Thank you, Diane. As always, you cut through the fog of war and arrive at the truth: “The ‘Russian people’ do not, and cannot, build toward a brighter future because they are modern-day serfs, entrapped in a kleptocracy run by a mafia controlled by a delusional and homicidal dictator.”
Trump's attempt to befriend Putin continues to reveal him as the bully coward. He wants to be the strongman Putin is but, in reality, is truly afraid of the psychopath. He only went into Iran because he had Israel to back him up. Trump sees the bombing of Iran as his personal military might and hopes it might help cement the bromance he's trying build with Putin the tyrant.
Bombing Iran wasn't a Trump military strategy, rather it was a show to Putin and the world that he can be as scary as Putin . . . only, he isn't. Trump is dangerous because he's unhinged, but he's not the psychopathic murderer that his would-be-paramour is.
Bibi pulled a major coup by embarrassing Trump into doing the right thing against Iran. Starmer-Macron-Merz need to grow a set amongst them to allow Zelenskyy use of their long-range cruise missiles against Russia to change the battlefield conditions in Ukraine and embarrass Trump into the right thing on that front also.
I remember reading that Trump quickly visited all of the Gulf Potentates right before making this decision (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and all the rest). So, he must have wanted their approval before this major step.
I'd be truly surprised if Trump had the bombing that planned-out into the future. Seems to me that it was more of an impetus event than a strategic move.
Some suspect the President / family is corrupt? Some? Have you just forgotten all of the points of contact between Putin and his mafia regime and the Trump organization per Bill Browder’s disclosures. Hotel project in Moscow. Trump tower condos purchases by Russians just when the mortgages were about to default. Palm beach homes peddled by Trump properties being purchased by known Russian crime figures for more than asking. How about the 2019 Mueller report which exposed coordination between Trump and the Putin crime apparatus? There’s little doubt there is significant kompremat in play here. At some point perhaps we will all hear the taped conversation with 2 interpreters, Trump and Vlad in a sealed room in Helsinki. I’m sure they weren’t trading cabbage roll recipes.
Excellent Diane. Trump the ugly American is deranged. The EU and Canada need to take on Putin and stop cowtowing to the man who will not take on Putin. Nor will the GOP take on Putin. Sad country America has become.
Trump has been a Russian Asset since the late 1980's. His first wife, Ivanka, was one as well. So how does a Russian Asset become the president of the USA twice ? With a lot of help.
Trump is a corrupt, narcissistic bully boy who cannot understand why no one agrees with him or his dictates. In both cases, where he has declared a ceasefire, he has been ignored. Both Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Iran have ignored his outlandish and ill-advised statements. They will not bend the knee!
Of the 4 nations involved, I only see one that is truly in the right and that is Ukraine.
Russia is clearly the aggressor in Ukraine and there has been zero criticism from within Russia about its invasion of Ukraine. Little from Trump either.
Israel is in the hands of an alleged war criminal (as is Russia) who will do anything to remain in power.
Iran is run by a Regime that has continually called for the destruction of Israel and the USA. Has funded proxies throughout the Middle East and is responsible for terrorist attacks around the globe.
Western nations (ie democratic) have been asleep at the wheel and have allowed dictators and autocrats to rule unhindered, perhaps it is time to push back.
Trumps withdrawal of funding for Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia and Voice of America etc leaves a gaping hole in democratic influence around the world, a hole that China and Russia are only to happy to fill. Cannot democratic nations in Europe and Asia take up the challenge? Surely there is enough wealth in America to fund the VOA?
Trump is a cancer on the US. And he seems to be metastasizing across the globe. He has in some sense invaded Iran. He may soon be opening up a hot war in the Pacific against China. He has his fat fingers twiddling over Panama, Venezuela and Mexico. And, OMG, Canada and Greenland, hence Denmark and NATO. Yes, Russia might be the worst, so far, but just you wait.
I'm late reading your material- but slowing catching up. Again, you have more understanding of the Putin-tRUMPer ( I try to not change his name in type but I can't help my distaste for his name - & must show it) relationship. Donny needs to be removed yet despite all the whining by the Dem's - they are helpless it seems. I just can't wrap my head around allowing this to continue when it's so blatantly clear what Donny's agenda is - destroy democracy & crown him king.
What is it that you would have Trump or NATO do to force Putin out of Ukraine other than have them provide military hardware?
Putin is indeed a ruthless megalomaniac who holds total control over the Russian people.
