Did NATO Really "Betray" Russia?

[@EVO501]

I just love how Russia in a span of couple weeks validated the existence of NATO and encouraged certain countries to increase their military budgets, excatly the opposite of what Putin wanted.

[@sorashadow9775]

Germany has increased it's military budget to be 3 times it originally size.

[@thejason755]

He’s in the delusional power-hungry arc of being a dictator. He knows that if he doesn’t maintain an iron grip on the countty he’ll end up like gaddafi: sodomized with a bayonet when his powerbase collapses and the russian people no longer want him making them an international pariah

[@PSL416]

He basically justified decades of NATO existence AND the expansion of NATO all in a single move. Putin must be playing 20D chess because I can’t see how this isn’t a bad move otherwise for Russia

[@IronBahamut]

@@sorashadow9775 Germany: WHOMST HAST AWAKENED THE ANCIENT ONE

[@ballgang367]

NATO only exists as an american sphere of influence, dont delude yourself into thinking it actually gives 2 shits about national sovereignty, every minor nation in nato exists only so the US can station nukes there. >inb4 neo-lib copes.

[@lostonearth7856]

Honestly, if Russia don't like countries joining NATO, they should really try and stop giving Eastern European Countries reasons to join NATO.

[@thejason755]

Sadly they won’t, because like any kleptocrat they always want more

[@andarara-c1p]

That´s basically what they missed for 30 years. And with this, now everyone wants to join NATO.

[@pataki2666]

@Emmanuel Goldstein 🇷🇺🤏🏻

[@necromorph1109]

LOL Finland and Sweden are idiots if they dont join now.

[@Christian-gr3gu]

Honestly

[@LordyT34]

"We created this Alliance in case you attacked other countries" "That's slander! We're gonna invade another country to prove how wrong you are about us!"

[@Vlashr]

The key moment for Russia's understanding of NATO was Yugoslavia. Russia even voted to stop Milosevic firstly.

[@luigimrlgaming9484]

Ah yes, that very “defensive” alliance which came to the aid of Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia by bombing Serbia without direct provocation. Sounds like a “defensive” war to me! Russia is perfectly fine with NATO not being a defensive alliance, it’s not fine with being its target anymore though.

[@JmKrokY]

💀

[@JmKrokY]

​@@VlashrIt may have been uncalled for NATO to intervent in Yugoslavia/Serbia, but it sure was based of them to do so.

[@Vlashr]

@@JmKrokY The point is not the intervention itself, Russian troops were here too, the point is what and how they are doing. Absolutely inappropriate, sloppy, with numerous casualties among civilians and with the obvious goal of destroying, crushing, trampling.

[@f1nger605]

I've seen people also reacting similarly to Ukraine's petition to join the European Union. Yeah, there are criticisms to be made about the EU, but when the UK held a referendum and voted to leave, they were... actually allowed to leave. It was a bureaucratic mess (and more than likely a gigantic mistake), but it happened. Macron didn't march troops into Kent, claiming they were restoring the glory of Normandy, and Merkel didn't start firing rockets into London, claiming they were "protecting ethnic Germans." It is absolutely important to remain vigilant and critical of any and all institutions of power, but false equivalence and whataboutiam only ever benefits autocrats seeking to legitimize and normalize their autocratic behavior.

[@kordellswoffer1520]

I doubt it was a mistake.

[@jasonroussos1585]

@@kordellswoffer1520 Oh it was most definetely a mistake that is already costing the English. Their economy is struggling since they are not an empire any longer. They can't stand on their own. Brexit was great nationalistic propaganda that backfired so hard that noone knew what to do. The politicians that pormised it thought it would never happen and that is the reason the affair was a bureaucracy since England moved back and forward over the negotiations. Either way, sooner or later they will return especailly after Scotland and maybe even Northern Irland leaves them

[@kordellswoffer1520]

@@jasonroussos1585 you have no knowledge and are deeply mistaken. The economy is only struggling because of the pandemic just like every other country in or outside of the eu. The argument you're making can be applied to countries in the eu and that their economy us struggling and therefore the fault of the eu. Utter nonsense. Before the pandemic the uk was seeing healthy and stable growth well after 2016 or 2017 and had some of the highest growth rates in the g7 and was on track to see the highest out of the entire g7 for several years. Northern Ireland and scotland aren't leaving the union and all the silly lefties would think so. The uk isn't an empire anymore but can and easily should build better and more closer ties with its old countries, from canzuk to India to Kenya. The fact that some would rather break up their country than build better future relations abroad with countries it makes sense to do so with speaks volumes about those people.

[@kordellswoffer1520]

@@jasonroussos1585 the uk will never return to the eu and the eu will never take them back. So put down your crack pipe and get back to reality.

[@f1nger605]

@@kordellswoffer1520 - Brexit didn't actually happen until January 2020. So any pre-pandemic growth would be attributed to a UK economy that was still in the EU. In fact, my understanding is that the economy took a big hit when the referendum passed (which is normal for periods of economic turmoil and uncertainty) and that the growth you're referring to represents the recovery from that hit. Still, it is true that the pandemic threw a wrench into any post-brexit analysis, but just because COVID happened it doesn't mean Brexit didn't make things worse. There is still an overwhelming consensus among economists that Brexit will hurt the UK economy in the long term. Even the government's own internal research, which was leaked in 2018, conforms to the consensus. Pointing to a brief period of relative growth is a bit like pointing to an unusually cold day and saying it disproved global warming.

[@iammrbeat]

Thank you for this video, and thank you especially for addressing the Whataboutism that has been rampant over the past few weeks from Putin apologists.

[@warlordofbritannia]

Don’t they realize that by doing the Whataboutism they’re directly implying that Russia is also in the wrong? Actually, that works for just about every Whataboutism argument I’ve seen…

[@mnm1273]

One question I wonder is what standard are we setting? Will we punish the UD as harshly (for example in sports) when they do their next illegal invasion? The punishments make sense and the reaction is necessary. But will we stand up to evil in the same way when others do it too? This is not an excuse or a claim any relation is bad. Just wondering if we'll follow our own precedent.

[@ernestov1777]

It seems like you all don't get Ukraine it's a corrupt fascist regime that persecuted ethnic minorities in the Donbass and Luhansk region since 2014. Zelensky is not targeted because Nazis like the Azov couldn't care less about jews, they target other ethnicities and suppress freedom of speech. The BEST decision the UN could had made was sanctioning BOTH countries.

[@retrocomputing]

@@warlordofbritannia sometimes whataboutism is jutified when we're talking about pretty similar (or basically the same but by other country) stuff, it just shows hypocrisy.

[@anarcho-boulangistllamaent2023]

Its funny how many left-wing "anti-imperialists" who would freak out if the US invaded Mexico or Israel invaded Syria are making apologies for Russian imperialism.

[@kokszranajaksmietana]

As I Polish I can say, we didn't just "wanted" to join NATO, we were begging so it could happen as fast as possible. Look at our history, we were always conquered by some foreign forces, and Russia was least favorable of all of them.

[@benismann]

but u do realise u have belarus lithuania and ukraine between you and russia, right?

[@George83_Thomas]

@@benismann that didn’t stop Russia from attacking all four of them

[@lerkabishhhit]

Why don't Poland try to become independent?

[@benismann]

@@George83_Thomas when

[@BBP-OMO]

@@benismann Poland and Russia have a border, Belarus is also an ally to Russia so that is functionally no different, Ukraine can't be trusted to stay on the map while the Lithuanian border is tiny

[@flyingpiggie979]

It’s difficult to empathise with Russia’s view of NATO. When many NATO members spent much of their history as sworn enemies and bitter rivals. Britain and France. Britain and the USA. France and Germany. Poland and Germany. And on and on. The crimes that these nations had committed against each other, the wars they fought against each other throughout history are insane in their scale. Yet somehow they are now all united. It is no small feat. And it is not a feat of diplomacy alone. There are some pretty extreme mental gymnastics that have to be made to think that everyone else is the bad guy. But even more so when those “bad guys” spent hundreds of years hating *each other* with a far greater intensity then they ever had for Russia.

[@USSFFRU]

I'm not empathising with Russia's View of NATO, but I can see why. I mean, as you said, NATO has members that were bitter rivals of eachother yet they stand united in the alliance. Not to mention, alot of NATO's members were once enemies of Russia in some form. Britain during the Great Game, America during the Cold War, Poland during the Partitions, France during the Napoleonic Wars, Germany in the World Wars, Türkiye during the times as the Ottoman Empire, the Baltics even during their times as an SSR, and now, Ukraine. It's pretty terrifying for Russia's POV that their greatest enemies have united against them, obviously it doesnt justify their invasion of Ukraine but you can somewhat see why Russia is terrified of NATO. No matter how much NATO says they won't invade, they're on the direct border with Russia. Its like telling France as the Kaiser during 1900 that you won't invade them. They have every right to be terrified. What they don't have the right to is invading Ukraine. Just some diplomacy with NATO and Ukraine while informing them that their expansion is getting too close to Russia's safespace would've helped. Hell, maybe even just continuing talks with the EU and NATO to improve their relations in order to deterr the idea of war between allies. Nevertheless, In Russia's POV, Expanding ever closer to them means they plan to cut you off entirely. Why else is Türkiye, Denmark, and Japan all choke points for Russia's Navy? Coincidentally being NATO allies. Russia had every ability to fix this situation, yet they didnt choose the best option.

[@nwj03a]

@SUM The proverbial “west” has been doing an excellent job of quelling opposition since the end of WW2. Whether that’s good or bad is, I suppose, is a matter of opinion, but it is a fact. The USA dominates the entire western hemisphere and the only other players in that game are Canada, Mexico, and Brazil… all USA Allies to varying degrees. Japan, SK, the PI, Thailand, Australia, and NZ are all western Allies to varying degrees. Effectively all of Europe are western to varying degrees. Israel and to an extent Egypt and Saudi (Lebanon, Syria, and Georgia have flirted with moving west… especially Georgia) are western Allies. Look at a world map and there is really no threat and aside from internal division there can’t be one. It’s an extremely stacked deck in favor of no WW3, no movement away from democracy/republics, no movement away from from some form of capitalism with some socialist undertones. If your Russia, China, NK, Iran, or anything of that ilk… the map is very very ugly. There’s a lot of reason to be angry and afraid. I am perfectly fine with this and moving more and more countries in to this hodgepodge of an alliance (stated like NATO, or in obvious but unstated ways) is perfectly fine with me. The world has not gone this long without a major war in a long time. So frankly, fuq Russia and China, fight each other if it’s so exciting for you… leave the rest of us alone.

[@vermilion6966]

It doesnt matter what theyve commited, if your goals align you will be allied. Poland and n-zi Germany were all too happy to divide Czechoslovakia but later n-zi Germany divided Poland to 0. Nothing personal, just personal gain. Current Poland and Germany arent any better. All stay in alliances for personal gain, nothing else. And neither of those countries are independent any longer, theyreall usa whores.

[@vermilion6966]

spent hundreds of years hating each other with a far greater intensity then they ever had for Russia. - Thats a total lie and bs lmao. And Germany is only 200 years old. Germany never 'hated' Poland, Germany was always stronger than Poland since it was created and always dominated. There was no reality in which Poland could be a real threat to Germany or its people. They just always saw Poland as lesser, it didnt just start during world ar 2. Doesnt matter if its Germany, Prussia or Austria-Hungary were talking about, Poland was never a serious enemy to them because Poland managed to make enemies of *all* major empires that surrounded it, hence the 4 partitions. But I bet you dont think its Polands fault lmao am I right? If everyone dogpiles on you its only youre fault when youre Russia, but not your fault if youre Poland. Cause obviously. But Poland always hated Russia because Poland was once an Empire that Russia conquered and was only able to shake that control a couple of times for a couple of brief periods. Same goes for all the pigmy countries that were a part of it once. And now in order to weaken Russia all those pigmy states are being used as pawns in a great game. Nothing more, nothing less. Divide and conquer is as old as balls. Thats where most of the hate comes from you muppet. Theyre salty fks that think they were so great they could avenge their shameful defeat and USA sponsors this circus because it suits them in order to weaken Russia. Nothing could be more simple. Same way it uses separatists in Taiwan to weaken China and sets Japan on China as well, same as they used Kosovo in Yugoslavia because Yugoslavia was a power to be reckoned with - and now its not because theyre all separated and weak af. USA fkn hates when someone opposes them and they want to squash them by any means. Only a m-r-n cant see this. And when those countries have shtton of resources on top of that theyre extra screwed because then its free real esate for USA.

[@youareliedtobythemedia]

​@@vermilion6966 Germany is actually much older than 200 years. Not in its current form, but in 962 the Kingdom of Germany formed the bulk of the Holy Roman Empire. And it dates back over 1000 years.

[@aj1218]

As a retired military man, thanks for trying to portray a complex situation in a digestible manner

[@recitationtohear]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp-5iJuko7yGn6c *exactly* YeS..

[@AxxLAfriku]

I am being humble when I am telling you that I am the most powerful strongest coolest smartest most famous greatest funniest Y*uTub3r of all time! That's the reason I have multiple girlfriends and I show them off all the time! Bye bye aj

[@TurtleChad1]

Come on guys Russia is just spreading some freedom and democracy in Ukraine 😏👍

[@indonesiansasquatch4926]

Bro...you keep using the Bulgarian flag when referring to Hungary.

[@JC_Cali]

He did a really good and fair job!

[@francisherson1690]

After decades of extreme cost-cutting for the Bundeswehr now even the German government was convinced to finally raise our military budget OVER the 2% required by the NATO. Nobody else is this effective, Putin, well done. Greetings from Germany.

[@RoyalKingOliver]

Just like the good old days XD

[@thegunslinger1363]

Not to mention that Sweden and Finland might join NATO. And Europe going further towards renewable energy. To get off Russian oil and gas.

[@ch1efhugo134]

Greetings from Russia. We destroyed you 77 years ago 😆

[@declanfeeney7004]

This is a good first step and I genuinely applaud Germany for what they are doing now. But until Germany really gets to the root of many of the military problems: their leftist and pacifist modern culture, they will continue to be weak in both military and cultural matters. I don’t see that money going to the military meaning anything if the German youth has no pride In their nation and people, contempt for their flag and masculinity and in addition doesn’t want to serve and actively hates the military as many do now. A major is problem is the stranglehold that 68ers and leftists hold over major German institutions. Until these types are removed I can’t see Germany making a component and effective military force or even being anything besides a decaying economic engine for a dying continent. Idk who can do these reforms but Merz could be a good place to start. Think of this as a German Meiji restoration. I know it will be hard and confusing but you germans don’t half ass anything. I trust you to not fuck this up and elect the right ;) people. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪❤️🇩🇪

[@kobber69]

@@ch1efhugo134 And 77 years later you destroy yourself, you truly are the greatest

[@wetwillyis_1881]

Cody saying that: “You can’t start wars over a verbal agreement, made before most of your soldiers were even born.” Really hits home. I was born after the agreements, and now I’m of drafting age. You’re a very smart man Cody.

