NATO Will Be Drawn Into War With Russia if Ukraine Loses: Lloyd Austin

[Social Media]

 

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a stark warning on Thursday, cautioning that NATO could be drawn into a conflict with Russia if Ukraine were to be defeated by invading Russian forces. Speaking at a Republican-led House Armed Services Committee hearing, Austin emphasized the potential consequences of a Russian victory in Ukraine and underscored the need for continued support for the embattled nation.

 

Austin expressed concern that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not halt his aggression if Moscow were to prevail in Ukraine. He highlighted the broader implications of such an outcome, suggesting that it would embolden other autocratic leaders and undermine global democracy. Austin particularly emphasized the vulnerability of NATO members, such as the Baltic nations—Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia—suggesting that their proximity to Russia makes them potential targets for future aggression.

 

The US Defense Secretary's remarks come amid escalating tensions between Russia and NATO, marked by military buildups along the alliance's borders with Russia. Austin's warning reflects growing apprehension within NATO about the possibility of the conflict in Ukraine expanding to involve the alliance as a whole.

 

The failure of Congress to approve a $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine, as requested by President Joe Biden, has further exacerbated concerns about the West's commitment to supporting Ukraine. Austin lamented the impact of this failure on the morale of Ukrainian troops and warned of the negative signal it sends to allies and partners around the world.

 

The situation in Ukraine remains precarious, with recent Russian victories on the battlefield highlighting the urgent need for additional support for the Ukrainian military. As Ukraine grapples with shortages of ammunition and equipment, Austin emphasized the importance of bolstering assistance to prevent further Russian advances and maintain stability in the region.

 

Overall, Austin's testimony underscores the gravity of the situation in Ukraine and the imperative for concerted international action to counter Russian aggression and uphold democratic values.

 

02.03.24

Source

 

[Jingthing]

Agreed.

Putin just gave a speech where he threatened again to nuke the west.

On Russian propaganda tv they speak of global occupation including London and Washington.

Yet the Magadonians side with Russia over Ukraine.

 

[impulse]

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

The situation in Ukraine remains precarious, with recent Russian victories on the battlefield highlighting the urgent need for additional support for the Ukrainian military. As Ukraine grapples with shortages of ammunition and equipment, Austin emphasized the importance of bolstering assistance to prevent further Russian advances and maintain stability in the region.

 

Excellent, unbiased reporting of the facts there.

 

Here's another thought...  Why not quit throwing money and lives into an already lost cause, admit that US meddling in the region has failed to produce the desired results (just like it has all over the world) and offer up the funding to rebuild what's left of Ukraine instead of forcing Putin to take the rest of the country that he really doesn't want?  As a consolation, they could give preference to Raytheon, KBR, etc. when it comes to rebuilding money.

 

Here's the map from a year ago (CNN).  What, exactly have the tens of $billions squandered and the tens (hundreds?) of thousands of lives wasted accomplished in the last 12 months?

 

[retarius]

NATO isn't being drawn into anything. NATO is driving this war to its nuclear finale. Did Russia suggest sending NATO troop to Ukraine? No I think it was a NATO member floating a trial balloon. And now the same village idiot Macron is proposing sending French troops to Ukraine to give Putin a 'strategic dilemma'. I don't think it will be any sort of strategic dilemma to Putin, he will drop a bomb on then when get gets intelligence as to where they are lies the French troops that were killed in Ukraine recently, denied by France and labelled as mercenaries. WW3 is inevitable after Austin's comments yesterday. Thankfully I live here in Thailand and so may not be immediately killed in the inferno. My heart goes out to all the peaceniks in Europe and the US, the decent people who abhor war. It is time that warmongers were killed off and, ironically, a nuclear war seems appropriate. 

[thaibeachlovers]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a stark warning on Thursday, cautioning that NATO could be drawn into a conflict with Russia if Ukraine were to be defeated by invading Russian forces. Speaking at a Republican-led House Armed Services Committee hearing, Austin emphasized the potential consequences of a Russian victory in Ukraine and underscored the need for continued support for the embattled nation.

Austin needs to be locked up where he can't start a war that destroys half the planet. IMO to actually get up on his hind legs and say that insanity means he is not to be trusted.

[thaibeachlovers]

58 minutes ago, retarius said:

Thankfully I live here in Thailand and so may not be immediately killed in the inferno.

I live somewhere further away, and if Mr Austin decides to move to it in the aftermath, I will endeavour to give him a nice warm welcome.

