Do you think hi-level communications are happening between Russia and the US? Military-wise?

[OAITW r.2.0]

I hope so.....

[Wingus Dingus]

1. They do have the hotline phone. Maybe somebody rang somebody.

[Dan]

2. The military is under civilian control.

Why there might be some positives from an informal communication, there is also potentially more harm than good that would come from that non-authorized communication.

[OAITW r.2.0]

3. Personal relationships. I think the counterparts know each other

I hope we are smart enough to read between the lines.

[Dan]

4. Yes, personal relationships are GOOD....

But, while there could be some informal communication that was personal, think back to the days leading to WWII.

Stalin was led to believe that a huge number of his senior officers were working against him … he had them demoted, killed, and moved to Siberia. It was not true, but it led to the decapitation of his senior leadership with the Germans attacked.

So, Putin has already demoted 8 senior generals and one of his leaderships in their version of the KGB (I know the old terms). So, Putin is paranoid and because of that, anyone that is INFORMALLY communicating has put themselves at risk.

Just think of the US during Trump’s years in office - he also decapitated a lot of our government to put his own people in control, and they did not give one damn about the welfare of the Nation, it was all about Trump. So, I think that would also be the case in Russia.

[OAITW r.2.0]

6. Putin was a failed Stalin.

Couldn't do the necessary PR to kill 30mm Russians.

[denbot]

5. Top opposing flag officers can and do speak to each other in normal times.

Putin and his personal security service is scouring his military command staff, military intel bureau the GRU, and even the old KGB which is now called the FSB and pretty much anyone and everyone for any sign of disloyalty.

I doubt if these conditions are conducive for open communication.

[OAITW r.2.0]

7. My concern, too.

If Putin is moving this quickly, I think he knows he is kinda fucked.