[@shedar7387]

If China invades Taiwan and the US will be forced to send troops to the pacific, this comment will take a whole new dimension

[@spiko-ou3bp]

@@shedar7387 If China invades Taiwan the US has no reason to be intervening on the other side of the world as they always do, however it is likely that they will, and with it there will be a nuclear catastrophe Taiwan isn't in NATO let alone the fact that the USA doesn't recognise them as a country

[@TheAnazrieth]

@@spiko-ou3bp So, having a diplomatic consultant and official communications between the two executive branches isn't official recognition. The US simply does not recognize Taiwans claims upon the whole of China and Mongolia.

[@stanpines9011]

@@spiko-ou3bp didn't the US swear to protect Taiwan if it ever gets attacked, and didn't US jet fighters chase away Chinese ones in Taiwan airspace multiple times already

[@TheWhiteDragon3]

Verbal agreements sealed with a handshake are valid and binding in the eyes of God, sure, but that only applies to getting a share of your cousin's harvest in exchange for helping him raise his barn, not for National fucking Policy.

[@Tijaxtolan]

I really admire Cody by standing unbiased and saying that no invasion is good, neither American nor Russian

[@warlordofbritannia]

That’s not “unbiased” that’s just having decent morals 😂

[@daraghokane4236]

He has a anti war bias then. Sick of people think unbias = accurate or good

[@DefaultProphet]

@@daraghokane4236 Are you really trying to both sides war?

[@genemaxwell4]

@@daraghokane4236 Unbias is OBJECTIVELY more accurate and better from an information gathering/displaying perspective

[@xp7575]

@Emmanuel Goldstein we will turn you into fertilizer if you do not leave our country

[@armedwombat6816]

The whole term of 'NATO expansion' is a deeply flawed one. Makes it sound like there's a big stretch of no man's land between those blocks, and NATO just sneaked up in the night and moved the border posts. There are sovereign countries with tens of millions of people there. People who have several centuries worth of reasons to dislike and fear Russia. And if they want to join a military alliance to protect themselves, that's not a threat on Russias's rights, it's simply Russia's own god damn fault. They put enormous energy and ressources into making other countries worse, but nothing into making themselves better.

[@Blanka1100]

Nato is bs excuse for Putin. It is high time everybody stopped looking at Eastern Europe as if it was russian backyard.

[@lalubko]

this is one thing I would want MAGA supporters who claim NATO just came to us and ordered to join to realize... we wanted to join... we didn't have to, but we wanted to never be a part of soviet union ever again

[@hulking_presence]

Joining a military alliance created against Russia is exactly what a threat to Russia could be.

[@hulking_presence]

@@lalubko You'll not be a part of soviet union, you'll be a part of the Russian Empire.

[@Blanka1100]

@@hulking_presence Nato woud never invade a country with nukes and Putin knows it and joining Nato in order to be secured from Russia's aggression is fine.

[@cabelthewirecordd8473]

"The easiest way to stop piracy is not by putting anti-piracy technology to work. It's by giving those people a service that's better than what they're receiving from the pirates." - Gabe Newell

[@pissiole5654]

ehh, tpb still cheaper

[@simorq6685]

Despite of stealing my money(CSGO mostly) I still respect this guy...

[@iiiiii69]

Did Russia bomb countries like Iraq, Yugoslavia, too?

[@rorychivers8769]

@Dead channel Saves backup, patch management, download manager, installer tool, mod library, support group, multiplayer matcher... basically all the things I devoted a little too much of my time to doing myself before Steam. Pirates can't compete with any of that shit, they only care about the act of cracking the game. Still, no one has plugged that "free demo" gap, so I guess TPB still has a niche

[@paireon3419]

@@iiiiii69 Yes, Georgia, Syria and now Ukraine. Please do keep up.

[@101jir]

Basically that scene from Star Wars: "You turned her against me!" "You have done that yourself."

[@ShiftySqvirrel]

"You have done that yourself"

[@101jir]

@@ShiftySqvirrel Change made for precision.

[@dave_sic1365]

You underestimate my power, I can win this war in 3 days... Don't try it !

[@BloodyCrow__]

@@dave_sic1365 AAAAAAHHHH... I HATE YOU!!

[@zoto4064]

"you were mean to be good not turn to evil"(ik the original is different but changed to fist the context)

[@barkasz6066]

Hungarian here: we were Russian allies at gunpoint. After the country was liberated from the Nazis in 1945 a fragile, budding republic was instituted that lasted all the way until 1949. Then with massive Soviet help the Hungarian communists stated a coup d’état and completely took over the country, instituting a total dictatorship. In 1956 Hungarians rebelled against that dictatorship, and the revolutionary government wanted to try some sort of third way Socialism in a more democratic contest. Then Soviet tanks came rolling down our streets. Compared to that joining NATO in 1997 was debated publicly for years and was voted on by the people.

[@mohammadsmith8064]

Made me think about my dads boss. When he was y oung he fought in the hungarian revoltution then came to america i believe after that.

[@richardvarga9728]

​@@mohammadsmith8064 yeah, a lot of people fled west after our country fell twice in 30 years. Around 30-40k people fled to the US or other countries through Rijeka.

[@puzzled012]

how were you liberated from nazis if you were their allies? you did invade USSR, didn't you?

[@clukskin]

@@puzzled012 the same way the german people were liberated from the nazi party. the nazi party was the fascist form of government which wielded power over the populace. one can be liberated from one's own government, as that old saying goes, one mans rebel is another's freedom fighter

[@legoeasycompany]

@@johngarofalo3155 German "Allies" until they think twice and are reminded of their "strong friendship and ties"... by the barrel at the back of their head.

[@needbettername8583]

"Its NATO who makes my neighbours hate me! Not me constantly invading and interfering with them!"

[@noahstevens4894]

Russia using manipulative abuser logic really speaks for itself here

[@nathanielweber7843]

Well obviously! If it weren’t for nato, there wouldn’t be an all powerful entity they could run to for defense and they would just have to accept becoming slave states to Moscow again! Duh.

[@LeontijVerchnevezkij]

"It's Russia who nade me violate a treaty and expand into eastern Europe. Not me constantly seeking the way to suppress every resistance to my colonial empire!"

[@nathanielweber7843]

@@LeontijVerchnevezkij obviously! Because as we all know, every colonial empire has resisted new members joining without a unanimous approval from all the other colonies in the empires territory. In fact, all those colonies in Africa back in the 18th century were asking to join too. They all had a choice. Russia and China aren’t imperialist at all, they ask nicely before putting conquest troops in nations telling them to go away.

[@LeontijVerchnevezkij]

@@nathanielweber7843 true, colonial empires of the past lacked US's impudence to just draw 148.8% support of them on newly enslaved territories.

[@ulrichschnier307]

The Warsaw Pact was the ONLY Alliance in history that - over the time of its entire existence - constantly fought their own member states. Maybe THAT's "why" all the countries in eastern Europe turned their backs on Russia ... just a thought ... just a thought ...

[@UhOhUmm]

Because it wasn't an alliance and it wasn't a union. Russia was always the occupier and they just kept repeating the same lie.

[@BeALight-i3z]

HRE: Am I a joke to you?

[@FadkinsDiet]

And the only time the Warsaw pact ever took any action against a non member state was to invade Hungary after it withdrew and forced it to rejoin.

[@hausaffe100]

@@FadkinsDiet ussr attacked east Germans in 1953 Hungarians in 1956 cheches in 1968

[@thedarklordofcats339]

@@BeALight-i3z what did the Holy Roman empire do? I'm not too familiar with them

[@mitchellattwell3305]

Should have talked about the Budapest memorandum, where america, britain, france, china, AND RUSSIA, all agreed to recognise and respect ukraines borders and independence, which was in writing

[@xephael3485]

Exactly. Part of the reason for doing so is that the ukrainians had nuclear armaments which they were reluctant to give up. Moscow would be a smoking crater right now if they hadn't.

[@alexrussianlearnermirzabdu4968]

Exactly these these all seems so stupid me because all the big-shot countries signed some many referendums regarding the independence of Ukraine now none of them are living up to it

[@potato88872]

Nukes are whot keeping the continent to turn into a bloodbath

[@copo2835]

@@alexrussianlearnermirzabdu4968 Considering the the only one who signed it and is in violation of it is Russia, where as the others are pro iding material support to the government of Ukraine so they can defend themselves, I'd say everyone else is "living up to it".

[@TDKtheFIGHTER]

Wait a second. France and China had no part in the budapester memorandum.

[@marcello7781]

The weird thing is that Ukraine just wanted a closer approach to the EU rather than NATO. Russian actions not only made Ukraine think about joining NATO but also encouraged neutral nations such as Finland and Sweden to join the organization.

[@FamouShinya]

Here you can draw an analogy by type: how will the US react if Mexico / Canada enters into an alliance with China? I think all attempts of the similar would be stopped. Also with Ukraine, Russian government decided by military means to even prevent the possibility of joining the West. Albeit in a rather brutal way. Rewrote comment because people don't seem to understand what I mean. I have poor knowledge of English.

[@personaldove]

@@FamouShinya Canada in a way is already in alliance with China. But the EU and Communist entities are radically different things. EU is a system.

[@VArsovski10]

The US puts a precondition of joining Nato first before joining the EU.. Which is ofcourse one of the many forms that it bullies Europe, happened to my country for example.. Many look at Nato as a necessary evil stepping stone in hopes they join Europe

[@Metoo3232-pu2wc]

@@personaldove Canada is not in an alliance with China. They are one of the few western countries to speak out against them. They even arrested the Chinese lady from Huawei for the USA and held her for years for them.

[@amondberzal6195]

Figure out from another sources from 2014 (neo-nazi bloody coup - a lot of independent western journalists did video about that /crimea/minsk agreement etc). Do your own research. Especialy do the research about the Ukraine Laws (blocking Russian language, Bandera- become Ukraine hero//ultra-neo-nazi person from WW2) This video is telling only 20% about relationship Russia-Nato-Ukraine. And check the video about Donbass and France independent jounralist movie for example. This video strongly propoganda about "putin wants russian empire". "Russia have paranoya" (Yeah,we dont wanna be another Iraq) and doesnt explain a lot of things For example like before 2014 Ukraine gets a loooot of money from Russia because we support Crimea base and transfer gas to europe.

[@user-pj8ji5df5k]

Greetings from a Crimean (now I live in Dnipro, Ukraine). Having my experience of communicating with the Russians, seeing their propaganda and attitude towards other nations, I believe that the "expansion" of NATO is just an excuse for them. Why? Because they did not perceive the collapse of the USSR as real, in their minds it was only a regrouping, saying "We are all supposedly independent countries, but you know who is the boss here and who to obey." Even before 2014, the Russian news did not write about Zhytomyr, for example, as a city from another country. They also talked about films, songs, any events and achievements of the countries of the former Soviet Union as their own. For example, the game Stalker, developed by Ukrainians, was in the "domestic development" category. Also, in Crimea, from the very beginning, they tried to bring as many people from Russia as possible to the local authorities. Various Ukrainian enterprises were massively bought by Russians through fronts to have more influence. "Gas wars", food wars, etc. These were their actions of coercion, not protection of interests. Therefore... They were not afraid of NATO, they have nuclear weapons and they know that no one would attack them. They only wanted to preserve the Soviet Union in a new format. And, of course, it scared the neighboring countries, which were trying to somehow build independent states. In Ukraine, until 2014, there was no desire to join NATO at all, because "why?". All that Russian propaganda was perceived as something laughable. But after the Russian invasion 10 years ago, joining NATO was like our dream, we built an army almost from scratch and asked for protection. Now many people say that we need to negotiate with Russia, but the agreements don't really mean much to them. They point out to their opponents the violation of some non-existent agreements, even though they themselves have been doing it since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Khasavyurt Agreements, the Budapest Memorandum, and even the Russian constitution itself, which requires a national referendum to revise state borders.

[@truthseekerodinson5094]

Thank you for your perspective. Sorry war is happening to you. I'm curious about something you stated: "In Ukraine, until 2014, there was no desire to join NATO at all, because "why?". I'm further curious about your age because I recall when Yushchenko was poisoned in 2004. That kicked off the Orange Revolution so many in Ukraine were already quite concerned. After Yanukovych became President in 2010 he: 1. Jailed Yulia Tymoshenko, his presidential-candidate rival in 2011; 2. He re-signed the Sevastopol lease in 2010 (democracies don't act that fast, EVER!); 3. he ended mandatory conscription in Oct 2013; 6-months before the seizure of Crimea. Yanukovych was also caught in election fraud in 2004, same year that Yuschenko was poisoned. So there were many, many warning signs of things to come far earlier than 2014.

[@alik1989]

​@@truthseekerodinson5094 There were indeed warning signs. Putin openly backed Yanukovich's campaign in 2003, he was even campaigning for him on TV. And God only knows how much money Russia spent on pro-Russian politicians during that period. So it was quite obvious that Ukraine had only limited sovereignty from Russia. However, around half the population (especially those in eastern and southeastern Ukraine) were actually fine with that. Russia wasn't seen as an enemy, but rather as an intrusive colleague or awkward uncle. Hardly anyone imagined back then that Russia would take military action against Ukraine, so polls only showed low support for the idea of joining NATO. However, the percentage of people in favour of joining skyrocketed after the events of 2014 because for the first time it became evident that the threat is physical and possibly existential.

[@truthseekerodinson5094]

@@alik1989Thanks for the info. Over here in Canada, it was initially a bit difficult to tell what was going on. It eventually became clear but there were competing stories of Ukrainian nationalism (run by BBC for example) for over a decade. Putin did a pretty good "information operation" on the west creating the initial impression and diluting facts with other conflicting stories to create uncertainty. Putin's still convinced the US MAGA supporters but not too many others. Slava Ukraini!

[@JoskyJojofan]

Можешь поплакать об этом, промытый. Большинство (включая меня) крымчан хотят быть с Россией, нас тут не морят голодом и воду с газом не перерезают, много чего построили и улучшели. Я годен к службе, но пойду в том случае, если вы собаки начнёте "возвращать" нас, я готов дать вам всем по морде и отстоять свое мнение.

[@concept5631]

​@@alik1989 Slava ukraini I wish the Ukrainian people well and hope they have a swift and secure entrance into the EU and NATO.

[@NecrilSwarmheart]

As a Bulgarian, I was confused why you kept showing the Bulgarian flag while talking about Hungary. The first case seemed like a joke that we were against Hungary joining but then it remained and got me all like: ???

[@thewitheredstriker]

Yeah, Cody admitted on Twitter that he accidentally switched them. Shit happens.

