To what degree is Medvedev Putin's (sock) puppet?

[Sibirsky]

He also made Russia a superpower again.

Not really. The only true superpower is the USA since the collapse of the USSR. We're looking at several possbile candidates for the title, including the EU (yay!), China, Brazil, India and a resurgent Russia/CIS. But currently calling Russia a superpower is wrong, considerign that large parts of it's military and nuclear deterent are out of date cold war era tech, and their usefullness in a modern war doubtfull. Putin's kicked in some modernisation reforms wich should fix that within 10-15 years time, but whether they can be maintained is questionable.

No. Russia is a superpower again. We have the most advance techonogly, tied with USA. They have advantages over us but we have advantages over them. Our military equiment is far more realibile than Amercain. Our troops are highly trained and some of the most experince. EU and CIS cannot be superpowers. They are not military alliances like NATO or SCO are. As for China most of their stuff comes from Russia or are copies of what we already had.If you would wish to depate this more in detail you can make a topic about it or telegram me.

The standard of living in Russia, although rapidly rising prior to the global crisis is very low compared to the US. It is no superpower.

[Khybero]

Actually Chechnya, North Ossetia and South Ossetia are all countries.

The difference is that the first 2 are Countries within a country (Russian Federation) and the last one is a virtually unrecognised fully independent country.

[Lucifeles]

Everybody here should read The New Cold War. Putin is the ruler of Russia, Medvedev is his puppet he used so as to stay in power.

[Sibirsky]

Didn't Japan kick Russia's ass in 1903? What is this never lost shit?

[Brecon2]

Here is the link for a source that provides a good explanation of the motives of Russia,Ossetia, Georgia, and NATO during the conflict: http://www.chomsky.info/articles/200809--2.htm

Some of the key points include a realistic description of the beginning of the conflict as well as a general history outlining the expansion of NATO east of unified Germany despite a Soviet/Russian and US agreement stating that NATO would not expand east of Germany.

[Vault 10]

The only true superpower is the USA since the collapse of the USSR. We're looking at several possbile candidates for the title, including the EU (yay!), China, Brazil, India and a resurgent Russia/CIS.

How did Brazil sneak into this list?

[Saint Clair Island]

I agree that Putin likes to control Medveve. Putin has lots of issues and needs to grow up and get a life!!!!!!!!!

I know, man. That Vladimir Putin guy just needs to get laid! Oh wait.

Didn't Japan kick Russia's ass in 1903? What is this never lost shit?

That never happened, comrade. And anyway, Russia was still under the control of the Tsarists back then, and they totally would have won if Lenin had been in charge.

[Delator]

NATO wants world war 3? Bring it on. Russia always wins. All who have tried to invade us have failed, NATO will fail like them.

Quit being paranoid...NATO has no interest in "invading" Russia.

Don't forget if you mess with us you mess with all the nations in SCO.

You do realize that as soon as China develops a reliable way to shoot down your ICBMs that you're first on their "invade for resources" list, right?

On second thought...be paranoid.

[Chernobyl-Pripyat]

You do realize that as soon as China develops a reliable way to shoot down your ICBMs that you're first on their "invade for resources" list, right?

On second thought...be paranoid.

I thought I'd never see China and Develop in the same sentence.


besides, they're too close for ICBM's, we'd likely use Iskander missiles.

[Delator]

besides, they're too close for ICBM's, we'd likely use Iskander missiles.

Provided those don't get dropped altogether during this new round of arms-reduction talks.

Besides, they're still ballistic missiles, which could still be shot down, it'd just be much more difficult given the shorter flight time.

Seriously though, I'm no expert, but in the long run I do not think that China will be a good friend to Russia. Time will tell.

[Chernobyl-Pripyat]

besides, they're too close for ICBM's, we'd likely use Iskander missiles.

Provided those don't get dropped altogether during this new round of arms-reduction talks.

Besides, they're still ballistic missiles, which could still be shot down, it'd just be much more difficult given the shorter flight time.

Seriously though, I'm no expert, but in the long run I do not think that China will be a good friend to Russia. Time will tell.

Iskander can't use nuclear warheads, if I'm not mistaken. I've heard a rumor that they're going to make a thermobaric warhead, however..

And yeah, I'm suspicious of them, but I think they're more worried about India, then to bother us.

[The Scandinvans]

NATO put their forces in Serbia. I can't wait to see how you justify that but not NO.

How do you justify NATO forces in NO.

Hoe do you justify American forces in Iraq.

What about Afghanstian. Using your logic NATO can't invade them just because a few thousand Amercains died. Your logic dosent care about Russian lives so what makes Amercain lives worth more?

Georgia was the agressor and NATO supports them killing Russians. Maybe we should give dNorth Koreas a few long range missiles. Who cares if they kill Amercains? They don't care about Russian lives. So why should we care about theirs?

1. Serbia was a giant fuckfest.

2. I loves me the taste of oil.

3. Afghanistan, 9/11, act of war.

4. Maybe both sides need a chill pill.

[Delator]

And yeah, I'm suspicious of them, but I think they're more worried about India, then to bother us.

