The Canadian Forces have hundreds of HF radios that it no longer needs that could be configured and deployed to Ukraine to assist them in their defence.
If these HF radios are immune to the EMPs from nuclear attacks then they need to stay in Canada. If by the slim chance things escalated to nuclear, Canada will be in the same boat as Ukraine.
We need to start getting serious about our own national defense before we get caught up in all-out war with Russia.
"In 2001, Russia brazenly laid claim to almost half the Arctic Circle and all of the North Pole. During a 2007 expedition, Russia planted its flag under the icefar beyond the internationally recognized 200-mile territorial limit known as the exclusive economic zone. At the time, the lead explorer provocatively declared, The Arctic is ours.
Russias outsized Arctic claims rest on a dubious interpretation of an underwater ridge linking to the Russian landmass. Russia argues that this ridge is an extension of its own continental shelf.
Never much for subtlety or nuance, Moscow has begun training troops that could be engaged in Arctic combat missions and increased the operational radius of its northern submarine fleet, according to one Russian general."
I remember Harper having some paperwork drawn up very quickly because someone pointed out the Russians were scooping it all. It all had to go to some deciding board before boundries would be st. But then I think I remember Russia drilling under someone else iceberg to get at oil that wasn't his.
OK, it's well established then. Putin cannot have his fingers in anyone else's pie. Oligarchs or whatever you call yourself. Keep him under control.
Phil - that's a good question, "What are we waiting for?"
To lower the stress being spewed everywhere, you could - please and thank you - write about how you sent your pitch to the folks who can actually make that happen.
Asking rhetorical questions is just the first part - the talk. And it's way past time to walk the talk!
I'd love to hear about that part of the story - how your good idea is put to use, how fast.
Really?..fight Russia back? you are one of those that is prepared to sacrifice Ukraine to push NATO to Russian border? This attack has been predicted by many people, refusing to see that Russia wants a neutral Ukraine as a neighbor, not a NATO-armed country, less than 500 km from Moscow.
Russia does not object to EU membership. But they do not want Ukraine to be in NATO for obvious reasons, in terms of their security, they will not accept missiles stationed there.
None of that matters now, as it was subject for debate before Putin lost his mind. While Vlad may win the battle, he has already lost the war. I, like many, am astonished and thrilled by how fast the western world has rallied and acted to punish Russia for this insanity. The sanctions in place against Russia will stay until Putin is removed...by whatever method the Russians choose. He has already turned them into an economic toady of China who extracted a lot of cheap gas, and mouldy wheat to prop up what Vladdy expected might be coming, but must also be astonished by the speed and strength and damaging effects of the response. Can his propaganda regime counter what Russian civilians are already seeing on their shelves? He can't arrest his way out of this, so he's going to have to deal with an angry population; angry only because of his actions. Things weren't great before; they're terrible now.
What Ukraine has done is an inspiration to democracies around the world, who finally found a way to work effectively together. Putin is finished no matter how this turns out. One can only hope his generals are as steadfast against insanity as the American ones were under Trump. I'm also very curious what Xi is thinking watching this play out.
I for one think that the reports of Russia's demise (or that of Putin for that matter) are greatly exaggerated. I think you are seeing this conflict unfold from a unique Canadian perspective. If the Western world imposed sanctions on Canada, we would instantly fold and our society would collapse and we would be begging for peace terms. Russia is not Canada however. Don't underestimate the ability of the Russian people to suffer immensely as they have in recent history.
This whole idea of 'we've placed crushing sanctions, don't you know -- Russians won't be able to buy cheap goods or travel to their country of choice, etc.' Western governments are just appropriating the property of rich Russian oligarchs -- a practice that used to be called theft, but it's ok when done to a hated enemy. And guess what, there are restaurants in Quebec that are re-naming their poutine dishes to something else. CHECKMATE RUSSIA.
Please.
No one seems to think that Russia's goal may be to break off from the Western model of finance and economics, yes, at incredible cost to themselves, but for a longer term strategy where they regain full sovereignty, where they don't run the risk of economic ruin because Western countries felt like ganging up on them. My worry would be that they just may be able to outlast us in this endeavor, considering how dependent the Europeans have made themselves on Russian energy. Russia's aggressive actions have jolted the Europeans in particular who will now divert much of their resources to defense, leaving much less for economic development or greening their energy. Or, European countries will borrow themselves to oblivion in their legitimate fear of Russia.