[@matyasszabo1491]

Yep xd As a hungarian, I felt the same xd

[@samrichardson9487]

Found this odd too. Not as bad as mixing Poland and Indonesia 🤷‍♂️

[@Humbulla93]

@@samrichardson9487 well poland and indonesia is a 50/50 chance of messing up but hungary and bulgaria have all of their 3 colours at a different position

[@NeoZeta]

@@samrichardson9487 Why is it worse? Because it's Indonesia? It can be forgiven, considering the flags. Even Bulgaria vs Hungary can also be forgiven. We're just used to it, so it bothers us. But I still get quite a few flags around the world mixed sometimes when they are too similar. Especially in Africa and South America (Colombias, Venezuelas, Ecuadors, and whatnot), etc. I know them, but it can be confusing to some. Stop sweating too much, it happens.

[@dappercrow1454]

You bring up a lot of good points, the one I would add is the shale oil deposits in Ukraine, if they were to be invested in it would allow Europe to become completely energy independent of Russia. And that would be crippling both to the Russian economy and would take away one of Putin's best ways to influence Europe.

[@Rocketsong]

This is a key point. Russia did not invade Crimea until after Ukraine signed oil and gas development deals. Ukraine could (if developed) completely replace Russia as a source of oil and gas for Western Europe. This is more about Russian influence in Europe through energy policy than about NATO.

[@olivergrayhoundII]

True. But if a nation chooses to become energy independent, say for example, USA finally getting off fossil fuels and thus no longer needing to appease Saudi Arabia for oil, shouldn't that nation's choosing be their own? Russia could invest in other sectors, other programs that would make it viable in the world economy. Instead their constant oil first to Europe and now invade Ukraine would be its own undoing, making the USA and the West seek to be energy independent sooner than later. We have seen nations fail economically when they fail to diversify their economy. Nations and people need to learn to diversify. Like a resume, what can you bring to the table.

[@ArchOfWinter]

Before Crimea, Ukraine was overwhelmingly friendly towards Russia culturally, even if they wanted to be closer to the EU economically. If Russia was friendly and worked on its soft power, Russian companies would be the ones asked by Ukraine to build their wells and pipelines because of their experience, proximity, and less of a language barrier. Russia won't be making 100% of those money, but they'll still be making a lot . That would free up Russia's own domestic production to be sold to China, the rest of Asia, and the US. If it weren't for Putin, Russia would have gain more influence over Europe in a few more years and maybe even a powerful member of the EU in a decade. With a more integrated economy with Europe, Russia would feel less of an impact as the world de-fossilize themselves, because by then, they would have diversified their economy.

[@Yingyanglord1]

@@olivergrayhoundII The funny thing is the us is energy-dependent we are a net exporter of oil the thing is , we prefer selling it elsewhere as companies make more money off of it this way. Saudi oil also tends to be cheaper due to lack of workers rights .

[@dappercrow1454]

@@olivergrayhoundII They absolutely should be allowed to change their energy needs and desires. I'm bringing this up because most of the coverage of why the war is happing like to paint this as an entirely ideological war about Putin trying to return Russia to a golden age ignoring the material reasons. It's also why the Oligarchs won't make a move of Putin over this. they need the war just as badly.

[@hamzamahmood9565]

I think Putin expected the slow, democratic processes in the West to be divided over the topic of Ukraine, especially how demoralized everyone became after Afghanistan.

[@destubae3271]

Every authoritarian regime has underestimated democratic ones.

[@VArsovski10]

Putin has been talking about not allowing and retaliating since 2003 afair, It's an essential part of Russian's defense and securing survival, not allowing ICBMs in few minutes of Moscow.. It's not even that hard to imagine, a single person can go to the toilet and voila a missile coming your way so can't really blame them for that one tbh

[@toddmetzger]

@@VArsovski10 An ICBM can be sent from the USA, in the fields of Arkansas, in minutes to the Kremlin, don't need to be nearby for a long time now.

[@AntonGudenus]

@@VArsovski10 So you are telling me that the 100km less from Moscow to a NATO country will make a big difference? Especially since NATO has not based any SRBMs there during the last 8 years, doesn't plan to do at any point and actually doesn't even have an active SRBM carrier system. All the while Russia has actually based nuclear (capable) 9K720 SRBMs in Kaliningrad Oblast, not 500km away from Berlin, Warsaw, Riga and Kopenhagen.

[@dphalanx7465]

@@VArsovski10 Ukraine gave up its nukes in the 90's as part of the Budapest Memorandum--in which *_Russia_* would help guarantee their safety in return for doing so. Also, given that its takes 20min or less for a SLBM (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile) to reach Moscow anyway, your whole point is moot, disingenuous...and just plain stupid.

[@rk4138]

One argument of this is that Russia turned its eastern allies against them, but even that is not true. All throughout Eastern Europe, especially in Ukraine and Baltics, Russia has tried so hard to completely erase our languages and Russify our culture and ethnicity. We have never been Ruzzias ally, only their little chess pieces, which we have demonstrated time and time again we do not wish to be, like with the Baltic way

[@MrDarkanLTU]

As a lithuanian i can agree too that,i still hear stories how nazis were better occupiers than ruzkies while they were fighting over our country that has a language which is most likely older than theirs.

[@palchum1185]

this implies that being a part of the west preserves your nation and culture, which it doesn't lol. Liberalism will destroy your people through soft power and hedonism in ways even violent bolshevism could not.

[@Heikkinen0301]

Well said from Finland! We are sharing the same terrible history

[@racingprince4497]

That is why he said "allies" quote unquote

[@dmitryparf]

@@MrDarkanLTUhow tf can nazis be “better occupiers”

[@darthvaderbutwayshittier7054]

"It's good to try and see from all perspectives, yet not all perspectives are equal - sometimes the perspective is simply that another nation was a mistake to exist." What a nice quote.

[@protek5060]

Yup..spot on.. White people stole the whole American continent. The only Americans existing today is mostly assimilated natives.

[@Mitray]

perfectly said, my fuhrer!

[@Alexa-iy7eo]

hi hitler

[@baronkwak4311]

@@Mitray what?💀

[@ntfoperative9432]

@@baronkwak4311 look at his pfp

[@definitelynotthequestion5359]

Putin actually managed to unite the whole Europe against him. Impressive.

[@КотВасилий-м7н]

Except for the fact that the whole europe except for bri'ish bruvs wont help ukraine in the war)))

[@definitelynotthequestion5359]

@@КотВасилий-м7н Nope. theyll just send some "help", and Ukraine will probably lose. But the economical sanctions will hurt russians much more then the war ever could.

[@КотВасилий-м7н]

@@definitelynotthequestion5359 dont u think Europe will fail its economy too? Diesel is hard to get nowadays. About sanctions: you are telling it like russia has no economical partners besides west?

[@definitelynotthequestion5359]

@@КотВасилий-м7н The only "Partner" is China. Thats it. All European countries (even Finland and Sweden) are united against Putin. You mean gas? They will buy it. But all commercial chains are gone. It will hurt average russian a lot. Just look at rubble conversion rate.

[@КотВасилий-м7н]

@@definitelynotthequestion5359 india? North Korea? Kazakhstan?

[@NinjaKitty91_]

I was just talking about this with one of my Russian friends right before this whole mess. We had a lot of back and forth but at the end of the day we both agreed that Putin and those in the Duma are bad for Russia and the rest of Europe and that Putin would see Eastern Europe and Russia go up in flames before he ever let's go of his power. Then the next day I hear that Russia is invading Ukraine and my friend is trying to get out of Russia because the government is now after him for speaking out. Last I heard he was trying to get to Estonia from St. Petersburg right after hearing the police were looking for him to "question" him. Those people had family members taken because they spoke out against the war and had the guts to openly call him a war criminal. They were going to Finland but he decided to attempt to make it to Estonia since his parents live there. That was five days ago. Update: Heard from my friend that he made it to his family in Estonia. That you to everyone who was hoping he was safe.

[@thechosenone1533]

Please tell me if you ever hear from him again. I hope he makes it out of Russia safe and sound.

[@chrise.321]

I hope your friend is safe.

[@anguswaterhouse9255]

Good luck to him

[@Park501]

hopefully his silence is him staying of his phone and internet so as to not be tracked, I hope you hear from him soon

[@wilfdarr]

Those Russians who have the balls to protest are more heroic than the Ukrainians defending their homeland: defending your homeland is expected, but I never expected people to protest in Russia the way they have been. Hopefully you're friend is safe.

[@thejedicounciloffical]

The USSR was the original reason NATO existed. But now Russia is the reason NATO still exists.

[@USSFFRU]

If Russia wasn't such a fucking asshole of being left out in the rain and realized that nobody wanting to associate with them is their fault, maybe NATO would've actually co-operated with Russia like they wanted.

[@Akruit_HD]

@@USSFFRU the reason why Putin did this was to oppose the betrayal they faced during Yeltsin times. Yeltsin asked Clinton to disband NATO and Make a united Europe. Obviously USA doesn't want that or they will be as relevant as the Japanese rn.

[@USSFFRU]

@@Akruit_HD Yet there was the EU and both sides were still not ready to associate themselves with the Russians yet. It'd be like Tibet being offered to join an SCO 3 minutes after they gained independence. If they wanted so badly to make a United Europe, maybe have small steps. Like maybe rebranding themselves, have a stable economy, increase ties with the other Western Powers. What they did was unnecessary. If they wanted a United Europe, they would've done diplomacy to make an example to the world that Russia isn't the same as their past and would've greatly encouraged the West to start considering to affiliate themselves with Russia. Just because they were left out the rain since nobody liked them and started to prove WHY nobody wanted them to be around or part of a United Europe isn't a justified cause. If they truly meant being an advocate of a United Europe, they should withdraw from Crimea. If not, then in the eyes of the west, Russia has never changed.

[@Слышьты-ф4ю]

Why "nobody?" China would happily accept a colony

[@darnit1944]

​@@Akruit_HDFirst, It was not a written agreement. Plus NATO is not "owned" by the US. It is a group of nations all equal under the NATO umbrella. Russia seems to misunderstood that part. I believe NATO can only be dissolved if very single nation must leave it.

[@zigzagzipbag6561]

It's also amazing how Russia invaded one country in fear it might join NATO, but that only caused other neutral nations to reconsider their stance. I live in Austria and they have been neutral since their independence in the 50s. Since the invasion of Russia there have been multiple politicians speaking about how dropping the neutrality and joining NATO might be a better choice than to possibly stand alone.

[@zigzagzipbag6561]

@@johngarofalo3155 oh yes, there would be a lot that would have to change, but as far as I can remember Austrians seemed very certain if their neutrality and seeing them even just question that is quite significant.

[@FrostReave]

Historically a stance of neutrality was often enough to ensure you won’t be bothered. Like Switzerland and Sweden in the events that led them to neutrality. So long as they aren’t in the way they get left alone because why bother when there are actual enemies around? But when you get someone stupid like Putin who instigates wars of aggression with zero justification then you start turning neutral states into scared ones. And they always flip to the side not wanting to topple their nation.

[@taivnaataivankhuu8360]

their flag may be different but their ideals are all the same

[@FrostReave]

@@taivnaataivankhuu8360 well no. They are very different politically but they are still a hostile nation. Maybe even more so then when they were communists.

[@antoniocarlosoliveira9146]

Is it really worth tho , considering that NATO is a shield for you guys and Switzerland?

[@jakobfromthefence]

For the record. The story goes, Stalin instigated more than 50 assassinations on Tito. So it follows, ex-YU states were never friends with USSR. Serbia has a closer cultural connection. And Russia supported it in the 90’ Balkans conflict. So they tend to have a biased opinion on the subject. Otherwise, no. Yugoslavia founded unaligned bloc in the 50’. Just so they could get Stalin off their back.

[@Searly255]

“Stop sending people to kill me. We've already captured five of them, one of them with a bomb and another with a rifle… If you don't stop sending killers, I'll send one to Moscow, and I won't have to send another.”

[@viveka2994]

Yeah screw Stalin, but Russia is right here, America needs to screw off

[@girlbuu9403]

Honestly I know two Serbians online. They hate the US and up until recently were pretty pro-Russia. Up until recently. Even they are fucking pissed off.

[@Ravi9A]

@@jakobfromthefence the dudes with neonazis "morally pure"? what's next, Russia with it's chechen Jihadi's are "morally pure"?

[@jlev1028]

@@Ravi9A Which ones are the Nazis, exactly? The country that's been wanting to join NATO for years and led by a descendant of Holocaust victims or the country ruled by a ruthless, militant strongman who wants to reannex Eastern Europe out of a misplaced sense of a "return to the glory days"? You tone-deaf wastes of space are the same people accusing Israel of committing genocide or saying conservatives in the West have about as bad as those living under Hitler's Nuremberg Laws.

[@leii1306]

Someone from Poland here. We treat our "alliance" with USSR as occupation. We never wanted to be part of communism block, we were sentenced to it in Yalta. We didn't feel like Russian's friends then, but as Russian's subordinates. Also, in our minds Poland always has been part of the western civilization (we use Latin alphabet, took Christianity from Rome, etc.). So it's natural that after we freed ourselves in 1989/1990, we didn't want to be part of Russian influence zone but we wanted to join Western Europe, hence NATO and EU. And I think every nation should respect sovereignty of other nations and let them do what they want in their country (as long as even more important declarations, such as human rights, are respected).

[@emilia-4911]

This! Joining Warsaw Pact was decision of pro-russian puppet goverments not the real Poles, Hungarians, Czecks, Romanians etc. We've never been russian allies yet they still act so possesive towards whole Eastern Europe. We're not their therithory so no matter how 'betrayed' they feel NATO did nothing wrong by letting us join WILLINGLY.

[@lonewolf8997]

Christianity is historically a Middle-Eastern religion with its origin being in Judaism, it did not originate from the west. To be honest most Western cultures are stolen from the East, even things such as Maths 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@trevor8726]

@@lonewolf8997 and?

[@lonewolf8997]

@@trevor8726 he said it came from Western Civilisation. So why say "and?" If you bothered to read, it was self-explanatory 🤷‍♂️

[@leii1306]

@@lonewolf8997 By the way, it should be "she" 😅 Your comment is not relevant to my. What is important in my comment is that some countries were baptized from Rome, and some from Byzantium and it resulted in a slightly different culture and definitely a different "type" of religion: Catholic (and later the reformation happened) and Orthodox. It's a basic history btw.

[@magmatt7]

It is worth mentioning that "allies" like Poland for example were forced to be "friendly" with Soviet Union, thats biggest reason they wanted to split from them in the first place.

[@salamander4668]

That practice should continue. Poles have been free for far too long. This mistake should be corrected.

[@upg5702]

​@@salamander4668Russia has been free for far too long it's time for the next Gengis Khan to bring back the Mongul empire

[@salamander4668]

@@upg5702 mo mongols haven't completely conquered russia doe. Unlike poland, which was partitioned multiple times.

