I'm american and don't feel personally responsible for war since I'm just living my life trying to care for my family as best I can.

It is sad though all this war and leader talk. Just wish they would chill and focus on regulation simplification and anti corruption. But these things are on all of us to focus on since people have lost control of the government with all our distractions.

This is wonderful- it’s much harder to remain as impartial as possible when physically taking one side in a conflict, with the very real risk of spending 15 years in a picturesque tundra.

That’s how an average Russian feels about the war as well. Sort of Iraq 2003 vibes. Lots of propaganda prewash so people are eager to wage war on terror protect the motherland.

“It’s a good thing to do because deep state / president said so.”

I am expecting before the end of the year more fancy toys for Ukraine. but i expect some interesting times in the next few weeks.
("interesting times" is short form for FAFO)

This post was edited by ferdia on Aug 4 2025 09:02am

MOSCOW, August 4 — Russia has officially lifted its self-imposed moratorium on deploying intermediate- and shorter-range missiles (INF), marking a significant shift in its post–Cold War nuclear posture.

This comes six years after the United States withdrew from the INF Treaty on August 2, 2019, citing alleged Russian violations — a claim Moscow denied. Despite the treaty's collapse, Russia had voluntarily continued to restrain itself from developing or deploying ground-based missiles in the 500–5,500 km range.

That restraint is now over.

“The Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement on the withdrawal of the moratorium on the deployment of medium- and short-range missiles is the result of NATO countries’ anti-Russian policy. This is a new reality all our opponents will have to reckon with. Expect further steps,”
— said Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, on August 4 via X (formerly Twitter).
(Source: TASS)

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, recent moves by the United States and its allies — particularly the deployment of U.S. missile systems in Europe and the Asia-Pacific — have nullified the basis for restraint. The ministry specifically cited the "proliferation of such missiles" by the collective West as creating a "direct threat to Russia’s security," thus requiring "special measures" in response. One of the immediate triggers appears to be the U.S. deployment of nuclear-capable submarines and long-range land-based missile systems to Europe and Asia.



This post was edited by ferdia on Aug 5 2025 01:32pm

Possible Trump / Putin meeting stirring up a shitstorm.

Euros/Ukies excluded. Detente will be massively humiliating for all NAFOids. Russia might agree to massive concessions if Trump figures out how to tackle main points of contention. China? India?

I must admit I am pessimistic. I feel the die has been cast, and besides no matter what they agree on Trump will go back to the US and surround himself with people urging him to escalate.

We still don't know do we, if its "Ukrainians not invited" or "Ukrainians invited and refused" or "Ukrainians set nonstarter preconditions"
Putin has put out a statement saying he's willing to meet Zelensky under unspecified conditions but that they haven't been agreed yet, and pretty much confirmed Dubai as the host

At the moment it looks like US-RU summit is pretty expected, but US-RU-UA is unlikely

I don't expect this summit to already deliver the big breakthrough.

Btw, am I seeing ghosts, or did the economic pressure on India and China yield immediate results?

what is your definition on "results". It must be highlighted that many within the western block are happy with this move from the US, seeing it as long overdue attack on those that would support Russia - forcing these states to either bend the knee, to make a choice, to either be with the US or to be cast out of civilized groups.
while I appear to be in the minority, I see this move from the US as forcing these states to look elsewhere for reliable partners and am not convinced that this is a good long term strategic move by the US. In winning the battle short term (and thats debatable) they may have lost the "war" (and i dont mean the Russia-Ukraine conflict).

time will tell.

This post was edited by ferdia on Aug 7 2025 10:37pm