Invading a neighboring country for your own interest is not insane -- it is one of the most common actions in history. What is insane is believing that we can attack a nuclear power without risking a nuclear holocaust which is what our leaders and media are increasingly discussing.
We shall see in time. I think Putin made this decision on his own and made 3 tremendous misjudgements; the will of Ukraine to fight, the speed of the western response, and the strength of his own army. I believe this decision was every bit as insane as Hitlers' decision to invade Russia in 1941. This time, the Ukrainian people will pay the price in blood, as will the Russian military, but make no mistake, the Russian people are going to suffer significant levels of pain.
I haven't suggested anywhere that Russia is finished. I suspect that will depend on how long this chosen insanity continues. Sadly, Russia is now a pawn of China who are getting unlimited cheap natural gas and wheat, while Russian shelves are emptying out. But look at the reality. Russia can't sell its products abroad. Russia has lost its ability to import. You don't think word will get out that oil isn't being pumped? That people won't notice that they're been isolated from western media, and the ability to buy any western products? To travel outside the country? Soon to travel in the country as aeroplane parts supply ends? You don't think they'll notice the shelves are empty, and what is there costs 3 times as much?
What you call theft, I call the beginnings of the Ukrainian rebuilding fund. It will cost hundreds of billions to restore what Vladdy is shelling into oblivion these days. Since the Russians did it, the Russians should pay for it.
Western countries didn't gang up on him. They responded to his invasion; don't even bother with that "special military operation" garbage, of a sovereign country with a democratically elected government. There is no reasonable justification for this invasion.
Leaders stay in power because somewhere, a strong group of supporters protect and influence them. Is it the army? If the stories are true of troops puncturing their own gas tanks are true, maybe not so much. The generals for now...but what happens when they can't get the comforts they're used to? What happens then? The billionaires? Well, they're foreign assets, and therefore power are being stripped from them, as is access to foreign currency. The Ruble is worth half of what it was a week ago, and they can't take any of it out of the bank anyhow. The stock market is closed. That doesn't change that the value of Russian businesses has plummeted. How long will they continue to support him when their power and wealth is decreasing? How long before the Russian people start asking why they are suffering for a war with no purpose? Vlad can't arrest his way out of that either.
It may take North America a little while to ramp up energy production. Seems to me, we have about 7 months until it starts getting cold again. Russia might well be more concerned that they've permanently lost buyers for their product. In fact, the west needs to be careful not to back Russia too far into the corner when tis insanity comes to an end; keeping the mistakes of the Versailles Treaty in mind.
In 2022, invading another country until the guise of lies and misinformation is no longer an accepted common act. The last one was the US's misguided invasion of Iraq...to do much of what Russia proposes with Ukraine. We all know what an unmitigated disaster that was.
No one, anywhere, is discussing attacking Russia. There were ideas of a no-fly zone because of the humanitarian catastrophe taking place as was done in Kosovo. That idea was rejected because it would involve direct combat between west and east. Since the end of WW2, the US and Russia have armed other countries to fight against each other, so Putin's suggestion that arming Ukraine is an act of war is a statement of just how bad things are going for him.
There will be no winners in this. The biggest losers will be Ukraine and its people. Those that started the war, Putin and his enablers will also suffer greatly. So will the Russian people, and their future. Now a pawn of China, isolated from the rest of the world, and will no ability to export their products. Because rest assured, Europe will not come out of this dependent on Russia for energy. Putin has just proven that you can't be trusted.
We'll see what happens over time, but in the short term, Russia is going to suffer greatly. You might want to re-evaluate your chess pieces.
If Russia stopped invading bit and sods of Ukraine what would it matter? Only reason Putin is pissed is because he can't seem to wrap it up fast with his, we are all one, schtick. As if the was no people no land no anything until Lenin pipped his head over a hay bale.
Putin is KGB, not a Tzar. But he's looking puffy and uncomfortable. He should have taken a holiday at Sochi instead.
What right has Putin to determine what a sovereign country may do or who they may join? We all get that he wants to be the boss of all and pull in the old soviet satellites except he wants to do as tzar not comrade.
