The vast resources in Russia is not yet what would bring on the invaders.
The one peril Russia faces is that much of the democratic west would want
to bring democracy to its people.
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Russia collapsing
- Thread starter Frankfooter
- Start date
The one peril Russia faces is that much of the democratic west would want
to bring democracy to its people.
The USSR broke itself up by going broke trying to outspend Ronald Reagan. Who was responding to the ever yapping, but nuclear armed, chihuahua threatening nuclear war.
The US had no interest in invading Russia. And Nazi Germany kaputted itself so posed no threat to Russia. RUSSIA was the only entity that forcibly kept countries it forcibly occupied after WW2
Russians are their own worst, unimagined, enemy.
And in continuing its proxy war against the “inferior “ evil Western societies by its continuation of the destruction of Ukraine, it will fail in exactly tge same manner it did in 1991.
Thats not really the real reason, but enjoy your fiction. It was Yeltsin that broke up the USSR with a tax change that meant Russia stopped funding it. If you look at the long bloody history of those nations, keeping them in check resulted in the LONGEST period of peace in HUNDREDS of years in Europe. Those are the facts.
Yes, exactly. THAT is the threat Putin, The Kremlin, the Apparchtik, the Kleptocracy and the Oligarchs fear.
And fwiw, I think that the West should keep its nose out of that genetically Russian culture and let tge Russian
people fight that from within. UNLESS Russia tries to project its dominance over other countries and those countries ASK for help or protection. Like in Ukraine.
That is UTTER RUBBISH. The USA barely has democracy. Why are they such great pals with all the Arab dictators. Why did they support so many Latin dictators. Its really shocks me that an adult can believe such nonsense. OMG.
Gorbachev saw the writing on the wall, and in the ledger, and tried something new as the Soviet strongman approach to everything failed. The old Soviet communist guard didn’t like that and in the failed “August Coup” they caused problems. In fact, it was Gorbachev’s initiatives that knocked over the first dominoes. Yeltsin’s vodka soaked attempt to undo Gorbachev didn’t allow the reforms to possibly succeed.
So yes, technically, Yeltsin’s attempt to go back to the “good old Soviet Times” was the final straw that caused the USSR to fail. Again.
And who did Yeltsin hand the reins to?
Yeltsin appointed Putin as his successor by appointing him as Prime Minister in August 1999 and then as acting president when he resigned on December 31, 1999.
And 26 years later… here we are again! Imminent failure of the Russian Federation in pursuit of bring back the good old Soviet Union! “The greatest geopolitical failure of our times” according to Putin himself..
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In the same sense the U.S. wants the people of Iran. Iraq and PRC to
have democracy in place of what in the eyes would pass as oppressive
government. And in the same fashion the U.S. would take on Russia
and China in the name of safeguarding democracy in Ukraine and Taiwan.
Ukraine should feel grateful to the U.S. for not having suffered the same
fate of Vietnam yet.
Why did the Soviet Union fail?
For those interested, according to Google AI:
“The failure of the Soviet Union was not caused by a single event but was the result of a long-term process involving systemic economic flaws, political stagnation, rising nationalism, and the unintended consequences of late-stage reform efforts
.
Economic weaknesses
Political and social factors
Gorbachev's reforms
Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in 1985 and attempted to revitalize the Soviet system with new policies, but they had unintended consequences that accelerated the collapse.
Rise of nationalism
For those interested, according to Google AI:
“The failure of the Soviet Union was not caused by a single event but was the result of a long-term process involving systemic economic flaws, political stagnation, rising nationalism, and the unintended consequences of late-stage reform efforts
.
Economic weaknesses
- Fundamental inefficiencies:The centrally planned command economy, managed by the state planning committee, Gosplan, was notoriously inefficient. Without the market forces of supply, demand, and competition, it failed to innovate or produce a consistent supply of quality consumer goods. Shortages of everyday items, from food to clothing, were common throughout the country.
