# Russia invades Ukraine {2022-02-24} (Part 1) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** ukraine-invasion, breaking-news\ **Created:** [February 24, 2022, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037 "2022-02-24T08:30:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/101 "2022-02-25T12:03:31Z")
The Russians have entered Kiev. > **[Ukrainian Fighters Battle to Hold Kyiv](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/25/world/russia-ukraine-war/ukraine-says-russian-troops-entered-the-outskirts-of-kyiv)** > > The Ukrainian capital is transformed into a battle zone, and President Volodymyr Zelensky warns against false reports of his demise. NATO leaders said more troops would be deployed. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/102 "2022-02-25T12:47:06Z")
Here’s a webcam that’s live streaming a look at Kyiv. Looks beautiful. Looks peaceful. Looks almost deserted. I expect that to change. That appears to be the [**Independence Monument**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Monument,_Kyiv), a bit ironically, giving **[the site](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maidan_Nezalezhnosti)** as: > **Maidan Nezalezhnosti** , (literally “ **Independence Square** ”) is the central square of Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine. One of the city’s main squares, it is located on Khreshchatyk Street in the Shevchenko Raion. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/qy39oo6PcTU/maxresdefault.jpg "WATCH: View of Kyiv as Russian forces press closer to Ukraine capital") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy39oo6PcTU) ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/103 "2022-02-25T13:49:59Z")
The loss of the capitol city would be shattering for Ukrainian morale. Hope Russians get Stalingrad’d instead. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/104 "2022-02-25T13:52:45Z")
There are three hidden Soviet fronts ready for a counteroffensive to the South? If you want a military disaster involving the Russians, Grozny might be a better example. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/105 "2022-02-25T14:00:23Z")
He means “bogged down in city fighting” not “completely defeated, surrounded and then counteratacked to death”. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/106 "2022-02-25T14:01:39Z")
Maidan Square is where the demonstrations took place during the Orange Revolution, when one of Putin’s Puppets was ousted (you might read here and there about this puppet being democratically elected and the ousting being orchestrated by NATO, CIA, Soros or something like that). The demonstrators were shot at by snipers, BTW. That is not what confers democratic legitimacy. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/107 "2022-02-25T14:02:58Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > And yet, according to the latest verifiable numbers, the Russians have taken three times as many casualties as Ukranian fighters have - 137 Ukranians killed to ~450 Russians. So? They’ll still take the ground. Putin doesn’t give a shit. He’ll kill his own soldiers to take Ukraine. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/108 "2022-02-25T14:11:38Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > So? They’ll still take the ground. Putin doesn’t give a shit. He’ll kill his own soldiers to take Ukraine. But the Russian people give a shit and Putin does actually need them on his side to stay in power. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/109 "2022-02-25T14:13:08Z")
The Ukrainian General Staff seemed to have even less of an overall plan to defend their country than the ANA did. Which is saying something. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/110 "2022-02-25T14:14:12Z")
Putin can’t stay in Ukraine for very long. There are already some demonstrations in Russia. He can’t afford to get bogged down like the Soviets did in Afghanistan. Unfortunately it doesn’t look like there will be a democratic government in Kiev for much longer. I’m surprised Kiev wasn’t better defended. The plan to decapitate the government was reported last week. The generals planning the defense should have anticipated this years ago. It’s such an obvious plan. Putin doesn’t need to control the entire country and will never have enough troops to occupy Ukraine. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/111 "2022-02-25T14:14:38Z")
What is the ANA? ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/112 "2022-02-25T14:16:53Z")
These guys: > **[Afghan Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_army)** > > Pages for logged out editors learn more > > > The Army of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Pashto: د افغانستان د اسلامي امارت اردو), also referred to as the Islamic Emirate Army and the Afghan Army, is the land force branch of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The roots of an army in Afghanistan can be traced back to the early 18th century when the Hotak dynasty was established in Kandahar followed by Ahmad Shah Durrani's rise to power. It was reorganized in 1880 du... ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/113 "2022-02-25T14:20:27Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I’m surprised Kiev wasn’t better defended. The plan to decapitate the government was reported last week. Fortunately, there is a difference between a government and the place they call the capital. The Ukraine government might be operating out of a Warsaw office building next month. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/114 "2022-02-25T14:20:30Z")
Thank you. I was pretty sure he didn’t mean Nurses but really had no clue what that acronym would be. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/115 "2022-02-25T14:27:20Z")
GMA is already airing their happy fluff pieces. Some reporter on a paddleboard, Batman stars, and a kid that lost a tooth. I just shut off the tv. GMA is featuring the Ukraine War in the headline news. Putin is counting on the world’s indifference. _Nothing to see here, looke elsewhere_. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/116 "2022-02-25T14:31:49Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I’m surprised Kiev wasn’t better defended. The plan to decapitate the government was reported last week. The generals planning the defense should have anticipated this years ago. It’s such an obvious plan. Putin doesn’t need to control the entire country and will never have enough troops to occupy Ukraine. One just doesn’t walk into Mordor. One also does not take an enemy capital by an airmobile operation. Which is what they have tried to do. Americans didn’t do that in Iraq in 2003 and the Iraqis were much weaker relatively. > [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > Fortunately, there is a difference between a government and the place they call the capital. The Ukraine government might be operating out of a Warsaw office building next month. _Hey Ashraf Ghani, come on out buddy, its ok. Turns out we didn’t need to control Kabul at all, we can operate just as effectively out of your Dubai Penthouse_ ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/117 "2022-02-25T14:35:25Z")
There’s a big difference between a government fleeing a foreign invader and one kicked out by their own people. In WWII, several governments in exile contributed greatly to the eventual liberation of their countries. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/118 "2022-02-25T14:38:06Z")
There is going to be an Operation Overlord to liberate (the soon to be once again) _The_ Ukraine? ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/119 "2022-02-25T14:41:45Z")
You’re taking the example too far, but if a Ukrainian resistance is going to drive the Russians out, they will need to be coordinated from somewhere. That somewhere doesn’t need to be Kiev or even in Ukraine. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2022, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037/120 "2022-02-25T15:15:14Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > The USA could do the same with Mexico, someone is suggesting: > [https://www.jewishpress.com/news/us-news/trump-praises-putins-move-as-savvy-and-genius-while-sympathizing-with-ukrainian-victims/2022/02/24/](https://www.jewishpress.com/news/us-news/trump-praises-putins-move-as-savvy-and-genius-while-sympathizing-with-ukrainian-victims/2022/02/24/) How is it a “savvy” and “genius” move? It’s not like Putin is fooling anyone. The world didn’t respond by acknowledging Russia’s right to “peacekeep” Ukraine’s “independent regions”. Interesting how Trump is saying how this “could never have happened while he was in office”. Probably because Putin didn’t want to do anything to distract from Trump undermining NATOR or extorting the Ukrainian government to provide dirt on Joe Biden. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-1/960037.md?page=7)