When Putin took Crimea in '14 (just after the Russian winter games I think) I was gobsmacked. Then he very obviously completely supplied and set up the "separatists" in the east (Donetsk and Luhansk). And then shooting down a passenger plane killing everyone. Possibly they wanted to see if they could shoot that far and hit something? And still, they deny it.
The point being is that more must be done. Sanctions and HF radios and weapons etc are all good. But Ukraine cannot stand against Russia for long. That they have to now is amazing and wonderful. But Russian kids in soviet era trucks (I read that, not confirmed it) and tanks will keep rolling in.
I grew up learning what a great thing NATO is. My parents and their families survived the German occupation, some in camps in Poland. I guess I'm trying to figure out why article 5 is collective defence but that will automatically stop them from aiding someone who isn't in the club—except around the edges. Ukrainians don't want to emigrate to Canada visa necessary or not, nor do they want to squat in Poland for any length of time.
I get that it is much more complicated, and there are some things I'm too tired to have explained right now. All the leaders of our great western countries are giving themselves atta-boys and hi-5s. I say it's not enough. I've said this elsewhere and usually what comes back is nuc's (spelling?)
What good is NATO if they can't help a country that will, most likely, be in whatever form NATO will be eventually?
One for all and all for one if you belong to our club. Putin is a madman. He's already shown us what he'll do to further his lies and his ego.
I agree completely with the emotional side of the argument. But NATO is officially defensive, and no member has been attacked. A no-fly zone means NATO aircraft attacking Russian troops and equipment. It means a direct confrontation between west and east. Putin being a madman doesn't decrease the chances that when his surface to air missile launchers are destroyed, he takes it as a direct attack on Russia? What happens when he feels backed into a corner?
All reports suggest his propaganda machine at home has kept the reality of what he is doing from the home front. It sure sounds like the majority of Russians still support this.
As cruel and cold as it is to say, is Ukraine "the hill you want humanity to die on"?
You talk sense. So here it is day 12 or 13. It feels so much longer. Cities are being bombed to rubble. Russians in suits lie thru their teeth about "safe passage" or offer direct paths into Belarus or Russia itself. It is to laugh! Coming up on 2mil have escaped mostly to Poland. I remember when Poland was under Martial Law in the 80s. I still have my Solidarność button. It was a dreadful time. But yet it is so very much worse for Ukraine. Not sure how many died today. It seems that they undercount.
Everyone has been pussyfooting around Putin forever. Germany buys Russian oil forgoing on nuclear energy. Why? To appease Russia? The Ukrainians shut down most of their reactors because Russia, the US, and the UK(?) said they'd cover them if there was a problem. Well, now there is a problem. How many more days of people's homes, schools, hospitals, stores, everything is blown to hell, can the world take. When are hands smacked into the high mucky-mucks foreheads that enough is more than enough?
Do you think Putin, eventually taking a southern and eastern chunk of Ukraine, will be satisfied? Will the West be ok with that? Will Ukraine just bury its dead and begin cleaning the mess and accept it too.
Putin won't nuke anyone. He's too much of a coward.
Lovely thought, but by the time they could be deployed, that 60km-column will probably be in Kiev. If we can get all Trudeau's 2000 anti-tank rockets to them in 12 hours, time might be purchased.
For those who want to hear more about Putin/Ukraine, I suggest people listen to the following people on YouTube talk about Communism, Russia, China, Stalin, Ukraine situation, etc. - Stephen Kotkin and Frederick Kagan. Jordan Peterson just posted a talk with Kagan yesterday.
Scholars from the American Enterprise Institute built most of the case for invading Iraq. Best of luck with them. Alternatively, consider listening to guys who were RIGHT about Iraq. Democracy Now interviewed Tim Snyder and Andrew Cockburn, available on YouTube.
I don't think Putin has any intention of withdrawing. He wants a puppet state and to reconstitute the Russian Empire. He's a man from previous centuries. Hopefully the people around him will do the right thing.
Thank you Phil, for sharing your expertise and suggestions. Very interesting. I'm very impressed with the articles The Line posts.
