Wolff Responds: The Ukraine Crisis

In this Wolff Responds, Prof. Wolff reveals the truth behind the growing tensions between the US, Russia and Western Europe. This is yet another example of distraction politics. The Biden administration is seeking to deflect attention away from the domestic issues it is confronted with, while also attempting to squeeze Russians out of the European energy market and move Americans in. But is whatever is happening in the Ukraine worth a war between 2 nuclear powers like the US and Russia? This question, Wolff argues, begs an answer.
Wolff Responds is a‪@democracyatwrk‬ production. We provide these videos free of ads. Please consider supporting our work. Visit our website democracyatwork.info/donate or join our growing Patreon community and support Global Capitalism Live Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff at / gcleu .
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[@kevinomeara4212]

The greed for money knows no bounds by the defence contractors making the politicians toe the line and not deal with the real issues. Europe should not go along with the warmongers.

[@tohanna8281]

Àa9àààßßsß

[@danielhutchinson6604]

By the time they realize what is going down, the LNG facilities will all be built, and profits will be flowing to the US..... Making the European Union into the US LNG Producers Bitch, will be done and Russia will be out of the GAS picture, before they know what hit em.....

[@danielhutchinson6604]

Selling weapons to Poland and Romania are just gravy....

[@Babrossa1941]

Amen to that!

[@ccpj0eyb319]

We need to use their greed against them👈

[@robertseaborne5758]

Good on you Prof, for hitting this nail on the head in short unsweet fashion.

[@James-cb7nb]

Terrible analysis. The rights opinion is predictable. The lefts opinion is predictable. This is just another woke, on brand opinion. Completely unoriginal. He said absolutely nothing and just listed every trope in the playbook. And was wrong in many ways. Tons of Europeans are taking hardline against Russia. The us is not trying to get it's gas to Europe. They simply can't compete on price. Domestic situation obviously plays a role but the main driver? Seriously? Completely ignored Russia's actions as usual.

[@luigidimartino7055]

@@James-cb7nb True, American gas is too expensive, but tell me, why then is the US using all forms of obstacles to prevent the Russian gas from being distributed? They even threaten with sanctions. Your comment is vague. You assert a lot and nothing. Who are the tons of Europeans against Russia? Of course the mainstream is definitely pro US like the majority of EU politicians in Brussel, but are they tons? Certainly not the European citizens. Those - who know the History and strive to find out the real reasons from truthful sources (they are a few, but thy are) - know what I wrote in my previous comment ... and these are tons! But the wind is changing. Macron and the new German chancellor show signs against the US destructive politics. I really hope that NATO will finally disappear and the EU will start using common sense.

[@janolthof2487]

@@luigidimartino7055 i'm a EU citizen, i don't want anything to do with any war.. as do most regular europeans. There has to be a way to strengthen economic ties to Ukrain, with them not entering NATO? would the US allow Russia to strengten it's ties with one of it's direct neighbours in a comparable way? I think not.

[@janolthof2487]

@@luigidimartino7055 Liebe Luigi, Ich hast probiert alles zu verstehen, aber ich bin Niederlander. Dein conclusion das ich Deutch solte sein ist ein bisschen apart. aber das tut kein leid. Danke fur die wonderschöne reaction. Ich kan ein paar mistakes gemacht haben. Groetjes uit Nederland

[@luigidimartino7055]

@@janolthof2487 Dear jan, the names in Dutch and German are often confusing. Sorry. No problem, if you want, I'll translate it into English. Best wishes

[@cev12]

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Biden's failed on every front, and he needs a distraction. "Rally around the flag"...

[@georgenelson8917]

How bout blame Putin of open aggression?

[@cev12]

@@georgenelson8917 Putin has just been feeling threatened by gradual encroachment on his territory, which could be viewed as ultimately a physical threat to Russia. I understand where he's coming from. Not that it's right, but it's valid. Instead of constantly egging the situation on, the US could show some consideration of that fact. The US government knows the situation well. So that they're pushing this to war, suggests ulterior motives. Then you reflect on why Biden would need a rally around the flag event (a known scheme by flagging presidents), and it's plain as day that he needs a distraction from his constant failures and broken campaign promises.

[@cev12]

@@jimbecker6599 Hmm... I think everybody except dyed in the wool righties are over Hunter Biden. Move on. Biden has enough other broken campaign promises to be attacked for.

[@James-cb7nb]

Terrible analysis. The rights opinion is predictable. The lefts opinion is predictable. This is just another woke, on brand opinion. Completely unoriginal. He said absolutely nothing and just listed every trope in the playbook. And was wrong in many ways. Tons of Europeans are taking hardline against Russia. The us is not trying to get it's gas to Europe. They simply can't compete on price. Domestic situation obviously plays a role but the main driver? Seriously? Completely ignored Russia's actions as usual.

[@MojoHaiku]

@@cev12 Give us a few examples.

[@franciscofrancesco7844]

Thank you, Prof Wolff. Your statements are a 100% accurate.

[@aprescoup]

Nonsense. Half of it sounds like frakin neoliberal/globalist-capitalist propaganda.

[@hoboroadie4623]

I didn't think that I was missing anything but it is hard to get interested in every trending Psy-op these days. Purified Extract Of Malarkey. 🇺🇸

[@tonywleklinski3405]

@@aprescoup in what way

[@aprescoup]

@@tonywleklinski3405 Several and likely more but I couldn't stand listening to this incomprehensibly gullible and perverse, indeed, nonsense past the 2:33 min mark 1) Build Back Better is yet another globalist transfer of wealth scheme which uses the neoliberal mechanisms of a PPP system of transfer to accomplish the global Billionaire's objectives. It's demise is a welcome sight. 2) Voting rights in an inverted totalitarian state servicing the interests of a dismal oligarchy is bullshit on stilts. Consult, Emma Goldman, Mark Twain, and Gilens and Page. 3) Te Covid-19 death numbers are inflated by 90% while the average age of these "covid-19 deaths averages out to about 2 yers more than life expectancy. Covid-19: THe Great Reset "The pandemic represents a rare but narrow window of opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and reset our world[in globalist oligarch's transhumanist wet dream image...where the citizen will own nothing and yet, somehow, be happy... as to who will constitute all those unhappy martyrs who'll own everything has as yet to be revealed... I couldn't bear listening any further...

