Petraeus on Russia: 'The level of training of their soldiers is clearly inadequate' | DW News

In an interview with DW's Washington bureau chief Ines Pohl, US Army general (ret.) David Petraeus said that Putin did not have a competent campaign plan when Russia invaded Ukraine. "They attacked in five or six different locations. Their logistics proved absolutely abysmal. The level of training of their soldiers and their junior leaders is clearly inadequate. Their communication systems have broken down," Petraeus said.
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#Ukraine #Russia #Putin

[@eskay2012]

The most dangerous presumption is when you underestimate your opponent!

[@gotwalk]

.....when you underestimate the desperate and crazy current state of your opponent.

[@cliffc2546]

That has been Putin's biggest failing, but is to be expected of dictators, some have claimed. The main reason NATO is undeterred by Russia's nuclear saber rattling is that the people around him know that one day or other, Putin will be gone and most of them will still be around. They are not likely to want to live in a radioactive rubble pile. Putin doesn't either. My understanding is that a tactical nuclear weapon would not kill as many people or do quite the damage many expect, and would be mostly a terror and negotiation weapon. In all likelihood, the signals that a shell or rocket was about to be launched would be pretty clear, such as the withdrawal of Russian troops from an area. Hopefully, the NATO response to such an event, or worse, have been made clear to the Russians, and Russia would not actually stand a chance. Further, Putin cannot just punch a button and launch. Russia has the equivalent security protocols of all the NATO nuclear powers, so it could not be done in pique or in haste. Putin has more to lose launching than NATO, IMO. The world cannot let Russia's nuclear threats allow Russia to do whatever it wants. That world would be almost as bad as post-apocalypse.

[@billbobby2646]

Could you really trust David Petraeus. Don't bet your money on him.

[@frankgesuele6298]

Better to overestimate than underestimate.

[@jurdgrath2069]

The most consistent mistake in this war has been to underestimate Ukraine, Zelensky, and NATO, and to vastly over estimate Russia and Putin. "The most dangerous presumption is when you underestimate your opponent!" is what Russia should have learned, not us.

[@trevorsmith470]

When it comes to thermonuclear weapons, "unlikely" still isn't comforting.

[@joesterling4299]

Why? It has been "unlikely" for over 60 years. It was less "unlikely" in 1962 than now.

[@therealzilch]

@@joesterling4299 I'm not sure it's possible to quantify the risk, given that so much depends on contingencies.

[@rockforester7908]

It is from this man. 🇺🇸

[@Go-ah-oold]

Even if, the function of the Russian nuclear weapons are questionable at best. I am quite convinced that very few of them work (probably no one, actually). Maintenance of Nuclear weapons are incredibly expensive, and, because no one wants to use them, and it costs massive amount of money to maintain them, that makes them exellent ways to earn money through corruption, and, Russia has already proved that it is full of corruption. Probably maintained nuclear weapons already just funtion with 0,5 likleyhood, and, with this little care as Russia puts into it, that number we should consider close to zero.

[@ianoreilly9468]

When you come to understand..nuclear weapons do not exist..and nobody has them..but the fear of them..is a licence to steal..i sleep well at night..not worrying about their nuclear weapons garbage..

[@johnhowell6139]

Fantastic interview. It's so good to see bright people who know what they are talking about being given the time to address a subject in detail.

[@johnstout5767]

Former US General David Petraeus, one of the most senior US military commanders of the post-9/11 era, has been sentenced to two years of probation for leaking classified material to his mistress.

[@AngelicRealm-..-]

level of training. ? you are comparing the level US soldiers fought against defenseless Afghan and iraq underdeveloped militias and armies.. against Russian soldiers fight against a Nato Backed Ukranina army with Tons of modern weapons , Nato intelligence, Advanced Turkish and Nato Drones .. Its Totally different. Moreover Russians consider Ukranians as part of them. unlike americans who did not consider iraq or afghans to be their family or even neirbour nation. for this reason, russian are lagging in conducting real offensive. and are still expecting Ukraine to surrender and have peace. Moreover there are a lot of russian speakers in ukraine. and so russians dont want to use any weapns of mass destruction like cluster bombs and miniature nukes which were used in afgan and syria it is totally different.

[@AngelicRealm-..-]

Russia could have easily won this fight if they had continuously bombed them for 1 or 2 month with a much more massively destructive bombs and cut them totally from external communitcations before sending in tanks

[@johnstout5767]

@Jayne Yep, girlfriend was his business, just like President Clinton. The guilty of leaking classified material is my objection.

[@juliusmanabeng8071]

@@AngelicRealm-..- all that distinguished military career and he is now reduced to a pathetic liar, no wonder he couldn't handle paula broadwell. He is just happy that the MIC in the US is now back in business

[@stanburman9978]

Ms. Pohl, thank you for this fascinating interview with General Petraeus.

[@josephshields2922]

Same lies over and over and you call it fascinating.

[@GlennEmery07]

@@josephshields2922 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sess5206]

@@josephshields2922 What's your evidence?

[@jordie4423]

I think the US general underestimates the impact of results on the battle field in Donbass might strengthen to the case for escalation. Even the limited scope of Russia to take the Donbass, is much harder to achieve the goals set by the Kremlin. With territory loss in the east there are 2 ways out, the outing of Putin or further escalation with the possibility of the use of strategic nuclear weapons. It’s naive to think the next step will be in the best interest of Russia. The next step (the next escalation)is to maintain power. That’s dangerous

[@davidmurphy563]

"It's a very high risk if it does happen." Can't argue with that, statistically speaking things that happen do indeed have a 100% chance of having happened which is quite high.

[@phillipbradshaw4006]

That’s just science and you can’t argue with science. Math is HARD…

[@phillipbradshaw4006]

@Dadalux I have a calculator and friends to help me use it.

[@vigunfighter]

Are you deliberatly being dense? There is the probability of something happening and then the consequence IF it does happen. Patreus said he thinks the probability is low, but IF it does happen, the consequence would be high. Risk Analysis 101...

[@helenlydon678]

That made me laugh-out-loud; it's the type of thing Ian Fletcher in Twenty Twelve would say.

[@grigorijefimovic1087]

Can't argue that

[@larrydickman5936]

The level of training of their soldiers is clearly.....Special !!!!

[@ricardolorrio8228]

SPECIAL NEEDS!

[@justmee8793]

hmm, thank god the USA did very well in Vietnam yes vs Vietkongs who did not have even Armor or 200 Trillion USD in Iraq?

[@adrianbonne7719]

@@justmee8793 cringe xd

[@--Skip--]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@--Skip--]

@@ricardolorrio8228 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mikeall7012]

He should be the next US president. I was fortunate enough to serve in Afghanistan while he was the top general. His leadership saved a lot of lives, both military and civilian.

[@The_Savage_Wombat]

We seem to have great difficulty electing intelligent people, unfortunately.

[@senseofthecommonman]

@@The_Savage_Wombat same in the UK

[@capricorn839]

@@The_Savage_Wombat I thought Trumpetto is already highly intelligent enough to lead ? Hmmm.....

[@kalimeli9457]

Most Squids and Jarheads would disagree.

[@jonwinfield9193]

@@The_Savage_Wombat Getting into office is more about ideology anymore. Look at these comments as an example. Half of them are blaming Biden, they other half believes it would be worse under trump. The reality is this likely would have occurred regardless of who sits in office. This conflict has been burning for a decade.

[@susanhernandez7290]

He isn't worried about his soldiers. He had them digging their own graves in radiation forest.

[@--Skip--]

Yep. 👍👍👍

[@MaxWinner]

Woah...wait, what....what is that?