- Military spending: The Cold War arms race put a disproportionate strain on the Soviet economy. The need to keep pace with the military spending of the United States diverted vast resources toward defense industries and away from consumer goods and infrastructure.
- External pressures: Declining oil prices in the 1980s were a major external shock. As a top exporter of oil and natural gas, the Soviet Union saw its revenue from these commodities plummet, further exacerbating its existing economic problems.
- The Afghanistan war: The long and costly Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989) was another significant drain on the Soviet economy and contributed to widespread public dissatisfaction.
Political and social factors
- The Era of Stagnation: The period under Leonid Brezhnev (1964–1982) was characterized by political stagnation and a ruling gerontocracy—an aging and conservative leadership resistant to change. This lack of new ideas led to increasing corruption and a demoralized populace.
- Loss of ideological purpose:Over time, the fervent ideological commitment to Marxism-Leninism waned, especially among younger generations. The growing gap between the promised socialist utopia and the reality of a corrupt and inefficient system caused a loss of public faith in the government.
- Chernobyl disaster: The explosion of the Chernobyl nuclear plant in 1986 and the government's subsequent cover-up of the incident's severity shattered public trust in the state's credibility.
Gorbachev's reforms
Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in 1985 and attempted to revitalize the Soviet system with new policies, but they had unintended consequences that accelerated the collapse.
- Glasnost (Openness): By lifting state censorship and increasing transparency, glasnost inadvertently exposed the deep-seated problems, corruption, and failures of the Soviet system. This allowed for criticism of the government and the rise of democratic and nationalist movements.
- Perestroika (Restructuring):Gorbachev's economic reforms introduced quasi-market policies and decentralized decision-making. However, these changes dismantled the existing system without providing an effective replacement, leading to severe shortages, inflation, and growing economic chaos.
- The Sinatra Doctrine:Gorbachev's decision not to militarily intervene in the affairs of other Warsaw Pact states created a "domino effect," emboldening Eastern European nations to pursue democratic transitions and inspiring independence movements within the Soviet republics.
Rise of nationalism
- Increased autonomy: With central authority weakening under Gorbachev's reforms, the 15 constituent republics began to assert their sovereignty.
- Separatist movements:Nationalist and independence movements gained momentum across the Soviet Union, from the Baltic states to the Caucasus. These movements pulled the republics away from Moscow's control, fundamentally undermining the foundation of the multi-ethnic state.
- The August Coup: In August 1991, hardline Communist officials launched a coup to overthrow Gorbachev and halt the reforms. The coup failed but irreparably damaged Gorbachev's authority and demonstrated the central government's weakness. Russian President Boris Yeltsin emerged as a powerful rival, and republics hastened to declare full independence.
China, Iran, Iraq are/were real military threatsto the USA.
Possible democracy is just a side benefit. And a long-term benefit as fewer democracies conduct extraterritorial attacks than strongman Dictatorships.
The longer the Russian collapse is delayed the better for profiteers of the war.
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EU taxpayers have paid over €180 billion to Ukraine
Nov 17, 2025
The EU has so far approved more than €180 billion in economic support to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022. Recently, an additional package worth approximately €6 billion was approved, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to demand increased grants and loans.
Last week, the European Commission approved almost six billion euros in new support to Ukraine.
The amount consists of €4.1 billion in a macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan and €1.8 billion in a support package, a large part of which consists of grants.
With this disbursement, the EU's total support to Ukraine now exceeds an astronomical €180 billion. In addition, there is military and financial support from other Western countries, not least the United States.
Zelenskyy demands more money
The day before the EU's decision, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was interviewed by Bloomberg. He emphasized the need for additional financing.
– We must find other alternatives. It is a question of our survival. That is why we really need it. And I count on our partners, Zelenskyy said.
In the same interview, he hinted that Ukraine hopes to gain access to frozen Russian assets in the EU, where a loan worth over €140 billion is being considered.
The Russian funds are held, among other places, at the securities depository Euroclear in Belgium. However, Belgian authorities and the company oppose the use of the assets.
