasons we think the Russians did it.

Putin has gone full conspiracy theorist, nostalgic, delusions of grandeur, fear of dying. He has locked himself away with alternative history since the start of covid. If Russia wants to defend its borders, capturing Ukraine decrease the length of the borders significantly. In a 100 years who knows? NATO might try to expand.

Personally, i don't see how anybody under the age of 60 can be persuaded with this logic. But it does explain part of the failure so far. Putin beliefs it had to be far easier and cheaper than it turned out so far.

I think the economic reason to do it is far more plausible. Ukraine as a sovereign nation is an existential threat to Gas/Oil Russia. Since 2012 it has become clear that they hold enough gas and shale oil that it would break Russia's monopoly to the EU. That's could half their state budget, in a time the social security for the baby boom needs to be paid out.

I personally think they could have figured it out, but Putin is obsessed with gas and oil. To him they are the foundation of a Great Russia.

What Russian elites? Nobody in Russia holds enough power over Putin to change his mind. Since the start of COVID he has closed himself off and basically only talks to a club of ideologues who read and write alternative history.

The US is more than capable of winning both and the Chinese know it.

In contrast to the Russians, the Chinese are completely dependent on international trade to keep people fed and the lights on.

Its a rather simple situation, they would never publish this if true, and wouldn't publish this if false. Period. Nothing to "ask for sources about". Simply choose which you belief or don't make a choice.

But please don't suggest lack of Chinese sources is a relevant data point.

There is certainly a factor of ego at play, but the more obvious reason is that Russia will fail both economically and strategically if Ukraine integrates with Europe, and the demography of Russia won't allow them to fight a human war within the decade.

You're right that the hopeful propaganda is giving a distorted view of the dire situation. Combined with the fact that the Russians don't carry their phones to show their victories.

Apparently RT expected to announce the capture of Kyiv on the morning of the 26's. Every moment Kyiv holds is an indication by what scale Putin's party has miscalculated.

Ukraine has a significant potential for gas and shale fields. One of the reasons the EU has been getting friendly with Ukraine. Putin knows his way of life, and the Russian budget to consider doing something like this, is gone when those become active.

The thing that's a little crass to say right now, is that: Russia imploding to focus internally, Putin gone, Ukraine integrating further into the EU, is like a full bingo card of items that was strictly in the 'keep dreaming' section 3 months ago.

Now it is the best outcome for the EU. Still unlikely, but not categorically impossible.

Germany was told to be supporting of pacifism by the Americans after WW2. But with the Americans signaling that they are no longer willing to play world police, a shift in that attitude is a matter of time.

> That is, it works as long as you don't have to face any real evil.

Also, lets not conflate national interests with good and evil. That's the propaganda talking.