[@6222999]

Putin's high approval rating works something like this: Pollster: "I'm sure you approve of the leadership of our supreme leader?" Citizen: "Of course I do, now put that gun away"

[@nobodyknows3180]

Pretty much. Even if someone claims that it was truly a legitimate 'independent poll' bear in mind what the average reasonably intelligent person is going to say under any circumstances in order to avoid being arrested.

[@Fiedman]

Also keep in mind that the people they are polling are probably gonna be mostly pro Putin supporters already

[@mweskamppp]

They usually take name and address before asking in russia. They did ask some more clever questions and some said from that question you could see, that about 25% back Putin and this war totally, the majority not. But also that is not a very reliable thing. Many russians do have an imperialistic mindset.

[@buddy1155]

I always like Russians in street interviews claim that they are a-political.... never met an a-political person in my country.

[@Ulysses.S.Grant.For.The.Union.]

@@buddy1155 I’ve seen some of those interviews too. People are scared to speak freely. Sad that this is Russia.

[@abhilash3433]

Russia underestimated Ukraine.

[@YTSparty]

Ukraine overestimated Russia.

[@SlavicCoffee]

Indeed.

[@sjariciamercera86]

👍

[@babblo1389]

Russia is like a 🐻: slow at start, but if you annoy a lot,be prepared to be destroyed. Russia asked kindly for NATO to keep its promise not to expand. Instead more weapons were piled.

[@andymoore9977]

@@babblo1389 Slow to start? Who will you destroy? The west is annoyed with Russia and so is China!

[@therealzilch]

As an expat American living two countries away from Ukraine (in Austria), it's good to hear that there are very well informed and thoughtful voices in my still beloved native land. Good reporting, thanks and let's hope cooler and more realistic heads prevail in Russia. Cheers from rainy Vienna, Scott

[@therealzilch]

@Jesus is coming. Read the Gospel. No thanks. Have a good one.

[@jonwinfield9193]

They never left. The U.S. media only shows the crazy ones because that's what sells ads.

[@Dr_OzoneTV]

There are tonnes of well informed voices in the US, do you not follow any specific publications?

[@kikoexteberria8668]

I love how white western people are ex Pat's and not immigrants hahaha

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

The legacy of Trump is the reduced respect for American statesmen, perhaps the rot is or was at a much lower level?

[@samboulton7722]

Great interview. Very insightful and top quality guest.

[@bobbyb7979]

I like him alot, he's very knowledgeable.

[@jonson562]

I do recommend getting yourself a daily feed of DW NEWS in English - half hour daily free to air, also French 24 and Big ALJazeera and then BBC. I get all three in a row free in Australia, daily.

[@terjeoseberg990]

“Putin want to make Russia great again, but what he did was make NATO great again.” ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!

[@badmonkey2222]

@@invision169 Trump did nothing but almost destroy America he's a cheerleader for Putin who's doing his best to destroy Russia who is finished on the world stage they will be isolated like North Korea for the next 50 years so good luck with all of that.

[@KiwisDownUnder]

@@invision169 I think Terje was a tongue and cheek comment, although he has a point. But who knows what Putins true intent is/was. Whatever it was, its looking increasingly unlikely and Terje is right ... NATO has never been so aligned against Russian aggression, and it look likely the NATO border will be vastly extended as a result of this Russian war against the Ukraine.

[@babblo1389]

And west systematically trying to hurt Russia since 1991 and even before that No wonder they respond and fight the bullies (West) Would you just surrender if you were them?

[@neilpeartspurplenose8739]

He's actually doing a damn good job of crippling the dollar as the world reserve currency.

[@k.r.lionheart6460]

So tell me what was great if anything that was great about Russia apart from lada cars and vodka

[@mjhzen8313]

The internal polls that show high levels of Russian support for the "special military operation" (SMO) are highly suspect. If you are a Russian, and know that by answering that you don't support the SMO you could wind up in prison for 15 years, would you say you don't support the SMO?

[@cliffc2546]

That's what is said, be even so, my sense is that a plurality of the Russian people support special operation Z. Especially the older generation, while the younger, more educated have access to outside information and know what's going on. Russia is undergoing another brain drain at the moment.

[@roceye]

Russia is an Empire of Lies. I don't believe anything their government says.

[@millmoormichael6630]

I think most don’t support the war but strangely most support Putin and the troops.

[@ComradeChyrk]

@@millmoormichael6630 because any candidate that is a real threat to putin in an election goes missing or is jailed. On top of that, i wouldnt imagine it would be hard for putin to artificially inflate his own votes

[@MultiThunder1234]

Yes, then I would run away and hide in the Urals 😂.

[@Nainara32]

I wish Ines would conduct the interview from a quiet office. All the ambient noise outside isn't helpful.

[@abelmodimo8740]

Assuredly profound and informative an interview with General Petraeus

[@6222999]

Shoigu: "I can't help thinking Putin is paranoid?" Lavrov: "what makes you think that?" Shoigu: "he keeps blaming German U-boats for sinking the Moskva"

[@elspoocho4637]

that never happened so stop trying to make a joke

[@senseofthecommonman]

@@elspoocho4637 the joke is your navy is being destroyed by a country with no navy

[@elspoocho4637]

@@senseofthecommonman I understand the joke and I knew someone was gonna explain it to me. Problem is, it is a joke a 7 year old would make.

[@_Churchy]

Turns out that Putin has in fact become the Emperor in his new clothes. He really believed in his new clothes, he believed that they were superior to all the other clothes. So he strode out and took centre stage in front of the whole world in said new clothes, ready to raise his hands aloft, confident in his superior attire, not realising that his tailor had lied to him and in fact he was standing there butt naked for the world to see that his "equipment" was smaller than he'd advertised and it didn't work very well. I'm sure there's a lesson in humility and the pitfalls of pride somewhere in there. 🇬🇧🇺🇦💙💛

[@williambeglen4771]

😂 I knew, the 300 ton missile test was compensation for having a small penis. 😂

[@floydnotpink]

Good analogy

[@phillee2814]

So now all he can do is wave his nuclear willy around making empty threats while all around him point and laugh. 🇺🇦Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦🇬🇧

[@robertamann2093]

That trite and over used pr

[@ronhofer1444]

You hit the nail dead on with that one.

[@jacksonfl]

This guy always has been clear headed. Excellent interview.

[@justmee8793]

Excellent interview. Are you kidding me imagen having been on MKU or if you could buy a new brain since you are brain-damaged. Let's See U Mean the CIA who smuggled cocaine into the USA to sponsor contras? or how about failing to kill Fidel Castro for 2-3 decades? Okey Very credible interview.

[@--Skip--]

Except when he had the affair which killed his career and jeopardized his retirement. Otherwise, yes, on battlefield military maters & materials.

[@BenjaminGunnell]

@@--Skip-- So? Isn't love love? The spend years saying that on TV, so who cares at this point? Look at Clinton or Trump. Those who tried to shame them were even more perverted.

[@rockforester7908]

That’s putting it mildly. 🇺🇸

[@metalox88]

He had no choice...his wife was the Quaker Oats pilgrim....no choice

[@OldSkoolWax]

Be careful. Russia is never as strong as you think it is, however Russia is never as weak as you think it it.

[@jordie4423]

Totally agree!! I think he underestimates the impact of results on the battle field in Donbass might strengthen to the case for escalation. Even the limited scope of Russia to take the Donbass, is much harder to achieve the goals set by the Kremlin. With territory loss in the east there are 2 ways out, the outing of Putin or further escalation with the possibility of the use of strategic nuclear weapons. It’s naive to think the next step will be in the best interest of Russia. The next step (the next escalation)is to maintain power. That’s dangerous

[@6222999]

Russian soldiers are interns, they learn their trade on the battlefield. Unfortunately, most of them don't get their graduation certificates

[@Mark-Haddow]

I think the Western system where the troops know what to do before reaching the battlefield has the edge. Likewise having non commissioned troops with the skillset to lead and make decisions.

