Comments by "Dale Crocker" (@dalecrocker3213) on "‘These demands are somewhat puzzling and they may of course simply be a trap’ says Michael Portillo" video.

Encouraging to see so many sensible comments here. Clearly we are not all being fooled by American propaganda and the ignorant/biased media.
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@internetenjoyer1044 It's worth investigating both sides of the propaganda war, don't you think? Russia's case seems to stand up pretty well as far as I can see -and makes historical sense for the most part.
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@internetenjoyer1044 The question of whether or not Russia "wants to dominate Eastern Europe" is an open one, but I see little evidence for it. It was grateful enough to release its hold on the soviet republics and the satellite countries after the soviet collapse. At that time I seem to recall promises being made that NATO would not expand eastward, and Russia in fact was even ready to join NATO itself in order to help ensure a peaceful future, but the offer was rejected. Since then a further 13 countries have joined NATO, all militarised and all presenting a threat therefore to Russia. Putin can be excused for feeling a little surrounded. No, it is American imperialism and the American military/industrial complex which is yet again at fault here. It needs Russia to maintain a role as permanent enemy in order to justify its existence. As for Ukraine, as with Chechnya and Georgia, its flirtation with NATO must necessarily be brought to a halt. I would imagine Putin has tried to match American bribes with bribes of his own but has been priced out of the market. Hence the invasion. The war could end tomorrow if Ukraine would only concede to Russia's entirely reasonable demands. Creating Donbass as a buffer state and extracting a promise that Ukraine will not join NATO will surely be enough. Putin cannot want the whole country. This would mean a very expensive and very lengthy civil war which would weaken Russia and allow further American expansion in the Baltic.
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