Quote Originally Posted by Omegstrat6 View Post
Putin is playing a dangerous game but has always used deliberately inflammatory language and threats. Hopefully, however, the West has realised that you do not-cannot- negotiate with narcissists or bullies. The only thing they listen to is force . The concept of mutually assured destruction is certainly not a nice one but it has ultimately worked so far. It only works though if you look like you are fully prepared to retaliate and not ask down.

Putin is clearly looking to claim asap that areas of Donbas themselves want to be part of Russia and that any attacks on them by Ukraine are then seen as attacks on Russia itself. His aim is clearly then to use increased sabre rattling in the hope that his veiled threats about using nuclear weapons to protect the motherland will dissuade the West from interfering in Donbas and reach a peace settlement leaving the region in Russian hands.He can then sell his operation as a success to those at home. So far the West has called out this sham tactic but they need to remain firm in their resolution.

Putin should be dead in 20 years so put the lager on ice!