[@babblo1389]

And west systematically trying to hurt Russia since 1991 and even before that No wonder they respond and fight the bullies (West) Would you just surrender if you were them?

[@glennekblad3958]

Conscripts NEVER, NEVER, NEVER FIGHT WELL. Conscripts do not care what happens to all of their vehicles, equipment and commanders. Conscripts will kill officers, and "Frag The Officers" or run over them with APC's and Tanks. Conscripts will not fight in a war without meaning. Sound Familiar??? I was a soldier in VIETNAM in 1969-1970. In Vietnam, in 1969 I continued to learn the "Economics" "cost" of a war which should never occurred. PUTIN will loose. History proves this. Learn from history and the "CUBAN" CRISIS. I was a child living on a military base with USA Nuclear Weapons. Watch "13 days" and read the real history. Quit building bunkers because of a PSYCHOTIC HOSTILE BULLY. Col (Ret) Glenn Ekblad. Vietnam enlisted field combat medic, 1969-1970. Long Live the Patriots of the UKRAINE. You are the world heros leading to a better world in the future. OUT,

[@joeg7435]

They graduate into fertiliser.

[@gggg3693]

One legged certification

[@davidcox8961]

The Germans learned well the lesson that all it takes for evil to prevail is for all the good people to do nothing.

[@williamlai29]

The Germans learned well the lesson that all it takes for evil to flourish is for all the good people to do the wrong thing. Luckily, the other half of the world population cast the abstain vote.

[@miketaylor5212]

good people tried and good people died the germans didnt realize until it was too late for the most part.

[@nevmcc3884]

Playing out again right now in Russia. Most have been brainwashed the rest will be using that as their excuse to do nothing.

[@davidcox8961]

@@miketaylor5212 My comment does not take that into account. Thanks you for mentioning it.

[@senseofthecommonman]

@@davidcox8961 for evil to prevail all it needs is the good people to buy oil and gas, it appears the Germans haven’t learned after all.

[@davidgebo3250]

Napoleon said never tell your enemy what they are doing wrong.

[@EuroUser1]

He left at least on question unanswered, around 10:00, about whether it was risky to have German tanks pointing to Russia. He said it was unprecedented, but not whether it was risky.

[@EuroUser1]

@Jayne It means that I didn't watch the rest of the interview, nor re-winded the previous questions to check. If he's not going to answer the questions, the interview is not worth my time.

[@deusdigitusmedius5545]

@@EuroUser1 But you are willing to waste your time with inane nitpicking. You must be very efficient.

[@EuroUser1]

@@deusdigitusmedius5545 I am, efficient, with some things. But I still find time for some altruistic actions. Denouncing a dishonest answer - one that does not address the question - seems, to me, the right thing to do.

[@ronaldmarcks1842]

Nuclear bullying is Putin's last gasp. He had better climb down soon. I've had enough of Russian state bullying to last a lifetime.

[@awpetersen5909]

How to get rid of him ?

[@alevtinagrin7516]

Why don't you like nuclear weapons? This is the only way to scare Western countries so that they sit behind the fence and yelp from there.

[@rob5197]

Time you look west towards USA the bullliest of them all -

[@Matthew-rp3jf]

@@rob5197 maybe the US should start threatening nuclear weapons toward russia? We have plenty too. That is what putin has started doing.

[@hakimshah8397]

And USA doesn't bully other countries? nor does UK? or France? Or I can go on but I think you got the point

[@nobodynoname6062]

Petreaus is wrong: Russia needs to train even less! The less they train, the safer the world is.

[@terjeoseberg990]

LOL

[@dosa2990]

They would probably reply on more firepower and artillery, so more death and destruction before they go out there

[@The_Savage_Wombat]

Let's hope every military phones it in and every military becomes completely incompetent...every country would be safer.

[@colleenromeo6850]

@@The_Savage_Wombat yessss🌏🌍✌✌✌✌✌✌👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@antyspi4466]

In this case, the US would focus on defeating China, Iran...Haiti. The American empire requires permanent outside threats and conflict to keep its peripheral regions in Europe and Asia from breaking away and becomming independent powers. The current developments demonstrate this perfectly.

[@vincentdesapio]

There was hesitancy by Germany and others to send in military support initially because Russia was seen as a formidable force. Now, that they are seen as a paper tiger it becomes easier for other countries to flood the zone with military equipment.

[@ovalwingnut]

Well said.. I didn't quite grasp (mark time) what was going on between them. That sounds spot on. Cheers Sir V

[@j.miguelfarinhaalves4926]

If they are a paper tiger why is NATO and Germany planning to spend billions to rearm? One of the two, doesn't make sense.

[@Honestly__now]

But jt gets expensive

[@bobsullivan5714]

@@Honestly__now A permanent slap down of the Russian war machine is a Peace Dividend for the entire world. That is not a expense....It's a investment!

[@offspring9087]

Do think Russia slaughter ethnic Russians in Ukraine just because the West expects that from a capable army? - where are the main fighting going on ? Exactly Donbas - Wait until this war widens into NATO country’s and it will, cause we call for it - you will see a different fighting - Better listen to Col. MacGregor than this fool

[@anasilva5170]

The most impressive discussion I have heard about Russia’s attempt to hurt Ukraine. Thank you for this discussion, General Petraeus.

[@justmee8793]

Excellent interview. Are you kidding me imagen having been on MKU or if you could buy a new brain since you are brain-damaged. Let's See U Mean the CIA who smuggled cocaine into the USA to sponsor contras? or how about failing to kill Fidel Castro for 2-3 decades? Okey

[@michaelforansich8090]

Do some more research. Otherwise you will end up like those Russian Zombie Putin supporters.

[@killakame-3434]

LiKE he WiLL read your Thank You... stop trying for likes... you have a life

[@emrekoseoglu1888]

Yeah. From the conqueror of Afghanistan :)

[@sarahrosen4985]

Listen to Vlad Wexler and then see how you feel.

[@CHixon]

The high probability of nuking themselves as they try to launch.

[@BenjaminGunnell]

No, but I think we would hit them pretty hard. They sent satellites and humans into space before the USA did, so they might have low morale in their Army, logistical problems, etc., but they are full of rocket scientists, have thousands of ICBMs, and more nuclear weapons. They can mess us up.

[@paulgibbon5991]

Or afterwards. Fallout travels.

[@reaction6784]

The person who is really rich never show and to tell to others that they are rich. The person who are really strong never show or tell to others that they are strong ... They dont have to tell ...

[@steffengrossmann169]

Spot on … just like “if you have to ask for the price; you probably can’t afford it 🤷‍♂️”

[@NinjaBehindTheScene]

@@steffengrossmann169 so you don't know how much the things you buy cost? Damn.

[@jerryadams6799]

@@NinjaBehindTheSceneSure. you know... its like the bars in certain parts of Germany or Holland. the girl tells you to buy a drink for them and you then you get the bill and it's 500 dollars. "Surprise sucka!" its sort of like that.

[@ecurb10]

Excellent interview!

[@user-pq3v2yw3v]

Great interview with such an esteemed credential! Thank you.

[@abr5819]

Your wife should have meeting with him she would find him even more esteemed than you I bet

[@elmerninis]

Not a great interview.

[@tomdemasi9510]

Tom Demasi Australia great interview can someone please tell Russia that the West has nukes slava Ukraine

[@abr5819]

Tom Demasi they got no real balls though no point having them and talking about them is there and they aren’t being robbed yet so unlike Russia , they won’t use them . Russia will use first since they being threatened .

[@randyearles9286]

General Petraeus is smart, well spoken and its a pleasure that he is still around.

