Thanks for the info. Apparently, Ukrainians believe in self-determinism….and Putin only believes in Putin-determinism. Obviously, Putin is the source and cause of all this mayhem, destruction, and misery. Removing him would solve the problem for all. So sad that just one man can cause so much misery…..
This really sums it up: "Putin cannot tolerate a free, democratic Ukraine, which would demonstrate to Russians that they do not have to settle for a mafia regime."
The differences between Ukraine and Russia have long historical roots, related in part to interactions with or conquests by various empires. "The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine," by Harvard history professor Serhii Plokhy, outlines this history. Another info source is Timothy Snyder's Yale University lectures on the history of Ukraine which are available on YouTube. I think this link might work: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhTRXzDqRJxjwJVIddAFOF3Eg8OESGiSM
Thank-you for sharing your invaluable insight. Your insider’s view has helped me to understand the situation far better. I’ve admired the people of Ukraine for their strength, and I see now to what depth it is fueled by their experience with newly acquired self determination. As for Putin, he has backed himself into a corner. He didn’t get the quick victory he had hoped for, and now he can’t pull out because it “would demonstrate to Russians that they do not have to settle for a mafia regime."
One easy way to tell the difference between Russia and Ukraine, is that the people in Ukraine are much happier than in Russia. We visited Sochi, Russia, in 2008 followed by a visit to Sevastopol. The atmosphere was so different in Sevastopol. People were much happier there. Sochi was depressing. I'm guessing that the fact that Ukrainians have the power to decide their government where Russians don't.
My mother made a similar observation after a trip to Russia some years ago. She said it was so depressing that she wouldn't wish it on her worst enemy. (Side note: she was first generation Lithuanian in the U.S.)
Ukrainians believe in democracy! President Zelenskyy is fighting for freedom and democracy! Putin is a dark soul. Trump worships the ground he walks on. It’s no surprise they are both dark souls.
Supporters of democracy and respect for fellow humans need to unite.
Intelligent folk like you and others who contribute knowledge and perspective (comment and advice) to the Contrarians and the Country are very much appreciated.
Thanks for the info. Apparently, Ukrainians believe in self-determinism….and Putin only believes in Putin-determinism. Obviously, Putin is the source and cause of all this mayhem, destruction, and misery. Removing him would solve the problem for all. So sad that just one man can cause so much misery…..
Be nice if our DNI knew that Putin was less than a saint and Putin's interest in the truth is slight.
If only we were members of the ICC...
I hope our senators read this. Let's encourage them to.
https://www.foreign.senate.gov/about/membership
This really sums it up: "Putin cannot tolerate a free, democratic Ukraine, which would demonstrate to Russians that they do not have to settle for a mafia regime."
The differences between Ukraine and Russia have long historical roots, related in part to interactions with or conquests by various empires. "The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine," by Harvard history professor Serhii Plokhy, outlines this history. Another info source is Timothy Snyder's Yale University lectures on the history of Ukraine which are available on YouTube. I think this link might work: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhTRXzDqRJxjwJVIddAFOF3Eg8OESGiSM
Thank-you for sharing your invaluable insight. Your insider’s view has helped me to understand the situation far better. I’ve admired the people of Ukraine for their strength, and I see now to what depth it is fueled by their experience with newly acquired self determination. As for Putin, he has backed himself into a corner. He didn’t get the quick victory he had hoped for, and now he can’t pull out because it “would demonstrate to Russians that they do not have to settle for a mafia regime."
One easy way to tell the difference between Russia and Ukraine, is that the people in Ukraine are much happier than in Russia. We visited Sochi, Russia, in 2008 followed by a visit to Sevastopol. The atmosphere was so different in Sevastopol. People were much happier there. Sochi was depressing. I'm guessing that the fact that Ukrainians have the power to decide their government where Russians don't.
My mother made a similar observation after a trip to Russia some years ago. She said it was so depressing that she wouldn't wish it on her worst enemy. (Side note: she was first generation Lithuanian in the U.S.)
Ukrainians believe in democracy! President Zelenskyy is fighting for freedom and democracy! Putin is a dark soul. Trump worships the ground he walks on. It’s no surprise they are both dark souls.
Thank you Garry,
Supporters of democracy and respect for fellow humans need to unite.
Intelligent folk like you and others who contribute knowledge and perspective (comment and advice) to the Contrarians and the Country are very much appreciated.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts of another way to think about the differences between Ukrainians and Russians.