A new phase in the Ukraine war? | 49 comments (49 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

A new phase in the Ukraine war? King Lear (4.00 / 2)

AP | Putin misled by advisers on Ukraine, US intel determines, 30 Mar

U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin is being misinformed by his advisers about his nation's forces' poor performance in Ukraine.
A U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss recently declassified intelligence, said Wednesday the intel finding indicates that Putin is aware of the situation on information coming to him and there is now persistent tension between him and senior Russian military officials. Biden, in an exchange with reporters, said he could not comment.
[...]
Asked about the latest intelligence, Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not confirm the findings, but suggested that a dynamic within the Kremlin exists where advisers are unwilling to speak to Putin with candor.
"One of the Achilles' heels of autocracies is that you don't have people in those systems that speak truth to power or have the ability to speak truth to power, and I think that's what we're seeing in Russia," Blinken told reporters during a stop in Algeria on Wednesday.
The unidentified official did not detail underlying evidence for how U.S. intelligence made its determination. The intelligence community has concluded that Putin was unaware that his military had been using and losing conscripts in Ukraine. They also have determined he is not fully aware of the extent to which the Russian economy is being damaged by economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and allies.

Bloomberg Al Jazeera | Borscht inflation, 30 Mar, illustrated
"Consumer prices overall rose 1.16% in the seven days ending March 25, down slightly from 1.93% a week earlier, the Federal Statistics Service said Wednesday."
France24 | Russian pensioner explains support for Putin amid inflation, dubious reporting on Ukraine war, 28 Mar
"A good wife may think her husband is right, or not, but in any case, she has to stand by him and reload his ammunition."
REUTERS | Inflation in Russia climbs above 15.6%, highest since September 2015, 30 Mar

archived Tue Mar 8th, 2022, Fri Feb 25th, 2022

by Cat on Wed Mar 30th, 2022 at 07:32:53 PM EST

Re: A new phase in the Ukraine war? King Lear (4.00 / 2)

"misled" by his advisers. Right. Like Putin was ready to hear any "advice" that didn't fit his per-determined opinion...

Just like Bush-Cheney only selected the intelligence that was supporting their case for Iraq invasion, Putin only wanted to hear "Da, president". Exhibit A: the "I find your lack of faith disturbing" humiliation ritual of his spy chief.

by Bernard (bernard) on Wed Mar 30th, 2022 at 07:53:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A new phase in the Ukraine war? King Lear (none / 1)

C'mon, the Moscow Times dramatization of Putin's madness leaves more to readers' imagination of tyranny. And that's democratization in action!

by Cat on Thu Mar 31st, 2022 at 02:31:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A new phase in the Ukraine war? King Lear (4.00 / 2)

Dramas are exciting, full of evil geniuses, cunning conspiracies and 9-dimensional chess.

Reality, on the other hand, tends to be boring, full of yes-men, sycophants and plenty of cockups.

by Bernard (bernard) on Thu Mar 31st, 2022 at 06:17:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A new phase in the Ukraine war? King Lear (none / 0)

Reality is an intersection of chaotic systems. War brings that truth home with a vengeance.

by rifek on Mon Apr 4th, 2022 at 05:08:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

A new phase in the Ukraine war? | 49 comments (49 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)