He cannot be trusted at any level and it is obvious that trying to negotiate with him is utterly useless.
So what do you propose it is that Trump and Nato do to save Ukraine from his depredation?
Any active intervention from the West to drive him and his forces out of Ukraine is fraught by the possibility of precipitating a disastrous nuclear exchange - no Western leader is going to take that risk.
Even if the intervention remained conventional, how many Western nations are going to accept their serving sons and daughters returning home in body bags over a protracted conflict?
That Trump has been ineffectual in negotiating with Putin should come as no surprise - the only leverage he has, committing his military forces, is one that cannot be used for very good reason and the Russian despot is well aware of the fact.
Attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities did not imperil the world and eliminated the nuclear capability that the Islamist theocrats yearned for.
Attacking Putin’s forces in the Ukraine would definitely present a major risk to humanity so what short of a military intervention is Trump supposed to do to get the Russian army out of the country?
Putins invasion of Ukraine is not something that can be justified just because he may be ruthless megalomaniac.
No one wants a nuclear exchange, probably not even Putin, as there would be no winners.
But, to remain on the sidelines is not an option. The West has to fight back, if not now on the back of sacrifices being made by Ukraine, then it will be if or when Russia decides to carry on with its invasion through Europe.
First Eastern Europe, which Putin regards as an integral part of Russia and then on through Western Europe if there is little resistance. This a European war, and the Europeans should treat it as such. There will be either bodybags or a dictatorship in any event. Much like Ukraine is experiencing at the moment.
Trump and/or USA may believe it can stay out of the fray in the short term, but sooner or later it will face the same dilemma as Europe, possibly from a Russia/Chinese alliance.
Who knows where it will end up? My crystal ball is a bit opaque at the moment and we can only deal with the issues as they appear at the present time.
The West is on the sidelines because Putin cast their intervention as a threat to Russia.
The Russian people are most likely as tired of the war and its cost as are the Ukranians but they have no means of influencing Putin.
Put NATO troops on the ground and Putin’s scenario of a western invasion of the motherland gains credence.
A threat to the motherland would be dealt with by all possible means.
On the other hand, a Russian campaign against a NATO member would be met with military opposition as is prescribed in NATO’s charter and its war plans.
Russia would be pushed back to the Ukraine (Russia’s buffer zone but no further - although logistical support would be interdicted).
Agree that the Russians would be as tired of the war as the Ukrainians are, but only if they knew about it and were under the same direct attacks as the Ukrainians are. The Russian propaganda machine does not allow for much discussion of dissenting views - dissenting from Putins views that is. At least here in the West we have the opportunity to see or seek alternative views.
You're right in saying that the deploying of NATO forces will give credence to Putins claims re NATO's war against Russia.
But this war was never about NATO, it was all about keeping Ukraine under Russia's influence. It only kicked off when it became apparent that Ukraine wanted to be a partner with Europe and not Russia.
If NATO really had designs on Russia, you would have to think that they would have been better prepared for this war.
Finally, I still believe that force will be required to push Russia out of Ukraine and that force should come from European powers, not necessarily NATO (the USA cannot be relied on). If Europe cannot achieve the cohesion required then Putin will win.
By the way I believe that all nations who believe in the Rule of Law and not the Rule of the Jungle should contribute to the campaign to rid Ukraine of Russia.
When the Soviet Union collapsed, there was the possibility of Russia becoming part of NATO but hawks in the US administration along with European leaders vetoed the idea.
There was also talk of a Marshal Plan type economic program which was also vetoed.
There West could not embrace Russia and assist it in recovering from Communist rule.
The end result was Boris Yeltsin, oligarchy and finally dictatorship.
Then Europe decided it wanted to extend NATO membership to the Ukraine.
To Putin, this was akin to putting nuclear missiles in Cuba and, had it occurred, it would have created a hair-trigger for an exchange with the West.
This has not changed and wiser heads opted not to extend the membership for just that reason.
Europe also vetoed the deployment of tactical short range nuclear weapons by the US - conscious of the fact they would be used on their soil in the event of Russian invasion.
Europe then proceeded not to prepare for a conventional response to Russian aggression - remaining dependent on the US to do it.
The US, however, withdrew its forces from Europe given the cost coupled with the inhospitality of the host countries.
The Ukraine had, at the dissolution of the Soviet Union, had opted to relinquish its nuclear arsenal thus giving up the deterrent card that NATO held - had it retained this arsenal, Putin would have been more cautious in his expansionist adventures.