[@upg5702]

@@salamander4668 They conquered and burned down every single Rus city. The Rus had to kiss the Monguls ring and only won their freedom because Timur kicked the golden hordes ass

[@debater452]

@@salamander4668 They did and burned every Russian city to the ground. Russia has been coping hard ever since than

[@TheVoiceOfReason93]

One thing Cody didn't really touch upon regarding why Russia panicked so much about NATO expansion: Geopolitically, Russia is obsessed with security due to the geographical vulnerability of their heartlands, which was conductive to land invasion and had led to them being invaded many times throughout history from the Mongolian Hordes to the Swedish Empire to Napoleonic France to Nazi Germany. With no reliable natural barriers like a sufficiently large mountain range or impassable river to anchor themselves, their solution had been to expand in all directions, east towards Asia, south towards the Middle East and west towards Europe, so as to create as much buffer space as possible for an army to cross, and then create even more buffers beyond that by putting smaller countries they can't conquer under their influence as puppets and allies. Because of this, the collapse of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union was seen as disasters in the Russians' eyes because they had suddenly found their territory indefensible with the loss of all those client states and territories. In 1941-2 the Nazis had to cross literally thousands of miles of Soviet territory just to barely see Moscow in the distance before they were pushed back - now, their borders are no more than hundreds of miles from their capital, while they are surrounded by countries liberated from the USSR who are hostile to it and may be willing to let themselves become a launchpad for an invasion into the heart of Russia. THIS is the reason why the Russians are so afraid, and why the Russians had throughout history been obsessed with conquering and controlling other smaller nations around them, their sovereignty be damned. Does this justify Russia's invasion of Ukraine? *NO.* Of course not. Such a mindset is outdated in an era of nuclear weapons and globalization, and this doctrine can only be achieved at the expense of other nations and peoples which are as entitled to the right of self-determination and independence as Russia does - and their desire is to not be dominated by Russia again. It would be great if Russia's and eastern Europe's national interests and security could all be satisfied in some way, but when it comes to choosing between one nation's national security and interests versus that of dozen other countries' national security and interests, the greater good of the many prevails. That Russia would go so far under Putin to get their precious 'security' back is not only morally unjustifiable with all the death and destruction they caused, but in the long run do more harm to Russia itself on every level than making it great again by making it ever more isolated against a world now largely united against it - an irony that is evidently lost on Putin, a murderous and conniving ex-KGB officer trapped in the past and unable to move on from the collapse of the USSR. EDIT: Sorry, got the distances wrong. Yes, Russia used to have thousands of miles of buffer, but now they only have hundreds of miles between their borders and their heartlands. It's fixed.

[@Balsiefen]

Agreed except for "their borders are no more than a dozen miles from their capital". It's more like ~300 miles, more than the distance of any other capital in Europe from the nearest border

[@PD-yd3fr]

@@Balsiefen I think a large part of Russia's legitimate concern (and not the Putin wants to seize Ukrainian natural gas deposits that is also a reason Putin has for invading) would be additional missile bases in Ukraine like the ones in Poland or Romania. A missile fired from Eastern Ukraine could hit Moscow in 2 -3 minutes, no time for them to react

[@Edax_Royeaux]

Why does the largest country in the world feel like it doesn't have enough breathing room? This is absurd.

[@VishtheFish101]

But like no one in their right mind would ever touch Russia. Russia has nukes, its legit endgame for NATO if that happens. So its really not a strong justification.

[@Edax_Royeaux]

@@Balsiefen Maybe the OP still thinks Saint Petersburg is still their Capital? Even still that's 126 miles to Finland.

[@Remembrance1776]

For all of NATO’s faults, it didn’t take US tanks rumbling through Warsaw and Berlin to get them to join. The Warsaw Pact on the other hand…

[@darth3911]

Not quite Germany was split into two that was part of the treaty that ended WW2 the eastern half was granted to the Soviets as a puppet state. As for Poland it was already occupied by the Soviets and was actively at war against the Soviet Union before WW2 started. So when WW2 ended the Soviets just made it into a puppet state. Same story for Bulgaria and Romania. As for Hungary and Czechoslovakia that is a more complicated story.

[@jackr2287]

@@darth3911 Hold on, you're claiming the Poles were at active war with the Soviets immediately prior and during the invasion of the Nazis from the west? Are ya off your rocker? The Polish gov't-in-exile was forced to make up with the Soviets while the outlook was bleak on all sides, due to the perceived need to bring in the Soviets to organizing with the Allied Powers in the defeat of Germany in Europe.

[@AaronOfMpls]

@@jackr2287 Poland got invaded from both sides in 1939, thanks to Hitler and Stalin's nonagression pact. ...Which Hitler promptly broke in 1941, after a German invasion of SE England was no longer a realistic possibility.

[@poki580]

is that why germany is still occupied? japan too

[@jackr2287]

@@AaronOfMpls Exactly what I'm referring to, and which the loony first poster alleges... what? Wasn't the case?

[@lashau7056]

One detail is missing, conflicts in Georgia, Moldovia happened before NATO expansion in 1992. It is not like Russia stopped assuming that they were in control of former USSR republic, they wanted to remain in control, even tried to create alternative to EU and NATO - CIS. That is why those countries still showed desire to join NATO to escape inevitable while they could. Baltic states, Poland, Romania etc. got lucky to join before Russia was weak, Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova wasn't lucky.

[@apisd8455]

do you really want a nuclear war that badly?

[@Adrian2140]

@@apisd8455 yes. Between living under a dictator or dying free, let the nukes fly baby

[@apisd8455]

@@Adrian2140 yeah, I also think the complete destruction of the West and Russia will only be better for the rest of the world

[@bm6729]

Moldova can't join ever because of the Transnistria region , it has an on going conflict and NATO policy states that the joining country needs to not have any type of war / conflict with neighbor hooding countries or any other country . That's how my country lost snake island ( Romania ) to the Ukrainians , it was seeded since it was a conflict so we can join NATO. Not be controlled by the Russians (LOL), glad we joined . That's their ideea to have conflicts with those countries preventing them of EVER joining, and imposing by force trade and economic deals. And the Russians now bitch"s about why the are " isolated " , well that's why .... When you beat all the kids in the neighborhood, you end up with none of them wanting to play with you anymore .

[@apisd8455]

​@@Adrian2140 the West has brought too much suffering to the world, so Russia's self-sacrifice to destroy it will be rewarded by God

[@SplashingMANGO]

I also really hate the "NATO Expansionism" excuse: The idea that everything Russia is doing is only a reaction to an increasingly aggressive and expansionist NATO, and that the US is really to blame for everything Russia is doing. It's a bad excuse that just makes you sound smart, until you look deeper into it. As stated at the start of this video, there was never a written in stone agreement that NATO wouldn't expand past Germany, in fact the whole thing stems from a suggestion brought up at the meeting which was immediately shot down. And Russia being humiliated that they lost their "empire" is no excuse to placate them. Furthermore, and far more importantly, Russia is a nuclear power! They do not need a land buffer between them and NATO! They have weapons that can literally blast their enemies into the stone age which can circle the globe! This isn't the 1800s where the first army to mobilize and reach the battlefield wins by default!

[@USSFFRU]

"NATO Expansionism" isn't even true. NATO isn't forcing nations like Poland or the Baltics to join them or face an invasion worse than the Nazis and Russians combined. In-fact, it was the entire fucking opposite. Poland, and the Baltics joining NATO was because they begged to join. They begged to be away from Russian Influence and would do absolutely anything to stay away from Russia. Russia needs to accept the fact things change. The days of the Soviet Union were in the past and nobody will blame them for looking back at it. Nobody will blame them for looking back at the days of the Russian Empire. Afterall, Italy looks back at the days of the Roman Empire and Britain looks back at the days of the British Empire. Nobody will blame them for it, what people will blame them for is acting as if they're justified in restoring it. Accept the humiliation of losing it and move on. That's the only thing left for them. That, or being a Pariah State with nobody left to ally them. Not even China wants to associate with them anymore. What a fucking joke of a "Great Power"

[@jameshanson6803]

Putin never asked himself why post soviet countries were moving away from them. It simply because the Putin style of government leads to nowhere. South Korea has an economy that equal to that of the size of Russia. Russia is still no where near the quality of life found in Germany or Japan. Russia is a country with immense potential but it is not going anywhere under Putin.

[@Edax_Royeaux]

I know what the Chinese would say. "It was the CIA". They blame Tibet on the CIA. Even when Chernobyl HBO aired, the Russian government responded with saying they'd make their own miniseries version of Chernobyl blaming the CIA for it. Russia’s culture ministry was helping to fund the NTV show with a $460,000 grant.

[@ArcturusOTE]

@@Edax_Royeaux what kind of live action show can they make with $46k? That's barely even union guaranteed pay.

[@SSJfraz]

Russia is a country that will never be allowed to go anywhere, regardless of who leads them. The only way Russia can ever move forward is with collaboration with the West. But the West have never had any interest in working with Russia. Russia is viewed as a necessary enemy and never ending threat, as it gives the West the perfect excuse to keep on expanding their military forces. Having Russia as an ally, removes that excuse.

[@Edax_Royeaux]

@@ArcturusOTE There's a difference between a government grant and a show budget. Also your off by a factor of 10.

[@Doflaminguard]

You forgot Russia, while giants only has few hundred million of population, like a small country.

[@steel8231]

It's not a betrayal if they were never on your side.

This .

[@hulking_presence]

They actually were for hundreds of years.

[@godastp307]

Huh? How come?​@@hulking_presence

[@tgazhn9295]

It’s because of the Marshal plan America took advantage of a weaker Russia exhausted after the war and gave out the eastern block loads of money which they followed…

[@piter10p]

​@@hulking_presence Who exactly? Lithuania and Poland for example fought with Russia for centuries.

[@Jackques]

Excellent video Cody. The sad truth is; if the eastern Europian countries would not have to be afraid of a big bad neighbour, then there would not be a wish to join it or even exist in the first place. Just look at Finland. For decades they sat on the top border of Russia during the entire cold war as a free independant democratic country. Now however their wish to join NATO is stronger than it ever was before

[@alaric_]

@@maddogbasil Sad to see you have clearly bit the Putin propaganda. -If you would be so kind and look at the history of both Warsaw Pact/Russia and NATO and honestly tell me which one has brought more peace and stability. We are not talking about USA but NATO, because that's the main issue here. Compare the amount of invasions both has started. -If NATO expands it's because free and democratic countries chose freely and democratically to join it. Threat of force from Russia is exactly the reason why countries want to join. Finland was independent and neutral, yet Stalin chose to attack because they drew lines on the map with his nazi-counterpart. Because of need for more power. -Having 'ethnic russians' outside your borders does not allow you to invade free and democratic countries. It does not. No. Just no. And WTF are you talking about? Holding hostages ABSOLUTELY requires a strong response. Having hostages is morally and legally bad no matter who does, country or a person! No matter if one or thousand. You are right, Russia is weak and now they are trying to bully their free and democratic neighbours into giving up for a dictatorship. Because that's what Russia is nowdays, a dictatorship and Putin is the dictator. You are defending a dictator that kills civilians for his own sick pleasure and power hunger. Shame on you.

[@captainyossarian388]

@@SecondVelcory Exactly. It was an attempt to assimilate Ukrainian culture into Russia's or at least displace it, which if it isn't a war crime, it should be. In a perfect world, they would be offered the choice to live peacefully in a democratic Ukraine or move back to mother Russia.

[@kingbooomer9231]

As an American it’s hard to reconcile with the fact that we’re a belligerent nation that has a large influence across the globe and still do some really horrible stuff to millions of people’s livelihoods. But it’s even harder to look through a rival country’s perspective when they do contortionist gymnastics to justify why they act in the way they do as well. Great video Cody

[@rn6312]

And fun fact, had you said that in Russia, you'd be arrested and executed. So yay free speech.

[@liamweaver2944]

Well said man

[@МаксБурый-р2ю]

Nothing americans ever done can compare to shit rusians did in their whole history

[@Ник-я7к]

You will do whatever gymnastics when a neighbouring country turns hostile. In case of US government it's a provocations and then the military invasions to make profits for their economy, and lack of desire to seek better (in terms of ethics) economic means of existance.

[@fumarc4501]

Well said.

[@seangallagher9435]

What’s also important about how good NATO is, when France decided to leave NATO’s joint military command they were able to. But when Hungary tried to leave the Warsaw Pact they were trampled with tanks. The only pressure countries have to join NATO is Russian aggression.

[@rosiehawtrey]

Going to war with the French is like going fishing with an accordion.. Lots of noise for very little gain. The Presidents Renault 25 v6 was quite impressive though with the uprated fuel pump, and dual B pillar fuel injector flamethrowers... Be quite useful for those Insulate Britain cretins.

[@majacovic5141]

And UK could leave EU. Western alliances are voluntary, difficult to get into and easy to leave. Russian "alliances" are imposed, easy to get draged into and horrific to leave.

[@RobotSantaClaus]

Exactly. It’s also telling how after 70 years of NATO existing, the week that Russia invaded Ukraine suddenly the popularity of nato shoots up in Finland and Sweden so much that they’re seriously considering joining. That would’ve sounded crazy just 2 months ago

[@josephb3193]

EU sucks my friend, NATO is nothing more than the woke agenda with a uniform.

[@aoki6332]

@@josephb3193 ?? what are you on woke hate the military and cops

[@unigaming9921]

NATO never expands unilaterally. It doesn't invite people. People ask to join. NATO cannot expand unless sovereign nations ask to join it. If NATO expanded, it's because these nations considered joining to be in their interests. The problem isn't an open NATO expanding, it's the nation whose actions preceded and precipitated their neighbors joining NATO.

[@finalMadfox]

And because of Putin aggression and his paranoia more countries will join NATO and will do the exact opposite of his demands

[@Triumph263]

@@finalMadfox Exactly, before all this Finland was probably not going to ask to join NATO and probably wouldn't have been allowed in if they had; but now there is serious talk of it and the general consensus in NATO countries seems to have become "let them in before Russia tries invading". Countries that had no interest in NATO before are joining because they don't want to be invaded. NATO hasn't been convincing them, Russia has.

[@tyleralmquist7606]

Your theory about Russia thinking they would still keep their special privileges makes a lot of sense. For centuries, that’s how Europe worked. A great example if the Franco-Prussian war. Yeah, France got their ass kicked and lost some territory, but they were still a great power. Their opinion still mattered and they were still included in stuff. The Russian Government was probably imagining something like a modern day Concert of Europe, where all of the big powers make sure nothing too crazy happens, and they’re all allowed to do their own little sides things because they are great powers. Russia didn’t expect to suddenly be just another country in Europe, and its leaders were very unhappy with that kind of Europe Edit: corrected it’s to its

[@atizadordechimenea3241]

Ottoman Empire vibes.