[@benangel3268]

@@aprescoup So what do you think of Prof Richard Wolffe's promotion of workers cooperatives? In order to divert wealth away from the billionaires who don't need any more wealth. Sharing it instead with those who are doing the hard work, producing the goods and providing the services? What if Prof Richard Wolffe is insinuating that most wars are serving the interests of the global capitalists? Even if these interests may be increasingly in conflict?

[@supremo6090]

Follow the money. Never disappoints.

[@ccpj0eyb319]

Yeah, at least he wasn’t spewing comi hate towards capitalism today🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳

[@sturestensson9187]

As a Swede, I'm sorry to say that our media is pushing HARD the topic if we should join NATO by fear propaganda regarding Russia. I don't feel that my basic fellows really care that much about Ukraine, but somehow our media is able to reflect it as a threat directed to us. I'm always so terrified about my fellow Swedes who wants to join NATO but don't seem to understand all of the conflicts and crimes this will drag our country into.

[@raymundogonzalez6450]

if Sweden joint Nato it gonna become a Puppet of USA

[@pavelshnaps2345]

As a Russian, I'd honestly prefer Sweden in NATO then Ukraine, stable, cool, predictable vs chaotic, badly aducated, corrupt and poor. Hello from the White sea.

[@raymundogonzalez6450]

Why Sweden joint Nato? to spend 2% of its GDP on Wepons?? Russia is not interested in Sweden. ( they got a better way to spend its money> Retiment > education > Social program that Weapons!!

[@danielhutchinson6604]

Sweden has heritage that extends to Ukraine, if you read the history of how that place did get overrun by many different Empires.....Lotsa Lena's.....

[@pavelshnaps2345]

@@danielhutchinson6604 not Ukraine, the Kievan Russ, the pomors on the White sea are much more ethnicity related to Scandinavian

[@balkanleopard9728]

Thank you so much Prof Wolff. Sixty odd years ago my history teacher warned me of disingenous 'external enemy' propoganda used to deflect the populace from domestic failures. We had a different war then but the same modus operandi. Unfortunately the war hype by the US, their Nato quislings, and the mainstream media is now so polished that even nominally, but unfortunately narrowly, educated people fall for the current 'Russian Aggression' cold war line. I live in Europe (within striking distance of the Ukraine) and, together with all my contacts and European friends want none of this slaughter. Your analysis is a breath of fresh air to all. Once again, thank you!

[@crinolynneendymion8755]

Your use of "quisling" is offensive. Your post is simple emotion laden propaganda. The war hype comes from Russia, they were the ones who invaded Crimea and Eastern Ukraine. You apparently never understood your history teacher. Education is such an elusive thing.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@crinolynneendymion8755 Your answer seems to contain all the strength of Scooter Libby, telling Joe Wilson that he and his Wife were liars. Your Exxon answer seems to contain less than facts..... The US State Department has been known to lie as well....

[@camaradamanuel5025]

@@crinolynneendymion8755 In 2014, a referendum was made in Crimea. The people living in Crimea (a majority of ethnic russians) voted "Yes" to the annexation of Russia. Thus, Russia is only protecting the people in Crimea. The US is the waremonger here, not the people from the East.

[@crinolynneendymion8755]

@@camaradamanuel5025 Crimea is a special case I agree. But there is no way in any real sense that the US is warmongering. It is Russia that is massing on the borders of the Ukraine. If they invade it, the deaths will be on the Russians eternal souls when they face their God. Of course, Stalin tried to kill off the Ukrainians so the Russians could have lebensraum but I digress. No, the Americans, while they have their own sins to answer for, have nothing to do with Russian arrogance, perfidity and crimes.

[@wmjahn]

@Crinolynne Endymion I am sorry, but you're indeed writing BS .. the USA are the agressor again, trying to initiate a war between Euope and Russia to be the laughing third ... won't work.

[@TheBwerts1]

So glad I discovered you. I went from a conservative evangelical in 2018 to independent to liberal to now a socialist on the verge of becoming communist. It's a journey I could have never imagined 5 years ago.

[@jean-pierredevent970]

I think too that Marxism is as theoretical idea very ethical. But we humans seem not compatible with it in practice, I fear.

[@astralgod6448]

@@jean-pierredevent970 You probably haven't studied marxism yet. Because this has been adressed many times. It's essentially the "human nature" argument and if you got some time i can explain to you what we marxists believe about it. First off, human nature is an idea. It is a concept-an interpretation, if you will-of how people interact with one another and themselves on both a social and private level. But when discussing Communism or even capitalism with those who have either a deeply flawed misunderstanding of what it is or how it works, human nature is not treated with that in mind. In fact, it is treated as something completely different; almost as a sort of all imposing metaphysical force, constantly looming above all people at all times for all eternity-a line of thinking more appropriate to that of religion or a cult and not one that has any real understanding of reality. “Human Nature” is not a real physical entity or thing, but rather an intellectual construct that we as people indulge in and explore the meaning of. Furthermore, when you ask someone for proof of why they believe that something like Capitalism is more in line with human nature than Communism, “look around,” they’ll probably give some iteration of. “Don’t you see all the greed, all the self-interest, all the competition, all the acquisitiveness, all the egoism, all the war, all the lying, all the stealing, and all the cheating that’s going on? That’s human nature.” They’ll tell you. “That is us.” But in my many conversations both on and offline, it never really seems to dawn on these same people to think these attributes and characteristics that they go on and on about and how they are more the results of the current material organization of society than some built in characteristic we all have. I’ll even give you a historical example: Hunter-Gatherer groups mostly survived through cooperation, and this was because the material conditions of their existence excluded the possibility of acquisitiveness. I think it’s more than fair enough to say that this was their “human nature.” Alternatively, we could take a look at medieval peasants. They were certainly not industrious like how we are today. And when peasants were thrown off their lands and into the towns, the mass majority worked just enough to meet their basic needs. Their idea of “human nature” was once again shifted. Long story short, what human nature truly “is” at the moment really depends on the social, material, and economic organization of a society. If social arrangements were naturally determined by our biology, “human nature” and whatever else your opponents may try and lump in there would’ve naturally repressed the great diversity of behaviour patterns we’ve seen in humans over time, as well as relationships and cultures that we’ve forged as well. When someone tries to mash together human nature with human behavior, they often cannot tell which is which and after awhile they even fail to understand why we behave differently in differing circumstances with one another. Thank you for reading, and i hope you look more into marxism because its concepts are very much grounded on material (physical) analysis of society and not as "utopian" as people claim it to be. Have a nice one!!

