Ukraine Thread

**Gilrandir** · 11-09-2016, 16:45

Originally Posted by Sarmatian

It is, but it is unimportant in so many ways.

NATO bases already are situated much closer to Russia. If new are to be built, there are much better options, both in terms of cost and strategic position.

Military and economic power of Montenegro is insignificant.

The rocky shores of Montenegro aren't well suited to large ports. Its biggest port in the city of Bar is too shallow for bigger merchant ships, let alone big military ships, and there are at least a few better port options in the circle of 200-300km.

I could go on, but you get the gist. Those are the main reasons I don't believe Montenegro is worth it. Just like how they survived as independent state next to huge Ottoman Empire for more than a century - nobody really gives a ****! You may choose to believe that, or you may trust the chief prosecutor from Montenegro who insists there is no evidence of Moscow involvement. Or don't believe any of that, I really don't care.

If it is so insignificant, why Russia is so disturbed about it joining NATO? And there is still no explanation to Patrushev's helter skelter visit to Serbia and two Russians ostensibly involved into the coup.

**Sarmatian** · 11-09-2016, 18:02

Personally, I believe he came for sex and booze, but officials maintain it was about enhancing cooperation in the sphere of security, especially concerning international terrorism, migrant crisis and situation in Kosovo. He met with minister of foreign affairs and minister of interior affairs, payed his respects to Russian soldiers who died during liberation of Belgrade, held a press conference... Everyone on both sides said the visit was planned for months in advance, and that there were no Russian citizens deported from Serbia.

The entire story was launched after a daily newspaper "Danas" wrote an article about it, citing unnamed source. That newspaper is known for making outlandish claims and is not considered reputable.

But, we all know that's bollox and he came for sex and booze.

**Brenus** · 11-09-2016, 22:14

Montegro: 622,000 hbts.
US (NATO) base in Kosovo.
Really, what would be the interest of Montenegro for NATO? Naval Bases? Croatia would be more than happy to offer that... And Croatia has all the former military naval ports built by Tito.

The only thing worth to fight for in Montenegro is olive oil and Malboro made in Russia smuggling....

**Seamus Fermanagh** · 11-09-2016, 22:36

Originally Posted by Brenus

Montegro: 622,000 hbts.
US (NATO) base in Kosovo.
Really, what would be the interest of Montenegro for NATO? Naval Bases? Croatia would be more than happy to offer that... And Croatia has all the former military naval ports built by Tito.

The only thing worth to fight for in Montenegro is olive oil and Malboro made in Russia smuggling....

hbts.?

Hobbits? They'd be in NATO in a hot minute if that's true.

**Gilrandir** · 11-10-2016, 14:59

Originally Posted by Brenus

Montegro: 622,000 hbts.
US (NATO) base in Kosovo.
Really, what would be the interest of Montenegro for NATO? Naval Bases? Croatia would be more than happy to offer that... And Croatia has all the former military naval ports built by Tito.

The only thing worth to fight for in Montenegro is olive oil and Malboro made in Russia smuggling....

So NATO is inveterately stupid in accepting Montenegro?

**Montmorency** · 11-10-2016, 16:04

So NATO is inveterately stupid in accepting Montenegro?

I think the idea is more consolidation - who isn't NATO at this point? Austria, Switz, Scandinavia, Serbia/Kosovo - after that we get into the direct confrontation (with Russia) territory. Also the symbolic statement given how US-Russia relations have gone since 2009.

**Montmorency** · 11-10-2016, 16:12

Left out non-members (disregarding things like Malta):

*Ireland - also claims neutrality
*FYROM/Republic of Macedonia - blocked by Greece
*Bosnia - likely to join in coming years