First Positive Results..

[CO. Hoosier]

In 2020, Ukraine spent $6 billion on defense and had mostly old Soviet equipment. In 2020 Germany spent $53 billion and has modern fighters and tanks. If the Russian Army that was still whole couldn't take Ukraine, what on earth makes you think the Russian army that has lost thousands of armored vehicles, a couple hundred thousand men, and almost all their trucks, can conquer Germany?

Or even more, the UK where they would have to conduct a sea invasion.

German defence minister says his country cannot protect itself in war

The Germany Defence Minister said the army of his country is understaffed and does not have adequate equipment as it has been neglected from the federal government for decades

www.firstpost.com

Britain can no longer defend itself

When the Berlin Wall fell, the British Army had 152,800 soldiers. Tony Blair’s government cut this to 110,000; David Cameron’s reduced it to 87,000. Plans to let that number fall to 82,000 were accelerated by the former defence secretary Ben Wallace. It’s generally accepted that by next year...

www.spectator.co.uk

 

[HurryingHoosiers]

So you think Ukraine is a winner in this fiasco? NATO and the EU are winning?
Short fat and stupid is no way to go through life. Get a clue.

maybe if putin didn't have his dog in the white house.

 

[HurryingHoosiers]

Why don't you direct your question to someone who has claimed to 'love' Russia?
The ease with which supposedly educated people can be propagandized always disappoints.

because trump won't respond

 

[Marvin the Martian]

German defence minister says his country cannot protect itself in war

The Germany Defence Minister said the army of his country is understaffed and does not have adequate equipment as it has been neglected from the federal government for decades

www.firstpost.com

Britain can no longer defend itself

When the Berlin Wall fell, the British Army had 152,800 soldiers. Tony Blair’s government cut this to 110,000; David Cameron’s reduced it to 87,000. Plans to let that number fall to 82,000 were accelerated by the former defence secretary Ben Wallace. It’s generally accepted that by next year...

www.spectator.co.uk

Hmm, a defense minister would have no reason to lie to even get a bigger budget, would they?

Russia would largely have to go through Poland. Given they couldn't take Ukraine, how on earth could they do that?

 

[GooglyMooglyWooglyBoogly]

In 2020, Ukraine spent $6 billion on defense and had mostly old Soviet equipment. In 2020 Germany spent $53 billion and has modern fighters and tanks. If the Russian Army that was still whole couldn't take Ukraine, what on earth makes you think the Russian army that has lost thousands of armored vehicles, a couple hundred thousand men, and almost all their trucks, can conquer Germany?

Or even more, the UK where they would have to conduct a sea invasion.

I agree with you. Russia today couldn’t even conquer Poland, Finland or the Baltics. Which is why the “He won’t stop at Ukraine!” stuff is malarkey.

 

[HurryingHoosiers]

I agree with you. Russia today couldn’t even conquer Poland, Finland or the Baltics. Which is why the “He won’t stop at Ukraine!” stuff is malarkey.

and yet still ridiculous to support Trump for being a Russian puppet and giving them part of ukraine.

CO worries of a russian puppet in Ukraine but yet MAGA doesn't care about supporting one in DC.

 

[Spartans9312]

and yet still ridiculous to support Trump for being a Russian puppet and giving them part of ukraine.

CO worries of a russian puppet in Ukraine but yet MAGA doesn't care about supporting one in DC.

Why did you delete your other account?

 

[HurryingHoosiers]

Why did you delete your other account?

not sure what you're talking about

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

I agree with you. Russia today couldn’t even conquer Poland, Finland or the Baltics. Which is why the “He won’t stop at Ukraine!” stuff is malarkey.

The morons can't understand the utter foolishness of their argument; Russia, the existential threat to the Western world, is so degraded they have to use horses and mules....
They're just too stupid.

