Russia-Ukraine Flash Report 30 JAN 2023 10:00 PST - Oh Look, a New Nuclear Threat (Patreon)

Russia is threatening not to extend or renegotiate the START treaty, which was extended in 2021 to 2026. The treaty put a cap on nuclear weapons.

We're watching in real-time Russia's playbook any time Ukraine gets new aid and/or when things are going well.

1. Attack civilians and civilian infrastructure (January 26)

2. Blame the West for attacks that would have never happened if the West wasn't helping Ukraine - just ignore the ongoing genocide in the areas we occupy (January 28)

3. By attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure, assure that the Ukraine war stays in Western headlines and that allies are willing to provide even more support (let's talk about F-16s)

4. Boldly declare our weapons are far superior to Western weapons and the introduction of weapon system X will make no difference (since January 27 - here is a handout on how to destroy a Leopard 2, here is why the Abrams sucks, here is a video of an Abrams stuck in the snow, Bradleys are a death trap, etc. etc.)

5. Threaten nuclear war (January 30)

6. Claim that weapon system X has been destroyed in impossible numbers before they are even deployed

7. Claim that weapon system X has been destroyed in impossible numbers after they are deployed

8. Blame Western intervention for the latest defeat caused in part by weapon system X

9. Go back to step one

Russia is already ignoring most provisions in the START treaty, and tapping into the Mutual Assured Destruction Instability Paradox has taught other nations that if you have a nuclear arsenal, you can do what you want.

We're over it, and you should be too.