[embedding-shape]

Same goes the other way, the US has dependencies on Europe when it comes to various technologies, that would stop immediately if the US decides to be violent towards its allies. I'm sure Europe could survive without Microsoft Office, what would the US do if they stop being able to get machine tooling since that industry all but disappeared in the US, and the US doesn't have any allies left?

[riffraff]

Russia has been theoretically cut off from advanced machinery for years, the west just started selling stuff to central asian countries who resell it to Russia and we all behave as if it's normal.

[SR2Z]

The truth is that Russia is suffering because of this, but they've been able to maintain a semblance of normality by building some parts themselves and obtaining the rest from China.

Their fleet of Boeing and Airbus jetliners is slowly falling apart. They're extracting chips from washing machines to put in missiles. They're even sending soldiers to the front lines in flimsy electric golf carts.

The sanctions are not working as well as the US hoped but they are working.

[palmotea]

> Russia has been theoretically cut off from advanced machinery for years, the west just started selling stuff to central asian countries who resell it to Russia and we all behave as if it's normal.

China makes advanced machinery, and Russia also buys from them.

[TitaRusell]

It is normal because this has happened with every sanction. Russia is now forced to pay smugglers marked up prices for their stuff.

The whole thing has been a war of attrition from day one. What Putin can't buy is soldiers. Every day another 1000 casualties.

[elektor]

Putin can and has bought soldiers (Wagner Group and North Koreans).

[John23832]

And apparently Kenyans.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-23/kenyans-l...

[nradov]

And apparently Indians. Unfortunately the worldwide supply of poor and desperate young men is virtually infinite so Russia will be able to recruit more mercenaries as long as they have cash from fossil fuel exports.

https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20251111-deceived-and-dep...

[_DeadFred_]

Huh? Haas 100% supports Russia and does whatever they can to get them stuff. The owner personally is pro-Russia. F Haas, and f' Formula1 with the Haas racing team.

[nradov]

Haas Automation claims this is incorrect. I don't know what the truth is here but there seem to be two sides to the story.

https://www.haasf1team.com/news/team-statement

[_DeadFred_]

The Department of the Treasury thinks they violated sanctions and they were required to pay over a million dollars in fines. I'm not sure how you make 'two side to the story' out of that?

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933956/download?inline