 

[HurryingHoosiers]

The morons can't understand the utter foolishness of their argument; Russia, the existential threat to the Western world, is so degraded they have to use horses and mules....
They're just too stupid.

so then why cater to them? being so weak and all, we should have negotiated from a position of strength.

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

Hmm, a defense minister would have no reason to lie to even get a bigger budget, would they?

Russia would largely have to go through Poland. Given they couldn't take Ukraine, how on earth could they do that?

Now the German Defense Minister is lying publicly....

 

[mcmurtry66]

not sure what you're talking about

You’re hickory. No one else is this stupid on the board. A walz cuck

 

[Marvin the Martian]

Now the German Defense Minister is lying publicly....

I put in the numbers Germany spent vs Ukraine. Russia is struggling in Ukraine and started out fighting old Soviet and Russian equipment. To conquer Germany they pretty much have to go through Poland, so tell me how Russia manages to get their horse drawn army through there?

The Baltic States, very possible. There isn't room for them to fall back to slow the Russian advance. Poland and Germany have room. They will fight guerilla behind the lines causing huge supply issues. So explain it, how would Russia do it?

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

so then why cater to them? being so weak and all, we should have negotiated from a position of strength.

I put in the numbers Germany spent vs Ukraine. Russia is struggling in Ukraine and started out fighting old Soviet and Russian equipment. To conquer Germany they pretty much have to go through Poland, so tell me how Russia manages to get their horse drawn army through there?

The Baltic States, very possible. There isn't room for them to fall back to slow the Russian advance. Poland and Germany have room. They will fight guerilla behind the lines causing huge supply issues. So explain it, how would Russia do it?

So now it's a horse-drawn army....
But an existential threat to the West...

One just can't make this shit up..

Oh wait!! Boris and Natasha....

 

[hoot1]

Ukraine is a corrupt country. It should not become a NATO member with its Article V protection. Right now Germany, the UK, and certainly the Baltics can’t defend themselves, so Uncle Sam gets to do that. Ukraine only increases our exposure.

I frankly don’t see a US interest in in Donbas being Ukrainian. In fact if Donbas is Ukrainian, chances are better for election of a Russian puppet in Ukraine.

CoH, on a scale of 0 to 10 with zero being the country with no corruption and 10 being a country with the most corruption how would score Ukraine, Russia, and the United States?

Believe it or not there exists an institution, which like those of us who spend time at The Cooler, has nothing else to do but rank countries according to corruption.

In 2022 Ukraine ranked 124th of the 180 countries ranked for corruption, the U.S. in 2025 ranked 65th, and Russia in 2024 ranked 154th.

If you can believe the institution's rankings when it comes to corruption, people in glass houses like us shouldn't throw stones except maybe if the target is a country like Ukraine or Russia .

 

[HurryingHoosiers]

So now it's a horse-drawn army....
But an existential threat to the West...

One just can't make this shit up..

Oh wait!! Boris and Natasha....

just addressing your ever changing defense of Trump being putin's loyal dog

Russia has a weak army but a threat of nukes

 

[CO. Hoosier]

Hmm, a defense minister would have no reason to lie to even get a bigger budget, would they?

Russia would largely have to go through Poland. Given they couldn't take Ukraine, how on earth could they do that?

Russia has modern tactical nuclear weapons which can be delivered by their missiles, maybe including the new hypersonics. We have a few dating from the 80’s all gravity bombs. Tactical nukes are not treaty limited.

 

[rocket_knight]

You’re hickory. No one else is this stupid on the board. A walz cuck

alimony alimony paying your bills...tell us some tales of how it used to be.

 

[Marvin the Martian]

So now it's a horse-drawn army....
But an existential threat to the West...

One just can't make this shit up..

Oh wait!! Boris and Natasha....

Hmm, haven't you posted about the awesome power of Russia? If we went back in time and looked, there aren't posts of you predicting an imminent Russian victory supplied to you by your buddies from Russian Disinformation accounts you follow on social media?

