Russian Pressure on the Baltics

[JasonPratt]

Granted, I'm not pivvy to secret troop and asset movements, but my impression is that NATO has no hope of protecting the Baltics. At best we might be able to take them back eventually. The trick will be doing so without igniting nuclear strikes and escalating from there.

I'm not overly convinced anyone will stand against Putin's nuclear threats, including the US. It might be a case of, "You ingrates don't want us here and people all over the world have been whining about Western Civ being so oppressive and junk; so here, have some fun with real oppression for a while. Call us when you get tired of it, maybe we'll do something but don't count on it."  :(

[Airborne Rifles]

Actually by next spring there is going to be enough combat power in each of the Baltic states to repel a Russian Brigade sized attack into each of the three countries. I think the US, UK, and Canada are each supplying a battalion.

[W8taminute]

Well Nato has been stationing troops in Poland and the Baltic States during the past year.  Could this just be Russia's response as a show of force?

[GDS_Starfury]

didnt we parade a platoon of Strykers around the area.   ::)

[JasonPratt]

Actually by next spring there is going to be enough combat power in each of the Baltic states to repel a Russian Brigade sized attack into each of the three countries. I think the US, UK, and Canada are each supplying a battalion.

...I can't decide if that's humorous or real or both.  O0

[OJsDad]

One item the RAND paper pointed out, is the lack of a US Corps HQ in Europe.  Is that being corrected?

[pawelj]

There were warnings at the time of Russian aggression on Georgia, that if the West does nothing it will get worse. It is getting worse, but there is still time. NATO air support to for the Ukraine would do the trick.

[mirth]

NATO air support to for the Ukraine would do the trick.

Don't hold your breath on that.

[pawelj]

NATO air support to for the Ukraine would do the trick.

Don't hold your breath on that.

I don't, but that would be one way among so many counter moves US/NATO could do. All it takes is a bit of competence in the WH. Not holding my breath on that either.

[Staggerwing]

Well, she may not say it much out loud but supposedly HRC is a lot more likely to get confrontational with Russia than Obama is/was. There appears to be some bad blood between her and Putin. There would appear to be more to his attempts to get Trump elected than just regular Russian meddling. A bit of desperation, perhaps?

[Gusington]

I'm not sure if I have posted this before but isn't the US meddling with Ukraine/Russia a lot like Russia trying to stop Texas from seceding?

[mirth]

I'm not sure if I have posted this before but isn't the US meddling with Ukraine/Russia a lot like Russia trying to stop Texas from seceding?

Maybe if we gave Texas it's independence for 20 years and then decided to take it back.

[Gusington]

It doesn't really seem like we have much business in Ukraine at all...it's been in the Russian sphere for what...1000 years? What's two decades between enemies?

[mirth]

By that reasoning, the Allies should have kept quiet while the Germans and Russians carved up Poland in 41. Or why bother supporting Israel? That isn't our historical sphere of influence either.

[Gusington]

Both of those examples include ethnic conflict that isn't a part of the current situation. Ukraine has a lot more connections to Russia and Poland and Austria and Germany than to the US. I understand that we are the world's policeman, but I am not convinced we have any stake in Ukraine. Historically, geographically, etc., the Russians do. What effect would it have on us if the Russians pulled out of Ukraine entirely, or if they annexed it like Crimea? Would it be any worse than the 'line in the sand' of using chemical weapons in Syria?