Conflicts of Interest: Is Putin Bluffing?

10 thoughts on “Conflicts of Interest: Is Putin Bluffing?”

1. Is he bluffing ? Short answer, no. Longer answer – I think he's only making threats / promises vague enough not to get him caught in the sort of "overstepped red lines" of several former US Presidents yet specific enough to make clear the Russian Federation's intentions.

   I do think that, in an adjacent parallel universe, Putin would make a fearsome lawyer. His actions and statements in THIS universe read like someone who is laying clear and consistent steps and precedents towards justification of any of several potential outcomes.

   When his Russian Federation finally does something big and shocking and game-changing, I am fairly certain future hindsight will show that outcome had been clearly delineated and justified at every preceding step.

   1. Further, the West must recognize that Russians respect strength and fortitude in their leaders, given the geographical expanse and related incursions into Russia for a thousand years.

      Testing Putin's resolve only guarantees that his successor (should he perish or be removed from office), in order to even replace him, will have to be of the "act first, justify perhaps later" school of strategy.

      A "mad Vlad" Zhironovsky (sp ?)(is he still alive ? Someone check IMDb) would unleash tactical nukes all across the Ukrainian frontlines and supply hubs, then mention later he has in mind to do so if provoked.

      1. Yea, Russia is a lot like the US, which Russians keep mentioning. The US would do the same and already wishes to develop and use “tactical” nukes, which won’t create too much uncontrollable radiation.

         I’m sure someone wishes to test out a big one too, eg. on Lviv.

         I don’t really understand Ukrainians. Hitler supposedly was lost in the past strategically, thought he needed territory for power when he really just needed development, capital. Ukrainians similarly are too focused on territory. Separately, they should focus on resisting foreign influence.

2. Zelensky insists Russia has no red lines, will not use nukes.

3. How many times have the Russia experts, such as Scott Ritter, said "Russians do not bluff"?

   So once again, why this question? Why an unending series of dumb questions?

   1. Is that the same Scott Ritter who said “if you continue this fight, very soon you’re going to lose Odessa” … in 2022?

      1. We all say a lot of things which, taken out of context, provide some people with quick and dirty retorts.

4. Many, many blessings to you and your new family dear Kyle!!!
   Thanks also for all that you do!

   1. In just over 18 years, he can be drafted to serve the Empire!

5. Always the same question, brings the same answer to the table. I hope they don't bluff and that they prove it with a show of strength so we can move along and forward with more important questions

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