Any chance Russian troops can be

[cilla4progress]

turned?

I.e., against Putin?

I listen to the furnace humming, the river running, the dog saying hi to the morning, and I wonder, are these the good old days?

[jmbar2]

1. I've been wondering the same thing

What if rock stars popular with the Russian youth broadcast concerts to them encouraging them to avoid a disastrous war.

If Russia invades, they will have to live with the consequences for their lifetimes --environmental, economic, geopolitical, travel restrictions, isolation. There is no good end of such a war for Russia's youth.

[NightWatcher]

2. Too bad we cant facilitate a coup there LIKE THEY DID HERE.

Sorry, didn't mean to shout, but damn right?

[Irish_Dem]

4. Exactly, they are way ahead of us.

[NightWatcher]

7. Have you heard any mention of dissent that he might be facing at home?

Just kidding, we know he kills everyone who threatens his control within his borders (and when they travel abroad).

[Irish_Dem]

12. Just like when we protested the Iraq invasion here in the US,

Putin will ignore any dissent in Russia. And yes they will be shot or imprisoned.

[SheltieLover]

14. Actually yes! Retired Russian general spoke out! (Link)

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216350811

[Irish_Dem]

3. They would be gunned down immediately most likely.

Russian generals don't play around. Those that are not killed will be jailed.

Also the Russian troops have always been famously loyal to their homeland, fiercely protective of it.

[abqtommy]

5. These are not the "good old days". For me the good old days were when I was 5 years

old in 1954 and I didn't know what I know now.

[multigraincracker]

8. Born in 49 too and the good ole days were...

I can't remember.

[multigraincracker]

6. All we have to do is air drop in

tons of top shelve reefer and bundles of Quaaludes.

[panader0]

11. And a whole bunch of Karens.

[sarisataka]

9. Highly unlikely

- Russian soldiers have always been loyal to the Rodinia even under unpopular leaders

- the Russian people, and soldiers, are not getting the same information we are receiving.

- In the news there Russia is the victim of bullying by Ukraine as a stooge of the west.

- it is not an uncommon thought in Russia to look wistfully back on the world prestige of the Soviet Union. Regaining Ukrainian territory, even as a puppet, would be step back towards being a superpower

- Russian discipline of their troops is a little more old school. Shoot one or two and the rest fall in line

[cilla4progress]

10. Thanks for sharing your insights.

I saw a post or tweet somewhere that said offer Russian soldiers membership in NATO and watch them turn.

I'm guessing you dismiss this?

[sarisataka]

13. Yes, I believe it would be akin

To China offering us membership in an economic alliance with them in the senior position. Being in an adversarial relationship now it would feel like conceding.

Russia admitting they "lost" and everything since WW2 was for nothing is far to bitter of a pill to swallow.

The diplomatic solution is to give Russia a face saving way to back out while appearing to be as strong as NATO. I do not know if it is possible at this point.