[@jean-pierredevent970]

@@astralgod6448 Thank you, very nice writing and I'll try to learn more.

[@gregwang8628]

Simply put: instigating a regional turmoil so the dollars are flocking back to save the motherland’s financial meltdown.

[@Moosemoose1]

essentially.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

"We just have to distract em for a while"......Conrad Breen Install the LNG Port Facilities and get em all hooked up to US suppliers and things will be peaceful again....

[@emhu2594]

The billionaires have pillaged the US, enabled by the politicians they bought. There is nothing that can stop its collapse, and the world will collapse with it. And as usual, normal people will pay the price.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@emhu2594 We the People can fight them, with a simple act...... We simply stop using their money..... Without that leverage they lose their power....

[@Moosemoose1]

@@emhu2594 And if we're organized enough, perhaps out of the ashes of the empire a new revolutionary society can take place, it has to, because the other alternative will be even more hideous than what we're seeing now.

[@UBETUBEME]

Thank you professor For educating Americans Never again means no more wars Stop sending your son’s and daughters to die for Billionaires 💰 Walk toward higher path But fallow no one ✌️ 🇺🇸 if you want it now.

[@Oztralian]

This is the BEST analysis of the problem yet! Even better than the various people at RT News. Thanks very much Richard

[@everythingandmore5537]

Crimea was annexed by Russia. Is everyone OK with that.

[@luigidimartino7055]

@@everythingandmore5537 Mexico was annexed by US and so Hawai...is everyone ok with that? In the case of Crimea, there is a "small" difference: The people in Crimea in a referendum decided to join the Russian Federation, a fact that the US do not want to recognize, very strange, isn't it? In addition, it is a fact that in Ukraine 40% of Russian-speaking citizens are treated as 2nd category citizens. That the riots in Ukraine are fomented by Nazi-fascist elements is a fact that even the great prof. Wolff mentioned. I do hope that the Europeans will finally decide to give NATO a kick in the ass, a military organization whose costs could be used to solve social problems not only in the US, an obsolete entity after the fall of the Berlin Wall. I hope that the UE finally realizes that it is very convenient for the US to foment an atomic war while staying 6 thousand miles away. Regarding the economic reasons that induce the US to interfere in the Ukrainian crisis, prof. Wolff gave an exceptional summary.

[@everythingandmore5537]

@@luigidimartino7055 under the new international law passed in 1945 through the un land cannot be annexed.

[@Oztralian]

So has US on Haiti and so many islands around the world, especially the Caribbean and South Seas... except they didn't call it Annex. For whatever reasons or whatever really happened with Crimea, it isn't the contention of NATO here. So why bring this up here, unless it gives free rein to attack Russia, the bad guys? Why not US as they have engaged in even more invasions?

[@Oztralian]

I am not a lawyer and I don't have the energy to verify this existent or non-existent law and its details. But if that is so, then can we look forward to the US giving up the lands they took?

[@andrewtaylor9799]

Thank you for this. All true, but also never forget that war is very profitable for US corporations and a direct transfer of wealth from the 99% to the 1%. Plus the leaders never do any of the dying.

[@givenjust6564]

Amazing analysis from Professor Wolff.

[@James-cb7nb]

Terrible analysis. The rights opinion is predictable. The lefts opinion is predictable. This is just another woke, on brand opinion. Completely unoriginal. He said absolutely nothing and just listed every trope in the playbook. And was wrong in many ways. Tons of Europeans are taking hardline against Russia. The us is not trying to get it's gas to Europe. They simply can't compete on price. Domestic situation obviously plays a role but the main driver? Seriously? Completely ignored Russia's actions as usual.

[@johnm7267]

@@James-cb7nb you really dont have any idea about what is going on. You say America isn’t trying to get its gas into Europe which just shows how ignorant you are of the subject. America has placed sanctions on Russian, German and Swiss companies to try to stop Nordstream 2. American gas companies lobbied Trump to get American gas into Europe. I find it unbelievable that you don’t know about all this and the threats made by Trump. Russia is one of Germanys largest trading partners and trade is growing. Many Europeans don’t like Russia and many don’t like America, but ties between Russia, France and Germany are closer than what you in your biased mind think. France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine have arranged a meeting to discuss the situation without America or Britain invited. That should tell you something. Diversion tactics are well known in politics and for you to deny it shows what little grasp you have. You clearly know nothing of the Minsk agreement which the Ukraine govt has been violating for years an agreement reached by the UN. Ask yourself why Germany wont allow Ukraine into the European common market. You have made several unsupported statements in an attempt to support your bias. You will have to do better than that

[@James-cb7nb]