If these HF radios are immune to the EMPs from nuclear attacks then they need to stay in Canada. If by the slim chance things escalated to nuclear, Canada will be in the same boat as Ukraine.
We need to start getting serious about our own national defense before we get caught up in all-out war with Russia.
"In 2001, Russia brazenly laid claim to almost half the Arctic Circle and all of the North Pole. During a 2007 expedition, Russia planted its flag under the icefar beyond the internationally recognized 200-mile territorial limit known as the exclusive economic zone. At the time, the lead explorer provocatively declared, The Arctic is ours.
Russias outsized Arctic claims rest on a dubious interpretation of an underwater ridge linking to the Russian landmass. Russia argues that this ridge is an extension of its own continental shelf.
Never much for subtlety or nuance, Moscow has begun training troops that could be engaged in Arctic combat missions and increased the operational radius of its northern submarine fleet, according to one Russian general."
I remember Harper having some paperwork drawn up very quickly because someone pointed out the Russians were scooping it all. It all had to go to some deciding board before boundries would be st. But then I think I remember Russia drilling under someone else iceberg to get at oil that wasn't his.
OK, it's well established then. Putin cannot have his fingers in anyone else's pie. Oligarchs or whatever you call yourself. Keep him under control.
Phil - that's a good question, "What are we waiting for?"
To lower the stress being spewed everywhere, you could - please and thank you - write about how you sent your pitch to the folks who can actually make that happen.
Asking rhetorical questions is just the first part - the talk. And it's way past time to walk the talk!
I'd love to hear about that part of the story - how your good idea is put to use, how fast.
Really?..fight Russia back? you are one of those that is prepared to sacrifice Ukraine to push NATO to Russian border? This attack has been predicted by many people, refusing to see that Russia wants a neutral Ukraine as a neighbor, not a NATO-armed country, less than 500 km from Moscow.
Bot.
Or perhaps an actual Russian subscriber? I think it's worth the debate.
Russia does not object to EU membership. But they do not want Ukraine to be in NATO for obvious reasons, in terms of their security, they will not accept missiles stationed there.
None of that matters now, as it was subject for debate before Putin lost his mind. While Vlad may win the battle, he has already lost the war. I, like many, am astonished and thrilled by how fast the western world has rallied and acted to punish Russia for this insanity. The sanctions in place against Russia will stay until Putin is removed...by whatever method the Russians choose. He has already turned them into an economic toady of China who extracted a lot of cheap gas, and mouldy wheat to prop up what Vladdy expected might be coming, but must also be astonished by the speed and strength and damaging effects of the response. Can his propaganda regime counter what Russian civilians are already seeing on their shelves? He can't arrest his way out of this, so he's going to have to deal with an angry population; angry only because of his actions. Things weren't great before; they're terrible now.
What Ukraine has done is an inspiration to democracies around the world, who finally found a way to work effectively together. Putin is finished no matter how this turns out. One can only hope his generals are as steadfast against insanity as the American ones were under Trump. I'm also very curious what Xi is thinking watching this play out.
I for one think that the reports of Russia's demise (or that of Putin for that matter) are greatly exaggerated. I think you are seeing this conflict unfold from a unique Canadian perspective. If the Western world imposed sanctions on Canada, we would instantly fold and our society would collapse and we would be begging for peace terms. Russia is not Canada however. Don't underestimate the ability of the Russian people to suffer immensely as they have in recent history.
This whole idea of 'we've placed crushing sanctions, don't you know -- Russians won't be able to buy cheap goods or travel to their country of choice, etc.' Western governments are just appropriating the property of rich Russian oligarchs -- a practice that used to be called theft, but it's ok when done to a hated enemy. And guess what, there are restaurants in Quebec that are re-naming their poutine dishes to something else. CHECKMATE RUSSIA.
Please.
No one seems to think that Russia's goal may be to break off from the Western model of finance and economics, yes, at incredible cost to themselves, but for a longer term strategy where they regain full sovereignty, where they don't run the risk of economic ruin because Western countries felt like ganging up on them. My worry would be that they just may be able to outlast us in this endeavor, considering how dependent the Europeans have made themselves on Russian energy. Russia's aggressive actions have jolted the Europeans in particular who will now divert much of their resources to defense, leaving much less for economic development or greening their energy. Or, European countries will borrow themselves to oblivion in their legitimate fear of Russia.
