Civilized said:SmaptyWolf said:The Ukrainians, and particularly their leader, have had inspiring resolve... but let's get real, without U.S. and NATO support they would have gotten bulldozed in pretty short order. Putin had been lulled into thinking that NATO was on its last leg after Trump's efforts, and grossly miscalculated Biden's ability to rally the NATO alliance to Ukraine's cause.hokiewolf said:
I think both of you are giving too much credit to what Putin thinks of the US President, past or present. He invaded Ukraine when he thought Ukraine was weak and the support for Ukraine was weak. He miscalculated the resolve of the Ukrainian people and their leadership.
Incidentally, considering how much effort Putin puts into meddling in U.S. and European elections, I think he cares a lot more than you're suggesting.
Agree regarding Ukraine, and Putin/NATO/Biden.
I don't think Putin cares who's president as much as he thinks a tumultuous/chatic electroral process weakens American confidence in elections and results in a more divided/partisan/angry/disenchanted electorate.
So it's just a coincidence Putin makes a move for Crimea and Ukraine when two weak democrat Presidents are in office….yep, just a coincidence….sure!1