US prepares $1B aid package for troubled Ukraine.....

[MMC]

Obama has cut military to military talks and support with Russia.....Do you think this will cause problems going forward and dealing with Russia? Also in what way will this cost the US money, by doing this?



US prepares $1B aid package for troubled Ukraine.....
Associated Press – 2 mins 47 secs ago

The Obama administration readied economic sanctions against Russia on Tuesday as it formally announced an aid package of $1 billion in energy subsidies to Ukraine amid worries that Moscow would extend its military reach into the mainland of the former Soviet republic.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Kiev for a five-hour show of support for the fledgling Ukraine government as it grapples with a military takeover of Crimea, a strategic, mostly pro-Russian region in the country's southeast. Kerry also was to pay homage to the dozens of protesters who were slain Feb. 20 in anti-government demonstrations that days later ousted Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych.

As Kerry arrived, the White House announced a package of energy aid, training for financial and election institutions, and anti-corruption efforts. U.S. officials traveling with Kerry also said the Obama administration is considering slapping Russia with unspecified economic sanctions as soon as this week.

Additionally, the officials said, the U.S. has suspended what was described as a narrow set of discussions with Russia over a bilateral trade investment treaty. It is also going to provide technical advice to the Ukraine government about its trade rights with Russia. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be quoted by name before the official announcement was made.....snip~

US prepares $1B aid package for troubled Ukraine

 

[tecoyah]

This will obviously cause tensions with Russia, but far fewer than Russia is causing. Likely, the financial costs will be quite small due to the minimal trade and lack of reliance on Russian resources, as well as the simple fact the banks are all in the western world. Giving aid to the Ukraine and sanctioning Russia is pretty much the only option available to the west, and I have a feeling it will be used aggressively until Russia either collapses or submits.

The people of Russia are already economically downtrodden....I doubt Putin wants a revolt.

 

[Ockham]

Can't we just leave Kerry there for a few weeks and save the billion $? I don't get the need to throw money at Ukraine at this time.

 

[MMC]

This will obviously cause tensions with Russia, but far fewer than Russia is causing. Likely, the financial costs will be quite small due to the minimal trade and lack of reliance on Russian resources, as well as the simple fact the banks are all in the western world. Giving aid to the Ukraine and sanctioning Russia is pretty much the only option available to the west, and I have a feeling it will be used aggressively until Russia either collapses or submits.

The people of Russia are already economically downtrodden....I doubt Putin wants a revolt.

Mornin' Tecoyah.....Are you sure it was the only Option? Do you think any type of moves could have been made for Perception and Appearances?

Also.....where do we have a Billion dollars to come up with for the Ukraine, which was never on the radar for aid in the first place? 1 billion dollars.....and whats makes this so redundant. Is Putin has made the moves he needed and now is standing down with his drills, says Yanokovich wont be the President of the Ukraine nor his government. Plus just gave the Ukrainians a pass on their Gas debt.

Hard to believe that Putin could outplay all on Team Obama.....huh? Including Obama himself and one on one-toe to toe.....Politically. Do you think Obama can handle the pressure any more.....himself. Not his team players.

 

[BMCM]

Mornin' Tecoyah.....Are you sure it was the only Option? Do you think any type of moves could have been made for Perception and Appearances?

Also.....where do we have a Billion dollars to come up with for the Ukraine, which was never on the radar for aid in the first place? 1 billion dollars.....and whats makes this so redundant. Is Putin has made the moves he needed and now is standing down with his drills, says Yanokovich wont be the President of the Ukraine nor his government. Plus just gave the Ukrainians a pass on their Gas debt.

Hard to believe that Putin could outplay all on Team Obama.....huh? Including Obama himself and one on one-toe to toe.....Politically. Do you think Obama can handle the pressure any more.....himself. Not his team players.

Congress will borrow it from China

 

[DDD]

Can't we just leave Kerry there for a few weeks and save the billion $? I don't get the need to throw money at Ukraine at this time.

It is just pressed paper. Consider the lives this could be saving.

 

[DDD]

Also.....where do we have a Billion dollars to come up with for the Ukraine, which was never on the radar for aid in the first place? 1 billion dollars.....and whats makes this so redundant.

Why! Press it and create it of course. Where else

 

[washunut]

Mornin' Tecoyah.....Are you sure it was the only Option? Do you think any type of moves could have been made for Perception and Appearances?

Also.....where do we have a Billion dollars to come up with for the Ukraine, which was never on the radar for aid in the first place? 1 billion dollars.....and whats makes this so redundant. Is Putin has made the moves he needed and now is standing down with his drills, says Yanokovich wont be the President of the Ukraine nor his government. Plus just gave the Ukrainians a pass on their Gas debt.

Hard to believe that Putin could outplay all on Team Obama.....huh? Including Obama himself and one on one-toe to toe.....Politically. Do you think Obama can handle the pressure any more.....himself. Not his team players.

Think Putin already has everything he wanted from this event. He got control of his naval bases. He gives the West the Ukraine's financial problems, which total more like $45 billion, than the $1 billion we have to offer.