Invading a neighboring country for your own interest is not insane -- it is one of the most common actions in history. What is insane is believing that we can attack a nuclear power without risking a nuclear holocaust which is what our leaders and media are increasingly discussing.
We shall see in time. I think Putin made this decision on his own and made 3 tremendous misjudgements; the will of Ukraine to fight, the speed of the western response, and the strength of his own army. I believe this decision was every bit as insane as Hitlers' decision to invade Russia in 1941. This time, the Ukrainian people will pay the price in blood, as will the Russian military, but make no mistake, the Russian people are going to suffer significant levels of pain.
I haven't suggested anywhere that Russia is finished. I suspect that will depend on how long this chosen insanity continues. Sadly, Russia is now a pawn of China who are getting unlimited cheap natural gas and wheat, while Russian shelves are emptying out. But look at the reality. Russia can't sell its products abroad. Russia has lost its ability to import. You don't think word will get out that oil isn't being pumped? That people won't notice that they're been isolated from western media, and the ability to buy any western products? To travel outside the country? Soon to travel in the country as aeroplane parts supply ends? You don't think they'll notice the shelves are empty, and what is there costs 3 times as much?
What you call theft, I call the beginnings of the Ukrainian rebuilding fund. It will cost hundreds of billions to restore what Vladdy is shelling into oblivion these days. Since the Russians did it, the Russians should pay for it.
Western countries didn't gang up on him. They responded to his invasion; don't even bother with that "special military operation" garbage, of a sovereign country with a democratically elected government. There is no reasonable justification for this invasion.
Leaders stay in power because somewhere, a strong group of supporters protect and influence them. Is it the army? If the stories are true of troops puncturing their own gas tanks are true, maybe not so much. The generals for now...but what happens when they can't get the comforts they're used to? What happens then? The billionaires? Well, they're foreign assets, and therefore power are being stripped from them, as is access to foreign currency. The Ruble is worth half of what it was a week ago, and they can't take any of it out of the bank anyhow. The stock market is closed. That doesn't change that the value of Russian businesses has plummeted. How long will they continue to support him when their power and wealth is decreasing? How long before the Russian people start asking why they are suffering for a war with no purpose? Vlad can't arrest his way out of that either.
It may take North America a little while to ramp up energy production. Seems to me, we have about 7 months until it starts getting cold again. Russia might well be more concerned that they've permanently lost buyers for their product. In fact, the west needs to be careful not to back Russia too far into the corner when tis insanity comes to an end; keeping the mistakes of the Versailles Treaty in mind.
In 2022, invading another country until the guise of lies and misinformation is no longer an accepted common act. The last one was the US's misguided invasion of Iraq...to do much of what Russia proposes with Ukraine. We all know what an unmitigated disaster that was.
No one, anywhere, is discussing attacking Russia. There were ideas of a no-fly zone because of the humanitarian catastrophe taking place as was done in Kosovo. That idea was rejected because it would involve direct combat between west and east. Since the end of WW2, the US and Russia have armed other countries to fight against each other, so Putin's suggestion that arming Ukraine is an act of war is a statement of just how bad things are going for him.
There will be no winners in this. The biggest losers will be Ukraine and its people. Those that started the war, Putin and his enablers will also suffer greatly. So will the Russian people, and their future. Now a pawn of China, isolated from the rest of the world, and will no ability to export their products. Because rest assured, Europe will not come out of this dependent on Russia for energy. Putin has just proven that you can't be trusted.
We'll see what happens over time, but in the short term, Russia is going to suffer greatly. You might want to re-evaluate your chess pieces.
If Russia stopped invading bit and sods of Ukraine what would it matter? Only reason Putin is pissed is because he can't seem to wrap it up fast with his, we are all one, schtick. As if the was no people no land no anything until Lenin pipped his head over a hay bale.
Putin is KGB, not a Tzar. But he's looking puffy and uncomfortable. He should have taken a holiday at Sochi instead.
What right has Putin to determine what a sovereign country may do or who they may join? We all get that he wants to be the boss of all and pull in the old soviet satellites except he wants to do as tzar not comrade.