@@johnm7267 Ok, first of all yes, the US is selling LNG to Europe. But portraying it like the US wants to start ww3 to increase exports is absurd. The US has countries all over the world that want its LNG. The US is brokering deals with countries like Qatar to increase supplies to Europe. The US has no problem with gas from Russia, just that it has to go through Ukraine. The US got rid of its nordstream sanctions and most EU members including france dont like it either. Germany is just desperate since it got rid of nuclear power. How many US companies won oil contracts after the iraq war? Only 1. Russian and China won tons of the contracts. "France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine have arranged a meeting to discuss the situation without America or Britain invited. That should tell you something" All this tells me is stuff i already knew. France wants a more independent Europe without US meddling. Thats nothing new. Unfortunately, they dont have much bargaining power compared to the US. The normandy format is their own little negotiation party that is supplemental to nato. I hope it helps. "Diversion tactics are well known in politics and for you to deny it shows what little grasp you have. You clearly know nothing of the Minsk agreement which the Ukraine govt has been violating for years an agreement reached by the UN" Diversion tactics is what putin is known for. Putin invaded crimea and the donbass and you people still give him the benefit of the doubt. Its crazy. Of course it may be convenient for biden to not focus on his failures but to say that is a major reason is idiotic. Putin is the one who cant allow a prosperous, democratic country near his border because his country is a kleptocracy run by oligarchs! And even with their differences, france, germany and the us are still mostly united. ". You clearly know nothing of the Minsk agreement which the Ukraine govt has been violating for years an agreement reached by the UN" LMAO. The seperatist regions would rather join russia than ukraine. Russia is still supporting the rebels there and you blame ukraine?!?! You blame ukraine for not wanting russian backed armed seperatists to have a say in kiev?!! Russia doesnt give a shit about minsk protocol. They have other broader demands. "The Russian side refused high-level talks, and the Kremlin endorsed an October 2021 article by former Russian president Dmitri Medvedev entitled "Why It Is Senseless to Deal with the Current Ukrainian Leadership" There are a million reasons why ukraine is not in the EU and im not sure you can justify whatever your point is with that. And again, he didnt mention russian actions at all. That is really the sign of a biased person.

[@johnm7267]

@@James-cb7nb First I did not say America wanted to start WW3 over the gas. Dont put words into my mouth to support your opinions. The sanctions were withdrawn by Biden when the pipeline was finished so served no purpose except to infuriate the Germans. Russia did not invade Donbass another lie. The Minsk agreement has been continually violated by Ukraine and is one of the major stumbling blocks ( not the only one ) for Ukraine not being admitted to the European Union. These points you have not addressed. The Crimea has belonged to Russia for centuries when it was surrendered to Catherine the Great as part of a peace deal. The people in Crimea speak Russian, they worship in the Russian Orthodox Church or are Islamic. They were persecuted by the Crimeans and asked for Russian protection. I notice you ignored my point about why Ukraine cant be accepted into the European Union, which is rater proof of their culpability You also ignored the fact that Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine are meeting without America and just yesterday on the ABC national news Ukraine criticised America for making the situation worse. I also didn’t say that Europe had fallen out with America just that they would be better able to sort the problem out without the belligerent Americans. Your second post basically reiterated your first post which was full of misconceptions designed to refute what Professor Wolff was saying by using erroneous information. Ukraine is a rightwing fascist government ( another reason for it not being allowed into the European Union) Its presidents election was paid for by a corrupt Israeli oligarch, who has a private army in Ukraine. Zelensky is a puppet of this man. The dispute over the gas was because while Russia was paying transit fees to Ukraine, Ukraine was stealing the gas and not paying for what they were using. Ukraine owes Russia billions of dollars for gas and there is an ongoing b court case over this debt. It appears your knowledge of the whole situation is very limited and biased. You refuse to admit to anything that I have said and which is not bias but verifiable and in the public domain. There is no point in discussing anything with a person who comes to the debate with limited, biased knowledge of what he is talking about, gleaned from anti Russian propaganda. The evidence about Ukraine is there by the fact that their behaviour prevents them from joining the European Union a fact that you try to skirt round and dont want to acknowledge. If you look at the comment section on Professor Wolffs video you will see out of step you are, there is no one that supports your position. You also have failed to appreciate Russias position. It is surrounded by nuclear missiles. It has a right like any other country to defend itself and place its military anywhere it likes in its own country. America places its troops illegally even in other peoples countries. Ukraine joining NATO is a further security threat. Do you think America would condone Russian missiles in Cuba? I suggest you adjust your thinking more in line with reality. I wont correspond with you again

[@johnm7267]

@@James-cb7nb something I didn’t address, the claim that you made that Iraqi oil is owned by Russia and France. It used to be before America launched yet another illegal war, one of 13 wars since 1949 against various countries, which included Iraq. You are either badly informed or a deliberate liar. Iraqi oil is now state owned by the American puppet government in Iraq with everything that, that implies. You try to demonise Russia when America killed in Vietnam 2 million mostly civilians in just one of its illegal wars. The atrocities carried out in that war constitute war crimes for which no one has been held accountable. You should be ashamed of yourself

[@kevinclasher3160]

He doesn’t beat around the bush, says it as it is, we need more people like him…

[@michael511128]

3 days ago an F-35 fell off a US carrier in the South China Sea. The incident was reported in several countries including a couple of US news channels ABC and FOX but completely censored on mainstream media. What are the economic implications of broken F-35s?

[@benangel3268]

They cost a fortune to build and to recover this from the S China Sea will take months and cost a fortune. It could be hard to locate and strong underwater turbulences will make the job extremely difficult.

[@btsfan7564]

Why do you think Fox isn't mainstream?

[@danielhutchinson6604]

Sales to Poland have seen studies recommend they buy more of them, cause they never got enough?......Right as is no warrantee

[@emhu2594]

@@btsfan7564 fox is the most watched American news...it IS the definition of mainstream.

[@oaktowndaddyg]

I served in Vietnam as a medical corpsman and I wouldn't wish war on my worst enemy. But Professor Wolff is a voice of reason and sanity amid all this hysteria and propaganda in the press for the war hawks.

[@georgesais8687]

Cannot argue with your analysis Dr it is spot on. How far this stupidity goes can only be solved by knowledgeable adults. Are there any left?

[@SimonAshworthWood]

Great video, thanks, Richard. 🤗

[@selwynr]

Also arms sales, the greasing of the wheels of the MIC, that should have been mentioned as well, but otherwise another great video from Prof. Wolff.

[@richardlozier8264]

Yes, I come to the same conclusion as a US citizen living in Russia since the end of the Soviet Union.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

They seem to offer public transportation and clean streets in Russia, it seems like a nice place to live.....