Russia attacked a very weak Ukraine and made a hash out of it. While pathetic, small countries like the Baltic States, which were part of the USSR and could be claimed by them, could be grabbed just because they are so small. So yes, to states like that they are a serious threat. I know you view beating up Latvia as a sign of toughness, most of the world doesn't anymore than fighting Ukraine to a draw proves Russia is tough.

So, I don't want Russia to take Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. All are doable for a weak Russia because they are so small. So that is the threat of Russia. Beating up her weak neighbors.

Oh, it would be a threat of her losing a war in Poland so disastrously that she does resort to nukes. When the Winter Palace is besieged by the rebels determined to kill him ala 1917, he might resort to anything.

 

[Marvin the Martian]

Russia has modern tactical nuclear weapons which can be delivered by their missiles, maybe including the new hypersonics. We have a few dating from the 80’s all gravity bombs. Tactical nukes are not treaty limited.

If that is the yardstick, what defense does DC, NYC, or Denver have against a nuclear-armed hypersonic missile?

 

[CO. Hoosier]

CoH, on a scale of 0 to 10 with zero being the country with no corruption and 10 being a country with the most corruption how would score Ukraine, Russia, and the United States?

Believe it or not there exists an institution, which like those of us who spend time at The Cooler, has nothing else to do but rank countries according to corruption.

In 2022 Ukraine ranked 124th of the 180 countries ranked for corruption, the U.S. in 2025 ranked 65th, and Russia in 2024 ranked 154th.

If you can believe the institution's rankings when it comes to corruption, people in glass houses like us shouldn't throw stones except maybe if the target is a country like Ukraine or Russia .

Interesting question. How corruption is viewed around the world makes the answer almost impossible. In some places bribes are fine. Here they are against the law unless the bribery is done using campaign funds as a subterfuge. Even looking at elections doesn’t reveal much I think we do a pretty good job in honestly tabulating votes, but our system of providing voter information is corrupt as hell. Dishonesty is mostly legal. I still don’t know why some places use voting machines. I think all voting should be by paper ballots.

 

[CO. Hoosier]

If that is the yardstick, what defense does DC, NYC, or Denver have against a nuclear-armed hypersonic missile?

Those places are not threatened by tactical nukes.

 

[Mark Milton]

Imagine using fvcking horses and donkeys in 2025. What a pathetic military Russia is. They've been like this for centuries.

Literal laughing stock.

Also, I really want to believe they still dress like Cossacks on the battle field.

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

Hmm, haven't you posted about the awesome power of Russia? If we went back in time and looked, there aren't posts of you predicting an imminent Russian victory supplied to you by your buddies from Russian Disinformation accounts you follow on social media?

Russia attacked a very weak Ukraine and made a hash out of it. While pathetic, small countries like the Baltic States, which were part of the USSR and could be claimed by them, could be grabbed just because they are so small. So yes, to states like that they are a serious threat. I know you view beating up Latvia as a sign of toughness, most of the world doesn't anymore than fighting Ukraine to a draw proves Russia is tough.

So, I don't want Russia to take Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. All are doable for a weak Russia because they are so small. So that is the threat of Russia. Beating up her weak neighbors.

Oh, it would be a threat of her losing a war in Poland so disastrously that she does resort to nukes. When the Winter Palace is besieged by the rebels determined to kill him ala 1917, he might resort to anything.

Hilarious!
So now it's Estonia facing the existential threat. Over a million lives lost, $Trillions squandered and destroyed infrastructure that will take generations to replace .

Estonia!

You are entertaining, if little else.

 

[Marvin the Martian]

Those places are not threatened by tactical nukes.

What is magical by tactical nukes? Do you think Americans killed in Germany by tactical nukes won't elicit a response?

What makes you think any nation within range of a hypersonic missile has much of a defense? You don't think a Russian bomber approaching the US couldn't fire off a tactical missile? They are allowed to get to 12 miles.

