Today’s Ukrainian press cites the nation’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, confidently voicing a number of assertions regarding the Black Sea – as the U.S.-led, 32-nation Sea Breeze war games are occurring there – not all (or many) of his comments consistent with each other.
For example, he accuses Russia – he does little else in his professional role – of being willing to escalate tensions in the Black Sea region on the one hand, but still avoiding a direct confrontation with NATO as, he affirms, they would lose such a conflict on the other.
With those comments and others, it’s not so much a matter of how much of what he says is true, how much be believes it’s true, how much he’s praising NATO to secure its further support and services, and how much he’s simply blustering – or talking through his hat as the charming if outdated expression has it. What’s important is that the foreign minister of a nation backed uncritically by NATO, the U.S. and the European Union is making provocative claims of the nature he’s making. Claims that at root entail a confrontation between a nuclear power and a military bloc that includes three nuclear powers.
In an interview with the American magazine Newsweek published today he expressed the above convictions in these words:
“I do believe Russia is ready to escalate some local tensions in the Black Sea region, but I do not see them being suicidal. They may pinch and provoke here and there. But Russia will not risk a full-scale confrontation with NATO, clearly realizing they have no chances to succeed in it.”
He appears to be both taunting and attempting to humiliate Russia; simultaneously branding it a bully and a punk. In doing so he’s assured of winning new fans from the demographic that reads such publications. No doubt that was his precise intent.
Once Bulgaria and Romania were inducted into NATO in 2004, and last year Ukraine and Georgia became NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partners, the Black Sea became a NATO preserve. Of the six nations on the sea – Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine – only Russia is not a NATO member or candidate member.
So when Kuleba makes a statement like “In our conversations with NATO we are very frank on this: if things continue as they are, there is a risk that Russia may significantly increase its control over the Black Sea and further expand its influence in the region,” he is, bluntly speaking, lying. Nor was he less disingenuous when he added, “Which means elevated threats for the security and stability of Ukraine and NATO allies there.”
Specifically he called for further integrating the Ukrainian navy with those of NATO, whose warships maintain a permanent presence in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia, including the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol. Earlier this year the government in Kiev announced it was opening new naval bases in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, both no doubt to be available to NATO destroyers, cruisers and frigates as are current Ukrainian naval bases.
In keeping with the prevalent if not sophisticated approach of Kuleba and the government he represents, one which essentially says to NATO that if you had militarily confronted Russia on our behalf before, we – and you – wouldn’t be in the predicament we are now, he stated:
“I am raising this topic in all of my meetings with both the NATO allies of the Black Sea region, Romania, Turkey and Bulgaria, and in the NATO headquarters in Brussels. Gradually, I see them hearing Ukraine when we ring alarm bells. Many things were done too little too late in 2014, and I hope now we don’t repeat those mistakes, acting differently with the full understanding of Russia’s intentions.”
Had you only heeded my earlier warnings, says the boy who cried wolf, we would have faced Russia down and forced the bear back into its winter quarters.
The foreign minister, in addition to addressing an American audience he’s been briefed on how to emotionally manipulate, also speaks in the assertive and saber-rattling manner he does with the full assurance that he’s backed by the West; by the U.S. NATO and the EU. No two members of the last two organizations are permitted to disagree on any substantive matter, except on one occasion the purchase of Russian anti-aircraft weapons. They are integral components of what in recent weeks has been referred to by Belarusian and Russian officials as the collective West. The totalitarian West would be a more accurate designation.
Referring to what has been called the Kerch Strait incident of three years ago, when Russia seized three Ukrainian vessels attempting to enter the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea through that strait, Kuleba said: “[It] is very important for us that the Black Sea does not repeat the fate of the Azov Sea region. We need to enhance cooperation between the Ukrainian navy and navies of the NATO allies in the Black Sea.”
If there’s some way of interpreting that statement other than that in the future NATO warships will accompany Ukrainian vessels crossing into the Sea of Azov and confront Russian authorities challenging the latter’s passage, the alternative reading is not apparent.
Kuleba also guaranteed that nothing would interfere with the ongoing Sea Breeze military exercises co-hosted by the U.S. Sixth Fleet and the Ukrainian Naval Forces. The drills are in their fifth day and will last until July 10. The only “something” that could interfere with the war games, of course, is Russia. Again the implication is clear that Russia is a threat but an impotent one. If NATO insures it is.