[@gregknipe8772]

people who have done far less regarding national security breaches are and have been long in prison. he is very fortunate. as is his former mistress.

[@babblo1389]

And west systematically trying to hurt Russia since 1991 and even before that No wonder they respond and fight the bullies (West) Would you just surrender if you were them?🤔

[@ricky1231]

@@gregknipe8772 Really ?? If it makes you feel good about yourself so be it By the way him & his girlfriend both had security clearance!!

[@njosborne6152]

Your lack of imagination is quite disturbing. The Next generation of weapons will be Sonic! And I’m not talking burgers, here! Over the past few years these weapons have primarily been tested on US ambassador in Cuba and around the world. TBI! The results are Catastrophic! You lose who ever you previously were, to chaos! traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data suggest that some groups are at greater risk for getting a TBI or having worse health outcomes after the injury. Back in the day, my dad finally got his doctorate, so he could treat Vietnam Veterans for TBI. And was instrumental in today’s “brain mapping.” I’d love to see the current research but it’s all being litigated, FYIz Only, etc. So I highly doubt if anyone of consequence will ever see it.

[@andrewwolf4430]

Smart yes. Political as all get out. One doesn’t get to general without playing the game. But often times wrong the generals and spy guys got Afghanistan so very wrong. Looks like our spooks failed again

[@Mrbfgray]

For decades now we've over estimated the effectiveness of our adversaries--think Military Industrial Complex has something to do with it?

[@upnorth2421]

We have been told that they put hundreds of millions to their military. But we did not realise that 90% of that money is stolen on the way.

[@donaldclifford5763]

I know the Russians talk themselves up pretty good. And the CIA does not have a good track record.

[@shrayesraman5192]

These companies need to hype up our enemies and downplay our capabilities to justify such an extreme budget.

[@donaldclifford5763]

@@shrayesraman5192 What extreme budget?

[@marcob.7801]

You betcha bubba Bo!

[@billstewartxxx]

always good to see the General !!

[@curtisboatman8807]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Symmetry77]

From a mighty army to an inept army in less than 3 months. Well done Putler

[@markhirstwood4190]

Or they're playing weak to trick the West. Ground wars are tough for anybody these days.

[@mmsmith1525]

What would you say about 20years fighting against cavemen compared to 3months fighting against real soldiers

[@Symmetry77]

@@markhirstwood4190 i dont find that plausible at all. Thousands of dead soldiers including high ranking generals. Countless blown up tanks. Sunken flagship battleship. Unable to control the skies. Does not seem like a premeditated or intentional approach but from mad Vlad you never know

[@EtherealAriel]

Yeah, we were much more threatened before they proved their incompetence in many ways.

[@BleedingSnow]

Don't know if this speaks of your lack of knowledge of the Russian army, or of the Ukrainian army :/

[@Whatisthisstupidfinghandle]

NATO should immediately start joint exercises in Finland and Sweden, and keep them going until they are approved to join Nato

[@HunterDeRiot]

They already are doing joint exercises, all we're waiting for is for Finland and eventually Sweden to apply.

[@terjeoseberg990]

A “special operation”.

[@petermclelland278]

How about finding a backbone & exercising on the Polish Ukraine border ?

[@terjeoseberg990]

@@HunterDeRiot, Sweden and Finland should invade Russia and take that large portion next Finland before they join NATO. They can liberate it into its own independent country that can also join NATO.

[@UniDeathRaven]

@@petermclelland278 Nato is chicken nugget, it won't attack unless country is barely breathing.

[@legaleagle7896]

excellent interview thank you

[@Drganguli]

In statistics, they say there is a low but non-zero probability of an event.

[@okiebuzzj]

Never underestimate an enemy when they are desperate.

[@salvyv]

I don’t think we should underestimate the evil Putin regime, but I also don’t think we should let them carry out their atrocities without repercussions. If we do, that won’t be a world worth living in.

[@TommyTCGT]

Why desperate.. just 'cos Petra said so?

[@nian60]

So you think we should pre-emptively nuke the orcs then? Or what's your point?

[@franciscosaldana2879]

I agree that are a lot of Russian trolls in these comments. A 4 year child could tell who is on the wrong side by looking at the videos and pictures of devastion in Ukraine, his judgment would pure not influenced by any idealogy.

[@Laggie74]

Now you(we) know how much disinformation there are on the internet. Always think for oneself, and not blindly follow the trolls just because they are loud and frequent.

[@SEANMCAD]

'soldiers is clearly inadequate' 'pictures of devastion in Ukraine' kinda two contradictory statements dont you think?

[@timothychung4811]

Explain! You do know it started at least 2014 right? You yapped off, so go ahead...

[@Lowezar]

@@SEANMCAD Nope. That's the thing, if they were half as good as they were posing, they'd destroy entirety of our army without much damage to civilian infrastructure. What we see is they're only good against civilians with hunting rifles... And even then the latter sometimes win.

[@FirstLast-cb7sv]

So, you dont know what America and NATO did? Where are you then?

[@garyk.nedrow8302]

Petraeus is spot on in his analysis. But he has been a very busy fellow lately, making videos that analyze political events. Could it be he is thinking of running for high office in 2024? Imagine -- a competent politician in Washington -- what a concept.

[@seabirdsolar]

To be a real politician, he would have to have some kind of sex scandal, adultery with a journalist, something like that.

[@yanbibiya]

You're a fool. Fool you once....

[@matrixdecoded4226]

Well May 9th is now in the rear view mirror so perhaps you can explain what Putin and Russia did on May 9th that the ever so wise Patraeus declared was necessary? Maybe Putin didn't get Patreaus' message?

[@trommelbiel]

With all respect General Patreas, the truth is noone can tell how this war is going to end or if nukes will be used. I hope your own bunker is ready.

[@TommyTCGT]

This tells more, drom.. Moon of Alabama, not Petrie's mumblings. The Russian military forces are grinding down Ukrainian ground forces by extensive use of heavy artillery. The Ukrainian artillery has been destroyed or lacks ammunition.The Ukrainian forces have orders to stay in their position and to hold the line. That only makes sure that Russian artillery strikes will destroy them. The order was given because the 'west' has pushed the Ukrainian president to not make peace with Russia. The consequence will be the assured destruction of the Ukrainian military.

[@HitnGiggleGolf]

I'm proud of the democratic world for uniting in defense of Ukraine and standing together against such despicable evil

[@barrettzbrowning]

President Biden led on this 100%.

[@HitnGiggleGolf]

@@barrettzbrowning agreed.. he did a great job with that

[@claudeme7100]

What choice did the people of Ukraine or the people of the rest of the world (for which we will all pay the price) whether to take part in this war. The people of Ukraine were promised by Zelensky that he would work for peace with Russia and not join NATO. Instead he did what the American Empire told him to do and deliberately provoked this war. Tell me where is the democracy there? If you lived in North Korea, where the Dear Leader tells his people they live in a democracy, you would believe him.

[@honeyhunters6055]

@@claudeme7100 why is Russia Autocracy ? How can Putin remain in power as long as he likes ? Why Putin can kill all his polotical opponent ? Why Russian cannot move towards Democratic system like most of the European Counties ??

[@Ihchkciyiyhgifuofyr555]

@@claudeme7100 brainwashed

[@esieffer]

A good point. A quarter of the world could starve as a result of the war. Maybe this could be our pretext to throw the Russians out of Ukraine in support of the prevention of global starvation and chaos. The Russians could either leave Ukraine or fight. Otherwise there will be a global famine and the West would have to pick up the pieces.