Were NATO to enter this war, it is possible - but not certain - that it could push Putin’s forces back towards the Russian border.
This would be extremely dangerous given Putin’s mindset - there would be the distinct possibility that he would make us of tactical nuclear weapons to
avoid a major defeat and the possibility of an invasion of Russia.
Ironically, it has taken Ukraines invasion, along with Trump’s dissatisfaction,
to wake Europe from its military lethargy.
With the possibility of a Russian occupied Ukraine, the Europeans have no choice but to deal with the Putin’s ambitions and will have to put aside their concerns about developing their own nuclear defence.
I totally agree with you regarding the injustice inflicted on Ukraine but there is no simple manner of dealing with the irrationality of Putin’s character.
He is a menace given the power he holds and his unpredictability - a far more malignant leader than Trump.
I would more or less agree with you that the West's inability to deal with the USSR and Russia after the dissolution of the USSR was a major factor responsible for today's situation.
I could argue about some of the details, there are lots of opinions and interpretations out there, but in general there were missed opportunities and now we/Ukraine are paying the price.
However, it is what it is and we can only deal with the situation as it is now stands, and that is simply put, Russia/Putin has invaded Ukraine. Europe either has to step up to the plate and show that this not going to happen its watch or step back and allow Russia to attempt to take over Ukraine, perhaps this inevitable in this case, but at a steep price for both Russia and Ukraine.
Western Europe has been mostly delinquent with the build up of its own defences, but for the last 20 years it thought that economic development with Russia would take precedence over military force. With hindsight (wonderful, but not reality), the EU should have been preparing for this as early as 2007 and definitely by 2014. Now it is paying the price for that tardiness.
The US is not part of Europe (or anywhere else for that matter) so shouldn't be expected to act as guarantor, an ally perhaps, as should other democracies, but not a guarantor.
Europe (not NATO) should put boots on the ground, perhaps not in frontline positions, leave that to the Ukrainians, but they could fulfil other defensive & training roles, plus establish a no fly zone., who knows perhaps sanctions might start to have an effect.
I can understand why some nations (eg Germany, Poland, Ukraine) may be seeking nuclear weapons, if they had them prior to Russia's invasion, it may not have even taken place or we could be dealing with an entirely different situation now. Still an option for Germany & Poland, I don't know if it will help Ukraine.
I still believe that any sovereign country has the right to join any alliance it has been invited too and should not be subject to spheres of influence. This should apply to the US as well. Who knows, perhaps Belarus will want to join the EU or its NATO equivalent one day.
I think, as you do, that Europe could provide non-combat support to Ukraine and should do so.
Training, medical and logistical aide would certainly assist the Ukraine.
There is no question that Putin’s invasion of the Ukraine has jolted most European countries into the realization that they are unprepared for Russian aggression and that they need for tactical nukes to deter Russian expansionist ambitions.
The problem will be who gets to obtain and control such weapons.
France and Britain already have nuclear capability but the remainder of European countries do not - most notably Germany.
The political issues arising from a proliferation of nuclear forces throughout Europe without a unified command and control body would be extremely difficult if not impossible to solve.
It is possible for NATO to provide such control but Europe would have to agree to purchasing the weapons from the US and agreeing to pay for the re-stationing of American troops to deploy and control them.
This would be by far the best solution for all involved - a solution that would certainly satisfy Trump’s concerns.
Perhaps the only way to understand Trump's otherwise incomprehensible behavior with respect to Russia is to assume that he has long since been compromised by the KGB and is now in the awkward position of serving as Putin's most valuable asset. Prior to becoming President, Trump had numerous business ventures in Russia, including the Miss Universe competition, during which time and true to character, the convicted sex offender likely engaged in a variety indiscretions that were filmed by the KGB. No other hypothesis (attraction to authoritarian leaders, dementia, etc.) accounts as completely for the data.
I don't understand Trump Russia strategy - is he providing an exit ramp to keep him in the West's fold to help with China? Does he want a friend in the Arctic? Can the USA realize enormous wealth from Russian resources? Space? I wonder what Ukraine can do.
Diane......with all the interviews, blogs, articles, and fast-moving international events that you must grasp to "connect the dots" for your readers' benefit, I am amazed at the alacrity and expansiveness of your mind and thought processes. But please allow me just two comments regarding this latest superb piece:
The Russian Federation is 28 times larger than Ukraine. To put that in perspective: you could fit Ukraine into Russia nearly thirty times and still have room left over for several European countries.
