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L. Coyote

(51,129 posts)
Sun Feb 20, 2022, 12:22 PM Feb 2022

Dana Bash asks US Sec. of State Antony Blinken if Russian President Vladimir Putin is bluffing as he

Dana Bash asks US Sec. of State Antony Blinken if Russian President Vladimir Putin is bluffing as he amasses troops near the Ukrainian border.




My own opinion is that this is all one huge bluff to raise the price of oil, now up 50% and rising. The playbook has been a success, Russia and Putin are making a lot more money, mission accomplished.

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Dana Bash asks US Sec. of State Antony Blinken if Russian President Vladimir Putin is bluffing as he (Original Post) L. Coyote Feb 2022 OP
So you're saying Vladimir Putin is a crook? dchill Feb 2022 #1
Putin is a lot of things, and stupid isn't one of them. L. Coyote Feb 2022 #2
There is a direct correlation there. Nt Baked Potato Feb 2022 #3
I saw data yesterday comparing Russia's GNP to several states here at home. Grasswire2 Feb 2022 #4
Russia's economy is smaller than Texas' and GDP is half of California's. L. Coyote Feb 2022 #5
interesting map nt Grasswire2 Feb 2022 #6

L. Coyote

(51,129 posts)
2. Putin is a lot of things, and stupid isn't one of them.
Sun Feb 20, 2022, 12:47 PM
Feb 2022

Putin, his oligarch pals, and the Russian state have increased their oil profits immensely in the last month. They are in a disadvantageous position in the world oil economy with higher extraction costs and therefore dependent on high market value. In April the price of oil was below Russia's production cost. Russia becomes a failed state if oil prices hit rock bottom for an extended period and Putin's political position rises and falls in correlation. And, Putin is in near total control of the outbreak of war, so bluffing like this really isn't dangerous. If he starts a war it will cost them decades of decline and rebuilding. Guess which path he chooses. The one propping up the price as long and high as possible with no negative consequences.

Grasswire2

(13,564 posts)
4. I saw data yesterday comparing Russia's GNP to several states here at home.
Sun Feb 20, 2022, 03:03 PM
Feb 2022

I can't imagine why the Russian people put up with the HORRIBLE economy.

I'll try to find that data and bring it here.

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