Edited March 2 by thaibeachlovers

[thaibeachlovers]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

Overall, Austin's testimony underscores the gravity of the situation in Ukraine and the imperative for concerted international action to counter Russian aggression and uphold democratic values.

To the contrary, IMO his testimony underscores the danger to the planet by that man and any other idiots that think overthrowing Russia is even a possibility.

 

uphold democratic values.

Sure thing, on the bleached bones of millions democracy will flourish.

I put that statement in the same category as saying we needed to stay in Afghanistan so girls could go to school. Remind me how that little American adventure ended?

 

After it's all over, perhaps some general will say something like "we had to destroy Russia to save it".

 

 

Strikes me that it's such an outlandish thing to say, that it might be one of those deflections where a stooge says something, the media goes bananas about it and the real action is going on somewhere that no one is paying attention to.

 

[transam]

4 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

To the contrary, IMO his testimony underscores the danger to the planet by that man and any other idiots that think overthrowing Russia is even a possibility.

 

uphold democratic values.

Sure thing, on the bleached bones of millions democracy will flourish.

I put that statement in the same category as saying we needed to stay in Afghanistan so girls could go to school. Remind me how that little American adventure ended?

 

After it's all over, perhaps some general will say something like "we had to destroy Russia to save it".

 

 

Strikes me that it's such an outlandish thing to say, that it might be one of those deflections where a stooge says something, the media goes bananas about it and the real action is going on somewhere that no one is paying attention to.

 

Perhaps folk thought the same during 1939/45...........

[RayC]

The Putin apologists are out early and in force today. NATO are the warmongers. NATO has blood on its' hands. Please spare us your misplaced righteous indignation. Is there no end to this  blinkered hypocrisy? 

 

The simple fact is that Putin has been attempting to destabilise Ukraine ever since he came to power. His annexation of Crimea, support for Dombass separatists and the invasion of Ukraine were all illegal acts. Those calling for Ukraine to cede territory in a negotiated settlement will be rewarding naked aggression. It's as simple as that.

 

Here's a map of Ukraine showing it's internationally agreed borders. This is what Ukraine should look like at the end of this war.

 

 

 

 

[pauku1]

2 hours ago, RayC said:

Here's a map of Ukraine showing it's internationally agreed borders. This is what Ukraine should look like at the end of this war.

 

dream on...

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, pauku1 said:

 

dream on...

It will definitely be very hard.

But some progress is possible. 

I'm looking forward to the Kherson bridge being destroyed this year.

[beautifulthailand99]

6 hours ago, Jingthing said:

It will definitely be very hard.

But some progress is possible. 

I'm looking forward to the Kherson bridge being destroyed this year.

I can't imagine getting my kicks from such stuff but I suppose it takes all sorts to cheer on wanton destruction from a safe place in the sun amongst millions of Russians. Hey ho.

[Jingthing]

50 minutes ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

I can't imagine getting my kicks from such stuff but I suppose it takes all sorts to cheer on wanton destruction from a safe place in the sun amongst millions of Russians. Hey ho.

It's a war.

Russia started it.

In 2014 Russia stole Crimea.

Taking out Putin's pride and joy the Kherson Bridge would mean a huge change in momentum for Ukraine.

Yes I support the struggle of Ukraine to resist Russian imperialism and fascism and get back as much of their country as they can. 

It's not about loving destruction.
When wars are necessary and this one is for Ukraine, you need to blow things up. 

Ukraine has already advised Russian civlilians to stay off that bridge!

[Bkk Brian]

1 hour ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

I can't imagine getting my kicks from such stuff but I suppose it takes all sorts to cheer on wanton destruction from a safe place in the sun amongst millions of Russians. Hey ho.

You should ask Putin that, minus the sun..............

[beautifulthailand99]

26 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

You should ask Putin that, minus the sun..............

Everybody thought they were the devil incarnate and then came Gaza and we realized they were depths that they haven't yet plumbed. A curse on both their houses.

Edited March 2 by beautifulthailand99

[Jingthing]

16 minutes ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

Everybody thought they were the devil incarnate and then came Gaza and we realized they were depths that they haven't yet plumbed. A curse on both their houses.

Yes October 7 was incredibly barbaric.

Soon after Putin invited Hamas (charter says kill all Jews) to Moscow.

Reminds me of the exile of the pro genocide Grand Mufti of Jerusalem to Berlin during WW2.