Undoubtedly, you were simply thinking of ethnic Russia rather than all the additional nations and territories they looted as part of their federation.
The second point is merely a personal conjecture, but Trump is unlikely to recognize that Putin's failure to reassure his Iranian friends of his continuing commitment when they need him most is thanks to Ukrainians cutting Putin and his military down to size. After all, what do you offer when you, yourself, are running on fumes?
Right now decoding Trump's fascination with Putin, the thug in chief, is not as significant as Merz deciding to realign Germany's position or Rutte refinancing NATO. The Europeans can restore Ukraine, if they want to do it. China is a different kind of problem. Far beyond tariffs.
Thank you, Diane. To your eight "facts" I would add a ninth, namely that, given their current distractions, it seems unlikely that the Iranians will be topping up the Russian war machine with as many drones as in the recent past.
I heard that Russia has its own drone factory now, with workers from North Korea. I heard this on his latest Silicon Curtain interview with a Ukrainian guest.
Unfortunately, Ian Reports confirm that Russia is now producing thousands of Shahed drones per month using Iranian designs and components, with the goal of increasing output even further. However, Russia still relies on Iran for key parts and expertise, as it cannot fully manufacture all components independently.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
There won't be any 'drill baby drill' in the US if oil prices are less then $70. In fact oil prices are rising with the current situation which benefits Putin.
Thank you, Diane. As always, you cut through the fog of war and arrive at the truth: “The ‘Russian people’ do not, and cannot, build toward a brighter future because they are modern-day serfs, entrapped in a kleptocracy run by a mafia controlled by a delusional and homicidal dictator.”
Trump's attempt to befriend Putin continues to reveal him as the bully coward. He wants to be the strongman Putin is but, in reality, is truly afraid of the psychopath. He only went into Iran because he had Israel to back him up. Trump sees the bombing of Iran as his personal military might and hopes it might help cement the bromance he's trying build with Putin the tyrant.
Bombing Iran wasn't a Trump military strategy, rather it was a show to Putin and the world that he can be as scary as Putin . . . only, he isn't. Trump is dangerous because he's unhinged, but he's not the psychopathic murderer that his would-be-paramour is.
Bibi pulled a major coup by embarrassing Trump into doing the right thing against Iran. Starmer-Macron-Merz need to grow a set amongst them to allow Zelenskyy use of their long-range cruise missiles against Russia to change the battlefield conditions in Ukraine and embarrass Trump into the right thing on that front also.
Absolutely Richard. Time to knock out Putin and help free the Russians . . . and the rest of the world.
I remember reading that Trump quickly visited all of the Gulf Potentates right before making this decision (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and all the rest). So, he must have wanted their approval before this major step.
I'd be truly surprised if Trump had the bombing that planned-out into the future. Seems to me that it was more of an impetus event than a strategic move.
Can Trump do anything strategic?
Some suspect the President / family is corrupt? Some? Have you just forgotten all of the points of contact between Putin and his mafia regime and the Trump organization per Bill Browder’s disclosures. Hotel project in Moscow. Trump tower condos purchases by Russians just when the mortgages were about to default. Palm beach homes peddled by Trump properties being purchased by known Russian crime figures for more than asking. How about the 2019 Mueller report which exposed coordination between Trump and the Putin crime apparatus? There’s little doubt there is significant kompremat in play here. At some point perhaps we will all hear the taped conversation with 2 interpreters, Trump and Vlad in a sealed room in Helsinki. I’m sure they weren’t trading cabbage roll recipes.
Excellent Diane. Trump the ugly American is deranged. The EU and Canada need to take on Putin and stop cowtowing to the man who will not take on Putin. Nor will the GOP take on Putin. Sad country America has become.
Trump has been a Russian Asset since the late 1980's. His first wife, Ivanka, was one as well. So how does a Russian Asset become the president of the USA twice ? With a lot of help.
Trump is a corrupt, narcissistic bully boy who cannot understand why no one agrees with him or his dictates. In both cases, where he has declared a ceasefire, he has been ignored. Both Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Iran have ignored his outlandish and ill-advised statements. They will not bend the knee!
Of the 4 nations involved, I only see one that is truly in the right and that is Ukraine.
