How should west respond to Russian invasion of Ukraine?

[Elixir]

It's been my experience on the internet that people who use the phrase realpolitik the most are teenage edgelords who just bought a Fisher Price "My First Political Opinion" playkit.

That does not eliminate 'realpolitik' in modern life, we use it in many situations.
Just today, Trump complained about Chinese interference in US politics.

"In a July 17, 2026 primetime address, President Donald Trump* alleged that China had obtained 220 million U.S. voter files and claimed this was the "largest compromise of election data in history," though U.S. intelligence agencies have previously stated China did not interfere in the 2020 election."
DW, Axios. (DuckAssist)

* Interesting. Trump is mentioned as the Former President. Is he no more the US President? Someone flipped seriously there.

That's "realpolitic"?
I was wondering... so - what's the difference between that, and telling completely made-up stories about non-existent boogeymen and representing that said boogeymen necessitate restrictions on citizens' rights to vote? (ANYONE can compile that list of 220m voters, or buy it on the open market.)
Does "realpolitic" mean "lie your face off and hope that enough idiots fall for it again to keep you out of jail"?
I knew it was about pragmatism, but is that REALLY a pragmatic way for someone in Cheato's precarious position to find solid ground? I sure as hell hope not.

 

[Patooka]

It's been my experience on the internet that people who use the phrase realpolitik the most are teenage edgelords who just bought a Fisher Price "My First Political Opinion" playkit.

That does not eliminate 'realpolitik' in modern life, we use it in many situations.
Just today, Trump complained about Chinese interference in US politics.

"In a July 17, 2026 primetime address, President Donald Trump* alleged that China had obtained 220 million U.S. voter files and claimed this was the "largest compromise of election data in history," though U.S. intelligence agencies have previously stated China did not interfere in the 2020 election."
DW, Axios. (DuckAssist)

* Interesting. Trump is mentioned as the Former President. Is he no more the US President? Someone flipped seriously there.

That's "realpolitic"?
I was wondering... so - what's the difference between that, and telling completely made-up stories about non-existent boogeymen and representing that said boogeymen necessitate restrictions on citizens' rights to vote? (ANYONE can compile that list of 220m voters, or buy it on the open market.)
Does "realpolitic" mean "lie your face off and hope that enough idiots fall for it again to keep you out of jail"?
I knew it was about pragmatism, but is that REALLY a pragmatic way for someone in Cheato's precarious position to find solid ground? I sure as hell hope not.

Stop being such a fucking socialist about things, dipshit.

 

[barbos]

Speaking of terrorists. Ukraine's "Defense" minister who was credited with the latest highly successful drone campaign against Russia was ...... fired.
Do you know why?

These types of things happen in democracies. If he were Russian, he would have been thrown out a window! There's no doubt that Fedorov's new age advancement of new drone and new military technologies have created great successes against Russia over the last few months. But I hear that this clashed with the established military generals that have been doing the ground fighting. There is no doubt that this is a risky move by President Z as Fedorov is very popular. And he's a clearly a winner.

He is definitely a propaganda war winner. Objectively he is a loser.

Ukraine needs winners if they are to defend itself from the invaders. We'll see how it works out.

Your reliance on propaganda contoll will eventualy break.

 

[steve_bank]

It is not a propaganda war. It is war of animation wigged by Russia against Ukraine.

In the initial invasion Russia acted stupidly. Advancing on Kiev in a column without air support and protecting the flanks. Ukraine took advantage and picked them apart. Near Kev Russians turned and ran leaving rifles and tanks. behind.



It has been about 1600 days. Russia is using mercenaries. Moscow and infrastructure and ships hit by Ukraine. Fuel shortages. Inflation.

AI Overview
Russia is not running out of food, but citizens are experiencing severe price spikes and shrinking purchasing power. Western sanctions, military spending, and Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have created a major fuel distribution bottleneck, causing surging transport costs and making basic groceries unaffordable for many.

This gwes back to te start.

AI Overview
Russia has broadly restricted its most advanced jets from flying directly over Ukrainian airspace to avoid losing high-value assets and suffering reputational damage. Instead, Russia keeps its cutting-edge fighter and bomber aircraft safely within Russian territory or secure areas, using them to fire long-range cruise missiles and glide bombs into Ukraine.

From profiling Putin may see himself as in the line of Russian conquerors.

I think somebody here coined Vlad The Blunderer.

 

[aupmanyav]

Does "realpolitic" mean "lie your face off and hope that enough idiots fall for it again to keep you out of jail"?
I knew it was about pragmatism, but is that REALLY a pragmatic way for someone in Cheato's precarious position to find solid ground?

Yes, if need be.
AI:
"Yes - in principle it can be a pragmatic way to find “solid ground,” but only if “pragmatism” is being used the right way.

If someone is in Cheato’s precarious position, a pragmatist approach would look like:
Focus on what works in the immediate constraints (stabilize first, then optimize).
Test beliefs/actions in reality, not just in theory (small experiments, fast feedback).
Prefer reversible commitments while things are unstable (avoid betting everything on one irreversible move).
Build traction—process, habits, resources, allies, skills—so “ground” is created, not found all at once.