Putin has probably also put folks on notice not to try and add the Ukraine to NATO.

Why do we need NATO anyway?

 

[Ockham]

It is just pressed paper. Consider the lives this could be saving.

I consider the lives it could be saving here at home first.

 

[ttwtt78640]

The natural Obama reaction to any "crisis" is to borrow and spend. The silence from our NATO "partners" makes me think that they will not play along with any Obama plan that includes refusal to trade with Russia - especially when it comes to their need for oil and natural gas. Perhaps Obama will ask Hillary for a reset button of his own so that he can "take action" without simply tossing U.S. tax money into a messy situation and making promises to come up with a plan.

 

[Tigger]

Why? I can understand that the United States has a responsibility to help Ukraine stabalize its borders and come to a resolution of this disagreement, since the US is a member of the international community. I do not see any need for the US to be providing any amount of financial assistance to Ukraine during or after this crisis. Once the international military/border dispute is settled (preferably without any US troops being involved), then it's up to Ukraine to deal with their own issues, so far as I am concerned.

 

[MMC]

Congress will borrow it from China

Mornin' BMCM.....why do we even need to send a billion dollars as aid to the Ukraine. Putin just ratcheted things down. I put up a thread on it. Yet Team Obama is still making moves.

As he not only stopped military talks and support with each other. Which many would be surprised just what that entails. But now he ended talks with trade and investment with Russia too.


U.S. suspends trade, investment talks with Russia over Ukraine.....

The United States has put trade and investment talks with Russia on hold as a rebuke for Russia's incursion into Ukraine, a U.S. official said on Monday.

"We have suspended upcoming bilateral trade and investment engagement with the government of Russia that were part of a move toward deeper commercial and trade ties," a spokesman for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said.....snip~

U.S. suspends trade, investment talks with Russia over Ukraine

 

[MMC]

The natural Obama reaction to any "crisis" is to borrow and spend. The silence from our NATO "partners" makes me think that they will not play along with any Obama plan that includes refusal to trade with Russia - especially when it comes to their need for oil and natural gas. Perhaps Obama will ask Hillary for a reset button of his own so that he can "take action" without simply tossing U.S. tax money into a messy situation and making promises to come up with a plan.

Heya Tttwtt.....Do you think he included this 1 Billion dollars with the Budget he already submitted for the Country.....today this morning?

 

[DA60]

Just as I thought...this whole Russian situation was deliberately overblown by the Ukranian interim government to get sympathy (and money) from the West.

Looks like it worked.

I doubt the Ukranian gov't. ever truly believed the Russians would seriously invade Ukraine-proper (which the Crimea is not).

 

[tecoyah]

Mornin' Tecoyah.....Are you sure it was the only Option? Do you think any type of moves could have been made for Perception and Appearances?

Also.....where do we have a Billion dollars to come up with for the Ukraine, which was never on the radar for aid in the first place? 1 billion dollars.....and whats makes this so redundant. Is Putin has made the moves he needed and now is standing down with his drills, says Yanokovich wont be the President of the Ukraine nor his government. Plus just gave the Ukrainians a pass on their Gas debt.

Hard to believe that Putin could outplay all on Team Obama.....huh? Including Obama himself and one on one-toe to toe.....Politically. Do you think Obama can handle the pressure any more.....himself. Not his team players.

I am not at all sure of anything, thus the statement "Pretty Much" the only option. Even the individuals charged with "Knowing" what the details are likely do not...as it will be very complex. In diplomatic exchanges between countries (particularly when at odds), I would imagine many moves are meant to project appearances, and are insincere. The Billion dollars of aid will have little effect on United States coffers, as I am sure much of it entails existing materials and personnel over years of distribution...and the dollars will be allocated from existing treasury funds or borrowing.

That Putin seems to be "Backing Down" may very well be a result of understanding his actions will lead to great damage to his regime, or might simply be more subterfuge, only time will tell. Anyone who feels they know the details here well enough to state one side has outplayed the other must be seen as little more than an armchair quarterback with delusions of grandeur.

 

[ttwtt78640]

Heya Tttwtt.....Do you think he included this 1 Billion dollars with the Budget he already submitted for the Country.....today this morning?

Obama "budgets" tend to be ignored by our congress critters of both parties. I expect that another continuing resolution will become our "budget".

 

[fmw]

The Billion dollars of aid will have little effect on United States coffers, as I am sure much of it entails existing materials and personnel over years of distribution...and the dollars will be allocated from existing treasury funds or borrowing.

That 17 trillion in debt is made up one billion after another. We continue to think money buys friends. It never has. It only buys dependence. We have zero stake in Ukraine. Now we have a billion dollar zero stake.

 

[rocket88]

Obama has cut military to military talks and support with Russia.....Do you think this will cause problems going forward and dealing with Russia? Also in what way will this cost the US money, by doing this?



