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Notes -
I remember when this sentiment was prevailing.I think it was mostly based on the recent memory of Gorbachev and Yeltsin, both of whom were willing to surrender (in effect) territories in exchange for (in effect) bribes. It was probably tempting to believe that some new version of them will step up and carry out a successful palace coup. People were also forgetting that an armed force that stumbles and bumbles may later actually learn and adapt. There was also wishful thinking that the Ukrainians will receive and learn to master Western wonder weapons that will sweep the orcs away.
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