[@warrenenglehart4900]

@@danielhutchinson6604 it’s not a democracy so there’s that

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@warrenenglehart4900 After 4 Conventions the fact that US image of Democracy displays little real Citizen Input in the electoral process of selecting Candidates, becomes evident.....

[@cr4yv3n]

They also offer fast elevators from 10th floor... From the balcony. And polonium tea too

[@michaelvelik8779]

Great many people in the United States, of various political view points, see the Ukraine Crisis™ as a "tail wagging the dog" manufactured situation.

[@jedahn]

If a place called the "Ukraine" even exists. Probably a fake place with fake people who don't have thoughts or emotions.

[@grahamhodge8313]

So how did the Biden administration "manufacture" the positioning of 100,000 troops at the border with Ukraine? Does Vlad report to Joe these days?

[@toddfarkman2177]

Are they faking all the tanks and troops Russia is putting on the border? Like Hitler did on Poland? We saw what happened when no one did anything about Crimea. Or when people were weak in 1939 about Germany.

[@concertatore7865]

@@toddfarkman2177 study the history of Crimea, the Ukraine, etc.. Then you can express your thoughts. Russia's 100,000 troops are inside Russia, 350 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. On the other hand, U.S. and NATO forces are 150 kilometers from St.Petersburg. Which is the more threatening position? Eh???

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@grahamhodge8313 on March 16 2021, the NATO forces staged what could be called an invasion of Russia. Does that answer your question?

[@lisemarie2362]

The Ukraine thing got started back in 2014 when USNATO forced it to choose between Russian oil and joining the EU. It couldn't have both which was the start of the Maidan coup) and the former president of Ukraine who chose the cheaper gas over EU before he was forced to flee on threat of death. Now the US is forcing the EU the choice between Russian gas or theirs by agitating for a war that will destroy Europe. Allies?

[@barquerojuancarlos7253]

Before 2014 US-backed coup, Russia was Ukraine's largest trading partner by far, but Ukraine was in a huge debt. It had a choice. One from the EU another from Russia. Former President Yanukovich (later ousted during the coup) initially wanted greater ties to Europe, despite the leaders of his party's wanting greater ties with Russia. Indeed, he openly criticized his party leaders in the spring of 2014, only months before the coup. The EU offered something (but with austerity measures which were to be implemented as well! Remember Greece's grievances either EU "troika" - EC, EBC & IMF?), but it was nothing in comparison to Russia's proposal which also included a discount on gas. So, when Yanukovich was forced to choose the better of the two, it was Putin himself who proposed that Ukraine make a deal with both Russia and the EU. Angela Merkel of Germany was initially in favor of it until the US absolutely forbade it. By this time US had covertly spent millions of US taxpayers dollars working toward this very opening to instigate a coup.

[@robertstan298]

You could go further back to 2008, the NATO summit at Bucharest.

[@robertstan298]

@@barquerojuancarlos7253 You explained it much better than I could, thank you!

[@MrDXRamirez]

@@gumzster Typical but indicative of a passive element in the masses that Elites are enabled to actively use war and perpetuate their social system.

[@MrDXRamirez]

@@barquerojuancarlos7253 Oh definitely, Ukraine was an industrial producer for and during the late stages of the USSR. Afghanistan was better off when the USSR was around. Pattern is plain as day what Americans do and the side they take in the struggle of developing nations is destructive.

[@gentrelane]

Doing imperial overreach during a domestic crisis and a midterm year. Very good

[@willchristie2650]

I would suggest Russia is doing imperial overreach if they plan to invade the Ukraine and force it to become part of Russia. How twisted can you get? Russia is massing the military at the border but WE are the imperialists.

[@Sneakyboson]

lol Russia literally invaded Ukraine and somehow that isn't Imperial overreach?

[@2ChukBuk]

Beautifully AND accurately defined.

[@GEORGEEEJ]

So clear and no BS. Thank you professor.

[@torrokasparov2210]

Excellent stuff Prof. Wollf, as usual. Keep it coming Sir.

[@tomlynn9132]

Great analysis as usual, Rick! Thank you!

[@simplica1]

Excellent analysis and perspective!

[@dinnerwithfranklin2451]

Thank you once again Professor for your work.

[@fridgemagnett]

Nice analysis. To the point, as always. Thank you Prof.Wolff.

[@stephenjohn904]

excellent analysis. ultimately it all boils down to Economics and improving rankings for the political party in power. In fact all wars ever fought was for silly prestige or economic gains. Common people are ultimately the loosers.

[@redpill1847]

Love Peace Freedom Happiness

[@deliaargate5423]

This is an objective, very valuable and a factual way of understanding well this topic. So relevant information to all people in the planet nowadays, whether we like it or not we (living things in the planet) are directly and indirectly affected in one way or another. HATS OFF Professor Wolf. Your avid viewer here in Montréal, Québec, Canada.

[@rolandorivas9119]

Excellent video!! Máster en Geopolitics, my respect Sr.!! Greating from a Latino man from Canada.

[@terencewallis3562]

Thank you Professor for you clear & succinct analysis as usual.

[@ccpj0eyb319]

Yeah, at least he wasn’t spewing comi hate towards capitalism🤡🌎🤡🌎🤡

[@vanhughes]

Thank you. Shared!

[@michaelpiccirillo8508]

Professor Wolff as a frequent listener, I am pleased to hear you speak the truth. More often than not I do not agree with your economics but you have surely hit the mark in the Politics of War.

[@millerstation92]

lol this aged like milk

[@terryl858]

Thank you

[@mcsmith732]

Thank you for some new viewpoints without hysteria. I hadn't thought about the "Tail Wagging the Dog" syndrome, but it certainly would fit, wouldn't it? It also seems that MSM is doing its best to freak out the American public with increasing coverage implicating immanent confrontation. The which is why I wanted to hear what you had to say.

[@RapidBlindfolds]

The neo-nazi problem I think applies to almost every country. Some Middle Eastern refugees might have reactionary tendencies but that doesn’t mean the refugee crisis is not overall one that we should pay attention to and be sympathetic towards

[@colinbroadbelt1526]

From NZ i completely agree with Mr Wolff 100% he sums it up exactly as I see it .

