"Russia Conducts Snap Drills in Baltics and Ukraine" Topic

Russia announces snap military drills in the Baltics and Ukraine regions:

link

Their troops, paratroopers, air force, and naval units are all involved in these "exercises".

Poland's and Germany's leaders are concerned about these developments:

link

link

Interesting! Thank you Mr Mako11

Further wear & tear on extended Russian military.

I'm amazed Merkel is pushing back at this point, she leads the NATO country most likely to lead the easing of Russian sanctions.

Looks like sabre rattling … again. Never underestimate your enemy … But don't make him out to be "Godzilla" either …

There's only so far that Russia's military budget can cope with. Something has to give, and that something is probably depth – Russia can put on a good appearance where aims and expenditure are limited, I very much doubt it's ability to cope with extended large scale operations.

There's only so much in the kitty – about $66 USD-70 billion a year or so…

Mako – If these aren't "exercises" (and your scare quotes suggest you don't believe they are) then what do you think they are? An astute analysis would be most welcome.

Could be something, or could be nothing.

As mentioned, many didn't think Putin would take over Crimea, until he did, so…….

I seem to recall him denying a lot of stuff, and then eventually admitting that yes, they did take over Crimea, and it was his plan all along.

I wouldn't be surprised if the same thing happens in Ukraine, since it is currently ongoing, clearly, in Eastern Ukraine, despite official denials to the contrary.

There's been too much evidence discovered/uncovered there, not to mention the bodies of about 2,000 Russian soldiers being shipped back home, e.g. various T-72 models only available in Russia, and never exported, being seen, and/or captured in Eastern Ukraine, BTR-82s which again were never exported being seen in Eastern Ukraine, plus many other un-exported Russian weapons being seen across the border, etc., etc..

A lot of US intel indicates clear Russian support for the pro-Russian guerrillas there.

As for the Baltics, again, Putin's clearly stirring the pot, using scare tactics and these exercises to keep the EU and NATO members off balance, and looking weak to their citizens, while pumping himself up as the strong-man in Russia.

Using this pressure as a threat, and possible leverage to try to get the sanctions on Russia reduced, or eliminated.

Putin's playing the long game, and others don't seem to have a clue what the rules even are.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him make a play for the little Baltic nations, if he thinks he can get away with it, and bully NATO into splintering, or even knuckling under to a perceived, nuclear first use threat.

I suspect his main aim is to make himself and Russia look tough, and relevant on the world's stage, for domestic consumption, while undermining US and EU leaders at every turn, and thoroughly embarrassing them when the opportunities arise.

He seems to have done a pretty good job of that in Syria, and even now the US is worried about Turkey's possible realignment with Mother Russia.

From what I've read, many in the EU are ready to drop sanctions against Russia as well, since they're more interested in profits than the fate of a minor, Eastern European country which used to be part of the old Soviet Union.

Not sure how widespread that last statement is, but that's what is being put out by our news media, and it wouldn't surprise me at all.

From what I've read, many in the EU are ready to drop sanctions against Russia as well, since they're more interested in profits than the fate of a minor, Eastern European country which used to be part of the old Soviet Union.

Which proves that Putin is not as much of a chess master than a lucky opportunist.

Putin has embarrassed and angered his greatest proponent in the West, Angela Merkel. By his newest belligerent actions towards the Baltics & Poland, Merkel is having to push back against Russia. Germany cannot propose removal of sanctions in the face of continued aggression.

…they did take over Crimea, and it was his plan all along

Easy to claim after the event, and more for domestic consumption. I don't think anyone really believes it was part of some master plan. It was an opportunistic grab which I still believe has turned into a bit of a millstone, but he can't lose face and give it back so he's stuck with it.

I suspect his main aim is to make himself and Russia look tough, and relevant on the world's stage, for domestic consumption, while undermining US and EU leaders at every turn, and thoroughly embarrassing them when the opportunities arise.

It's schoolyard bully stuff, but yes.

If these aren't "exercises" (and your scare quotes suggest you don't believe they are) then what do you think they are?

They are flag waving, sabre brandishing, 'look at me' events. They are not a prelude to invasion (unless an opportunity arises, but the Baltics would be very different from Ukraine, or more specifically Crimea), but they are intended to keep things tense, to make him appear big, strong and powerful

I don't see a really strong "push" by Angela.

Seems more like a stiff arm at best.

Regardless, Russia now controls Crimea, so…….

Which proves that Putin is not as much of a chess master than a lucky opportunist.

Which as we have seen in the past. Some world leaders were very successful playing Blackjack not Chess. Like that famous German Corporal …