[@micky5862]

As a result of lockdowns, it was estimated there will be loads of starvation, the Ukrainian war just doubled the number of people who will starve. Moderate estimate is around 1.7 billion ppl. As there will be no harvest in Ukraine and no fertiliser from Russia, it will effect the USA too even without nukes. Also expensive fuel prices will also effect farming and transportation of food & goods. Brandon has done it again. Let’s go…

[@Bobby-fj8mk]

@@micky5862 - no fertiliser from Russia? - I think most farmland has been almost poisoned with the over use of fertilisers. Not putting any fertiliser for a few years would do the land some good.

[@skylerskyler2144]

Get a head start hoarding non perishables

[@swaghauler8334]

@@Bobby-fj8mk No. Most modern crops including wheat and corn pull MASSIVE amounts of nutrients out of the soil. They do need fertilizers to grow. This is also why we (the USA) rotate our crops on an annual basis... first growing wheat or corn, then soybeans (to put back some nutrients for corn), and finally alfalfa to give the topsoil a rest. Crop rotation is only PART of the solution. Fertilizers are still needed. Here on the small farms in the NE US, we use manure from cows, chickens, and goats to get that fertilizer, but COMMERCIAL farms require massive amounts of fertilizer (which comes from oil, by the way).

[@richardarriaga6271]

@@Bobby-fj8mk Not on marginal land. Africa need fertilizer to grow food. Not every place is the American midwest or Ukraine.

[@rockforester7908]

Thank for this wonderful interview with this fine & capable man who we are so proud of. 🇺🇸. Hiswise words here have comforted me & probably the world.

[@jamesjames1956]

Forester WHY DO YOU COWBOYS,,, ALWAYS,,, NEED TO SPEAK FOR THE WORLD,,,,, USA US 4.3 % OF THE WORLD POPULATION,,,, THAT IS IT,,,,,,

[@nzer57]

Wise words 🤣🤣😂😂😂😂

[@lordofchaosinc.261]

When I saw them drive their vehicles in a long convoy along the road I thought I surely don't know anything about military tactics but it seems kinda exposed to me.

[@DH-sm7sw]

Pity Ukraine didn’t have A10s - would have been a turkey shoot

[@HowlingWo1f]

General Petraeus is amazing, what happened to him was truly unjust, I’m glad to see them have him on.

[@danielarcadia7243]

Patraeus is part of Team that has lost every war last 50 years ... btw .. No need for nukes ( yet ) … as of last night all WEST Ukraine rail , bridges Poof Gone …and all truck conveys are targets . Everyone knows when , where two new NATO fronts are … even knows about new troops and equipment in Romania Battalion strength .. Ukraine Troops outside Moldova …btw Moldova has LARGEST stock pile of USSR ammo and weapons ..Shame Moldova nice people bye bye

[@raylopez99]

@@danielarcadia7243 (edited)....your boss Putin did not like your initial answer? Edit some more Ivan...

[@HunterDeRiot]

@@danielarcadia7243 Oh, nato has different ways giving Ukraine equipment and supplies you just don't know it

[@badmonkey2222]

@@danielarcadia7243 keep dreaming clown Russia hasn't even taken one city in Ukraine in 2 months. And you think they could actually take on the US much less 30 other countries in NATO you're a total clown Russia would be crushed but hey keep working for that 13 rubles and cold bowl of turnip soup we know you're getting paid on the troll farm. Putler is terrified of NATO that's why he keeps making the threats. He makes that mistake it'll be his suicide.

[@danielarcadia7243]

@@HunterDeRiot sure sure sure ...anti gravity ... i see you look at numbers , BUT!!! never tried to move heavy equipment in NUMBERS that have value

[@Digmen1]

I'd like to see Germany stepping up a lot more to support Nato and the sanctions.

[@Mark-Haddow]

Germany has been occupied by foreign forces since 1945. Americans and British troops only recently starting to leave, which has now u-turned. Russia didn't need to invest while two military powers were encamped on their territory, despite Germany being a NATO member over 60 years. When the EU proposed its own military force, it was vetoed by the UK, influenced by the US. That would have seen Germany taking its own defensive needs more seriously, earlier than now.

[@babblo1389]

And west systematically trying to hurt Russia since 1991 and even before that No wonder they respond and fight the bullies (West) Would you just surrender if you were them?

[@TheBandit7613]

@@Mark-Haddow Germany is lucky that the US invested so much time and money into Germany. Imagine if all of Germany was in Soviet clutches since WWII. The world does not give the US the credit it deserves to make the world a better place. Trillions spent patrolling the oceans, keeping trade safe and free. Computers, software and the internet, cell phones, (all from the US military) digital cameras (US spy satellites) digital music... I could keep going. Like a gift to the world, for free. The US is the only reason Europe has been safe and peaceful for the last 80 years. Before the US, Europe was a violent cesspool of war and violence. Lets give credit where credit is due. Don't you dare bash the USA.

[@leoelderkin9716]

Germany and France have deliberately blocked Ukraine's entry into NATO and the EU because every president since independence has been installed, not elected and they all are corrupt as heck. Zelenskyy is a mobbed up puppet of the USA Republican Party. .

[@ovalwingnut]

Outstanding (helpful) reporting. I can come down off the ledge now. Thank you.

[@gingw7333]

I must disagree. The only thing a rabid dog is "not likely" to do is stop being a rabid dog. Unless, of course, it's put down permanently.

[@michaelgl8516]

@Ging W HEY! I'd be all for putting that rabid dog down!!

[@iblisthemage]

No rabid dogs in this game. Putin is calculated, but a bad leader, and as a consequence, misinformed. He is a player of games, not an emotional hothead. I thoroughly enjoy seing him loose, day after day, after having subverted the west for so long. I want Ukraine in NATO after the war, and I want Putin to be alive, to suffer his defeat, day after day, for the rest of his damm life. He is not a rabid dog.

[@Sam-nb8ev]

@@iblisthemage I used to think of Putin as a chess grandmaster prior to the war. However, he has turned out to be a reckless gambler.

[@TommyTCGT]

Zelensky?

[@user-lvqk2wdp8sjn]

Don't insult dogs! How dare you compare dogs to humans?

[@peterjohnson2524]

I am so pleased to hear how ill-prepared the Russians are.

[@eveleung8855]

After 2014 Ukraine coup conducted by the US, the Russian government already prepared for these days, only European fools continue to be fool about this Russian threat, well go ahead continue to escalate this conflicts, I cannot wait to see European countries gone into a major economy recession because their leader is so incompetent.

[@tuff9486]

@NATO is GLOBOHOMO I remember from Argentina the famous "We are winning, they say on T.V" .

[@historyisthebestmyfans2094]

Umm Zelensky is begging for weapons continually.

[@renestockrelin971]

@@historyisthebestmyfans2094 because he needs them, since for each killed orc, 5 more will appear !

[@millmoormichael6630]

Strange that this is news.. Russia is led by about 200 people, do the math

[@tedantares2751]

"What were they doing all these many months of maneuvers in Russia and Belarus" - they were drinking vodka, painting grass with green paint, brushing toilets with toothbrushes and other similar useless work soldiers do in the Russian Army.

[@upnorth2421]

Selling their fuel to locals to get money for food and vodka. Since their superiors forgot to bring any.

[@muhammad-bin-american]

Ha! Funny man.

[@aesop8694]

Ted Antares. My friend at least they are on maneuvers within their own countries and with their own people. Consider those that serve their corporate masters, in outposts thousands of miles from their own homes. "Want to see the world for free"? Join the Armed Forces we have over 700 bases in 80 different countries.

[@striko22]

maybe with emma and her two moms ....

[@upnorth2421]

@@aesop8694 my friend, Belarus is an independent country. Not part of Russia. Transnistria is actually a part of Moldova, another independent country. South-Ossetia is part of Georgia, there's another independent country where russian soldiers reside. But yeah, lets forget all about that.