[@troodon1096]

That's pretty much the source of every major conflict between Russia and other nations since the fall of the USSR; Russia is still in denial that the collapse of the USSR was a defeat. Being that it's literally led by a "former" member of the KGB it's hardly surprising, but at some point they have to admit they lost the cold war, realize that means they will never be as powerful and influential as they were back then, and fix their own nation before they think they have any right to influence other nations.

[@rosenmitrovich7034]

@@troodon1096 fully agree except the never being so influential. If they went the route China is taking now they may have got a lot of their influence back, but they went "the old way" brute force and treats with bombs, and got a pikachu face when whole eastern europe went running towards NATO.

[@Someone-mt7mp]

A concert of Europe, spheres of influence - those are anachronisms, like if the UK suddenly started sending gunships around the world and declared empire 2.0 is being formed. The West has 2 sacrosanct ideas which are part of our philosophy called liberalism - those 2 things are representative democracy and the market economy. Any entrant into the west has fulfil this. The west is a fluid concept, countries like Poland, Bulgaria and Finland haven’t been historically part of the west but embraced this and are part of western institutions. If Russia had done the same, it could have joined the club.

[@stefansmiljanic1697]

Intresting i didn't see it that way tho russian opinion still matters because they still have a lot of allies or possible allies that have just condemned the invasion and they are a major nuclear power which is basicaly a free acces to be taken seriously, for example north korea is taken much more seriously than what it should as its a nuclear power which can reach US allies (ex: south korea) and is very close to china and can cause a cuba crisis situation.

[@vxl]

Rússia has no say on what other countries can or cannot do.

[@notanm6616]

Good summary. You have to remember that the fall of Soviet Union is often seen as a "win" of liberation and democracy in the West, but for Russia itself it was a giant social catastrophe that destroyed the economy and the livelihoods of millions of regular people, and gave rise to corrupt oligarchy, that took roughly decade and half to recover from.

[@Кешаугарин]

Im russian, my mum always when we talk about the 90s tells me that these were the most terrible years

[@ivario]

It's not like the oligarchy has really disappeared now, on the contrary

[@jenncel]

@@daveholland6293 very true.

[@potatomo9609]

It’s not like the Soviet Union was any better. All dictators

[@dasbubba841]

@@potatomo9609 In the aftermath of the terrible Yeltsin years, Russians came to value stability and security over democracy.

[@tillerzeit]

This is a great brief cover of how we got here with Russia. Can we do an alternate history of what would Russia be if Putin didn't get in charge like say the right people in the FSB found out who was behind the 1999 Moscow bombings and arrested the ring leaders.

[@thesusposter48]

I've heard that if putin hadn't taken over lukhshenko of all people had a decent chance of taking over russia and restoring the soviet union

[@ernestov1777]

I completely disagree with this video i don't know where to begin..

[@GalanThings]

Yeah I'm afraid Russia was in too much of a mess for anything deferent to the current timeline actually happening

[@FairyRat]

The problem is Putin was those people. He ain't gonna arrest himself.

[@GG_1318]

Nothing would change

[@jandalfDerNice]

What some people in Russia will never understand is that even with all the problems that NATO and, above all, the USA have, all the states joined the alliance voluntarily because they are allowed to govern their countries more freely and self-deterministically. Countries like Poland have experienced a gigantic economic boom since they have been allowed to operate freely. This is the real power of the West, not being a pawn of a super power but a smaller partner in an alliance.

[@_imtellingmum_]

Well maybe with the exeption of Montenegro that didn't even hold a referendum because the "president" (who is a dictator) knew that most people would vote against joining

[@arthurzambezi6736]

Lol europe is literally a pawn of the USA. It's an alliance of convienece. US military assures protection from Russia which is fair considering their recent agressions

[@_imtellingmum_]

@@arthurzambezi6736 But why drag a country into a pact it doesn't want to be in?

[@mro9466]

Yeah Europe is free to buy any jet fighter as long as it is an American F35 #sarcasm

[@LjuboCupic1912]

@@_imtellingmum_ polls taken in Montenegro at the time actually showed that the population was split almost 50-50 on the issue, but I agree that getting the country into it without a referendum was a bad idea. That’s still not the US’s fault, however, it’s Djukanović’s.

[@AzaBiege]

Old video, but I like how you put the link for the Red Cross organization to help the Ukrainians.

[@coldcoder3138]

The same organization that does complete shit to help Ukrainian POWs who are in Russian captivity? Yeah, bad move.

[@chaosvolt]

I'm still convinced that Russia joining NATO would've been the "blursed good end" timeline I wish we ended up with. It was utterly unlikely and I suspect it would've made NATO absolutely pointless, but it also would've been hilarious. So...what if Russia had somehow ended up in NATO?

[@theresafisher8781]

Probably would've just ended up with the US and Russia constantly squabbling over who has to flex at China this week.

[@dandarr5035]

Personally, if we manage to make it to the good end of this whole situation, I can see that still being a possibility. If Russia gets a regime change and, say, Navalny manages to secure power in the country, It's entirely likely that NATO and the EU reach out to the people of Russia and attempt to prevent something like this happening again.

[@Hoopsnake]

Honestly, it might not change much. Beyond having the nukes to end the world, Russia struggles to remain relevant. I feel it would still be NATO vs. China - but with a spicy edge to it since Russia would have a land border with China. I don't know if that would make China more cautious or even more aggressive.

[@justgivemeafunkinnam]

Pointless? Not at all, NATO is also like the old treaty after the French Revolution. It keeps ALL parties in check so no one can harm another without getting their asses kicked. A Second super power in NATO would have driven the U.S to expand its sciences and culture of innovation and exploration more to keep dominance as world culture influence. But when the USSR fell and Bush started a revenge war we stopped being so much about science and research and became more about conservatives selling citizens rights. But it would have been great. Eventually India or China would have joined nato and even though having a second SP in it already would have promised world peace having either of the Asian SPers in it would made it impossible for any member of NATO to ever go rogue and betray the pact.

[@viethungle8627]

Here are my predictions if there is a regime change in Russia, and the leaders of NATO got drunk and accept Russia at some point in the future: 1, All of the conflicts regarding Russia vs West will be OVER. Ukraine? Done. Transnistria separatists in Moldova? Done. Georgia? Done. Russophobia in the Baltics and Central Europe? Done. Russia using oil and gas as a weapon against the West? Done. Russia supporting the Syrian, Belarusian and Venezuelan regimes? Done. In short: no more Russia vs West. 2, NATO will without doubt be the most powerful force ever existed on this planet: with tens of thousands of nuclear warheads, an army of millions, and military technology from both Russia and the West. They will be unstoppable. Ukraine and Georgia will likely to join NATO as well. Neutral Nordic countries such as Finland or Sweden can also safely join NATO without being threatened by Russia. 3, Russia can truly start to invest in social democracy, economy development and living standard increase, as their government does not need to throw tons of money into defense. Russian people will start to see actual development of their country now. Of course, some people who are nostalgic to the USSR, Putin, or the Russia's international influence will feel displeased, and anti-NATO narrative will likely to be relatively popular amongst nationalists and senior citizens. 4, All of Russia's ally will panic. CSTO (a retarded version of the Warsaw pact) will likely be dispacted. All of its members will find the path in front of them uncertain. Belarusian government will descend to chaos - as their overlord has now betrayed them and they will be eaten by NATO easily. Transnistria, Donetsk and Luhansk separatist activities will be obliterated. Serbia will find itself in an awkward position. Cuba, Venezuela and Syria will suffocate. China will be the one that is the most worried, as they are literally surrounded on all fronts by Western allies. There will be a new cold war between NATO and China. China will be the new boogeyman of the Western world.

[@HotTakeYeller]

I think the final half minute is the most important point here. Whatever else is going on here, and whatever people think is justified/unjustified, the invasion of Ukraine has put more energy into NATO than any event I can remember in the past two decades.

[@BewareofTarps]

The European Union, too. The EU went from fractured and almost entirely incapable of forming coherent foreign and military policy to rallying around a common purpose and finally figuring out how to actually make this whole union thing work beyond largely devolved monetary policy.

[@hopelessent.1700]

It takes a “threat” to unify many.

[@TheOneWhoMightBe]

Even if Russia defeats Ukraine, suppresses the people, and installs a puppet government, they've just started an arms race with NATO that they can't afford even at the best of times, a Hardened foreign policy, and increased suspicion. Putin is acheiving the exact opposite of what he wants.

[@Lucifer_26]

@@TheOneWhoMightBe aside from being economically ruined, because now the EU will speed up green energy production and get their gas, oil and other natural resources somewhere else than Russia, which up untill now made up about a quarter of the entire GDP of Russia.

[@TheZett]

@@Lucifer_26 Not only green energy, but also nuclear energy is back on the table (outside of France). Something that wasnt even a possibility 3 months ago, considering the trend towards green-only energy and removal of current powerplants, such as nuclear, coal and so on.

[@casbot71]

What the Russians (and many others) also didn't consider was that NATO was *not* just a military alliance against _them,_ but against _anyone else_ that got into a "disagreement" with the West. NATO has had military interventions in various other non Europen regions of the World (such as Libya) and still has face offs with China - which by itself justifies NATO's existence. Just because the Soviet Union is gone didn't mean that the West could unilaterally scale back their military and sing Kumbaya around a campfire because the World was now peaceful.

[@TLTeo]

Also they had a role in stopping the civil wars and genocide in former Yugoslavia, while Russia was turning a blind eye.

[@pedrosoares7273]

I think NATO also stayed because the world (or rather the west) realized that the League of Nations after WWI wasn't an effective way to defend against a big threat. So the west learned that they should never abandon the military troops

[@Celestial_Wing]

Except NATO turns a blind eye to China cause some politicians are in China's pocket.

[@colinthomson5358]

Yes look at how safe we are thsnks to NATO! *COUGH* GLADIO GLADIO *COUGH*

[@Slender_Man_186]

@@Celestial_Wing oh it’s more than “some.”

[@Scottoest]

Everything with Russia the last 30 years comes down to wounded pride, and a sort of colonial chauvinism that assumes they're entitled to a sphere of influence over any and all "historical Russian territories" regardless of the aspirations of those territories themselves. Rather than take their medicine after the collapse of the Soviet Union and accept that the end of empire comes with some humiliation (ask Britain!), they simply became bitter and paranoid that America wasn't treating them like the co-equal superpower they no longer were. Even now a year into the war when you listen to their propagandists, they spend an inordinate amount of time daydreaming and insisting that Russia is entitled to an empire and is incapable of losing, and that if they cannot have what they want then they should just nuke the planet and be done with it.

[@debater452]

It was perfect, But, no, you just had to blow it up. You and your pride and your ego. You just had to be the man. If you done your job, know your place we'd all be fine right now. Nato saying to Russia after Russia invaded Uḱraine

[@finalMadfox]

I think you just summarized vatniks

[@wei270]

well they are trying to hold on to the last of their influence with military power, it is just that simple, if they won they get to keep some of it, if they lose they lose. When the Americans go down in a few decade they would do just the same you will see.

[@Scottoest]

@@wei270 I mean, from a strategic point of view I don't think it's possible for Russia to "win" any more. It's just a matter of whether they will ALSO lose the war they've utterly shattered their army against.

[@wei270]

@@Scottoest well think of it this way, the world is already going to a cold war style weather Russian invades or not, so n this sense the separation from the European Markets not avoidable, it is just a matter of degree of separation. IF this is the case then there could still be a win for Russia not because the economic gains of Ukraine is going out wait the cost of the war, but they would be in a better strategic position for the real and BIGGER conflict that is on the horizon.

[@combatarcher3101]

He managed to do something that has not been achieved in a long while, unite the west. He gave reason for NATO to exist as you said but he also made the EU re unite as it looked as though it may collapse soon at the end of last year

[@TheProjectVoid]

But it does give russia proper cause

[@kazmiz01]

Except for Hungary. But we don't talk about Hungary.

[@TheXthundercanonx]

@@TheProjectVoid not a great proper cause if its actively crippling you to the point of no return, its turning into a north korea and might become a chinese client state at this point if they rely on them too much

[@Brian-tn4cd]

I still see the EU as kinda unstable, once the cause for unity is gone it's gonna go back to declining

[@rimfire8217]

He’s like the Demon Squid in Watchmen.

[@CenterSargE]

Romanian here. After WWII, our country was also forced to become communist under the influence of Moscow. Our king, Michael, had hopes to rule as a constitutional monarch, bringing democracy to Romania. But the ruling communist party forced him to abdicate, allegedly by holding some students hostage. So, yeah. The only Warsaw Pact member happy to be part of it was the USSR. Just ask the Czechs, Slovaks and Hungarians.

[@johnwilcox2437]

And the only part of the USSR happy to be a part of the USSR was the Russians. Everyone else was getting their intellectuals sent to Siberia if they were lucky or getting killed by the Holodomor or other goverment created disaster.

[@thecatinthefedora1201]

Ironic, since usually it’s the intellectuals who support communism the most, only for other people with more ambition than competency to take their place (not that the intellectuals have much political experience themselves)

[@GdzieJestNemo]

well all Warsaw pact achived over it's existance is invading it's member states.

[@laysdong]

Oh no, the USSR ended monarchies, the horror.

[@milantoth6246]

Hungarian here, almost exactly the same story, except we weren’t a monarchy. And before the russia friendly fidesz government came to power and brainwashed half of the population to love russia, we hated them as much as the Poles for example.

[@jobezbriggs7240]

Also important to note that the nato agreement was about military bases not being placed to the east, it had nothing to do with countries east of NATO not joining NATO. If you look at maps during the time period this agreement would have taken place during, the idea of moving east doesn't even make sense.

[@swanpride]

Also, the people at the negotiation table had no right to speak for either NATO or countries which might want to join in the future. In addition, even though more and more countries joined NATO, NATO actually refused to put military bases into Eastern Europe, saying that the situation didn't demand for it...and then Russia annexed part of Georgia. Up to this point, NATO membership was more a formality. And I think that to this day, NATO is a smokescreen and the actual issue is that for one, Putin genuinely believes that those countries belong to Russia and two, nothing is more threatening for him than an economical successful democracy right at his borders, full or people who are able to talk Russian. The actual enemy here is more the EU than NATO, but naturally Putin would never admit this.

[@LowenKM]

@@swanpride That's a good point, that none of this likely would even be an issue if Russia leadership had chosen to complete the transition to a free-market democracy that Yeltsin was slowly lurching towards, rather than reverting to Putin's authoritarian quasi-Czarist model, where oligarch-controlled 'vassal industries' are allowed to suck out over 85% of the nation's wealth.

[@tilllemaignan-durand9375]

Of course it didnt made sens looking at the map at the time to go into the west.. it was just obvious that it was a no for NATO.

[@numbersix8919]

This was revisited in 2004. Russia's security interests are historic and won't ever change. Until we can convert Russia to the our liberal international order and privatize the holy hell out of it.