[@donkeykong516]

You’re right on

[@terencewallis3562]

Yet again an excellent talk. Thank you.

[@giusmaximus3541]

Great eye-opening analysis, thank you prof. Wolfe

[@Falstaff0809]

Thank you for a clear analysis at a time when knees are jerking about this everywhere else.

[@allandavies1642]

I aggree with all you had said Proffessor Wolff.

[@robertschlesinger1342]

Excellent video. Very interesting, informative and worthwhile video.

[@pavelshnaps2345]

Thank you, professor. Love from Russia🇷🇺

[@hosamelsharrawy6586]

Hello Prof and thank you for sharing your knowledge. As well as agreeing with me on all view, global & domestic, especially on all the hidden and underlying agendas behind both. You have no idea how much push back I've received by sharing the same basic views. Unfortunately, most of the public lack such knowledge base to make intelligent assessments.

[@shaw99livecouk]

Right over the target Mr Wolf..

[@longshotny]

Professor Don't Lie✔️!! Well stated, You made quick sense of! thank you, for the insight!

[@alieujobe8117]

GOD BLESS YOU

[@dreadhead170]

Russia does not want Ukraine being part of NATO, which would be right their doorstep. Best to have a buffer zone or a neutral country on your border.

[@LONEWOLF..314-S-T-L]

GREAT TALKING POINTS PROFESSOR WOLFF AS USUAL .... WE ARE WITNESSING THE UNRAVELING OF AMERIKKKA BEFORE OUR VERY EYES ... FACTS 💯

[@ozzyhouston2535]

I doubt it will be fun. Careful what you wish for.

[@EvolutionWendy]

Better we witness a reunion with our brothers across political divides. *We all want education and great careers for our kids && our selves.*

[@PHL1213]

@@ozzyhouston2535Harris- you are 100% accurate with your comment - If US unravels; as an AA male, I can say it will not benefit Americans especially AA period!!!!!

[@ronniechew6566]

I call them Amurderkkka

[@Amadeus8484]

About time frankly. I am sick of America's bullshit.

[@phyllisvalentine7411]

Once again, thank you for sharing your intelligence, your knowledge and your subtle sense of humor with us.

[@gradyhendrix8470]

Excellent!

[@Lilith2718]

Remember the last two times when there was a war in Europe. I don't think the US wants to risk the destruction and ruin of the European continent for some profit, especially when the EU is still an accomplish to the US imperial hegemony. After all after a European war, the US would need to pay to rebuild the destruction or risk losing the whole continent to the competitors, thus weakening the US further. Then there is also the risk of socialism spreading and growing, thus risking a revolution in the process on the continent again. Personally as someone who live in Finland, I don't want war and in the situation where war would break out, I will try everything to do not be a part of it. Sure I went to the army due to conscription, but that was back when I was a different person holding to different views. Rather not die for the imperialist powers and as far as I can see, the people who benefit the most can do the fighting themselves.

[@newaddress456]

Wolf is a Russian apologist. I like China but not Russia.

[@massivecumshot]

You are 100% underestimating the evil depravity of our 'owners'. The 40,000 most powerful people in America LOOK FORWARD to a war that kills millions of us useless cannon fodder and serfs. A nation of 100 million is easier to control than a nation of 330 million.

[@infinitemonkey917]

A 3rd WW would ruin much more than Europe.

[@newaddress456]

@@infinitemonkey917 That is sadly true. Let's hope it does not happen and Putin and Biden come to some kind of peaceful terms. I have no say in it.

[@demonridera]

Anglo Saxons have no love lost for continental Europe. They beat Spain, then France, then Germany and installed puppet systems there. They are trying to destroy Russia now. The whole world must speak their language and people should labour for their glory. They have enough traitors to prop up to make it happen

[@ryan-el9er]

and here i was, just a day ago wondering if he might cover this topic.

[@erich623]

Richard, we are still in Iraq from NATO, the US, Can. Even against the request of the Iraqi government, the talk was to remove the capacity to perform direct operations however practically I don't believe the there is a substantial change. certainly not in the numbers of personnel.

[@allanmarks2150]

And we will all go together when we go. What a comforting fact that is to know. Universal bereavement, An inspiring achievement, Yes, we all will go together when we go. Tom Lehrer

[@narancauk]

''Imperialism the last stage of Capitalism ''---Lenin about 120 years ago

[@ViceCoin]

Brilliant

[@adamqjsmith]

Im confused. If russia marched into ukraine, shouldnt we defend ukraine's right to protect itself from foreign invasion?

[@willchristie2650]

Americans are now so self-centered they do not want to aid anyone unless they get some profit from it. Fox News says we should be on the side of our major ongoing enemy Russia, and just abandon the Ukraine. Trump still wants to build his skyscraper in Moscow.

[@kotenoklelu3471]

Ok. Listen up. Russia is the largest exporter of wheat. EU is gonna by sanctions turn Russia into importer of wheat. Ukraine is exporter of wheat. If war drags until spring, they wouldn't be able to plant the wheat. Yemen Lebanon is gonna starve to death. Turkey and Egypt gonna revolt. I hope Nigeria (oil country) has it's silos full of food for years. Nigeria is in the list of exporters of wheat. Also Russia and Belarus are large exporters of fertilizers. They are both sanctioned. I don't know about Belarus. But Russia (largest exporter of fertilizers on the planet) can't ship it's fertilizers around the planet because shipping companies refuse to work with Russia. I don't know what happened to Monsanto but there would be shortage of herbicides. Some experts predict fall of this year's crop by 20%. Russians are crazy and ran around the flag. Also West is trying by sanctions dismantle oil drilling in Russia. Russia has sanctions on oil drilling technologies. It was drilling because foreign countries were in the country. Now they are leaving Russia. So Russia will stop drilling. Also West want to destroy manufacturing in Russia. Former largest exporter of fertilizers will probably lose it's ablity to produce fertilizers. We are heading into Holodomor for poorest countries in the world and civil unrest in some middle income countries.