Where it can go wrong is when “pragmatism” is treated as “whatever seems convenient right now” or “anything goes.” In that case, it won’t stabilize Cheato. It just moves the instability around.

So the best framing is: pragmatism can be pragmatic, because it’s about reducing risk, learning quickly, and turning uncertainty into workable steps."

 

[barbos]

What's happening!?!? IOC reinstated Russia over EU Reich objections. Now Japan resumes student exchange programs!!!

 

[Elixir]

pragmatism can be pragmatic, because it’s about reducing risk, learning quickly, and turning uncertainty into workable steps.

Well then … Cheato is the opposite of pragmatic, He is too stupid to learn quickly, recognize risk, or develop steps.
He is incapable of seeing beyond the microphone in front of his face. Calling him a pragmatist is undue flattery. He is a reactionist, swatting at whatever fly is bothering him at the moment.

 

[TV and credit cards]

What's happening!?!? IOC reinstated Russia over EU Reich objections. Now Japan resumes student exchange programs!!!

Isn't it obvious? The West et al are finally seeing the grave misjudgement of character they've made regarding Russia and are trying to make amends.

Any little fucking tidbit you can get your hands on, huh?

 

[Bronzeage]

What's happening!?!? IOC reinstated Russia over EU Reich objections. Now Japan resumes student exchange programs!!!

That's good news. Unfortunately, Olympic athletes and students will have to walk to the border and catch a ride to the nearest airport. It's as good a way as any to avoid the upcoming mobilization. I suppose Russian students in Japan will be studying engineering, which is something obviously lacking in Russia. What Russia really needs is welders. Lots of welders. After all, there are ships and refineries to rebuild. It's strange to call it a "student exchange". What would Russia have to offer a Japanese student?

 

[TV and credit cards]

Wildberries, an online retailer in Russia that also, surprise surprise supplies components for missile production went up in flames in spectacular fashion.
Quite the spectacle.

 

[aupmanyav]

Cheato is the opposite of pragmatic, He is too stupid to learn quickly, recognize risk, or develop steps.

Yeah, you are right. One who does not learn quickly, recognize risks, or develop steps against them, is not a pragmatist.
BTW, I am not a US citizen and English is not my first language. I do not understand many of the US quips.
I have not understood as to who is referred here as Cheato?

 

[barbos]

Any little fucking tidbit you can get your hands on, huh?

Learned from you.

 

[barbos]

Wildberries, an online retailer in Russia that also, surprise surprise supplies components for missile production went up in flames in spectacular fashion.

Unlike Euro-naizis, Russia can place orders for Chinese components directly and on industrial scale.
NATO scum has to use obfuscations of all kinds.

 

[barbos]

Elensky started to use bullet-proof glass during his "concerts"
And former 35 year old defense is under criminal investigation for all kind of crap which he is no doubt guilty off. Of course that is not the reason why he was dismissed.
So why such a hero was dismissed, why would anybody do such a thing to a hero behind drone campaign against ..... WildBerries

 

[barbos]

I have not understood as to who is referred here as Cheato?

El Cheato is Spanish for The Orange

 

[TV and credit cards]

Cheato is the opposite of pragmatic, He is too stupid to learn quickly, recognize risk, or develop steps.

Yeah, you are right. One who does not learn quickly, recognize risks, or develop steps against them, is not a pragmatist.
BTW, I am not a US citizen and English is not my first language. I do not understand many of the US quips.
I have not understood as to who is referred here as Cheato?

Cheeto the snack food is known for leaving behind orange dust all over one's fingers while eating them, similar in appearance to Trump's fake tan makeup worn when appearing on camera that greatly contrasts with his blond hair. Cheato likely is adopted to simultaneous reference Trump cheating his way through life.
Cheato short for Chaetomorpha is algae. It's green.

 

[barbos]

Jack Matlock is 96 and is still quite good:

 

[barbos]

Two sane british:

 

[ZiprHead]

Richard Sakwa

Richard Sakwa is a British political scientist and a former professor of Russian and European politics at the University of Kent and an honorary professor in the Faculty of Political Science at Moscow State University.

Another Russian mouthpiece.

 

[Copernicus]

Cheato is the opposite of pragmatic, He is too stupid to learn quickly, recognize risk, or develop steps.

Yeah, you are right. One who does not learn quickly, recognize risks, or develop steps against them, is not a pragmatist.
BTW, I am not a US citizen and English is not my first language. I do not understand many of the US quips.
I have not understood as to who is referred here as Cheato?

Cheeto the snack food is known for leaving behind orange dust all over one's fingers while eating them, similar in appearance to Trump's fake tan makeup worn when appearing on camera that greatly contrasts with his blond hair. Cheato likely is adopted to simultaneous reference Trump cheating his way through life.
Cheato short for Chaetomorpha is algae. It's green.

Actually, "Cheato" is a shortened form of "Cheato Benito", which is one of the many pejorative nicknames for Donald Trump in social media. He is called that because of his long history of unlawful behavior and the first name of former Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. Both components of the nickname are well-earned.