[@numbersix8919]

@@GATE12 The US has consistently opposed pan-Arabism by supporting religious fanaticism. The same fanaticism was employed against non-aligned India, Iran, the Soviet "stan" republics, Afghanistan, and Syria.

[@VillagerMan2006]

Blaming NATO for your own actions is like saying Doctor Who is right wing propaganda because of the Daleks

[@Laerei]

In Estonia, the president has this symbolic chain of office, which is a big thick and wide decorated necklace that they wear during certain national ceremonies. During World War II, when Soviet Russia occupied our lands under the false promise of protection, they not only put our first president (who in fact welcomed them) into prison where he died, they also stole the president's chain of office. It still remains in Russia in a Moscow museum to this day even though Estonia has officially asked them numerous times to return it. They won't return it. Because to Russia it's a symbol of their belief that they own these lands. To Estonians it's a symbol of Russia's lingering threat to our young nation. Time and again, we have been proven right to worry. It's like living right next to Mordor. The question is not if we'll be attacked but when.

[@marlarki5280]

Europeans not stealing cultural artefacts challenge(Impossible).

[@nathanperoandrei3841]

@@marlarki5280 here we go again

[@velnz5475]

I thought the Soviets jailed him for his shady ties to hyperinflation, right wing plots to estonianize left wing parties and his talks with a german ambassador for his concerns to be sovietized. What was the Estonian government doing to soviets??? Still not justifying the invasion, im just curious

[@akdele5]

well-deserved

[@Abcwhatever]

@@akdele5 I don't know Estonian history, so why does the country not deserve their Chain of Office?

[@Bruhman_16]

Russia: tries to stop one country from joining nato 2 countrys trying to join nato Russia: you were not supposed to do that

[@Game_Hero]

Russia : That's not how you're supposed to play the game!

[@prist5122]

As a result, 3 countries did not join NATO...

[@Game_Hero]

@@prist5122 as a result of what? The whataboutism?

[@prist5122]

@@Game_Hero as a result of SWO and NATO`s dual policy...

[@Game_Hero]

@@PETrov_Yo Everything trying to dodge the subject, pointing fingers in another direction in order to lessen the criticism, is.

[@stevenchoza6391]

And now even more neutral nations like Finland and Sweden are considering NATO membership so, if Putin wanted to prevent NATO expansion, he failed utterly.

[@KolasName]

I think Putin wants a new cold war and he goes for it, as well as the US gov does, because it's win-win situation for the "great powers". Divide and rule!

[@bismarck5733]

@Sue C YOU're talking about a well-known democracy with a bunch of wars. And where is there no freedom of speech? And don't try to tell me that it's not. Zelensky himself is a dictator who blocks the media at will, writes a story that he likes.

[@bismarck5733]

@Sue C True, totalitarian China lives no worse than many Democrats. Yes, for that matter, it's not bad in Russia either

[@josephguzman4737]

It now officially happening

[@joshua90z]

I’m all for Finland and Sweden joining, but they can’t skip the waiting line, no?

[@SupremeRTS]

I love all this whataboutism by the russian trolls here. They have no legitimate argument for this debate, so they just point to something bad about NATO that is completely unrelated.

[@hulking_presence]

We don't need legitimate arguments when we have supersonic missiles. Btw before you start about the holy american states, they also don't need arguments, because they have military bases.

[@zero_zero107]

its a valid argument, you just dont understand it. Why would russia respect international law while US doesn’t and kills millions of civilians. Now that is a question NATO bots cant answer

[@ShimonDanilov]

It’s not here only. In any Russian website (for example, we have a reddit-like resource) will be the same. Someone posts something criticising government, it will gain comments and likes and in the next hour hundreds of bots will come and write “but what about donbass ryyaaaaaaa”.

[@zero_zero107]

Lets try it again since my comment was deleted. Its not whataboutism when its directly related. Why would Russia respect international law when NATO doesnt, and kills millions of civilians in the process. Answer that NATO bots.

[@Heikkinen0301]

Gremlin trolls everywhere "Naaaatoooo expaaaaansiooooon"

[@tadaslietas6376]

Baltics were never Soviet allies, we were brutally occupied and victims of settler colonialism. It is obvious that we wanted to run away from Russia as fast as possible when it was possible.

[@IamKingSleezy]

Considering they have closer ties to Scandinavia they were super oppressed. Life of Boris said living in Estonia made him realize it.

[@transformersrevenge9]

@@IamKingSleezy what's wrong with life in estonia?

[@CyNiiCaL_nR7Gaming]

@@transformersrevenge9 nothing he means living in Estonia made Boris more empathic.

[@Lumberjackk]

Yeah the baltics were occupied by the ussr. Fuck a lot of Estonian people straight up got send to Siberia and were replaced with Russian people during the ussr . . .

[@sggbrc5567]

@@Lumberjackk Hence the big Russian-speaking minorities in all of the Baltic states

[@Mr_M_History]

Alternative History killing it by covering Russia-Ukraine. You're the History channel we all want to be!

[@seabap5673]

Did you even watch the video?

[@wile123456]

Especially compared to the fascist of whatifalthist

[@stephenwright8824]

@Morozko I've wondered why people write _returned back._ Is there any such thing as returning forward?

[@alpharius2omegaboogaloo384]

@@wile123456 Lmao no he’s no fascist.

[@matsal3211]

Ron Paul would have never let this happen

[@19Szabolcs91]

At 8:14 it's actually the Bulgarian flag, not the Hungarian. Same colors, different order :P Just wanted to nitpick a little. Otherwise, great video.

[@coalhater392]

Damn it you beat me to it.

[@RockStock6]

Lets not forget that this whole thing got started not over NATO but with Ukraine wanting to join the EU

[@Blanka1100]

Putin simply wants Ukraine as a part of Russia and uses every excuse possible to justify his greed.

[@just_a_casual_viewer]

Ukraine is not interested in NATO.

[@jack727dave5]

@@just_a_casual_viewerThey certainly are now

[@2010hyundaielantra]

@@just_a_casual_viewer *was

[@HieMan-g1n]

12 days ago NATO and the West was seemingly divided, Russia was a country that wasn't politically and economically dead, still maybe had a future and their expansionist, imperial project (that would exist with or without NATO) still had a chance of success. It's one of the turning points of history.

[@anthonydavis5826]

None of that has changed. The West is still extremely divided and it’s very unlikely that the US and Western Europe will remain on the same side for another decade. It’s also very unlikely that NATO is going to get involved in Ukraine or that the Ukrainians will somehow defeat the Russian army in the long run, even if it’s much more costly than Putin anticipated. Russia (and China) are still on an upwards geopolitical trajectory while the United States and Western Europe are on the decline. They have confidence in their national identities and raise their youth to love their nations; we in the West are ashamed of who we are and teach our youth to tear our basic institutions down. They are willing to use their vast resources to their advantage; we bash in our own kneecaps because we fear the wrath of climate change activists. They train their militaries for war with the United States; the United States puts its military through “diversity training” while being overly reliant on technology that can be easily hacked and co-opted by our enemies. Don’t get all jingoistic just because Russia has gotten a bloody nose.

[@enriqueperezarce5485]

@@anthonydavis5826 Lol no they have a purpose now Russia if fucked like super fucked, like one of the top losers in this conflict

[@TheAmericanAmerican]

@@anthonydavis5826 Hahahaha! So many bad cuckservative "fears" in this post that it's pathetic! But not surprising at all coming from someone subbed to PragerU, BennyBoy Shapiro, Sargon, and Rave Dubin! 🤣🤣 Dude, seriously, unsub from all these Koch brother funded Reich-wing dipshits now before the brainrot is irreversible...

[@vepiol2278]

@@anthonydavis5826 Damn, what koolaid are you drinking making you that blind?

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

@@anthonydavis5826 PragerU is funded by fracking billionaires with a vested interest in spreading misinformation.

[@EasternEuropeExplained]

As a Romanian, I appreciate how much work you put into this. And for covering the perspective of Central-Eastern European countries. In 1992-1993, Russia actively supported pro-Russian separatists in Moldova and Georgia. Way before NATO expanded to the East. That's why a pan-European security alliance including Russia seemed ludicrous to us in this region.

[@boyanvalchev2953]

He messed up the Bulgarian and Hungarian flag😭

[@valentinmitterbauer4196]

As Austrian i also have a rare perspective on NATO, as a part of our national identity stems from sovjet russia's influence, despite clearly being a "western" country. We became a free country in 1955, but we wouldn't be allowed to join NATO (this was russia's demand) or the Warsaw Pact (this was the allies' demand), so we swore ever- lasting military neutrality. In regards to the inglorious acts of the americans and their NATO partners in younger history this was probably a good decision, but if we weren't already defended by a "belt" of nato members around us (and switzerland) and shit hit the fan, we probably would join NATO eventually, although this is a very, very unpopular and unsettling thought.

[@NeoZeta]

@@boyanvalchev2953 Alright, alright. Give him a break on that one.

[@eu29lex16]

This is a very biased video, the US actually brought a lot of military equipment in Poland and Romania, even made a anti-missile shield there, which can be capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles. 12:00 - And Russia also talked about those

[@Edax_Royeaux]

@@eu29lex16 I would not describe a immobile military base as "moving equipment into Poland". These are not mobile military bases and it would be extremely strange to begrudge a defensive alliance from building defenses. Cuba has had a Russian base on it for over 40 years, what of it?

[@jungum4734]

The most intriguing thing here is that every Eastern European country BEGGED to join NATO. It was not NATO forcing them. Clinton even hesitated with caution at first about the expansion, though he eventually decided to push it. There is a fair amount of arguments whether EU and NATO "initiated" the pro-west and pro-EU movements in Ukraine. But this war clearly shows how much Ukraine and the people are standing up against Putin's Russia. That itself is a huge win for EU and NATO, and huge loss for Putin's Russia.

[@Ussurin]

Not to mention most of Warsaw Pact was there against their will after the Western Betrayal in WW2 where Allies let Soviets set up marionette governments across Europe while killing all the local elites and exporting their own generals to rule over those countries while they select local politicians to rule under them. The only thing keeping them in Warsaw Pact was threat of annihilation through military forces. Polish puppet government was for example known as "happiest barrack in the prison" as it was the least oppressive and it was still known for assasinating priests, beating people to death at police stations, openly torturing the anti-government organization members and waging a war against non-armed protesters, cause "Well, if we do not do it, the Russians will come and kill both of us". Those governments where in power purely and only due to Soviet enforcement of their rule with military force and the moment Soviet Union was in no situation to actively do so, they all dissolved basically overnight in political sense, because they didn't even have enough popular support in their own countries to even seriously try to hold unto power through force.

[@anarchyorslavery1616]

the pro EU and pro NATO rioters were funded and backed terrorist cells by the US to overthrow a pro russian president who was by they way, democratically elected.

[@ascendingfire8404]

@@anarchyorslavery1616 Found the Russian paid shill.

[@Exile1a]

Agreed. I've had several co-workers from eastern Europe. If you got them going on the USSR (while most didn't live in that era, their parents had plenty of stories) then you'll hear that there is absolutely NO love for Russia there. I'm talking about Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Hungary and Romania. Basically all the countries that are now openly telling Putin to go shove it. NATO didn't creep into Eastern Europe. Eastern Europe RAN to NATO and the EU.

[@trevtall1094]

@@GATE12 you're so lost you couldn't find your arse with your elbow

[@Cru128]

I’ll say this now. How could NATO betray Russia? We’re not even on the same side.

[@Mish844]

The thing about vatnik brainrot is that they demand and expect obedience towards Russia from anyone. To the point that they sometimes explicitly consider invaded countries as its property. And when property rebels, it is a treason then

[@Blanka1100]

It is high time everybody understood Eastern Euroeans are not Russia's slaves or property. We owe Russia nothing. Who the hell gave Russia any right to even think it is entitled to decide about other country's pact choices?

[@dimka9448]

Hi. I'm Cuban and just wanted to say thank you for not supporting the embargo/blockade on my country. Many people outside of Cuba do not understand how harmful it is to the ones living inside the island (except the Cuban government, they don't give a shit and are even happy with having a justification to their ineptitude).

[@yogis2224]

yall have youtube in cuba?

[@dimka9448]

@@yogis2224 Yeah. In fact, thanks to the embargo, we have it without ads.

[@rimfire8217]

@@dimka9448 small Silver Lining there I guess.

[@LautaroTessi]

Just a side note. The embargo is against the Cuban gov't, i.e. if a private Cuban company did want to trade it could do. The problem is that Cuban gov't doesn't want private companies to grow there. Plus, as you said, they use it as an excuse for their disastrous administration, which is against free market, so an embargo shouldn't affect them that much (in their Communist theory, of course).

[@dimka9448]

@@LautaroTessi If a private company wants to trade with Cuba it can, under the penalty of it's ships and planes not setting foot in the USA for 5 years. So,... yeah, basically it can't.

[@AbMaSync]

"People in the west protested the war. Without disappearing" Ouch, someone call the firefighters.

[@damianpos8832]

Did it help?.. No what a peace-loving democracy..

[@sababugs1125]

@@damianpos8832 it forced them to leave . If USA was a Russia style autocracy they would've won Vietnam

[@salahabdalla368]

it still happened none the less. that is done by dictators not democracies

[@boelwerkr]

Russia had 10 years to establish themself as a multicultural trading nation between the far east and the west. With the Trans-Siberian Railway they could have gained a lot of influence and money with trade.

[@dimitrigoryenko2901]

😂

[@sotch2271]

Far cheaper by sea why bother constructing on land

[@HungryHunter]

​@@sotch2271 trains can be cheaper on the long run. They also less effected by the weather and conflicts. Cargotrains can just drop off there trailers and grab new one while a ship needs days to on and offload. Its just a question how much invenstment russia is willing to put into a near 100 year old road/rail system.

[@bionmccool]

What year do you think it is? 1550? Trade by water is so overwhelmingly cheap today that It took a global halt on trade for some companies to just consider giving up those raggedy ass diesel gulping 1960s cargo ships becuae even they're able to cover the cost of purchase of an entire big-ass ship in a single cruise.

[@HungryHunter]

​@@bionmccool the cost of transporting isnt always in fuel and crew. Its also a environmental cost. I view train as equal in performance (after you build the rails) to ship and as the greener option (becouse countless ships just drop there trash/oldoil into the sea)

[@Mastah2006]

Ask these "friends" what they think about Russia. See what happens. Warmest FU to mr Putin from Poland.

[@alastairtivy-harris8129]

"Putin's Russia really has been their own worst enemy." Well said!

[@TurtleChad1]

Can't believe all these libs are against our humane special military operation 😏👍

[@rbgerald2469]

@@TurtleChad1 ..Is this sarcasm?

[@thegunslinger1363]

The guy is a billionaire. He and his friends have robbed the country blind over 20 years.