[@johnnygreen1376]

Q: What's the only difference between the Russian military and a dog turd? A: The dog turd came from somewhere warm.

[@paultyson4389]

Petraeus always speaks with great authority and accuracy.

[@michaelforansich8090]

You didn't listen past 30 seconds then ?

[@Thea-gj2or]

He is a chump who whispered top secret info to his girlfriend.

[@Thea-gj2or]

He will march you off to war. And you will think you are fighting for freedom, baby.

[@paultyson4389]

@@michaelforansich8090 I did actually but I would bet you had your mind made up before he uttered a single word

[@rogerpennel1798]

A defense analyst from Janes made a good point at the beginning of this war that the Russians HAVE TO say they are fighting NATO because it justifies their longstanding xenophobia of the West. Right now the Kremlin would probably welcome fighting NATO directly not because they think they could win but because it would be easier for them to justify their failures than admitting they are doing poorly against Ukraine. The Kremlin could then cite the historical narrative and say once again an invader from the West has wrongfully attacked mother Russia and inflicted serious losses on them and play up the patriotic angle. So the Kremlin's endless talk about nuclear escalation is done to reassure its population that it CAN defend Russia against a NATO attack by making it so costly that it wouldn't be worth winning.

[@doggedout]

.....except that any direct (non nuke) interaction with NATO would involve the complete obliteration of all active Russian forces within a week? That is "making a desert and calling it peace."

[@mikedx2706]

The bogus war claims are just disinformation to keep the Russian people from turning against Comrade Putin and replacing him.

[@babblo1389]

And west systematically trying to hurt Russia since 1991 and even before that No wonder they respond and fight the bullies (West) Would you just surrender if you were them?

[@davidsalo8397]

Funny how Putin engages in self fulfilling prophecy. Does he think the civilized world cannot see through his thinly veiled plan to taunt NATO? NATO inflicts damage to Russia by assisting Ukraine. But Putin is the true instigator.

[@NoName-ml5yk]

The only reason for the nuclear threats is to scare the West into not supporting Ukraine with weapons. Which just goes to show how weak Russia is as it's the only card they can play.

[@ProtonCannon]

"It is unlikely that Putin will use Nukes" YEAH! Remember when previously you also said he will not invade the Ukraine? That was just a slight "oopsie" too right?

[@UMAKEMESMILESWACKIN]

no one will use nukes its a no win solution

[@ProtonCannon]

@@UMAKEMESMILESWACKIN It is not about "winning." It is about Putin realizing that he can't win and and he only made everything worse for himself. So he just nukes Ukraine out of spite or desperation because "If I can't have it then nobody should." He still needs to save face after this failure, he still needs to show the world how powerful Russia is and he still needs to show the world that he is not afraid of anything. And nukes are the only thing that is left for him that can do this. Putin is a typical bully after all and that is the usual bully behavior. That it is precisely why it is dangerous because it is a completely irrational thing to do.

[@UMAKEMESMILESWACKIN]

@@ProtonCannon no sane people will use nukes even his subordiante will not follow cause they know the consequences of using one

[@ProtonCannon]

@@UMAKEMESMILESWACKIN I am fairly confident that they will, they were ready to do it during the cold war as well. And then the consequences were way more sever than today. It is naive to expect that they will go against orders in a situation as serious as this.

[@UMAKEMESMILESWACKIN]

@@ProtonCannon who will benefit?? none so why do it

[@catgaming9791]

Great interview.

[@abbottshaull9831]

Junior Officers lack the training needed. The add the fact, they also carry the load of responsibilities that Western Militaries put in the hands of Senior NCOs and Junior NCOs.

[@Wasserkaktus]

Sergeants are apparently the key difference between how much more combat effective the Ukrainians are compared to Russians.

[@milesb2111]

One of their biggest problem is that they dont have NCO's just CO's

[@abbottshaull9831]

@@basiltozer9078 Yes but they are NCOs in name only when compared to the duties they are expected to perform. Their training is only month or two more than the Privates in their Squads. In the old system of 2 years of conscript, it wasn't unusual for a new Sergeant to be token Squad Leader, while the more senior Private would be the one who was giving the orders. Even Platoon and Company Commanders don't have the responsibilities as their Western Counter-parts. Everything is set out in drills, and have very little room to adjust things as needed to accomplish their missions.

[@tedantares2751]

After Russian orcs are driven outside the Ukrainian border as it was before March 2014 (so there are no more territorial disputes between Ukraine and Russia), Ukraine should also be accepted as a NATO member. Ukraine has proven its capabilities to fight Russia and protect Europe from it. Hopefully, this will happen by the end of 2022.

[@timonsolus]

Ukraine is very unlikely to be able to retake Crimea. There's only a very narrow strip of land connecting Crimea to the rest of Ukraine, and that makes Crimea very easy to defend because that narrow strip can't be outflanked. I think Zelensky is going to have to accept the Russian annexation of Crimea to achieve a peace deal with Russia.

[@aquariumdude7829]

Orc? Well, I think you are a gnome! So there! ;)

[@paulgibbon5991]

I think that's almost inevitable at this point. Time to cage the bear.

[@sess5206]

@@aquariumdude7829 What are you talking about?

[@aquariumdude7829]

@@sess5206 My point is if "Ted" above is going to insult his fellow human beings by calling them "orcs (a rather silly and childish insult)," I am going to call him a "gnome." We can call each other fantasy creatures all day long then. My point is he needs to grow up.

[@j.miguelfarinhaalves4926]

Amazing analysis, haven't heard such insight from Gen Petraeus since Afghanistan!

[@kayak9078]

This was a really informative interview.

[@TommyTCGT]

...and you believed every word spoken?

[@bathhatingcat8626]

@@TommyTCGT considering you think nato invaded Syria you clearly aren’t the person to be commenting on what others believe

[@vincents3052]

Love and appreciate Gen Petraeus’ leadership and wisdom. Aloha.

[@texaswunderkind]

He seems like a very intelligent guy, and his experience with both military matters and matters of state is rare. I always get a lot out of these interviews with him.

[@Niles-Guy]

He’s an adulterer and dishonored his career

[@everydayhero5076]

@@Niles-Guy In this government, who isn't guilty of at least one if not both?

[@tjk3430]

@@Niles-Guy yup he banged his imbedded journalist.

[@TommyTCGT]

@@Niles-Guy And talks baloney the porridge brains need to hear to stay porridge. Today's 'Moon of Alabama', (not for porridge brains) stated.. The Russian military forces are grinding down Ukrainian ground forces by extensive use of heavy artillery. The Ukrainian artillery has been destroyed or lacks ammunition.The Ukrainian forces have orders to stay in their position and to hold the line. That only makes sure that Russian artillery strikes will destroy them.

[@johnacott1238]

When you say that it is unlikely that they are going to use nuclear weapons, do you mean like it's only about 1% chance they will use nuclear weapons? My umbrella is not rated for that kind of weather!

[@rodiculous9464]

It's putin, it will never be 0 %

[@bigtyesmo]

Go look up a video by Perun on this topic. There are no certainties but Russia has not upped its readiness states of these systems.

[@thedarkestdawn1]

What a breath of fresh air! Thank you.

[@muhammad-bin-american]

Great interview. Totally agree with the general. Putin MUST be stopped.

[@renestockrelin971]

putler must be stopped internally. FSB must bring him a cup of tea !

[@nealwhite5602]

Given Russia objective then you the n a zi in Ukraine you want Ukraine to keep killing civilians in the donbas and southeast areas of Ukraine and you want NATO in Ukraine is that correct ....

[@elefnishikot]

I want to see if the German diplomats who were laughing at Trump during his speech at the UN are still laughing.

[@somethinglikethat2176]

Well it turns out the Russian military is a joke... so probably yeah.