You are really grasping at straws here for some reason. Yes, if Russia wants to nuke Germany Germany can't stop it, we can't stop it. So what, it has been that way since Aug 29, 1949.

 

[Marvin the Martian]

Hilarious!
So now it's Estonia facing the existential threat. Over a million lives lost, $Trillions squandered and destroyed infrastructure that will take generations to replace .

Estonia!

You are entertaining, if little else.

What on earth are you rambling on about, who lost a million lives? Russia did in WW2, so did Germany. A million haven't died in Ukraine as 1 million casualties would include wounded. And no one phrases that "lives lost".

But go that route, who began the war? Simple question, who began the war? Show your true colors here and answer it, who began the war?

 

[CO. Hoosier]

You are really grasping at straws here for some reason.

You are correct and I take responsibilty for that. Russia vs UK, Russia vs Germany, and Russia vs Denver are all stupid side shows which I shouldn’t have been sucked in to.

My point about Ukraine is abundantly clear.

 

[CO. Hoosier]

Also, I really want to believe they still dress like Cossacks on the battle field.

Putin just appointed Taras Bulba to lead the military.

 

[Mark Milton]

Putin just appointed Taras Bulba to lead the military.

Since he's already using horses and donkeys, that's not a terrible idea.

 

[BradStevens]

In 2020, Ukraine spent $6 billion on defense and had mostly old Soviet equipment. In 2020 Germany spent $53 billion and has modern fighters and tanks. If the Russian Army that was still whole couldn't take Ukraine, what on earth makes you think the Russian army that has lost thousands of armored vehicles, a couple hundred thousand men, and almost all their trucks, can conquer Germany?

Or even more, the UK where they would have to conduct a sea invasion.

Good points. So we can throw away the reason the US needs to be there is because of a fear that Russia will attack NATO next, right?

 

[IUINSB]

But go that route, who began the war? Simple question, who began the war? Show your true colors here and answer it, who began the war?

Haven't you been listening to President 1B Trump? Ukraine of course.
I'd like to know just how far into Russia those war mongers advanced in the first weeks of their invasion.

 

[Eppy99]

What on earth are you rambling on about, who lost a million lives? Russia did in WW2, so did Germany. A million haven't died in Ukraine as 1 million casualties would include wounded. And no one phrases that "lives lost".

But go that route, who began the war? Simple question, who began the war? Show your true colors here and answer it, who began the war?

I’m sure he will never answer your question. For years he hasn’t proven why he believes the Holocaust is a hoax. He’s a coward and has blocked me. I’m extremely bias towards anything he says which is a shame because I’m sure every once in awhile he might spout a nugget of truth.

He doesn’t want to admit he hates Jews. If he says what he really thinks he will lose the rest of you to his bigotry.

Oh and I almost forgot, he once told me to “off” myself. I think that’s all we need to know about the character of this clown.

 

[hoot1]

Interesting question. How corruption is viewed around the world makes the answer almost impossible. In some places bribes are fine. Here they are against the law unless the bribery is done using campaign funds as a subterfuge. Even looking at elections doesn’t reveal much I think we do a pretty good job in honestly tabulating votes, but our system of providing voter information is corrupt as hell. Dishonesty is mostly legal. I still don’t know why some places use voting machines. I think all voting should be by paper ballots.

CoH, agree completely.

The examples you cited are just a few of the ways our governments and private sector fall prey to practices which are so common and now part of our culture that we just accept them as the way things are done.

Other countries would object to our ways while we would see their ways as being corrupt as CoH suggests in his post.

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

What on earth are you rambling on about, who lost a million lives? Russia did in WW2, so did Germany. A million haven't died in Ukraine as 1 million casualties would include wounded. And no one phrases that "lives lost".

But go that route, who began the war? Simple question, who began the war? Show your true colors here and answer it, who began the war?