[@BuckingBadger]

@RB Gerald the emojis shows that his comment is 100% sarcastic

[@rbgerald2469]

@@BuckingBadger .. Right thanks

[@StockyDude]

You know what’s funny, Putin was afraid Ukraine would join NATO, yet because of Ukraine’s ongoing rebellions, it was not likely to be approved for membership. Georgia has a better chance of gaining NATO membership and they’ve been waiting over 10 years. Most NATO members are not enthusiastic about adding more members, especially not the poor Eastern European countries who don’t have much in resources to contribute

[@nutyyyy]

Well... Ukraine wasn't even that keen on joining NATO prior to 2014. So Putin only pushed it further to the west.

[@StockyDude]

@@БогданСафяник Exactly. Promised admission in 2008, and then it never happened. They were forced to wait. NATO lost interest in adding poorer members.

[@Helix7rance]

@@StockyDude You do know joining NATO is not just a vote right? Joining either NATO or the EU means you need to instate some serious changes to the core of the country, and some countries simply can't fill those demands right away. It's not about money or ethnicity or whatever, it's to make sure the applicant country can apply the same laws, logistical structures etc. Saying NATO "Lost interest" in these countries is just extremely wrong, especially because these "Poor eastern european countries" do have a lot to contribute. Ukraine for example, has some of the largest reserves of Oil and gas on the planet. Tldr, if a country can't meet demands and change then they won't be allowed in until they can, simple as that.

[@Shadowsuit]

U know that Nato is the biggest training bade for Ukrainian soldier, and 2014 is clearly regarded by everyone in Europe as US coup ?

[@StockyDude]

@@Shadowsuit The only people in Europe who regard it as a coup are the stupid anti-Western conspiracy theorists like you. The vast majority of Ukrainians do not see this war as Russia liberating Ukraine. Why do you think it has dragged on so long with so many Ukrainians volunteering to fight. Also, the current Ukrainian president Zelensky was elected in 2019, so even if you want to claim that the 2014 election was not legitimate, you cannot make the same claim about the election in 2019.

[@atabeel]

The most important argument in this discussion is: no one is forced to join NATO, that is sovereign decision of nations that did that (mostly in fear of the nature of Russia which always want to treat neighbors as pawns) - that's it. It's Russia that wanted to force these nations to stay under that influence - that's not fair. Trust me - anyone who knows what "Ruski mir" is will run to NATO.

[@alezzot.6738]

Really!? One of Theodore Roosevelt quotes about negotiation process is:" Speak softly and carry a big stick (behind your back);, you will go far.". That is the policy, I guess. How does this quote relates to the sovereignity of countries in your brain?

[@SerpentCommando]

Lmao, dude really believe in the freedom of choice on this geopolitics world. You dont have a choice, simply NATO and Russia, you dont want to be Russia's pawn, therefore you become American and European pawn. Simple.

[@chadzahirshah2588]

@@SerpentCommando If the definition of being USA’s “pawn” is having a larger economy with a functioning democracy and a longer average lifespan that doesn’t literally have martial law. Then sign me the fuck up for membership, sorry I mean “enslavement” for the West.

[@SerpentCommando]

@@chadzahirshah2588 Seriously bro? Who already rich still rich, who are poor just get a bit better (Eastern Europe), and this is due to EU, not NATO.

[@chadzahirshah2588]

@@SerpentCommando And who stays with Russia is worse off like Belarus and “Transnistria”

[@SVGGMNG]

Awesome video dude, I wish more people would see it.

[@datcao6854]

Now people believe any putin’s bullsh@t in tucker interview, is just insane , and the fact Putin still treat neighbor countries as a NPC is stupid

[@agris8859]

USSR: *collapses* The Baltics: ''Welp, time to get as far away from that guy as possible as quickly as possible.''

[@mikesawyer8713]

I can't imagine why so many countries that had their culture and right to self govern suppressed by the USSR (Russia) would want to join a community of powerful nations who are obligated to defend them from future attacks from a similar nation

[@bismarck5733]

they were not depressed. Lol, at least you have studied political ideas and the structure of the state a little. The USSR preserved and supported different cultures, but this was a mistake. In Russia, almost 200 peoples all live somehow

[@viktorr7115]

Mike you should not speak about things you clearly do not know anything about.

[@odysseusrex5908]

@@viktorr7115 All right then, answer his question. Why does everybody who used to be part of the Soviet Empire want nothing to do with Russia any more?

[@harshitrawat811]

Yeah america is not a imperialist regime that puts puppets in power to benefit them and has a intelligence agency that ensures they controll all the rights of the people and suck resources out of countries

[@harshitrawat811]

@@odysseusrex5908 because Russia's gdp is lesser than California's and everyone likes some green

[@pescavelho6151]

A thing this video doesn't mention (that it really should) is Russian military adventurism in the 90s, in places like Transnistria, Georgia, and to a lesser extent Central Asia; I consider it important as a way to contextualize NATO expansion.

[@robertely686]

Blimey. That really puts into the shade the invasions and bombings of Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia and Yugoslavia. The western invasions caused hardly any deaths and caused no terrorists groups or insecurity compared to that.

[@reluctantcrusader8455]

@@robertely686 4:01

[@mr.anderson2241]

@@robertely686 people keep acting like Yugoslavia in its later years was a paradise and not just Serbian officials trying to keep together people who didn’t want to be together any more

[@kavky]

Yup, 1992 invasion of Moldova is what cemented Romania's decision to join NATO.

[@RJT80]

It also doesn't mention how the CIA funnels money into NGOs that go into countries like Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine, and start pushing Western ideals. Which are really just American leftist ideals. So when a country bans the NGOs like Hungary did or like Poland has talked about doing because they don't want their youth being given transgender surgeries against their parents wishes, they immediately become pariahs to Western elites. Don't want to take millions of refugees that share none of your values? You're evil, Viktor Orban. You're a bad man and you must go. That's what happened in Ukraine. It's not a conspiracy theory. It's well documented. It was Hillary Clinton's pet project.

[@raphaellapointe9143]

So...not only was this a verbal agreement, but it was one that was done just by the president without going through congress? It has no value whatsoever, especially since that president is no longer elected today.

[@LeoDamascusVG]

This actually adds some interesting context to one of the weirdest experiences in my life. I lived in Riga, Latvia around 2006, which apparently was shortly after Latvia joined NATO. I was there because I was still young and living with my parents, and my dad worked for the US State Department. From time to time I would walk my dog in a park close to our apartment there, and would catch seemingly random people taking pictures of me, and then hurriedly hiding the camera when they could tell I was looking. Creeped me out a little, and now my guess would be I had good reason to be creeped out. My guess would be that it was probably the Russians trying to find out ways they could exploit my dad if they needed to for reasons related to Latvia joining NATO. Might have been gathering possible targets. Still not sure, though, but this video sure gave me some interesting pieces to the puzzle

[@Elendrian]

Yeah you had good reason, that's creepy as hell. How many times did it happen?

[@holy_crusaderoftheholyland4713]

@time did anyone wanted this? No fuck off

[@northumbriabushcraft1208]

I would be more worried about pedophiles than russian spies if you were a young boy. i mean considering your dad worked for the state department it could be so, but it's a lot more likely to be some curtain twitching nonce.

[@ArtyoumPlays]

@@northumbriabushcraft1208 Throw out more fallacious theories. Until I have proof of such noncery, I can only assume that the nation formerly known as the USSR still had the capacity to spy on others after doing so for over 70 years. Don't let anyone cloud your mind with, "Well, it was likely just X, Y, or Z. That sounds much less insane." The CIA literally spent $50 million trying to put a microphone into stealthy dogs. Why WOULDNT this intelligence agency spend the $200 on a plane ticket to take pictures of the families of State Dept. officers? It's such a broad and easy task, you likely could just take pictures from across the street, hit up the next family member, and turn in by the end of the day. TLDR if this isn't a Russian bot or useful idiot, then they simply have no reason to fill your head with, "Umm, actually, it was much more likely to be X than my government's intelligence department"

[@LeoDamascusVG]

@@Elendrian | only caught a few, but I also wasn't the only one in my family it happened to. Everyone in my family had stories like that. My mom even had the same guy do it a few times, and eventually he confronted her asking detailed questions where, unprompted, he mentioned the name of our dog and my siblings, even though she never met the guy before. She reported that incident to the embassy and then never saw the guy again. I can't even figure out what his goal would have been with that

[@JustMe-em7hl]

Putin said he doesn’t see Ukraine as a country. I don’t see how people are still blaming NATO on this one.

[@guillermoelnino]

Ukraine is a cry bully installed by the cathedral.

[@Thrill98]

it's a fairytale for western people about NATO,

[@albertanmotorcyclist6419]

@@Pierre-Rambal_Cochet dumb justification. Russia doesn’t invade Belarus because it doesn’t have to, Belarus is a puppet state completely subservient to Russia. It’s not about a buffer, Russia already shares land borders with many NATO countries. Russia wants Ukraine to stay under its influence and become another puppet state, it’s as simple as that

[@Edax_Royeaux]

China still defends Russia on that NATO point. They say military blocs shouldn't be expanding or something like that.

[@JohnnyDeere]

@@guillermoelnino Putin is a pathetic capitalist installed by the duma.

[@luishernandezblonde]

As a Pole, our people chose EU and NATO. We have been treated like trash by Russia and its Soviet incarnation. Russia occupied our country, stationed troops ready to suppress our desire for independence during 40 years under Soviet colonial control. That’s why we want nothing to do with Russia. We wish Russia would become a good neighbour after the Cold War, but instead it chose revisionist imperialism.

[@georgeamesfort3408]

And they have the gall to moan when their neighbours want to protect themselves "How dare they not be our bitches anymoree"

[@scandited2763]

Back in 2013, people of Ukraine were for EU… but not NATO. They didn’t seen Ukraine in NATO like “to not scary russia”. How dumbass we were back then…

[@MostlyPennyCat]

Not to mention Stalin secretly planning with the Nazis to invade Poland in 1939. Never forget that Russia started world war 2 Russia chose the same side as the Nazis. It was only after they started losing that they begged the West for help and changed sides.

[@MostlyPennyCat]

Oh and then they murdered my Polish family and my Ukrainian family. The only reason there's any family left is gran and grandad got out before the war started.

[@Don_Ratski]

@@MostlyPennyCat dude, I'm sorry. That's just fucked up. I don't know what that's like since I live far away from Russia but I'm sorry your family had to go through

[@Neformalis]

If there was no NATO, Baltic states would be gone before 2010.

[@salamander4668]

Good. Butthurt belt must go.

[@Mish844]

@@salamander4668 cope, dear russian that noone wants you here and you have no power.

[@Coolsomeone234]

Even if no new nations joined NATO, Russia would've attempted to reintegrate these nations back anyway.

[@guillermoelnino]

if they could bribe ukraine as much as america does they'd already have switched sides.

[@warlordofbritannia]

And they would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn’t for that meddling America and their NATO!

[@wumwum42]

@@guillermoelnino Ukraine became indipendent so it can seperate from russia.

[@Sandrodziej]

@@guillermoelnino Ukraine can do what it wants, they're a free state. Russians can eat potato peels from hunger and still be happy that they have a "strong" state. Idiot slave mentality. At least joining the west has better perks than joining Russia, cry more

[@guillermoelnino]

@@wumwum42 ukraine is as independent as a 400 lb. welfare queen.

[@bananomet4052]

My country has been a part of Soviet Union for 41 years, the russians led us, a former strong industrial nation, to an economical ditch so deep, we are still trying to crawl out of it 33 years and many trillion of crowns later. Thanks to NATO and EU it won't take a hundred years but probably just another decade. If I had to choose between EU or being under Russia I would say heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel no to Russia. Greetings from Czechia. On saturday it will be a special day, it is the day we joined NATO in 1999 and I am eternally grateful. Thank you USA and NATO for protecting us.

[@josefptacek113]

And yet nowadays all our factories are sold and our might is far cry from what it was even during totality

[@bananomet4052]

@@josefptacek113 They were sold because in those 40 years nobody invested in technology and the workers "worked" not according to competition but according to a state plan. Inefficient AF, but good enough for the commies. So of course when the market opened we had to face a hard reality, we are 40 years behind the west. Sell it or let it go bankrupt.

[@josefptacek113]

@@bananomet4052 instead of trying to rebuild it and now we have naked asses

[@josefptacek113]

@Aditya Chavarkar don't know that's what you said. I said that we are getting fucked either way

[@Novalisov]

Russia paid all debt of Soviet Union

[@andenmil]

As a citizen of a non-nato European country, I can say that Russia has been a thorn in the side of Europe for quite some time. Nato is a blessing for many European countries. If the baltics didn't join, they would have been either putinfied with two ugly separatist states such as in Ukraine or Georgia or occupied all together. The biggest threat Putin fears is any threat to his power. Such as russians finding out democracy is a great alternative than an oligarchic autocracy. Putin and his ministers are clearly a threat to humanity. They must be tried in the Hague.

[@wd3185]

NATO is definitely not perfect, but I'd much rather live in a world with it than a world without it.

[@nerostile333]

Your european flag picture is dumb. EU is not the dreamland which is portrait by media and co. There is a reason why Great Britain left the EU, because intern EU is corrupt, demands payment "according to balance countries out", agreed to take in illegal refugees, etc. They let Greece illegally in and all european countries had to pump in trillions of money into Greece because it went bankrupt. Its a deep debt hole. Greetings from Germany.

[@Miawzhies]

Democracy is sh¡t. Monarchy is the best

[@coletrain411]

@@nerostile333 most “leave” voters regret their decision to leave though

[@TheProjectVoid]

But it does give russia proper cause

[@f1uf]

It shouldn't be up to outside powers to decide whether NATO should expand or not. If a country wants to join an alliance for protection, they should be allowed to do.

[@wiskerfall4519]

Well that’s exactly what happened nobody was forcing country’s to join nato hell they have to apply for membership to join and the country must vote to join it

[@Blanka1100]

Everybody knows it exept for Russia. Why did Eastern European countries join Nato? Because was is and will be a terrible neighbour. Nato is bs excuse for Putin. He blames Russia's victims for calling the police. Putin wants Ukraine. It is not about Nato at all.

[@wintersal449]

​@@wiskerfall4519well, unless you want to count Poland who forced their way into NATO lmao

[@HunterXStyle123]

​@wintersal449 how did they do that

[@dswynne]

Like anything, when you have enough people remembering the past, you can't totally blame them from be suspicious of one's former oppressors.

[@DrMrPersonGuy]

Ukraine has been fighting Russia for its freedom for three centuries. Russia genocided them physically and culturally, now it's back to doing it all again. Surrounding, starving and bombarding entire cities, claiming Ukraine isn't a real country or culture. Yet the Kievan Rus was older than the Russian Empire. It was never about NATO, it's just russian imperialism like it's always been.