Russia is clearly the aggressor in Ukraine and there has been zero criticism from within Russia about its invasion of Ukraine. Little from Trump either.
Israel is in the hands of an alleged war criminal (as is Russia) who will do anything to remain in power.
Iran is run by a Regime that has continually called for the destruction of Israel and the USA. Has funded proxies throughout the Middle East and is responsible for terrorist attacks around the globe.
Western nations (ie democratic) have been asleep at the wheel and have allowed dictators and autocrats to rule unhindered, perhaps it is time to push back.
Trumps withdrawal of funding for Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia and Voice of America etc leaves a gaping hole in democratic influence around the world, a hole that China and Russia are only to happy to fill. Cannot democratic nations in Europe and Asia take up the challenge? Surely there is enough wealth in America to fund the VOA?
Trump is a cancer on the US. And he seems to be metastasizing across the globe. He has in some sense invaded Iran. He may soon be opening up a hot war in the Pacific against China. He has his fat fingers twiddling over Panama, Venezuela and Mexico. And, OMG, Canada and Greenland, hence Denmark and NATO. Yes, Russia might be the worst, so far, but just you wait.
I'm late reading your material- but slowing catching up. Again, you have more understanding of the Putin-tRUMPer ( I try to not change his name in type but I can't help my distaste for his name - & must show it) relationship. Donny needs to be removed yet despite all the whining by the Dem's - they are helpless it seems. I just can't wrap my head around allowing this to continue when it's so blatantly clear what Donny's agenda is - destroy democracy & crown him king.
What is it that you would have Trump or NATO do to force Putin out of Ukraine other than have them provide military hardware?
Putin is indeed a ruthless megalomaniac who holds total control over the Russian people.
He cannot be trusted at any level and it is obvious that trying to negotiate with him is utterly useless.
So what do you propose it is that Trump and Nato do to save Ukraine from his depredation?
Any active intervention from the West to drive him and his forces out of Ukraine is fraught by the possibility of precipitating a disastrous nuclear exchange - no Western leader is going to take that risk.
Even if the intervention remained conventional, how many Western nations are going to accept their serving sons and daughters returning home in body bags over a protracted conflict?
That Trump has been ineffectual in negotiating with Putin should come as no surprise - the only leverage he has, committing his military forces, is one that cannot be used for very good reason and the Russian despot is well aware of the fact.
Attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities did not imperil the world and eliminated the nuclear capability that the Islamist theocrats yearned for.
Attacking Putin’s forces in the Ukraine would definitely present a major risk to humanity so what short of a military intervention is Trump supposed to do to get the Russian army out of the country?
Putins invasion of Ukraine is not something that can be justified just because he may be ruthless megalomaniac.
No one wants a nuclear exchange, probably not even Putin, as there would be no winners.
But, to remain on the sidelines is not an option. The West has to fight back, if not now on the back of sacrifices being made by Ukraine, then it will be if or when Russia decides to carry on with its invasion through Europe.
First Eastern Europe, which Putin regards as an integral part of Russia and then on through Western Europe if there is little resistance. This a European war, and the Europeans should treat it as such. There will be either bodybags or a dictatorship in any event. Much like Ukraine is experiencing at the moment.
Trump and/or USA may believe it can stay out of the fray in the short term, but sooner or later it will face the same dilemma as Europe, possibly from a Russia/Chinese alliance.
Who knows where it will end up? My crystal ball is a bit opaque at the moment and we can only deal with the issues as they appear at the present time.
The West is on the sidelines because Putin cast their intervention as a threat to Russia.
The Russian people are most likely as tired of the war and its cost as are the Ukranians but they have no means of influencing Putin.
Put NATO troops on the ground and Putin’s scenario of a western invasion of the motherland gains credence.
A threat to the motherland would be dealt with by all possible means.
On the other hand, a Russian campaign against a NATO member would be met with military opposition as is prescribed in NATO’s charter and its war plans.
Russia would be pushed back to the Ukraine (Russia’s buffer zone but no further - although logistical support would be interdicted).
Agree that the Russians would be as tired of the war as the Ukrainians are, but only if they knew about it and were under the same direct attacks as the Ukrainians are. The Russian propaganda machine does not allow for much discussion of dissenting views - dissenting from Putins views that is. At least here in the West we have the opportunity to see or seek alternative views.
You're right in saying that the deploying of NATO forces will give credence to Putins claims re NATO's war against Russia.
