Just wanted to know what everyone thought's are on the Russia - Ukraine war. Personally, I don't think it's justified, but older family members who use Wechat have different views, which makes me concerned about the Russia / China propaganda machines.
When you have the power to take control over the world, would you do it? This is the predicament Russia is having when invading over the Ukraine. The way to increase one's military prowess is through lands and people. More territorial you have, the easier it is.
I don't think anyone will think it's justified. In this era where you have the internet, it's so easy to educate yourself on facts. I definitely think Russia underestimated the resistance Ukraine is giving.. as well as all the sanctions. Just read up on the list of war crimes they're committing. It's so sad for the people of Ukraine. And also you have stories where Russians don't even know they're going to war in Ukraine, or no knowledge of the consequences when they're attacking the Chernobyl plants (do they even know what it is?). It's literally Putin's war and the Russian soldiers are just replaceable numbers
It seems that the PRC is decidedly pro-Russia, even as it endeavors to remain publicly 'neutral' so as not to draw too much retaliatory sanction attention from trading partners. Tellingly, the only foreign reporters allowed to embed with Russian troops are Chinese, who seem to paint a very pro-Russian point of view for Chinese only domestic national news media consumption. This is politically the only feasible position it can take as it intends to eventually do the same with Taiwan. So it cannot stoke its own population against the idea of forced reunification, even if by proxy vis a vis Russia and Ukraine. Interestingly YouTube, being the most non aligned platform in showing both sides, appears to reveal a lot of inept Russian aggression as well as Ukrainian resourcefulness and courage than anything else. The dismal Russian performance thus far is reminiscent of the military failings in the closing days of the Qing. Recently, Putin has brought in mercenaries from various sources (Wagner group, Syrians, Chechen), which seems to border on desperation. Their military failures will be the stuff of martial studies for decades to come. On the brighter side, the Ukraine, which has been fighting a pro-Russian insurgency for eight years, has been guided by US training and it shows. Despite using mostly antiquated equipment leftover from the former Soviet Union (as well as some modern donated by the west), they have not only shown themselves capable but has fought a vastly numerically superior enemy to a literal standstill. This bodes well for NATO but is a harbinger of defeat for Russia. Given this turn of events, IMHO, Putin is going to eventually go the way of Saddam. It can't happen soon enough for the Russian people. Of special note too, is the large number of foreigners willing to put their lives on the line for Ukraine. These aren't mercenaries in the sense that they're not there for money but rather because they despise what Putin is doing.
Yes, Putin not meet a good end, but how many more people will have to suffer and for how long. I wouldn't be surprised if he decides to nuke someone when pushed to the edge. PRC's stance has been disappointing - Taiwan watch your back.
Recently, there have been a lot of war crime stories detailing how Russian troops are openly committing war crimes even as the Russia government is denying it. But photographs as well as radio intercepts, augmented by forensic evidence is conclusively making further denials moot. The Russians are conducting this war like the Japanese did the Chinese during WW2.
Oh, btw, this is one of the best explanations of why Russia went into Ukraine. It's a bit long winded, but will give the viewer a very deep understanding of the hows and whys behind the invasion.