 

Edited March 2 by Jingthing

[Yellowtail]

49 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Yes October 7 was incredibly barbaric.

Soon after Putin invited Hamas (charter says kill all Jews) to Moscow.

Reminds me of the exile of the pro genocide Grand Mufti of Jerusalem to Berlin during WW2.

 

An now the US is pushing for a ceasefire to reward Hamas. 

[thaibeachlovers]

5 hours ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

Everybody thought they were the devil incarnate and then came Gaza and we realized they were depths that they haven't yet plumbed. A curse on both their houses.

and a curse on all those that make the weapons to carry out the atrocities and the warmongers that profit from death and destruction.

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, thaibeachlovers said:

and a curse on all those that make the weapons to carry out the atrocities and the warmongers that profit from death and destruction.

A curse on the American Putin loving maga fascists who are blocking vitally needed military aid to Ukraine in their brave defense against the murdeeoous aggression of expansionist Russia. 

[Bkk Brian]

6 hours ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

Everybody thought they were the devil incarnate and then came Gaza and we realized they were depths that they haven't yet plumbed. A curse on both their houses.

When you're out of reasoning go to off topic deflection.

[impulse]

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

A curse on the American Putin loving maga fascists who are blocking vitally needed military aid to Ukraine in their brave defense against the murdeeoous aggression of expansionist Russia. 

You mean like Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater?

 

Erik Prince: “We need to bring that war to a close because all Ukraine is doing right now is destroying itself demographically. They’re chewing up the next generation of manpower that they really can’t really replace right now. They don’t have enough manpower. The Western defense base is pathetic. And you’re not going to out-conventional war the Russian Bear. And I would say an ugly peace is better than whatever their idea of an ideal war is.

 

Patrick Bet David: Well, what is an ugly peace though?

 

Erik Prince: Meaning, freeze the lines, straighten the lines… Let them keep Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, whatever. It’s not the American taxpayer’s obligation to spend another hundred billion dollars in Ukraine when there’s been significant corruption and really nothing to show for it.”

 

Or Elon?

 

Elon Musk agrees with Erik Prince.

 

Unfortunately, that is true

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 2, 2024

 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/03/blackwater-founder-erik-prince-ukraine-we-need-bring/

[RayC]

1 hour ago, impulse said:

You mean like Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater?

 

Erik Prince: “We need to bring that war to a close because all Ukraine is doing right now is destroying itself demographically. They’re chewing up the next generation of manpower that they really can’t really replace right now. They don’t have enough manpower. The Western defense base is pathetic. And you’re not going to out-conventional war the Russian Bear. And I would say an ugly peace is better than whatever their idea of an ideal war is.

 

Patrick Bet David: Well, what is an ugly peace though?

 

Erik Prince: Meaning, freeze the lines, straighten the lines… Let them keep Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, whatever. It’s not the American taxpayer’s obligation to spend another hundred billion dollars in Ukraine when there’s been significant corruption and really nothing to show for it.”

 

Or Elon?

 

Elon Musk agrees with Erik Prince.

 

Unfortunately, that is true

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 2, 2024

 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/03/blackwater-founder-erik-prince-ukraine-we-need-bring/

 

A distasteful, dismissive, flippant  comment about a catastrophe.  However, notwithstanding that, the fact is that allowing Russia to " ... keep Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, whatever .." would be rewarding an illegal invasion and may well embolden Putin to push into other nations' territories such as Georgia and possibly Estonia. Yes, Estonia is a NATO member but Putin might reason that if the US was willing to withdraw support for Ukraine, if might well feel the same about NATO. I'd suggest that this is not an unreasonable assumption if Trump were to win the forthcoming election given his recent comments.

 

The simple truth is that Europe cannot currently defend itself without US backing at the moment. Are most European NATO states culpable for this? Imo, yes (at least, they are a major factor). 

 

Nevertheless we are where we are. Imo if the US allows Putin to achieve his goals in Ukraine by withdrawing funding, then imo there is a real risk of this leading to a larger, more major, more lasting conflict in Europe. Is the US content to run that risk with all that entails? That's the question it needs to ask itself.

[Jingthing]

4 hours ago, impulse said:

You mean like Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater?

 

Erik Prince: “We need to bring that war to a close because all Ukraine is doing right now is destroying itself demographically. They’re chewing up the next generation of manpower that they really can’t really replace right now. They don’t have enough manpower. The Western defense base is pathetic. And you’re not going to out-conventional war the Russian Bear. And I would say an ugly peace is better than whatever their idea of an ideal war is.