US prepares $1B aid package for troubled Ukraine.....
Associated Press – 2 mins 47 secs ago

The Obama administration readied economic sanctions against Russia on Tuesday as it formally announced an aid package of $1 billion in energy subsidies to Ukraine amid worries that Moscow would extend its military reach into the mainland of the former Soviet republic.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Kiev for a five-hour show of support for the fledgling Ukraine government as it grapples with a military takeover of Crimea, a strategic, mostly pro-Russian region in the country's southeast. Kerry also was to pay homage to the dozens of protesters who were slain Feb. 20 in anti-government demonstrations that days later ousted Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych.

As Kerry arrived, the White House announced a package of energy aid, training for financial and election institutions, and anti-corruption efforts. U.S. officials traveling with Kerry also said the Obama administration is considering slapping Russia with unspecified economic sanctions as soon as this week.

Additionally, the officials said, the U.S. has suspended what was described as a narrow set of discussions with Russia over a bilateral trade investment treaty. It is also going to provide technical advice to the Ukraine government about its trade rights with Russia. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be quoted by name before the official announcement was made.....snip~

US prepares $1B aid package for troubled Ukraine

I think obviously the next President will have to press the "reset button" with Russia :mrgreen:

I can't believe that we are rewarding these people for their inability to have a functioning democracy.

 

[Montecresto]

Congress will borrow it from China

That's no joke either. Congress will borrow the money from China, and give it to Ukraine. Yep, call up China, tell them to send a billion to the Ukraine, and put it on our tab.

 

[MMC]

I am not at all sure of anything, thus the statement "Pretty Much" the only option. Even the individuals charged with "Knowing" what the details are likely do not...as it will be very complex. In diplomatic exchanges between countries (particularly when at odds), I would imagine many moves are meant to project appearances, and are insincere. The Billion dollars of aid will have little effect on United States coffers, as I am sure much of it entails existing materials and personnel over years of distribution...and the dollars will be allocated from existing treasury funds or borrowing.

That Putin seems to be "Backing Down" may very well be a result of understanding his actions will lead to great damage to his regime, or might simply be more subterfuge, only time will tell. Anyone who feels they know the details here well enough to state one side has outplayed the other must be seen as little more than an armchair quarterback with delusions of grandeur.

Putin hasn't backed down......he has played this masterfully. He has what he wanted and its good bet you will see the Crimea become a Protectorate. You don't think he is worried to much about the US hurting itself, now do ya?

While I am sure there are many that could be insincere.....there is an example of a move. That's sincere in the Projection of Power.....but then is insincere as no harm would come from it anyways.


The US has moved a Carrier SG in Club Med.....and they are making their way for the Aegean to (insert reason- to help Greeks). <<<<< This would be the News Report with the example.

Now how do you think Putin and Russia as well as everybody else can say they aren't concerned with Appearances?

 

[Rainman05]

[
Also.....where do we have a Billion dollars to come up with for the Ukraine, which was never on the radar for aid in the first place? 1 billion dollars.....and whats makes this so redundant. I.

A billion dollars is useless.

Also, a billion dollars is cheap. US federal budget is basically 3000 billions. It's not even 1% of the budget.
Moreoever, it's useless to Ukraine. 1bil doesn't cover 1 months' spending with all the troubles this "mini aggression war" caused and all the damage that the previous government did. Consider this, under Yanukovych, almost 37bil euros went "missing"... well, went into the pockets of politicians and their clientele which is why Ukraine is in big trouble now, economically.

The EU plans to give a 15-20bil euros bailout to Ukraine. those are the numbers circulating. We'll know more in 2 days.

 

[vesper]

Can't we just leave Kerry there for a few weeks and save the billion $? I don't get the need to throw money at Ukraine at this time.

I don't either at least not yet. But like everything in this administration, instead of coming up with real solutions to any problem, the answer is throw money at it. While Kerry keeps shooting his mouth off with empty threats, investors have already punished Putin yesterday by causing Russia's stock market to plunge 10%. When you have a bunch of yahoos running foreign affairs making us look weak on the world stage and gutting our military, is it any wonder that Putin feels like he can get away with what he is doing? The despots know when it's safe to raise Hell. Even the left leaning Washington Post yesterday called Obama and his administration's foreign policy fantasy. I pray to God we are not faced with another attack on this country or that this thing with Russia escalates into a war because quite frankly those currently in charge couldn't fight their way out of a wet paper bag.

 

[Coin]

Don't give 1B $ to Ukrainian people. It will go indirectly to Russians.

 

[leoborn]

Congress will borrow it from China

"A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon you're talking real money." Senator Everett Dirksen

 

[leoborn]

A billion dollars is useless.

Also, a billion dollars is cheap. US federal budget is basically 3000 billions. It's not even 1% of the budget.
Moreoever, it's useless to Ukraine. 1bil doesn't cover 1 months' spending with all the troubles this "mini aggression war" caused and all the damage that the previous government did. Consider this, under Yanukovych, almost 37bil euros went "missing"... well, went into the pockets of politicians and their clientele which is why Ukraine is in big trouble now, economically.

The EU plans to give a 15-20bil euros bailout to Ukraine. those are the numbers circulating. We'll know more in 2 days.

Who actually gets the money? The banks, the government? The people probably won't see a dime! .