Quote (bogie160 @ Feb 22 2022 09:48pm)
You just told me a day ago that Zelensky was actively planning an invasion of the DPR, and would do it because he's Biden's lackey!
It seems you have a short memory. That was before Russia officially moved Russian peacekeepers into DPR's territory. This situation has rapidly evolved and is changing constantly, and there may even be more unexpected developments in the coming days.
They were planning an attack, which was obvious since Ukraine's military had formed an attack posture with 60,000 troops, 500 tanks, and increased the level of shelling dramatically in such a way that was clearly intended to soften up the defenses shortly before invading the area, but that was
before Russia announced they recognized DPR and LPR's independence, that is.
They may still be planning to attack, but one thing is for sure: Russia pre-empted their plans for an offensive operation and now has made it far more untenable for them to actually pursue said offensive operation.
This is good, because it will prevent more unnecessary bloodshed.
Ukraine has no problems with attacking the relatively small and much weaker DPR and LPR militias, a force which only numbers around 40-50 thousand soldiers. However, now Ukraine is facing a new reality: attacking Donbass now also means attacking the Russian army and possibly receiving a direct military retaliation from Russia's airforce, navy and strategic missile forces.
Bullies love to attack those that are weaker than them. Problem is, Russia is far stronger than Ukraine and they know it. Now it would be the equivalent of a brainless thug trying to bully a professional MMA fighter with dozens of trophies under their belt into submission.
Putin completely changed the rules of engagement overnight. Will the bully decide to commit suicide anyway? Heh, find out on next week's episode of Crisis in Ukraine!