Ukraine’s foreign minister also took to Twitter today to invite world leaders to support Kiev’s initiative to evict Russia from Crimea and its Black Sea Fleet base, the Crimean Platform:
Here’s how he pitched the potentially war-provoking campaign:
“The Crimean Platform is multifaceted. We invite all countries to work on those aspects that concern them the most. Do you want to focus on human rights? Welcome. Freedom of navigation? Come in. International security, freedom of religion, environment, international humanitarian law? Welcome everyone.”
Everyone is welcome to join in the drive to expel Russia and its naval fleet from Crimea. Bring the kids. Come to the founding summit on August 23. Nations that have endorsed the platform to date include NATO members Turkey (Russia’s strategic partner), Poland (Russia’s strategic adversary) and Slovakia.
The world may soon discover who will win a war in the Black Sea.
Russia is capable of sinking every ship that enters the Black Sea very quickly. They may lack Natos airforce numbers of advance jets but they have formidable missile systems like S400s, Bastion anti ship coastal defences and some of the quietest subs in the world always on patrol.
Turkey is Russia’s “strategic partner” only in the mind of some fools in Moscow. In reality they are opportunistic back stabbers.
Yes, and Moscow knows this only too well.
Keep friends close. Enemies even more so.
In any case, Ankara desperately wants in on the Eurasian Integration project that is unfolding, and she needs Moscows blessings as Russia holds the key. The cost will be a more based geopolitical stance and policies from the mini-me-Sultan, and US sanctions on Turkey are intended to dissuade Ankara from departing from the US-mandated line (but they are failing).
This guy can be found in a fortified basement, surrounded by computers and monitors, with a table behind him containing toy soldiers, vehicles, model airplanes, and a picture of mom.
With this weeks incident with the Brit cruiser inside Crimea’s 12 mile limit Russia signaled what it was prepared to do -that Crimea’s significance is that great. Doubtless there already exists a Pentagon battle plan. It would put Russia to the test, and clarify the butter real fast. Further, it can well be inferred that Boris (a la Winston) was completely willing (again, like his hero, Winnie) to sacrifice that ship with all hands, -the pt of no return. So it does seem a decision might well have been made.
Britain has already fought a Crimean War, Russia still owned it at the end of that war, The Germans fought a Crimean War the Russians still owned it! They were not the Only wars the Russians have fought over the Crimean Peninsula at least 400 years worth of wars. The question is and this is important for Americans to understand! Is it worth Continental US having glowing slag heaps over!. The Russians will not win such a war, but be clear neither will the US.
An urban renewal project perhaps, for vast wasteland of productivity loss and departure in the Eastern Midlands cesspool of crime, decay, dependance addiction, hopelesnes
and despair?????
The danger of both Georgia and Ukraine joining NATO, is Georgia and Ukraine actually starting a war and expecting NATO to bail them out! Georgia attacked North Ossetia before they attacked South Ossetia on the opening day of the Beijing Olympics the attack on North Ossetia, Russia Proper, was to stop the official UN Peacekeepers Russia from stopping Georgia from attacking what the UN Security Council itself declared a disputed province requiring an active peacekeeping force. That Russia only entered Georgia far enough to stop Shelling of South Ossetia by Georgian troops and troop movements by Georgia to aid an attack. Noting that the attack on North Ossetia under international law was in fact an act of War itself and could have been used as an excuse for total invasion!
As for Ukraine we have seen since the US funded Coup funded and arranged through Victoria Nuland ( she was Hillary’s choice to be Secretary of State) with the Coup Leaders first words to the international press, We are going to get rid of the Sub human Russian speaking Scum infesting Eastern Ukraine was enough to show the Neo Nazi policies of the current Ukraine regime, and was the reason that the three Eastern Oblasts seceded, you know like when Texas threatens to secede every time a Democrat President gets into the Whitehouse. Note also under the UN Security Council the ONLY lawful ways of waging war against another country are as self defense or to protect the inhabitants of another country from Genocide. Be clear the threat and then the attempt to get rid of the Russian Speaking people who live in Eastern Ukraine is an act of Genocide. Note that no people in the East are allowed to vote, in fact it is now illegal to speak Russian in Ukraine and illegal for the People of Ukraine to even wear the medals they won in the War against the Germans. Worse still the Ukraine Military has gone on to use battle flags and unit Names and insignia of Pro Nazi SS units from WWII!