Ukraine started the war in 2014.
Refusing to accept the referendum results in ethnic Russian populated areas of the Donbas, Ukraine, supported by Western logistics and intelligence instituted a terror campaign against civilian populations in eastern Ukraine. 14,000 Russian, Ukrainian and other civilian, militia and military personnel were killed in the Donbas prior to 2022. Mariupol. Kramatorsk, Sloviansk and Donetsk International Airport were indiscriminately shelled beginning in 2014.

 

[Aloha Hoosier]

Ukraine started the war in 2014.
Refusing to accept the referendum results in ethnic Russian populated areas of the Donbas, Ukraine, supported by Western logistics and intelligence instituted a terror campaign against civilian populations in eastern Ukraine. 14,000 Russian, Ukrainian and other civilian, militia and military personnel were killed in the Donbas prior to 2022. Mariupol. Kramatorsk, Sloviansk and Donetsk International Airport were indiscriminately shelled beginning in 2014.

You have to be getting paid by Russia for spreading Russian propaganda and misinformation. You're totally gone.

 

[Mark Milton]

Ukraine started the war in 2014.
Refusing to accept the referendum results in ethnic Russian populated areas of the Donbas, Ukraine, supported by Western logistics and intelligence instituted a terror campaign against civilian populations in eastern Ukraine. 14,000 Russian, Ukrainian and other civilian, militia and military personnel were killed in the Donbas prior to 2022. Mariupol. Kramatorsk, Sloviansk and Donetsk International Airport were indiscriminately shelled beginning in 2014.

Yes, the infamous referendums in the Donbas region. The ones where the Russians invaded, through out all Ukrainians, then had their referendums with 95% of the region being forced to vote for the Russian proposition. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wo...nt-in-vote-on-self-rule-in-Ukraines-east.html. Voting turnout in most of the republics was in the high 20%. Wonder why? Any wonder why the United States, Europe Union and others called these referendums illegal. The current Ukrainian state was drawn up by Russia prior to granting the Ukraine independence. It wasn't drawn up by NATO, the UN or otherwise.

Your position is one that could only be taken if you just cribbed Russian propaganda, which is none to surprising.

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

Yes, the infamous referendums in the Donbas region. The ones where the Russians invaded, through out all Ukrainians, then had their referendums with 95% of the region being forced to vote for the Russian proposition. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wo...nt-in-vote-on-self-rule-in-Ukraines-east.html. Voting turnout in most of the republics was in the high 20%. Wonder why? Any wonder why the United States, Europe Union and others called these referendums illegal. The current Ukrainian state was drawn up by Russia prior to granting the Ukraine independence. It wasn't drawn up by NATO, the UN or otherwise.

Your position is one that could only be taken if you just cribbed Russian propaganda, which is none to surprising.

<threw...
Genius...

 

[Mark Milton]

<threw...
Genius...

Gosh, you got me on a scrivener's error. Bravo.

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

Yes, the infamous referendums in the Donbas region. The ones where the Russians invaded, through out all Ukrainians, then had their referendums with 95% of the region being forced to vote for the Russian proposition. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wo...nt-in-vote-on-self-rule-in-Ukraines-east.html. Voting turnout in most of the republics was in the high 20%. Wonder why? Any wonder why the United States, Europe Union and others called these referendums illegal. The current Ukrainian state was drawn up by Russia prior to granting the Ukraine independence. It wasn't drawn up by NATO, the UN or otherwise.

Your position is one that could only be taken if you just cribbed Russian propaganda, which is none to surprising.

Fractured Fairy Tales.

Straight from the CIA/Victoria Nuland school of collaborative journalism.

How much $(borrowed) did USAID funnel to The Telegraph?

 

[DANC]

Better Black Sea access.

I think to secure for Russia Ukraine’s agricultural production. But that isn’t very clear.

Turkey may have something to say about that. Urdogon is squarely in the Zelenzky camp.