Can we add pressure by investing into short positions on the ruble somehow?

Edit: I mean what would be viable options for small scale retail investors?

So this is confirmation then that the storm shadow strike hit someone important?

This whole thing is worrying, but the rational reaction still is to double down and blow up another command center with even longer range and even bigger missiles. Deterrance is the only option at this point. Giving in would be way more worrying.

I guess, but also it doesn’t really change anything at this point. We can’t allow nuclear threats to be some Carte blanche that can be used to get your way. We need to resist and make clear that Russia has nothing to win in Ukraine. The opposite would be the true escalation and actors like China, North korea, Iran etc. would instantly try to copy this strategy. If Putin wants to pull the trigger that is on him only and either way I’d much rather we put a stop to it now before this idea of going nuclear establishes any further.

This would be the end of Russia really fast, Putin included. I don’t think they are stupid or suicidal on that level. And they have threatened to go nuclear for years now, there’s little reason to believe that this time is any different. And ultimately it also doesn’t change anything, we can’t let Russia bully us with their nuclear threats. Because there will never be an end and if they could conquer the world with nuclear threats they would do so. So let them prepare their missle and have nuclear drills. And send more long range missiles (looking at you Taurus).

So is this the work of electronic warfare from the ukranian army or rather a russian fail due to their subpar engineering and shitty ways?

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 misspelled autocratic fascists

They also used consumer grade Canon cameras at one point. These are really crazy times.

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.