Russia's Wagner Group sends bloodied sledgehammer to EU
Source: The Telegraph
Russia's Wagner Group mercenaries have sent a "bloodied" sledgehammer in a violin case to the European Parliament after members started proceedings to label them as terrorists.
Sledgehammers have become an unofficial symbol of the Kremlin-linked group because its fighters have used them to kill during overseas missions.
In a video posted on one of its Telegram channels, a suited lawyer working for Wagner Group carries a violin case into a bare room and places it on a table.
He lifts the lid of the violin case, showing off a highly polished sledgehammer. The head has been engraved with Wagner's logo and the handle has been dabbed with red paint to depict blood.
Read more: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/11/24/putins-chef-wagner-group-sledgehammer-eu-response-called-terrorist/
ZonkerHarris
(24,155 posts)speak easy
(9,101 posts)but I can't quite put my finger on it.
PatrickforB
(14,516 posts)According to the Guardian, "The Thompson machine gun - sometimes referred to as a Chicago typewriter - was carried in a case that was remarkably similar in shape to a violin case, hence the confusion. It is a matter of record that gangsters carried thier "heat" in anything that was handy. Capone himself had a shotgun in a golf bag."
?20100205215539
DavidDvorkin
(19,404 posts)Response to DavidDvorkin (Reply #4)
speak easy This message was self-deleted by its author.
oldsoftie
(12,410 posts)DavidDvorkin
(19,404 posts)It's dominated by the US.
oldsoftie
(12,410 posts)But NATO is all the EU has. And right now, thanks to Putin, its probably as strong as ever.
XorXor
(605 posts)I'm not too well informed on it since I've yet to find any trustworthy authoritative analysis of it, but the brief wikipedia-level understanding of it makes it seem like something that is evolving toward that. If you're unaware of what PESCO is, then it's worth the effort to do some quick reading on it
DavidDvorkin
(19,404 posts)Thanks. I hadn't known about it before.
This quote from the Wikipedia article is interesting: "The United States has voiced concerns and published 'warnings' about PESCO several times, which many analysts believe to be a sign that the United States fears a loss of influence in Europe, as a militarily self-sufficient EU would make NATO increasingly irrelevant." That's exactly what Putin should worry about: a new military superpower, right next door, that's increasingly hostile to Russia because of his actions.
XorXor
(605 posts)Which seems counter to what was put out by them about the state of the Europe's militaries. Assuming they can get it right and not get bogged down, then it would likely lead to them increasing their defense spending and contributing more, and in theory freeing up the US military to perhaps focus on what the Trump admin (and Obama admin) saw an increasing threat from China. From what I've read, it seems like this wouldn't get rid of NATO, but rather it would essentially end up being like member of NATO. I get there may be some self-interests by the US to maintain maximum control, but I don't see how that could outweigh the benefits of a Europe that can confidently defend itself.
I just add that to the list of things that make's Trump goals toward a weakened NATO and fractured Europe even more clear. Just glad we have Biden in there now instead of Trump.
NullTuples
(6,017 posts)...a sledgehammer as a symbol, too?
speak easy
(9,101 posts)sop
(9,946 posts)Turbineguy
(37,208 posts)for making our point.
BigmanPigman
(51,430 posts)These Wagner monsters aren't very creative. I'm sure they don't have a combined IQ in the triple digits either. Thugs with weapons...nothing more than that. Not clever or smart at all.
SunSeeker
(51,367 posts)SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)Bernardo de La Paz
(48,788 posts)Bernardo de La Paz
(48,788 posts)paleotn
(17,778 posts)Biophilic
(3,479 posts)Farmer-Rick
(10,072 posts)So, true
IronLionZion
(45,258 posts)making terrorist threats to intimidate civilians for a political agenda.
oldsoftie
(12,410 posts)And send UKR whatever they need
prodigitalson
(2,295 posts)I bet the EU feals silly now.
paleotn
(17,778 posts)They've been mauled on several occasions. The Kherson offensive being one of the latest. Also, Russia is using their quality VDV airborne troops, or what's left of them after they were mauled around Kyiv in March, to plug gaps in the front. A huge waste, but when you're running out of trained bodies, one does what one has to I guess.
Wagner is Putin's SS. They should be butchered where they stand. Like my old man said about the German SS, surrender just wasn't an option for them much of the time.
Oneironaut
(5,461 posts)Recorded executions on video: Check
Claiming they are in a religious war: check
Sadism against POWs, and, rampant war crimes: check
Raping every woman they see, including children: check
Not even caring about their own soldiers and treating them like fodder: check
Apocalyptic propaganda: check
Chainfire
(17,305 posts)Martin68
(22,671 posts)ancianita
(35,812 posts)LudwigPastorius
(8,944 posts)Despite the Soviet Union opposing Hitler in WWII, these ultra-nationalist, white supremacists goons love them some Nazis.
https://time.com/6180611/white-power-mercenaries-fighting-the-lost-cause/
Martin68
(22,671 posts)pbmus
(12,418 posts)Mysterian
(4,524 posts)The Russian barbarians feel untouchable because of Russia's nuclear arsenal. Justice will prevail. After the Russian people come out of their stupor and end the murderous reign of insane dictator Putin, justice will prevail. Justice will find you, murderers.
ck4829
(34,977 posts)Last edited Tue Dec 6, 2022, 10:06 AM - Edit history (1)
https://nervecenter.freeforums.net/orangecrush
(19,236 posts)Russia's still getting it's ass kicked...
truthisfreedom
(23,113 posts)Musical instruments symbolize creativity and harmony. Sledge hammers represent destruction.