Name:   MartiniMan - Subject:   Russia invasion is on Date:   2/24/2022 9:08:31 AM

Looks like Putin has done the math and has decided controlling Ukraine is worth the cost.  He's probably right.  While Germany suspended the pipeline I have zero doubt after they get used to the new normal they will reinstate it.  While Dementia Joe is going to talk tough about sanctions.....you know, the threat of which didn't stop Putin......he will essentially do nothing.  There is zero chance NATO will intervene militarily.  That is the whole point, Putin gets control of Ukraine before they can join NATO.  

And in the meantime he gets richer and richer as oil and precious metals prices hit the roof.  But the thing is, he has to stay in power to keep his hands on those billions, otherwise whoever takes over for him will arrest him for "corruption" and take all his ill-gotten wealth from him.  And the way he stays in power is to keep the military and oligarchs happy and in control of cash and real estate outside of Russia.  The invasion makes the military happy.  Real financial pain for the oligarchs might do some good....such as it is given the lack of will to respond militarily.  And to be clear, I am not advocating that we get involved.  What we need to do is start to produce our own oil again so we are not at risk...ya know, being energy independent like we were under Trump.