[@edpiv2233]

Good job

[@TheWindGinProject]

The audio has a background hum as the professor speaks. This man should have the best audio setup.

[@mamajojoful]

I had a vague dream that Russia would join with Europe. This could've been stopped. The people will be an externality. I am sick of US war mongering.

[@stella3265]

John Mearsheimer reiterated what Rick said in this video. We are grateful for Prof Wolff. Biden is just deflecting attention away from his administrations failure to deliver on his campaign proposals

[@bwedin]

This is an excellent analysis. Alexander Mercouris on KZbin is excellent too.

[@10lauset]

... Cheers...

[@a_viewerv2069]

Well said , great analysis , thank you professor

[@LydiaSings]

When Ukraine's President Zelenskyy basically said that the U.S. is making up a threat by Russia when there is none, I came to the same conclusions you did, Prof. Wolff.

[@willchristie2650]

Then why is there the biggest Russian military buildup at the border right now? The Ukraine President is trying to placate Russia in hopes the invasion will not happen. You do realize that the military at the border is far from normal. If the USA put this much military at the Mexican border, you would see the President of Mexico trying to make peace also.

[@benangel3268]

Russia donated the the Dombass region to Ukraine to persuade it to become part of the Soviet Union. That means a lot of the people living in the region feel an affinity towards Russia and vice versa. These people are being attacked by Neo Nazis. The Social Democratic Party and the Labour Party alliance overthrown with the help of the USA were not fanatics. These were the voice of the working majority. Since most of people in the country now suffer from poverty, it should not surprise anybody that they would support these parties.

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

@@willchristie2650 Its strange to see Wolff let RUssia off the hook here. Maybe thats who his socialist/marxist funders really are.

[@originalulix]

I mean, there's 100k tropps at his border. Of course he'll try to deescalate. Ukraine has no chance to defend itself if Putin invades. Wolfe with his garbage take not mentioning Putin's or Russia's role with one word... man. Embarassing.

[@benangel3268]

@@originalulix What is more embarrassing is the amount of suffering caused by the USA and their allies, the intervention of other countries internal politics, the one sided and sometimes inaccurate news reporting by a corporate capitalist owned media, omitting many facts that would give a totally different picture, locking those who reveal criminals in high places into high security prisons. As well as backing of some very unsavory characters and groups, yet delisting groups that kill for example hundreds of Chinese people. No I do not want Russia to invade Ukraine and I really hope they don't. I also hopes that USA take it's criminal nose (I'm talking about those with power) out of other countries affairs. Think if it spent a fraction of the money on resolving proplems in the world and making America itself a great country great for the people, ie, not just the billionaires.

[@josephgrosso2943]

This didn't exactly age too well, did it? Didn't even mention Putin

[@neilcolley25]

good show

[@Stonecoldfrank]

Well, one of the rare times I'll agree with you on the fact this is a distraction.

[@kaisy4880]

It’s almost annoying how right Prof Wolff is on every issue he discusses. Seriously dude, why are you so awesome! 💪🏻😍

[@lindapetit2386]

Thank you Richard so much for your wonderful understanding and insight of the political theatre that is playing out,at the moment..The World Econmic Forum knows that everything is going to plan, as long as the msm continues to pump out its propoganda..

[@chilliwatski]

More people should view your video!

[@winkieblink7625]

Interesting.

[@anotheracct8417]

While I don't disagree with Prof. Woff says, somehow this seems like a one sided view that lets Russia off the hook.

[@moil6384]

go on breaking points!

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

After the 20 Year Disaster that was Afghanistan, you'd think this country wouldn't be jumping head first into anymore wars.🤦🏿‍♂️

[@insomniac2007]

And over the same thing: oil.

[@evelevrae1]

thanks for the informative video. there is so much the average person doesn't realize about this situation. about the euromaidan where NATO took over about 80% of ukraine and now they want the rest of it.

[@wmjahn]

100% 👍👍👍

[@originalulix]

I'm sorry, but how do American domestic politics bring Putin to send 100k troops and heavy weaponry to the Ukrainian border?

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

Good question, please keep thinking for yourself, we need more of it

[@originalulix]

@@Canadian_Eh_I I'm not from the US, but I was quite disillusioned by the honestly stupid anti-american simplifications some people I respect deliver on this. America = bad, so Russia can't be doing anything wrong here... Well. No. Russia is the bigger villain in this scenario, there is no doubt about it. American imperialism has resulted in more death and suffering than almost any other in modern times. But in this case it is NOT American imperialism that is fanning the flames. It is Russian imperialism. I like Wolfe, but my trust in his neutrality is completely gone now. Better not listen to him about anything regarding foreign policy, I guess. Tooideologically blinded.

[@user-xb6fl9ri6g]

Yeah I liked Mitt Romney's take "We need more money for weapons!"

[@petestanton1945]

Oops. Need an update here!

[@joannachodyka2169]

It reminds me the famous quote of Chamberlain about not risking another war for a country (Chechoslovakia) of which we know nothing about. We all know how it ended. We have rules in this world accepted by all UN nations and one of them is that big states cannot take chunks or even entire countries without some repercussions. Otherwise all those small, unimportant countries may think about developing their own nuclear weapon like North Korea and that is not the outcome we desire. For Richard Ukraine is some faraway country of no importance so let's just leave it to Russia. And then how about Baltics, Poland, Chechia, Moldova. Who cares! What a horrible take.

[@adamaant4159]

Dr Wolff, your message here is vital and on point. Hope that wisdom and common sense prevails. Squeezing out not just the Russians, but also the rest of Europe out of any ability to at the least have a bit more choices on where to buy the most basic necessities (raw and finished goods) just to reach and maintain some solvency where it matters the most right now.