The Ukraine President has for years made spurious claims that the Russians were invading on almost a Daily basis for years after the Coup, If there is an internal troop movement inside Russia it is always a prelude to Ukraine invasion!
Last time Ukrainian army and Irregulars went to attack Luhansk and Donetsk — they were twice seriously routed. Hence Minsk 1 and Minsk 2. The only reason Russia did not follow Georgian script was the confused state of mind among population. Many hesitated to condemn the coup because of vague hope that EU was going to straighten out the fools. Did not happen, and Zelenski promising peace with Russia won elections. He lied and now must get NATO to help him, as he cannot win election.
At this point if he starts something stupid — Russia has support among more than 4 additional regions, and militarily can take regions with popular support. NATO knows this. Popular support is what counts. Thus talking big, getting into NATO is the only goal.
Any skirmish would cost half of the country in two days — as military would crumble. Top command is pro-NATO, rank and file pro-Russia or just demoralized.
It is the taunt that matters. And having Russia swallow it,
I am expecting Russia’s reply in asymmetrical form. This continued obsession with Russia and Crimea is getting very, very old.
I would not worry about Turkey. Of course it will support NATO in words! This is what is needed so it can stay in NATO, and remain pain in the neck.
Why do you think sanctions are piled in Turkey — just for S-400? No — that is only an excuse. Strategic divergence is obvious and getting wider, Turkey is committed to China-Russia vision for Eurasia, Has actually not much choice, How many times was currency attacked? Too many to count. Every time bailed out by Russia and China — not to mention exports and imports. Or infrastructure. West has nothing to offer — Ukraine being prime example. With destroyed economy, now is being viewed by West as softened and helpless NATO victim.
Nothing will come of it, it cannot. Will US trust its defense capability in case of real war? Of course not. Russia can take good part of Ukraine — except its rabid pro-West, Nazi wannabes. That region should be left alone for Poland, Hungary and Belarus to sort it out.
The key is popular sentiment, West lost it. Last election was a blatant lie — designed to let populace fall for it. This time they will not fall for the lies by foreign citizens. And even though any prospective candidatr is gone.
“This continued obsession with Russia and Crimea is getting very, very old.”
As long as “Toria” sits next to Biden, expect her to hector him 24/7 to undo the blunder she unleashed. So smart how she parlayed the $5 billion of NED bucks into a permanent base for the Russia Fleet. It was Magic, like turning gold into feces. You Go Girl, keep it cumming! We can hardly weight for your next fiasco, while hoping it doesn’t start WWIII…!!!!!
Sorry Bianca, IT says over my comment reply “to Bianca”.But I did not direct my “reply” to or even toward You. I am more in agreement with you 99.9% !!!!! I seldom if ever think you are overlooking any relevant available info. Quite the contrary, your scope of knowledge is always amazing me. Not thinking you need guidence. It was to whoever posted, “This continued obsession with Russia and Crimea is getting very, very old.” And not you…
Please Amweika govt provide us in Amerika with drurgs he’s on;-)
Go ahead, NATO, listen to the talk of this idiot and walk into a war with Russia that your supremacist attitudes will lead you into a fatal reality check.
Just an idiot.
“I do believe Russia is ready to escalate some local tensions in the Black Sea region,”
LOL Russia actually lives there and the USA and the 32 NATO interlopers have made enough mistakes already in the last few days.
If there is any shooting in the Black Sea, Russia will most likely prevail, because it’s in their back yard! Art of War gives advantage to locals. Besides, Russia has the big guns, best surface to air defense and the absolutely hugest thermonuclear weapons ever created. The U.S. has been downsizing the yeild of its nukes. Are all of NATOs Gnomebodies going to be willing to take a hit on their Capitol to aid Bankrupt Ukraine begging for help? The whole crazy situation is nuts. But what else would one expect with this cast of wannabe winners…..???????????
Slovakia…???? Oh Boy, Whatta Trump card ally in confrontations with countries with 1000s of thermonuclear weapons at the ready… How many would it take to send them fleeing???? Just one more of the irrelevant Gnomes that make up 80 to 90 percent of NATO’s member states. A close match to Russia, China, North Korea Iran & Belarus….???? Tell us what YOU think.