[@melindacadarette3447]

He called Putin a genius so yep...

[@michaelgl8516]

@Richard Lacker Um, EVERYBODY is still laughing at Trump, Richard.🙄

[@elefnishikot]

@@michaelgl8516 The Germans are no longer laughing because they finally scared

[@davidjma7226]

Putin holds Germany's economic future by the balls. They know it and so does Putin. The warning shot has been fired by cutting gas off to Poland and Bulgaria. Now Putin will begin to squeeze a bit harder......hence Germany is desperate to buy time - for example sending 1960's technology that requires five months training and have no spare parts and little ammunition. So the Germans have offered very little at all! They want the whole thing to go away do they can get back to business as usual with Russia and their cosy relationship.

[@govinda102000]

Russia can't even have a good harvest of their own.

[@LearningSpanishwithDrL]

General officers go to the front to find out what is going on.

[@sorennilsson9742]

I am impressed by Russia. They cling to a WWII doctrine that has little walue in the age of drones. The age of drones will be a hard one for the Russian army.

[@hestiashearth478]

Russia before the war: "Ooh grand military parade!" "Wow, artilleries singing the anthem!" Russia during the war: "What a waste of admiration"

[@KiwisDownUnder]

It certainly has not lived up to the theatre/ show aspect.

[@babblo1389]

And west systematically trying to hurt Russia since 1991 and even before that No wonder they respond and fight the bullies (West) Would you just surrender if you were them?

[@MrDocbowman]

Good time for a drone

[@mastermariner490]

@SophieSophs Putin giving his speech about his fantastic «victory» in Ukraine and giving medals to his heroic soldiers that murders civilians,rape women and children and loot Ukraine. Cant wait

[@z6445]

Z

[@hectortellez7776]

Tho I respect the General, trying to put logic about what Putin is doing! Wrong on so many levels!

[@z6445]

Fighting terrorism is always logical. Za наши мальчики

[@Tina.Di.Napoli]

@bruce parka he's just a keyboard warrior

[@zoezoe610]

Totally correct.

[@MrZnarffy]

Not at all, war is a perfect tool for a dictator.. Just that Putin have the dictator disease of having gotten rid of anyone willing to tell him the truth so....

[@ws8080]

Exactly. You cannot apply logic to the illogical. However, what Putin did was logical if you see how they took Chechnya, i.e. that Putin takes what he wants and uses misinformation to justify it, and tries to use it to boost nationalist views ala the novel 1984.

[@peredavi]

Another fine interview by DW. I’ve always respected General Petraeus.

[@davidwilkins3781]

Great interview

[@justayoutuber1906]

While I agree with his assessment, he also was the one telling us we could "win" in Afghanistan and Iraq.

[@The_Conqueeftador]

If you start a video game and complete it 90% and then your boss walks into your house. Who has no gaming experience whatsoever and gives the controller to someone else. Then that new gamer does poorly and unplugs the game in a fit. Does that mean you lost? I suppose it does. Sounds kind of lame and cheap to call the first original gamer a failure though. I used a game as an analogy for this situation because you comment like you are a child.

[@sebastianwilson8899]

But is not unreasonable to shine that he learned from those mistakes right

[@donaldclifford5763]

@@sebastianwilson8899 He was right all along. Remember the Surge?

[@The_Savage_Wombat]

We won every battle but there was no goal to win other than funneling trillions of dollars to military contractor buddies.

[@donaldclifford5763]

@@The_Savage_Wombat In Iraq, the goal was regime change, followed by standing up a new representative government in Iraq. Mission accomplished. In Afghanistan, initially was to chase out Al Qaida, and stand up a friendly represtative goverment there. Mission accomplished. In the years that followed, there was mission creep, to subdue the Taliban. Ultimately there was an agreement and a withdrawal time table. Then Biden took office.

[@johno3888]

General Petraeus is an amazing military genius level mind. Great exchange her. Awesome and informative video.

[@maskahleo]

Calm your tits, he is one of the best analyst so far but can't just label him millatry genius

[@TommyTCGT]

Lotsa hogwash to excite the porridge brains... try The Saker, SouthFront or Moon of Alabama.. for some painful facts that will surely explode many porridge brains commenting here.

[@coreyham3753]

Agreed ....excellent interview and information.

[@Stigstigster]

Patraeus is a wise and articulate man, a competent person to speak on these matters and it was good to hear his viewpoint on this. There are others like him of course but he is certainly one worth listening to.

[@KneeoGeeo]

Hes not, he's American.

[@Stigstigster]

@@KneeoGeeo Well that's a daft statement. Basically saying "All Americans are dumb." when you know that obviously is not the case.

[@jamesmallard3386]

Please make subtitles available

[@chrisbrent7487]

Apparently only very senior officers knew they were invading. The VDV units were apparently loaded onto helicopters and only told what they were doing in the air. None of the captains, lieutenants. warrant officers or NCO's had been briefed. Probably none of the majors had a good idea of what they were going to do. Any other army would have briefed the senior staff who would have briefed the battalion staff who would have briefed their captains and lieutenants who would have briefed their NCO's so everyone down to the section would know what they were doing.

[@SM2005_]

Agreed.

[@miketaylor5212]

what ncos? russia doesnt have an nco corps.

[@cassiespencer6134]

The Russian military has no NCO's as we'd define them. They have officers and one-year conscripts. Furthermore, only about 1% of those conscripts reenlist. And it's that lack of of experienced enlisted personnel that is certainly one of their most significant issues. In short, the Russian military is very 'top heavy', There are officers and not much else and it shows. So if you wonder why Russia can f---up an ambush to the point it results in significant loss of life it's due to the fact they don't have sergeants to drill scenarios like "turning into an ambush".

[@EyesEarsandBrainEngaged]

" Apparently ".

[@fionalanglois6927]

@@miketaylor5212 NCO’s stands for ’non commissioned officers’, lower ranking members of the military, I can’t remember how to describe it, but depending on your education determines you as an officer or NCO. (I’m just an ex-wife of a Naval officer)! 🤪

[@govinda102000]

Ukraine is now cross-trained in both Slavic and also western arms.

[@danielpowers778]

“Unlikely” is not very reassuring.

[@shentijiankan3511]

Please don’t tell us that it is unlikely that putin would use nuclear weapons, instead please tell us what will be done by the US if that happens.

[@Charles_Bro-son]

The Klitschko brothers could be that beacon of inspiration, comparable to Zelensky.

[@barrettzbrowning]

They’re great; but President Zelenskyy is incomparable.

[@Charles_Bro-son]

@@barrettzbrowning he secured his place amongst the greatest in history no doubt!

[@gazzydoesntknow]

So glad you refer to Zelensky as Churchillian. Seen to be asking to for too much by some and not enough by others. Seeking to stay in the middle ground, not just fighting a war but battling on the world political stage. Yet ask anyone who is better suited, and they will have no answer. The people of world support Ukraine and follow this man. An Allied leader the world does not deserve but the Ukrainian people desperately needed.

[@joesterling4299]

America would be lucky to get him as president. What a step up from the bozos of the past 5 years that would be.

[@jackbailey7037]

How many time have we been told: 1. "The enemy is no good" 2. "Don't worry" 3. "It'll never happen"? Guess what: In war anything can happen.

[@bokvarv1926]

Ukraine needs to do Special Operations DEEEP inside Russia, lets just think how Russia MUST respond if the ports in Murmansk and for the North fleet is sabotaged, this is like cutting the legs of russia. Maybe do Sabotage that actually can put the entire baltic fleet out of play by operations in kalingrad

[@nigellyttleton7]

maybe a pawn could win after all and become a king

[@stasylumbassist1]

Thats 20th century Russian history in a nutshell

[@fuckbankers]

Queen.