When Putin took Crimea in '14 (just after the Russian winter games I think) I was gobsmacked. Then he very obviously completely supplied and set up the "separatists" in the east (Donetsk and Luhansk). And then shooting down a passenger plane killing everyone. Possibly they wanted to see if they could shoot that far and hit something? And still, they deny it.
The point being is that more must be done. Sanctions and HF radios and weapons etc are all good. But Ukraine cannot stand against Russia for long. That they have to now is amazing and wonderful. But Russian kids in soviet era trucks (I read that, not confirmed it) and tanks will keep rolling in.
I grew up learning what a great thing NATO is. My parents and their families survived the German occupation, some in camps in Poland. I guess I'm trying to figure out why article 5 is collective defence but that will automatically stop them from aiding someone who isn't in the club—except around the edges. Ukrainians don't want to emigrate to Canada visa necessary or not, nor do they want to squat in Poland for any length of time.
I get that it is much more complicated, and there are some things I'm too tired to have explained right now. All the leaders of our great western countries are giving themselves atta-boys and hi-5s. I say it's not enough. I've said this elsewhere and usually what comes back is nuc's (spelling?)
What good is NATO if they can't help a country that will, most likely, be in whatever form NATO will be eventually?
One for all and all for one if you belong to our club. Putin is a madman. He's already shown us what he'll do to further his lies and his ego.
I agree completely with the emotional side of the argument. But NATO is officially defensive, and no member has been attacked. A no-fly zone means NATO aircraft attacking Russian troops and equipment. It means a direct confrontation between west and east. Putin being a madman doesn't decrease the chances that when his surface to air missile launchers are destroyed, he takes it as a direct attack on Russia? What happens when he feels backed into a corner?
All reports suggest his propaganda machine at home has kept the reality of what he is doing from the home front. It sure sounds like the majority of Russians still support this.
As cruel and cold as it is to say, is Ukraine "the hill you want humanity to die on"?
You talk sense. So here it is day 12 or 13. It feels so much longer. Cities are being bombed to rubble. Russians in suits lie thru their teeth about "safe passage" or offer direct paths into Belarus or Russia itself. It is to laugh! Coming up on 2mil have escaped mostly to Poland. I remember when Poland was under Martial Law in the 80s. I still have my Solidarność button. It was a dreadful time. But yet it is so very much worse for Ukraine. Not sure how many died today. It seems that they undercount.
Everyone has been pussyfooting around Putin forever. Germany buys Russian oil forgoing on nuclear energy. Why? To appease Russia? The Ukrainians shut down most of their reactors because Russia, the US, and the UK(?) said they'd cover them if there was a problem. Well, now there is a problem. How many more days of people's homes, schools, hospitals, stores, everything is blown to hell, can the world take. When are hands smacked into the high mucky-mucks foreheads that enough is more than enough?
Do you think Putin, eventually taking a southern and eastern chunk of Ukraine, will be satisfied? Will the West be ok with that? Will Ukraine just bury its dead and begin cleaning the mess and accept it too.
Putin won't nuke anyone. He's too much of a coward.
Lovely thought, but by the time they could be deployed, that 60km-column will probably be in Kiev. If we can get all Trudeau's 2000 anti-tank rockets to them in 12 hours, time might be purchased.
Agreed - here's to hoping.
An excellent op-ed that helps (I hope) to sensitize people to this potentially important contribution that Canada could make.
For those who want to hear more about Putin/Ukraine, I suggest people listen to the following people on YouTube talk about Communism, Russia, China, Stalin, Ukraine situation, etc. - Stephen Kotkin and Frederick Kagan. Jordan Peterson just posted a talk with Kagan yesterday.
Scholars from the American Enterprise Institute built most of the case for invading Iraq. Best of luck with them. Alternatively, consider listening to guys who were RIGHT about Iraq. Democracy Now interviewed Tim Snyder and Andrew Cockburn, available on YouTube.
I don't think Putin has any intention of withdrawing. He wants a puppet state and to reconstitute the Russian Empire. He's a man from previous centuries. Hopefully the people around him will do the right thing.
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/brave-new-world-of-putin-an-article-by-the-propaganda-publication-ria-novosti-which-was-to-be-published-after-the-occupation-of-ukraine/
Real? Who knows?