smokeysnilas

Here's the relevant quote: "[Merz] suggested giving the government in Kyiv the right to say: If the bombing of civilians does not stop within 24 hours, the range restrictions on the available weapons will be jointly lifted. If that’s not enough, the Taurus missiles will be delivered a week later. This would allow Ukraine to regain the initiative,”

For context: he's very likely to become chancellor in February.

I'll just leave this here: https://united24media.com/latest-news/ill-issue-putin-an-ultimatum-end-the-war-in-24-hours-or-ill-supply-ukraine-with-taurus-missiles-says-german-chancellor-candidate-merz-3673

Russia+NKorea surely can't go longer than US and Europe, look at the numbers in economy, population etc. Even if the US pulls out, Europe on its own would have more than enough resources to outspend Putin. It's a matter of political will, that's all. If Europe would be equally commited to Ukraine then Russia wouldn't stand a chance. So whether it's a waste of money or not now is a question of whether Europe is willing to properly support Ukraine. I guess you could make the point that it's about time we finally decide this, but the means surely are there and at our disposal.

You're right. Also I can't believe we wasted the 4 years under Biden and now are again caught with our pants down.

The money stays in the US if that's what you meant?

I have one, hear me out: it looks like the current german gov will decide to give up and have early elections. Current polls suggest that Merz will become chancellor. On multiple occasions he criticized Scholz for his cautious approach and voiced his support for Taurus deliveries. Not sure if he will go through but I think he specifically mentioned Taurus so often and prominently that it won't be easy to back pedal now. So it's likely that Taurus (and with it the Kerch bridge?) is back on the menu.

(Imho he's quite a shitty politician otherwise, but maybe he can get at least this right)

My comment was mostly about Russian and Chinese governments, realistically these will be the other poles of power in a multipolar world. "The global south" surely won't benefit from either one. If you think the southern people will have it better being ruled over by an autocratic fascist China then you're up for a rough awakening.

You misspelled autocratic fascists

They also used consumer grade Canon cameras at one point. These are really crazy times.

I've read multiple times that this is the strategy on purpose. Somehow it is deemed to be more impactful to deliver the sanctions step by step and also keep some ammo to be able to react to the worst crimes. I don't necessarily agree with that but my understanding of these matters is also limited.

Well I respect your opinion but l see it differently. Also how is this relevant here?

Well, why not aim for both?