[@quartzking3997]

How were they oppressed. The Soviets kicked out the Nazis on their behalf. Never heard a “thank you” yet

[@quartzking3997]

@@DrMrPersonGuy the Kievan Rus was not Ukrainian. This is a psyop constructed in the last few weeks to make Ukraine seem like a more legitimate state than Russia, when the word “Ukraine” literally etymologises as “borderland”and Ukrainians have been known as “Little Russians” for the vast majority of their history. Hell, even the word “Kievan” uses the Russian spelling instead of the unpronounceable “Kyiv”

[@DrMrPersonGuy]

@@quartzking3997 I'm aware that racist russians view them as "little russians", but the Kievan/Kyivan Rus is indeed older than Russia. In fact a descendant of Kyiv founded Moscow, which later became the Russian Empire. I think you're just part of a psyop to hide those facts.

[@quartzking3997]

@@DrMrPersonGuy I like how you only changed the spelling after I pointed out the discrepancy. Looks like an NPC can be taught new things after all. But like I was saying, the Kievan Rus was not a direct ancestor to the modern Ukrainian state no matter how much western academics have now tried to twist the narrative in the last few weeks. Muscovy, which like you said *is* a descendant of the Kievan Rus, eventually rose from the ashes of the previous empire to defeat the Tatars and reunite East Slavs until Germany forced them apart again in WW1

[@erickrobertson7089]

I knew much of this already but the video was interesting. Thanks for the upload. Now even to the slowest of us it is painfully obvious why Eastern Europe wanted EU and NATO membership years ago... to avoid Ukraines reality now. I've met several international students from Baltic countries and to be honest they are distrustful of the Russians. There is not a paranoia or fear but a real distrust. Decades of one party, one maximum leader and one country rule will do that.

[@dratinibrah]

Honestly baltic people are he people you should talk to in these times. They experienced all the shit, they can give you all the reasons why russia sucks and if you fear moskals might as well come visit here cause they all get jailed, great food also

[@jmr2008jan]

The funny thing is Russia wasn't even the last country to leave the USSR, it was Kazakhstan. Russia just took over the seat in the UN anyway.

[@FamouShinya]

because in the 90s an agreement was concluded, according to which debt and other obligations were transferred completely to the Russian Federation from all other 14 republics.

[@Woodsaras]

Leave? Russia WAS ussr. How can they leave themselves? Fckng lol. Russia occupied and annexed many countries becoming ussr. In the 90s those countries broke away. They fckng hate russians

[@Woodsaras]

@@sumarbrander3354 It absolutely does mean that. Russia was ssrs, moscow was soviet centre of command. Stfu and know your fckng history.

[@Woodsaras]

@@sumarbrander3354 changing your name doesnt fckng mean you 'left' yourself. Lol.

[@Chegmorus]

@@Woodsaras most educated American

[@OR56]

One of Russia’s justifications was that the Russian people needed “Living Space” literally the same thing HITLER said when he invaded the USSR, now, Putin says the largest nation on Earth needs “living space”. And that he is the good guy. Riiiiiiight. Also, the orchestral version of the “Wide Walk” song was a perfect addition to that end screen

[@evilofparadise]

Lmao, Is Putin so deep in his bunker that he doesn’t even know he rules the largest country on earth?

[@lmao.3661]

a LOT of what russia says and does has parallels to the nazis. it actually begins to become incredibly concerning when you start making the connections.

[@soviet_union1936]

ah yes westerners acting like they even know who hitler is comparing a country litterally that lost 20 million to the nazis to hitler

[@goodhealthfamilypharamacy8468]

I think it needs to be stressed that the former Warsaw Pact nations like Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, the Baltics, etc all begged, I mean begged NATO to become members of the security alliance. No one in the US, France, or Great Britain put a gun to these country's heads telling them that they had to join. What needs to be stressed here is that all of these Eastern European nations have experienced Russian/Soviet aggression and brutality during WWII and the Cold War that followed. Millions of women were systematically raped by Soviet soldiers as they pushed back the Nazis and it must said that many Poles also suffered enormous brutality by Stalin's forces. These memories have been burned into the psyche of the population over the decades and from that point of view you can understand why these nations begged to join. I feel so much of this historical fact gets ignored completely when people debate about the prudence of expanding NATO.

[@hashtagrex]

precisely. "NATO" isnt an entity deciding everything. every country in it is in there willingly, precisely because russia has done nothing except butcher their populations

[@sboinkthelegday3892]

"Millions of women (...) begged to join. I feel so much of this historical fact gets ignored " Of course, neat fact. You might want to to systemically suck on a rusty spoon and ponder how THAT systemically makes you feel, and what to beg for. Universal suffrage for one thing, that's a good tool for begging. While begging, a position in a military might be a safe spot to be in, where things you get systemically done to you are something else entirely. For some reason no country figured out the life hack of just DRAFTING the women, and leave the men to be systemically buggered by enemy soldiers while the Defense Force are still aligning their iron sights. With men in charge all they seem to manage is sit around and BEG for help, aka vote.

[@MrAlexkyra]

It's easy to criticise NATO expansion from the safety of London, Paris, New York or Melbourne, but the people in Warsaw, Bucharest, Talinn, Tblisi and Kyiv also want that security.

[@MrAlexkyra]

@@sboinkthelegday3892 nice misquotation

[@damianpos8832]

@@MrAlexkyra Let me ask you one thing.. Do you really control your Goverment?

[@Destroyer249]

Russia: Whaaaaa you are expanding Also Russian to Finland: You see what happens to Ukraine? Poor Ukraine didnt join Nato in time... this could happen to you too... dont you dare join Nato...

[@jerzydomza3310]

Finland and Sweden: WE WANT TO JOIN NATO, NOW!

[@RainintheBrain]

Russia: Join NATO and there will be consequences Russia just proved that being out of NATO is more dangerous than being in NATO. The only reason why Lithuania is safe and Ukraine isn't is because Lithuania is in NATO. NATO's only mistake was not getting Ukraine in sooner

[@renfex08]

@@RainintheBrain why dont russia invade lithuania before they join nato?

[@paulbuda1789]

@@renfex08 Are you dumb Lithuania is already in Nato

[@slaiggmeron2847]

@@renfex08 resources, I assume. I read that Ukraine has massive amounts of natural resources like oil and gas, which could help the western european countries to become more independent from Putin. Probably timing, too - Lithuania joined 2004 after 10 years of preparations/talks, I assume Putin did not see himself in a position to invade and deal with possible economic consequences. He might have become more desperate/paranoid since then, on the other hand he might have become more optimistic after the annexation of Crimea and other geopolitical connections in the last years.

[@ibhistory106]

as a Russian historian who is now drawn into this pile of BS I salute your accuracy. This is really neat and as close to real deal as we could get for now. There's one piece of evidence where German Foreign Affair Minister kinda said that he promises that NATO wouldn't go East - that was said to russian foreign minister outside of official negotiations and it's still unclear what was the limits of power given to German FM

[@rosiehawtrey]

Problem with Putin is he thinks it's 1978 and he's the reincarnation of Stalin. He's in his own little (Rim)world and always has been. Did you ever hear the story of Yeltsin and the anthrax? It's so *him* .

[@Epimundo]

@@rosiehawtrey No, he doesn´t think that... you are oversimplifying, maybe for "comedy" sake... we are all comedians in youtube, uh? The "meme" era.

[@scottgrasser9737]

@@Epimundo no that is basically a good summery of putins mindset its of course more complex and cant be completely done justice in 3 lines of text but the idea putin wants to be stalin has a lot to it

[@kilijanek]

Gorbachev stated that NATO promised not to locate offensive capabilities in East Germany, not that it promised not to expand. So, using this logic, NATO wasn't prohibited from expansion, but was obligated not to put a nuclear arsenal and offensive forces (e.g. military bases) in Eastern Germany (and member countries in the East). So, who to believe? Gorbachev, who was side in those talks? Or Putin, who claims that NATO should not take even Eastern Germany into its structures?

[@rosiehawtrey]

@@AChannelFrom2006 Augustus was sane.

[@obamahimself2885]

Russia is like that one villain with a horrible and tragic backstory but you just can’t root for in any way

[@МаксБурый-р2ю]

Where is it tragic Is 500 years of oppressing everyone tragic to you

[@electricfeverx976]

@@МаксБурый-р2ю the shit storm that was their government post USSR is probably the most tragic part since it led to one of the most antagonistic leaders in Russian history.

[@TheBlueMarbleNationalist]

@@electricfeverx976 Russia was also invaded by Poland and Lithuania, which was kinda uncalled for. Russian geopolitics is like an old saying: "Just because I understand it doesn't mean I condone it"

[@lebbraumman]

@@TheBlueMarbleNationalist ''Russia was also invaded by Poland and Lithuania, which was kinda uncalled for.'' and yet russia remained independent after that war only losing little territory that is nothing compered to how russia swallowed up most of poland a century later it also dosen't change the fact that after this, russia would remain a violent aggressor to poland and the west for centuries.

[@TheBlueMarbleNationalist]

@@lebbraumman I'm not saying it is, I'm just saying that Poland really didn't have a reason to invade Russia AT THE TIME, but if it was now, (somehow) it would be justified. Russia had been invaded by the Mongols before as well, with the goal to pretty much take over as much as possible. Russia was never, and IS never justified invading other countries just because expansion.

[@acertainscientificloli6392]

Russia to NATO: “stop forcing our countries to join NATO” Former soviet bloc countries that genuinely want to join NATO: 👁👄👁

[@shaimaarfa9890]

@@yuumimain2051 sorry this isn't logical, if you are so afraid for your security and wanna protect yourselves from Russia, why do the one thing Russia will not let slide ? It's already known what Russia will do , this ain't anything new. Many countries aren't in Nato and have very strong armies that they devolopped with their hard work, from my point of view I see the eastern European countries wanting others to solve their problems for them, but life isnt that simple, whats different between being slaves to Russia or slaves to the west ? There is always an angry side, if u side with Russia the west will crash u economically (or through a war ahem Yugoslavia) and if you side with the west Russia will crash u literally, just depend on yourselves and be neutral and strong so no one can have the upper hand on you. You are hating Russia but siding with the west who does the same exact thing, ur govs just want the benefits that follow being in Nato it is as simple as that. Being in Nato isn't worth having your people die, if Russia doesn't care abt your people, yall should think of protecting them at all costs.

[@qantj]

@@shaimaarfa9890 This is victim blaming! It's blaming a country for defending itself against an abuser.

[@qantj]

@@shaimaarfa9890 Russia is the weaker side here. Them vs NATO isn't going so well for them. Joining NATO would save lives, you think Russia would dare directly attack NATO? Ukraine has shown that it cares for Russians with their hotline for the parents of Russian troops. Again you say that Ukraine is to blame for Russia invading them. That is nonsense! Russia is to blame for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. You are blaming Ukraine for being invaded which is just like blaming an abuse victim for being abused.

[@shaimaarfa9890]

@@qantj Nato won't attack Russia, they can't even send troops to Ukraine, Biden and every other westerner leader already confirmed that. by the time sanctions take effects Ukraine would be gone. I'm not blaming anyone I'm saying my opinion as how things should be done, I'm not fan of saying "Rip he was a hero, after encouraging someone to fight a stronger opponent and get killed" when there was a way to avoid the tragedy. Yea I'm actually seeing how the idea of Joining Nato saved lives in Georgia and Ukraine, they are so safe they could cry, by the time Nato accepts them Russia might swallow them whole, my men asked to join Nato in 2008 , 14 years later, Nato didn't accept them and they kept facing Russia alone from literally that same year. I don't know about yall, but I'm seeing this whole thing as so not worth it, if Nato really wanted them they should have taken them already, I guess by the time Nato acceptst them there would be nothing left to protect from Russia.

[@burbsl1672]

@@shaimaarfa9890 Ukraine is fine

[@justinmsc5]

Russia has been keeping its ex-Soviet "allies" poor and weak as policy since the end of the USSR. NATO expansion would have been impossible if these countries were as successful and wealthy as Russia. They are not, despite some (like Ukraine) having all the resources and infrastructure to be. It's like imagining Canada leaving NATO to join a China led Pacific alliance. How badly would USA need to treat them for that to happen.

[@loyalybrantsinc2599]

Yes, yes, it is Russia's fault that since the 1990s, the government of Ukraine, changing each other, has worked only to replenish its own pocket. It is. Really. Aha. Now take the pill, Mr. Justin.

[@justinmsc5]

@@loyalybrantsinc2599 Yeah I guess ex-Soviet allies only finding success after leaving Russia's sphere of influence is a coincidence. Many Ukrainian and other ex-Soviet countries' governments were corrupt. That doesn't mean Russia didn't play a part in it, they propped up many corrupt foreign governments through, you guessed it, corruption. And even if you can't admit a connection between Russia and it's neighbours (the idea that they're not involved in influencing their neighbours' governments is laughable and shows your ignorance, btw), Russia takes real economic steps to hold back its allies. Shutting down pipelines, cutting off gas and other exports... Just do a TINY bit of research and you'd see it. With your "logic", I bet you'd flick cigarettes onto your neighbours house and then blame them when the neighbourhood burns down, since they didn't put it out in time.

[@Lem0nsquid]

"successful and wealthy as russia" lol. good one

[@justinmsc5]

@@Lem0nsquid Wealth is relative. Per capita GDP of Russia is 10k excluding the oligarchy's offshore assets and wealth, which is half the Russian economy. Belarus was 6k. Ukraine was 3k before the invasion, despite having huge gas resources and previously being the breadbasket and steel heartland of two continents.

[@rybarm4460]

Former USSR allies are being robbed by the West as colonies.

[@9Pivo]

I am from Slovakia my country has been in NATO for 16 years, we have never had a good armed army, almost all arms tenders have been stolen or overpriced and useless equipment has been bought. Our membership has always been almost formal. Now at the aggression of Russia the entire eastern bloc is threatened, anyone who can arm will be armed

[@happydee6950]

When you were Czechoslovakia you made the best Weapons on the Warsaw Pact patterns available. I have faith you can do the same with NATO standard equipment too.

[@naaaron7378]

I am American 🇺🇸 and we are all under the same umbrella and will help each other. Your country is doing a great job.

[@ComradeHellas]

@@happydee6950 nah, Czechoslovakia was like the 15th largest economy in the world, a lot have changed in the past 30 years. Eastern Europe although it had rapid growth it is not what it once was, today Asia has the first word.

[@K17ASU]

@@naaaron7378 bruh, you litteraly on the other continent, in another part of the world, what the “same umbrella” u blubbering about, lol

[@InkyBlitz]

@@K17ASU If you can talk like an adult and not a ghetto trash kid, it's cause these are all Western countries of similar origins.

[@The-rc9cm]

Short Answer: No Long Answer: Definitely Not.

[@ayyyyph2797]

Short answer: this vid Long answer: Sarcasmitron's vid

[@Fireheart1945]

"Well, gif, the short answer is no. The long answer is, NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" - Strong Bad, from Homestar Runner, email 204, "Independent."