We used to like Russia when we had our CIA man Yeltsin in power. He gave away much of the country to US financed oligarchs of all nations. Putin reigned in oligarchy's control over the country. That's why Russia is enemy again.

[–] UnderpantsWeevil 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Putin reigned in oligarchy’s control over the country

He reined in liberal aligned oligarchs so he could distribute their assets to his friends. It was a pure power grab.

United Russia is just as full of white nationalists and authoritarians as the GOP. The US opposition is largely just a tug of war over Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

He reined in liberal aligned oligarchs so he could distribute their assets to his friends. It was a pure power grab.

I can't know anything that says none of that could have happened, but it is a very easy accusation for goobers to believe.

I do know, that in response to war, he raised taxes on oil companies, he doesn't overpay for weapons, and stopped diesel exports for consumer benefit. None of that is remotely considerable in US.

[–] UnderpantsWeevil 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

he raised taxes on oil companies, he doesn’t overpay for weapons, and stopped diesel exports for consumer benefit.

He had to do all this to fight the war. It wasn't out of some ideological commitment, but the simple material necessities of running an economy during wartime when you don't have the infinite money check of a global reserve currency.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago

US sees weapon and oil profits, and cheap corrupt privatization of Ukraine, as purpose of war is the difference. That the demented group think around here portrays Russia as the imperialist aggressor in this war, and under autarchy, is also belied by very high Russian military signing bonuses/pay.