– There are at least as many frozen assets in the rest of the world. It's a bit frustrating that everyone is pointing at us, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever told HLN, a Belgian news outlet.
De Wever has so far blocked proposals for seizure and emphasizes the risk that Belgian taxpayers could be forced to compensate Russia if there is no legal basis.
Ukraine in difficult military situation
The Ukrainian president admits, however, that the war is going hard for Ukraine and that the strategically important city of Pokrovsk, among others, is under heavy pressure. He emphasizes, however, that defense decisions are left to Ukrainian commanders.
– No one is forcing them to die for some ruins, he reportedly commented on the military chain of command.
Volodymyr Zelensky believes that Russia wants Ukraine to give up the rest of Donetsk Oblast, including the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, and that the country is then prepared to end the war.
According to him, it has therefore become important for Russian President Vladimir Putin to conquer Pokrovsk in particular. Thereby showing the US and Donald Trump that Ukraine cannot win the war and that the only possibility for peace is to agree to Russian demands.
Demands that Zelenskyy stubbornly refuses to accept.
– We cannot leave eastern Ukraine. No one will understand that. People will not understand it. And most importantly, no one can guarantee us that if they get this or that city, they won't continue afterward. We have no deterrent, Volodymyr Zelensky says.
nordictimes.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU taxpayers have paid over €180 billion to Ukraine
Nov 17, 2025
The EU has so far approved more than €180 billion in economic support to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022. Recently, an additional package worth approximately €6 billion was approved, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to demand increased grants and loans.
Last week, the European Commission approved almost six billion euros in new support to Ukraine.
The amount consists of €4.1 billion in a macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan and €1.8 billion in a support package, a large part of which consists of grants.
With this disbursement, the EU's total support to Ukraine now exceeds an astronomical €180 billion. In addition, there is military and financial support from other Western countries, not least the United States.
Zelenskyy demands more money
The day before the EU's decision, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was interviewed by Bloomberg. He emphasized the need for additional financing.
– We must find other alternatives. It is a question of our survival. That is why we really need it. And I count on our partners, Zelenskyy said.
In the same interview, he hinted that Ukraine hopes to gain access to frozen Russian assets in the EU, where a loan worth over €140 billion is being considered.
The Russian funds are held, among other places, at the securities depository Euroclear in Belgium. However, Belgian authorities and the company oppose the use of the assets.
– There are at least as many frozen assets in the rest of the world. It's a bit frustrating that everyone is pointing at us, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever told HLN, a Belgian news outlet.
De Wever has so far blocked proposals for seizure and emphasizes the risk that Belgian taxpayers could be forced to compensate Russia if there is no legal basis.
Ukraine in difficult military situation
The Ukrainian president admits, however, that the war is going hard for Ukraine and that the strategically important city of Pokrovsk, among others, is under heavy pressure. He emphasizes, however, that defense decisions are left to Ukrainian commanders.
– No one is forcing them to die for some ruins, he reportedly commented on the military chain of command.
Volodymyr Zelensky believes that Russia wants Ukraine to give up the rest of Donetsk Oblast, including the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, and that the country is then prepared to end the war.
According to him, it has therefore become important for Russian President Vladimir Putin to conquer Pokrovsk in particular. Thereby showing the US and Donald Trump that Ukraine cannot win the war and that the only possibility for peace is to agree to Russian demands.
Demands that Zelenskyy stubbornly refuses to accept.
– We cannot leave eastern Ukraine. No one will understand that. People will not understand it. And most importantly, no one can guarantee us that if they get this or that city, they won't continue afterward. We have no deterrent, Volodymyr Zelensky says.
EU taxpayers have paid over €180 billion to Ukraine - The Nordic Times
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is demanding more money and loans from frozen Russian assets.
nordictimes.com
Iran had democracy, the USA and UK put a stop to it. Did you really not know that? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Mosaddegh Did you know Ho Chi Minh wanted to be a US ally? By the same fate do you mean communism or being bombed to kingdom come?