[@Jagonath]

The scary thing for me, is that it seems like the USA has decided "winning nuclear war is impossible," and Russia still insists "It can be done!" In the West we draw no distinction between nukes. A nuke is a nuke is a nuke. Russia seems to think "We can use tactical nukes on the front line and no one will care." Even worse, it's not clear what that would even achieve for Russia. The Ukrainian front line is too damned big for Russia to kill more than a few hundred soldiers per nuke, and even the use of one would cause total international outrage. Even China will throw a tantrum if Russia uses nukes. Xi isn't going to die for a middle-power country (at best), especially one China can't control.

[@majungasaurusaaaa]

Russia is on its way to joining N Korea in being a pariah Chicom vassal.

[@rod9829]

"Seems" being the keyword. You basically have no idea what the Russians are thinking i.e. rhetoric does not equate to intentions.

[@michael-bell]

Yes, Russia has been preparing for many years now to win total global thermonuclear war. And they've been busy building nuclear bunkers for decades for just this purpose

[@Jagonath]

@@rod9829 I wasn't talking about Russia. "Seems to me" was in reference to the USA. In fact, I think Russia lies so much they give they're intentions away every time they say anything. Point is, Russia thinks they can win anything with nukes. If Russia thinks that, it's doomed. The West sees nukes as nukes. How much more obvious can I make this for you?

[@Jagonath]

@@rod9829 Okay re-read your post. Russia might be bull-shitting. The problem is: Russia bullshits about EVERYTHING. They just can't be trusted to keep a promise for days (We'll never attack Mariupol) then days later its a full on attack. Basically: Russian promises are worth less than toilet paper to westerners. Simply IMPOSSIBLE to truth a word from Putin.

[@tomungless2852]

Why cannot the normal mainstream media manage such interviews?

[@twilson7030]

The enemy has a say in the fight!!

[@elsieschmaltz6754]

Putin must of thought that we would stay out of it, prabably so they didn't really prepare the army for some reason, I believe.

[@nealwhite5602]

Russia keeps advancing and Ukraine forces keep shrinking. Russia has no time lines here so they are not hampered in there ability to complete there goals .....

[@elspoocho4637]

@@nealwhite5602 If there are any forces shrinking it's the russian ones and the advancing is not really that impressive, so in other words, go watch sesame street and stfu

[@Ulysses.S.Grant.For.The.Union.]

@@nealwhite5602 You have not been paying attention.

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

It's because of the same government corruption the Ukraine has, what was supposed to go into military training and Military arms when into oligarch's pockets. For Russia they have a weak military but they still have nukes; but for the Ukraine they have a weak military and they have no nukes. Russia promised soldiers gold ( Ukrainian jewelry and cash) women (ukrainian) and Glory (on rerurn to Russia) if they win the war zelensky promised his soldiers a medal of honor if they survive

[@nealwhite5602]

@@Ulysses.S.Grant.For.The.Union. well I have stated facts as opposed to fiction and if you choose to believe this guy and ignore facts you are at a loss ......

[@richardgoldman6907]

Smart, well informed, measured, articulate. Couldn't ask for a better interview.

[@ericbofcarsonc6720]

except for the glaring 900 pound gorilla that everyone is conveniently ignoring. Especially considering what Petraeus said about Putin's popularity spike.

[@johnstout5767]

Former US General David Petraeus, one of the most senior US military commanders of the post-9/11 era, has been sentenced to two years of probation for leaking classified material to his mistress.

[@jordie4423]

I think Petraeus underestimates the impact of results on the battle field in Donbass might strengthen to the case for escalation. Even the limited scope of Russia to take the Donbass, is much harder to achieve the goals set by the Kremlin. With territory loss in the east there are 2 ways out, the outing of Putin or further escalation with the possibility of the use of strategic nuclear weapons. It’s naive to think the next step will be in the best interest of Russia. The next step (the next escalation)is to maintain power. That’s dangerous ☢️

[@j.johnson3520]

Cheers Dave

[@mmeeddddddozzzzzzz3421]

It appears they (the Russian Army) was doing the equivalent, on field maneuvers, of the guy who says he's going to run, gets dressed up for running and then never gets off of his couch. During field maneuvers, they never actually sent out their entire battalions (5k + men) just a small portion of them.

[@articbear23]

General, sir, I respect you, but please don't tell the enemy ( Putin) what he's doing wrong. Just advise the Ukrainians and their associates.

[@jaredr9554]

Combat isn't something that can be copied or pasted. It takes time and many wars to achieve military greatness Russia hasn't fought in the trenches long enough to be a formidable opponent. They're weak on many different fronts and now the world knows how weak the Russian military truly is.

[@tomcatt9875]

Excellent interview

[@jimsmith8434]

I agree.

[@jean-pascalesparceil9008]

General Petraeus had a great understanding of the situation in Iraq and expertise in counter-insurgency campaigns, a very agile mind.

[@sherp2u1]

Yeah, they lost to ISIS, and lost to the Taliban in Afghanistan....

[@jean-pascalesparceil9008]

@@sherp2u1 The USA had not the POLITICAL will to stay in Iraq and Afghanistan, but ISIS was defeated (albeit not completely as it is fueled by the sunni/shia struggle) and it was the Afghan government who lost to the Taliban. Do not confuse tactics and operational art with strategy. Gen Petraeus' Anbar Awakening and Sons of Iraq Program was a large tactical success.

[@sherp2u1]

@@jean-pascalesparceil9008 ISIS are launching attacks most recently in Afghanistan...they stayed 20 years, 20 years, over 4 presidencies, spent 2 trillion dollars estimated...2 of those presidencies were for 8 years...Afghanistan was lost way prior to the official withdrawal of American forces, or should I say, surrender and fleeing of U.S., forces...?

[@babblo1389]

Wherever UK/US/NATO go, we have a mess. Afghanistan drug trade flourished 2001-21, dkntt forget Opium wars with China 1840-60.

[@skylark8828]

@@sherp2u1 ISIS are 20 years old? You're rewriting history

[@PeterSedesse]

this is the understatement of the century. I saw POW interviews where a soldier said he had never fired his weapon. He was in the military 4 months before invading Ukraine... never fired his weapon even once. He was given about 40 rounds and sent into Ukraine.... In the USA army, no matter what your job is going to be ( Cook, Xray technician etc), you fired hundreds if not thousands of rounds during basic training and must because reasonably accurate to graduate. If you are infantry or any combat related job, you probably fire hundreds of rounds a week after basic training. It really is like Russian tanks, where they aren't really combat weapons (at least against other militarys). Russia is all about producing a lot of cheap military items that are meant to intimidate civilian populations, but not really fight other militarys. Their army is made up of young guys holding a weapon they barely can fire, and tanks that can't really do anything except blast apartment buildings... but they have a lot of them.

[@Macfierce1]

Agreed. This is why they are referred to as Orcs. Or, in gamer parlance, a zerg. It's just cannon fodder. Infinite amounts of cannon fodder. That worked in the 40s (eventually). I don't think that works anymore in the information age. But their depraved leaders don't seem to realize this and even if they did, i doubt they'd care.

[@benbo7042]

Vietnam

[@PetterssonRobin]

Are you sure that's what he said? Perhaps he meant that he didn't fire his weapon in Ukraine? It sounds just too unbelievable that a soldier never would have fired a weapon at all..

[@antyspi4466]

I heard stories from the old German Bundeswehr, where conscripts during their year long training would fire only a handful of rounds, sometimes from absolute inaccurate rifles, so that the shooter had to compensate for that. If the "interview" (illegal under Geneva convention) genuine, it could be very well one of the small number of conscripts sent into the war.

[@konyaku3072]

seems USA is more to the evil force here