Here’s the relevant quote: "[Merz] suggested giving the government in Kyiv the right to say: If the bombing of civilians does not stop within 24 hours, the range restrictions on the available weapons will be jointly lifted. If that’s not enough, the Taurus missiles will be delivered a week later. This would allow Ukraine to regain the initiative,”

For context: he’s very likely to become chancellor in February.

I’ll just leave this here: https://united24media.com/latest-news/ill-issue-putin-an-ultimatum-end-the-war-in-24-hours-or-ill-supply-ukraine-with-taurus-missiles-says-german-chancellor-candidate-merz-3673

Russia+NKorea surely can’t go longer than US and Europe, look at the numbers in economy, population etc. Even if the US pulls out, Europe on its own would have more than enough resources to outspend Putin. It’s a matter of political will, that’s all. If Europe would be equally commited to Ukraine then Russia wouldn’t stand a chance. So whether it’s a waste of money or not now is a question of whether Europe is willing to properly support Ukraine. I guess you could make the point that it’s about time we finally decide this, but the means surely are there and at our disposal.

You’re right. Also I can’t believe we wasted the 4 years under Biden and now are again caught with our pants down.

The money stays in the US if that’s what you meant?

I have one, hear me out: it looks like the current german gov will decide to give up and have early elections. Current polls suggest that Merz will become chancellor. On multiple occasions he criticized Scholz for his cautious approach and voiced his support for Taurus deliveries. Not sure if he will go through but I think he specifically mentioned Taurus so often and prominently that it won’t be easy to back pedal now. So it’s likely that Taurus (and with it the Kerch bridge?) is back on the menu.

(Imho he’s quite a shitty politician otherwise, but maybe he can get at least this right)

My comment was mostly about Russian and Chinese governments, realistically these will be the other poles of power in a multipolar world. “The global south” surely won’t benefit from either one. If you think the southern people will have it better being ruled over by an autocratic fascist China then you’re up for a rough awakening.

You mispelled autocratic fascists

I’ve read multiple times that this is the strategy on purpose. Somehow it is deemed to be more impactful to deliver the sanctions step by step and also keep some ammo to be able to react to the worst crimes. I don’t necessarily agree with that but my understanding of these matters is also limited.

Well I respect your opinion but l see it differently. Also how is this relevant here?

Well, why not aim for both?

Is some of this already financed from the interest of frozen russian assets in EU? There was some news about this recently but I don’t understand all the abbrevations in the press release.

Somehow risking it all for the slight chance of some little money seems worth it. But these guys could be so much more effective and bring so much more life improvements by risking it instead in protests and civilian unrest to topple their regime.

The shitty thing is people are dying already, we’re well past that point. What needs to change is that somehow still dying on the front is more acceptable than risking it in some kind of mass protest movement.

That’s literally the Nazi ideology, how can Russians be so blind to this.

In a war you rarely have independent proof, that’s the point. So there is nothing wrong with being a bit cautious and sceptical when hearing news and I feel you are being a bit harsh.

And for sure propaganda exists on both sides, I guess no one is seriously disputing this. At the same time I have no doubts that being a PoW is 1000 times better than being in a Russian trench. But still I can acknowledge that reports like this are not some kind of independent journalism.

Let’s give him some credit, he’s actually the smart guy here.

The counter offensive is finally happening!

Anyone else getting flashbacks to Portal?

Not sure if you’re being sarcastic? We tried holding back pretty much for years but Russia has been escalating regardless. There’s no point anymore, the logical thing is to supply everything Ukraine can effectively make use of.