Economically, perhaps, but I do not think that they will ever engage in armed conflict...the logistics of conducting a war over the Himalayas are daunting. They already tried it once, and I don't think either is eager for a rematch.

[United Russian State]

NATO put their forces in Serbia. I can't wait to see how you justify that but not NO.

How do you justify NATO forces in NO.

Hoe do you justify American forces in Iraq.

What about Afghanstian. Using your logic NATO can't invade them just because a few thousand Amercains died. Your logic dosent care about Russian lives so what makes Amercain lives worth more?

Georgia was the agressor and NATO supports them killing Russians. Maybe we should give dNorth Koreas a few long range missiles. Who cares if they kill Amercains? They don't care about Russian lives. So why should we care about theirs?

1. Serbia was a giant fuckfest.

2. I loves me the taste of oil.

3. Afghanistan, 9/11, act of war

4. Maybe both sides need a chill pill.

Just like Georgia.

Well if the west wants to justify Iraq like that than that means anyone who invades a country for oil can do so.

Useing NATO logic countries cannot protect themselves and go into countries because their people were killed. That's the logic you use for Georgia. So the war in Afghanistian wasn't justified.

We will when NATO(Anti-Russian alliance) is disbanned or if west gives us a good reason to. Up till now they haven't.

[United Russian State]

besides, they're too close for ICBM's, we'd likely use Iskander missiles.

Provided those don't get dropped altogether during this new round of arms-reduction talks.

Besides, they're still ballistic missiles, which could still be shot down, it'd just be much more difficult given the shorter flight time.

Seriously though, I'm no expert, but in the long run I do not think that China will be a good friend to Russia. Time will tell.

Iskander can't use nuclear warheads, if I'm not mistaken. I've heard a rumor that they're going to make a thermobaric warhead, however..

And yeah, I'm suspicious of them, but I think they're more worried about India, then to bother us.

I am pretty sure Iskander-E is capable of using small tactial nuclear warheads.

[United Russian State]

NATO wants world war 3? Bring it on. Russia always wins. All who have tried to invade us have failed, NATO will fail like them.

Quit being paranoid...NATO has no interest in "invading" Russia.

Don't forget if you mess with us you mess with all the nations in SCO.

You do realize that as soon as China develops a reliable way to shoot down your ICBMs that you're first on their "invade for resources" list, right?

On second thought...be paranoid.

Seeing how we all ready have missile systems that can get pass Amercan missile defense systems I don't see China making anything better. Besides most of their stuff are just poor versions of Russian weapons.

[Delator]

NATO wants world war 3? Bring it on. Russia always wins. All who have tried to invade us have failed, NATO will fail like them.

Quit being paranoid...NATO has no interest in "invading" Russia.

Don't forget if you mess with us you mess with all the nations in SCO.

You do realize that as soon as China develops a reliable way to shoot down your ICBMs that you're first on their "invade for resources" list, right?

On second thought...be paranoid.

Seeing how we all ready have missile systems that can get pass Amercan missile defense systems I don't see China making anything better.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PLA_m ... 9-2008.GIF

I wouldn't count on staying ahead of the game forever...

[United Russian State]

We increase our military budget too. Spending for defense was aproved to be increase by 25% for 2009. China is our friend. NATO should fear their budget increase more than us. SCO will stand together if NATO ever attacks one of us.

[Neu Leonstein]

I think the Chinese have their own issues to deal with. Last thing they need is more autonomous provinces with people who don't seem to attach much value to being called Chinese.

As for Putin - he's just another Chávez. Lots of talk, lots of spending oil money, not much substance. And pure poison for the sustainability of economic growth in Russia. But everyone loves them, because hey, flags and free stuff is what political careers are made of.

As for Russia's military: what a waste of money that is. They have a huge nuclear arsenal, and they still spend money on ground forces, the only purpose of which seems to be to do encores of the Czars' old Caucasus adventures. Realistically in spending terms they're not going to change the position of power from the same status quo we had ten years ago. Better to put that money into building a few half-decent universities. Or hospitals. Or do something about those racism issues. But I suppose a military parade or "let's crush Georgia" thing gets more public support than reasonable domestic policies, though for fairness' sake Russia is hardly the only place where this is the case.

[Delator]

We increase our military budget too. Spending for defense was aproved to be increase by 25% for 2009. China is our friend. NATO should fear their budget increase more than us. SCO will stand together if NATO ever attacks one of us.

NATO and China don't share a border...

...and again with the paranoia. I'll say it again, NATO has no interest in attacking Russia. That you consistently bring up the point as though they do only undermines your own arguments.

[Risottia]

He could actually be the supreme authority in Russia, and makes all the big decisions.

I think he started as a sort of puppet of Putin's, but he's working to become the real leader. The problem for Medvedev is the latest amendments to the Russian Constitution which shifted some powers from the Prez to the PM.