[@narancauk]

''War is peace. Peace is war''-------------George Orwell 1984

[@ZealothPL]

As a guy from Poland this whole situation makes my brain explode On one hand I could see exactly the same things said about Poland ten to twenty years ago. on the other hand NATO is a bit of a joke in the modern age and should be replaced with strictly defensive construct. As for the Russian gas, the worrying part is, a decade or two ago Russia would regularly try to play games with energy by undersupplying the pipelines going through Eastern Europe, but it worked really poorly since we didn't give a crap and just took what we needed and that made western Europe suddenly care, as it was them lacking the gas, and they'd quickly remind Russia to play ball Nord stream 2 bypasses everyone and links Germany directly to Russia, and Germany is utterly compromised by Russia as is They already have a special deal for significantly cheaper gas than most of Eu. while I wouldn't want to be dependent on us on anything, this is a political disaster in the making

[@kotenoklelu3471]

Do you know what's real disaster in the making? EU sanctioned seeds to Russia. I guess largest exporter of wheat is going to become importer of wheat. Ukraine is probably out of the game of wheat producing. All this guns for Ukraine will drag this war so they will not be able to plant this year. Next Maersk and other shipping companies refuse to work with Russia and Belarus (two large exporters of fertilizers). World's crop is projected to fall by 20% without sufficient amount of fertilizers and herbicides (I don't know what's happened with Monsanto). Holodomor is on the way for poor countries. DW say it will be Yemen and Lebanon. Afghanistan was projected to have starvation situation. USA will have drought, plus American farmers scramble to afford fertilizers. We are talking about largest exporter of food in the planet that probably wouldn't be able to help poor countries to survive. Further Russia is sanctioned out of technologies to drill it's oil. Foreign countries when they were in the country were helping with technologies. Now they are leaving the country.

[@r.b9536]

The two party system is wrecked with this pathetic mindset. The analogy is to the point

[@adamcraneguilford6236]

War never makes sense

[@365clubcard]

This is a classic " Shakedown "

[@TS-hd3mc]

A war with Russia would be great for US weapon makers such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and more. The US economy has been changed into a war economy, which would be in constant need of an enemy. Only wars and conflicts need weapons. Reports said the US has already delivered weapons to Ukraine. It would be great if Dr. Wolff could explain how we could turn away from a war economy into an economy that helps make all Americans(not only the weapon makers) more prosperous and happier.

[@felixtossan5107]

There is only one way for US to get rid of its military-industrial complex and an economy based on endless wars. Bear in mind this have existed since end of WW2. That only way is to instigate WW3, then lose it. Don't laugh because I am deadly serious. That's exactly how Nazi Germany and Fascist Japan lost their runaway military-industrial complex - start WW2, then lost it. And given the size of the American military expire, $1 trillion per year, given the sizeable class of warlords who run it. it absolutely will take a world war. Win it and U.S. become absolute dictator of the world. Lose it and it breaks up, go back to 1800. In size and population.

[@willchristie2650]

@@felixtossan5107 How old are you? You are talking about Russia, a nuclear power, not some 3rd world nation like Iraq. So you want a nuclear winter? The loss of billions of lives means nothing to you? If you have a serious problem in your family, the solution isn't to kill everyone! Perhaps you need more subtle nuanced minds to guide you.

[@felixtossan5107]

@@willchristie2650 I am 75 and saw more than enough, know more than good for me. Let me assure you Russia & China will never start a war. They have always been victims of western imperialism and aggression going back 19th century. Their military power are defensive. It is the west (Europe and America) who have launched wars after wars just about non-stop since the 17th century. It is in their genes - they have to keep doing it regardless of the damages to themselves and the world. It's a crusading civilization hell bent on conquest and conversion. How many Chinese and Russian lives lost due to the west the past 200 years? Read the history books - the factual ones. So yes the only way to halt the few centuries of western military aggression is WW3, which they have been trying very hard to start for a long time. You know, WW2 did not stop anything. Europeans are under American control for endless wars, but they dare to destroy themselves again. But as US is going down by its own mistakes, it will start a war, a big one. Because the ruling class of America is absolutely convinced that if they go down, the world must go down with them. So yes, America do have a most serious problem in the 'family. and the solution is most certainly to kill everyone.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@felixtossan5107 You seem to display a Tousan good answers der Felix..... You sound like Hamlet or some other Dane, but ya forgot to mention Defender Europe that preceded the Russian Buildup? That NATO operation seems to Prompt Putin to beef up the Defense of Russia, enabling the lovely folks at the US State Department to claim Aggression at the Security Council Meetings. The profits that seem to flow from wells as they did for old JD Rockefeller continue to find some funds to feed development by The Guys who wear the Star. The first Gulf War as they called it, I watched the news as we know it, and constantly wondered why all the Cruise Lines were advertising not Texaco? Then it came to me, them old Rockefeller Bros did invest in Caribbean Real Estate..... But other than that, and the Emir of Qatar arriving this week to hear about the Sanctions going into effect soon, I guess ya covered it? Thanks for saving me a lots of keyboard work......

[@jeffreyokun2355]

@@felixtossan5107 This is stemming from the decline of the US as the leading power economically and therefore also militarily in the world. Being challenged by China and Russia who have vested interests in countering the US hegemony. The US knows their decline is real and that is leading to dangerous and desperate shows of power and underhanded games being played. Consequently Russia sees to gain new trade routes through the Arctic circle as the climate change is thawing everything in its wake, and this also is something the US is keenly aware of. Russia has immense oil and gas reserves among other things, and this would be an absolute problem for the US economy if it were to be so. What we have here is a changing of the world order, that could actually be done in a fashion, that does not require military action if the market economy was not run by very corrupt oligarchs and the military industrial complex. These oligarchs have nothing to fear from wars, such as the people have everything to lose with such events.

[@stefanlangenhoven78]

The US looks at Ukraine and sees a paycheck

[@jamesrichardson1326]

Doc how about explaining why these defeats were caused?

[@anhedonic-voting]

Thank you 🌎 ✊️ 🌹 🗽

[@robertdiluzio2313]

And what about Russia??? you failed to even give that part of the equation even a few seconds. USA, Europe, are not in this stupid dance alone. You did a disservice to the analysiss by leaving them out.

[@MaciekMaciek87]

Absolutely, incredibly stupid take by prof. Wolff, whose opinions I usually respect. Very disappointing :(

[@thedreamville]

Accurately predicted Boris Johnson’s downfall five months earlier