It is America's master Israel who now wants to make Iran great again. That means bringing
democracy to the country. To the west the true meaning of democracy is to make Russia,
China, Iran and other less than democratic countries their lackeys. Democracy is great
for the west. Democracy in Ukraine led to the election of the NATO janitor to power. The
parts of the world hostile to the west will become friendlier if they all embrace democracy.
The Decades-Long US-Israeli Plan for Regime Change in Iran Is Taking Shape
The recent attacks on Tehran are part of a long-standing plan by the US and Israel, argues Mel Frykberg
bylinetimes.com
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Hitler was democratically elected and so was Trump.It is America's master Israel who now wants to make Iran great again. That means bringing
democracy to the country. To the west the true meaning of democracy is to make Russia,
China, Iran and other less than democratic countries their lackeys. Democracy is great
for the west. Democracy in Ukraine led to the election of the NATO janitor to power. The
parts of the world hostile to the west will become friendlier if they all embrace democracy.
The Decades-Long US-Israeli Plan for Regime Change in Iran Is Taking Shape
The recent attacks on Tehran are part of a long-standing plan by the US and Israel, argues Mel Frykberg
If this isn't symbolic of the core failure of the russian military. Their tank factories are laying people off!
Here is an interesting comment from the comments section. Don't know if it's true, but hope it is!
"Russia has 2,470 tanks left, that's it.
Russia started February 2022 with 20,800 tanks and has Very few remaining (of 2,470 remaining 881 are T-62's, and 141 T54/T55's---Russian "Super Weapons") as Putin threatened to use... 63 to 71 year-old grandpa weapons with largely used up barrels and degraded ammo, and the ones that do arrive get eliminated within an hour by Ukrainian drones.
They're bankrupt.
Russia went from 34,300 artillery pieces in February 2022 to nearly none as of November 2025, and to Zero by 01 January 2026. And, no, Russia can Only make 50 cannon barrels a year for 2026.
As Russia's #1 "power" in war is gone: they're bankrupt.
Russian IFV's went from 8,600 in February 2022 to, maybe 1800 in poor condition that have forced Most Russian units to conduct transport and assaults using Buhanka vans, Lada cars, and transport supplies with 1 legged Ivans on crutches pulling the Russian "super weapon" donkey.
Then there' the #1 metric of the drone war: October 2025 Ukraine made 250K FPV's, Russia less than half that at 120K. 70% of Russians “eliminated” are from FPV’s. It's beyond obvious Russia will lose. It's just what day."
Here is an interesting comment from the comments section. Don't know if it's true, but hope it is!
"Russia has 2,470 tanks left, that's it.
Russia started February 2022 with 20,800 tanks and has Very few remaining (of 2,470 remaining 881 are T-62's, and 141 T54/T55's---Russian "Super Weapons") as Putin threatened to use... 63 to 71 year-old grandpa weapons with largely used up barrels and degraded ammo, and the ones that do arrive get eliminated within an hour by Ukrainian drones.
They're bankrupt.
Russia went from 34,300 artillery pieces in February 2022 to nearly none as of November 2025, and to Zero by 01 January 2026. And, no, Russia can Only make 50 cannon barrels a year for 2026.
As Russia's #1 "power" in war is gone: they're bankrupt.
Russian IFV's went from 8,600 in February 2022 to, maybe 1800 in poor condition that have forced Most Russian units to conduct transport and assaults using Buhanka vans, Lada cars, and transport supplies with 1 legged Ivans on crutches pulling the Russian "super weapon" donkey.
Then there' the #1 metric of the drone war: October 2025 Ukraine made 250K FPV's, Russia less than half that at 120K. 70% of Russians “eliminated” are from FPV’s. It's beyond obvious Russia will lose. It's just what day."
You excuse everything. Even your own people brutalizing your own people.
Yeah... except in the Russian army, there are official second lines to kill front line soldiers that retreat.
Brutal fucking society. You sure seem to love it! Enjoy yourself!
