You don't get to instigate a rebellion using your own intelligence and military assets, and then invade your neighbor and claim that you never did, that's just bullshit.

This entire conflict was instigated by Russia.

[–] GarbageShoot@hexbear.net 11 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's very hard to invent a movement in another country. Were they backed by Russia from the outset? Obviously, but they had real reasons to be upset with what the new administration was doing. This is a little like dismissing the people who disagree with you as bots, it lets you avoid needing to consider that some people might have good reason for opposing your favored side.

[–] PersnickityPenguin@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Yes, absolutely it was. There have been many books and publications featuring interviews and even video footage of Russian soldiers from the outset of the war. Here's an interview:

https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/07/i-was-a-pro-russian-separatist-fighter-in-ukraine/374411/

And Russia seized crimea right afterwards. Coincidence? Nope.

And let's not forget how they"separatists" somehow were operating Russian military air defense systems.

Igor Girkin was found responsible for shooting down MH17 by a Dutch cour.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63637625

... But he was a Russian commander who controlled the so-called Donetsk People's Republic armed forces.

Russian authorities on Friday detained Igor Girkin, a former Russian commander in Ukraine and prominent war blogger, reportedly on charges of promoting extremism — marking the first time Moscow has taken action against a fervent supporter of the war in Ukraine but one who voiced loud criticism of Russian leaders and their often botched military strategy.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/21/russia-arrests-igor-girkin-ex-security-officer-who-led-operations-ukraine/

"Girkin, who is also known by his nom de guerre Igor Strelkov, is an ex-officer of the Federal Security Service, or FSB. He played a role in Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014 and then served as a commander in Russian-controlled areas of Donbas in eastern Ukraine, where he helped foment a separatist war and was accused of extrajudicial killings."

Russia used their guys to instigate a rebellion. If you think all rebellions are free from outside influences, you are sorely mistaken and shows complete naivete regarding the current conflict.

[–] GarbageShoot@hexbear.net 11 points 1 year ago

I just said they were Russian backed from the outset, but that does not mean Russia invented the sentiment wholecloth.