 

Patrick Bet David: Well, what is an ugly peace though?

 

Erik Prince: Meaning, freeze the lines, straighten the lines… Let them keep Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, whatever. It’s not the American taxpayer’s obligation to spend another hundred billion dollars in Ukraine when there’s been significant corruption and really nothing to show for it.”

 

Or Elon?

 

Elon Musk agrees with Erik Prince.

 

Unfortunately, that is true

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 2, 2024

 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/03/blackwater-founder-erik-prince-ukraine-we-need-bring/

Musk is a weirdo and turns out he is a vile Putin fan boy.

 

Sorry being billionaires doesn't give the right to make foreign policy.

 

The vast majority of American people and elected representatives want to help Ukraine in its defense efforts.

 

It's only a minority of traitorous maga fascists led by their lead mafia Don Trump who refuse to put it up to a vote.

 

[impulse]

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

Musk is a weirdo and turns out he is a vile Putin fan boy.

 

You conveniently left out the quote from Erik Prince, former SEAL and founder of Blackwater.

 

We need to bring that war to a close because all Ukraine is doing right now is destroying itself demographically. They’re chewing up the next generation of manpower that they really can’t really replace right now. 

 

One more time, here's the CNN map of the region from last February (2023). 

Tell me, what gains has Ukraine made in the past year that justify the tens of thousands of lives and $ tens of billions of treasure squandered?  It's time to stop the killing and start the rebuilding.  It'll be an ugly peace, but there is no other viable end point other than forever war.

 

 

 

 

[ozimoron]

Erik Prince is one of the most repulsive men on Earth.

[RayC]

14 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

You conveniently left out the quote from Erik Prince, former SEAL and founder of Blackwater.

 

We need to bring that war to a close because all Ukraine is doing right now is destroying itself demographically. They’re chewing up the next generation of manpower that they really can’t really replace right now. 

 

One more time, here's the CNN map of the region from last February (2023). 

Tell me, what gains has Ukraine made in the past year that justify the tens of thousands of lives and $ tens of billions of treasure squandered?  It's time to stop the killing and start the rebuilding.  It'll be an ugly peace, but there is no other viable end point other than forever war.

 

 

There were many who said that the UK should sue for peace between 1940 - 42. Fortunately, the tide turned.

[thaibeachlovers]

5 hours ago, impulse said:

Erik Prince: “We need to bring that war to a close because all Ukraine is doing right now is destroying itself demographically. They’re chewing up the next generation of manpower that they really can’t really replace right now. They don’t have enough manpower. The Western defense base is pathetic. And you’re not going to out-conventional war the Russian Bear. And I would say an ugly peace is better than whatever their idea of an ideal war is.

Well, it's great to see someone that actually understands war is saying it's over, all bar the shouting.

 

I especially like the bit about The Western defense base is pathetic. That's what I've been saying on the forum on the threads about NATO. Far as I can see, for whatever reason, Europe, including Britain have been emasculating their military ever since the cold war supposedly ended- idiots.

[thaibeachlovers]

5 hours ago, impulse said:

Erik Prince: Meaning, freeze the lines, straighten the lines… Let them keep Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, whatever. It’s not the American taxpayer’s obligation to spend another hundred billion dollars in Ukraine when there’s been significant corruption and really nothing to show for it.”

I think he misses the point of it all, which IMO has been to enrich the weapons manufacturers ie the 1%.

[impulse]

12 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I think he misses the point of it all, which IMO has been to enrich the weapons manufacturers ie the 1%.

 

What's it tell you when even the warmongers and mercenary plutocrats like Prince say it's time to put an end to it?

It's long past time for the killing to stop and the rebuilding to start.  Or, we can stay in a forever war, pouring more Ukrainian lives and more US $$$billions ($trillions?), and hope against hope that nobody does something stupid that starts Armageddon.

 

[thaibeachlovers]

3 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

What's it tell you when even the warmongers and mercenary plutocrats like Prince say it's time to put an end to it?

It's long past time for the killing to stop and the rebuilding to start.  Or, we can stay in a forever war, pouring more Ukrainian lives and more US $$$billions ($trillions?), and hope against hope that nobody does something stupid that starts Armageddon.

 

There is no profit in peace, but perhaps they can see that the Ukraine war is almost done so no more taxpayer largesse there, and perhaps another starting in a different part of the world and want to be ready to profit from it. Just saying.