But why? Does Putin want to control the entire black sea?
this post was submitted on 26 Jul 2026
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One theory is that he is seeking escalation with a NATO country. Reasoning being that some small scale clash with NATO would feed into the narrative at home that Russia has been fighting against NATO all this time and, counterintuitively this would be a convenient off ramp. He didn't lose against Ukraine, he stalemated against the whole NATO. Or he is simply insane.
Yes, losing to Ukraine after all the propaganda about them to the Russian people makes him look weak, and weak is unsafe for a dictator.
On the other hand if they can say they had to pull out because the forever enemy, big bad NATO made them, then he doesnt lose face, and he has a story to tell.
"We were unfairly beaten by dozens of countries ganging up on us, but Ukraine is still Russian land so you all need to accept more privations while we rebuild stronger"
It's the strongest hint he does actually know he's losing. Despite everyone avoiding telling him
Yes, but again, why? The people that already read through the propaganda, will not see that as an attack by NATO, but as a result of Putin's actions. The ones who still suck up the "special operation" on day 1613 as of now are retarded and/or indoctrinated beyond saving. And even if that fixes the propaganda machine - there is no way how Putin could win or even hold up in any military conflict against NATO.
Makes for a more believable lie and muddies the waters. Or, again, they might simply be completely insane.
One explanation is that a small somewhat deniable attack on a NATO member can slowly erode trust in a reliable article 5 response, bringing about the kind of local alliances world that benefits Putin, who wants to control the areas surrounding Russia.
more likely testing the waters
initiate a diplomatic protest against Russia
that will teach him ! /s (yeah I know, going in all guns blazing isn't ideal either)
..testing the waters
Was that a pun?
I'm into dad-jokes
It takes 9 months but then you really get the clou