Russian Troubles

Ukraine has issues with the Russians again. Three of their ships and crews have been captured by the Russians. Russian planes also came dangerously close to UK aircraft. While this going on the US has been bombing Syria against strong Russian protests.

What will become of all this? Hard to say. Ukraine claims the Russians are mobilizing for an invasion. That would definitely put the world in crisis. Then again, it could all be posturing. Then again again, global wars have been started over less.

Russia is in a tough spot. Sanctions have taken their toll. Their economy is suffering. The Russian military is no longer a global force. Their only aircraft carrier is currently disabled for months, possibly forever. A nation cannot project overwhelming power without aircraft carriers. That's why China is currently building them.

Russia has excellent military equipment designers. They can turn out world class prototypes of tanks, aircraft, missile defense systems, war ships, submarines and any number of weapons systems. What they currently lack is the industrial might to put large numbers of those projects into production. One of the few things keeping their aircraft industry alive is sales to China. However, China often buys just a few copies and reverse engineers them.

However, Russia is a very potent local force. Ukraine is local. For that matter, Russia can launch aircraft and missiles from their soil to the majority of the world's trouble spots. The Russian leadership knows their position will only get weaker with time. That puts pressure on them to use their remaining power before they lose it.

So what do we do about it? I think it would be a good time to go over your preps. If Russia goes to war, they may indirectly attack the US with cyber attacks. Our power grid is especially vulnerable. Once bullets start flying, there's no telling how crazy things will get before the dust settles. I don't see a nuclear exchange, but would not be surprised to see national economies targeted.

At any rate, this is mostly speculation, but world events certainly should be watched.

-Sixbears