But this war was never about NATO, it was all about keeping Ukraine under Russia's influence. It only kicked off when it became apparent that Ukraine wanted to be a partner with Europe and not Russia.
If NATO really had designs on Russia, you would have to think that they would have been better prepared for this war.
Finally, I still believe that force will be required to push Russia out of Ukraine and that force should come from European powers, not necessarily NATO (the USA cannot be relied on). If Europe cannot achieve the cohesion required then Putin will win.
By the way I believe that all nations who believe in the Rule of Law and not the Rule of the Jungle should contribute to the campaign to rid Ukraine of Russia.
Wishful thinking I know, but I live in hope.
When the Soviet Union collapsed, there was the possibility of Russia becoming part of NATO but hawks in the US administration along with European leaders vetoed the idea.
There was also talk of a Marshal Plan type economic program which was also vetoed.
There West could not embrace Russia and assist it in recovering from Communist rule.
The end result was Boris Yeltsin, oligarchy and finally dictatorship.
Then Europe decided it wanted to extend NATO membership to the Ukraine.
To Putin, this was akin to putting nuclear missiles in Cuba and, had it occurred, it would have created a hair-trigger for an exchange with the West.
This has not changed and wiser heads opted not to extend the membership for just that reason.
Europe also vetoed the deployment of tactical short range nuclear weapons by the US - conscious of the fact they would be used on their soil in the event of Russian invasion.
Europe then proceeded not to prepare for a conventional response to Russian aggression - remaining dependent on the US to do it.
The US, however, withdrew its forces from Europe given the cost coupled with the inhospitality of the host countries.
The Ukraine had, at the dissolution of the Soviet Union, had opted to relinquish its nuclear arsenal thus giving up the deterrent card that NATO held - had it retained this arsenal, Putin would have been more cautious in his expansionist adventures.
Were NATO to enter this war, it is possible - but not certain - that it could push Putin’s forces back towards the Russian border.
This would be extremely dangerous given Putin’s mindset - there would be the distinct possibility that he would make us of tactical nuclear weapons to
avoid a major defeat and the possibility of an invasion of Russia.
Ironically, it has taken Ukraines invasion, along with Trump’s dissatisfaction,
to wake Europe from its military lethargy.
With the possibility of a Russian occupied Ukraine, the Europeans have no choice but to deal with the Putin’s ambitions and will have to put aside their concerns about developing their own nuclear defence.
I totally agree with you regarding the injustice inflicted on Ukraine but there is no simple manner of dealing with the irrationality of Putin’s character.
He is a menace given the power he holds and his unpredictability - a far more malignant leader than Trump.
I would more or less agree with you that the West's inability to deal with the USSR and Russia after the dissolution of the USSR was a major factor responsible for today's situation.
I could argue about some of the details, there are lots of opinions and interpretations out there, but in general there were missed opportunities and now we/Ukraine are paying the price.
However, it is what it is and we can only deal with the situation as it is now stands, and that is simply put, Russia/Putin has invaded Ukraine. Europe either has to step up to the plate and show that this not going to happen its watch or step back and allow Russia to attempt to take over Ukraine, perhaps this inevitable in this case, but at a steep price for both Russia and Ukraine.
Western Europe has been mostly delinquent with the build up of its own defences, but for the last 20 years it thought that economic development with Russia would take precedence over military force. With hindsight (wonderful, but not reality), the EU should have been preparing for this as early as 2007 and definitely by 2014. Now it is paying the price for that tardiness.
The US is not part of Europe (or anywhere else for that matter) so shouldn't be expected to act as guarantor, an ally perhaps, as should other democracies, but not a guarantor.
Europe (not NATO) should put boots on the ground, perhaps not in frontline positions, leave that to the Ukrainians, but they could fulfil other defensive & training roles, plus establish a no fly zone., who knows perhaps sanctions might start to have an effect.
I can understand why some nations (eg Germany, Poland, Ukraine) may be seeking nuclear weapons, if they had them prior to Russia's invasion, it may not have even taken place or we could be dealing with an entirely different situation now. Still an option for Germany & Poland, I don't know if it will help Ukraine.
I still believe that any sovereign country has the right to join any alliance it has been invited too and should not be subject to spheres of influence. This should apply to the US as well. Who knows, perhaps Belarus will want to join the EU or its NATO equivalent one day.
I think that we agree on a number of points.
I think, as you do, that Europe could provide non-combat support to Ukraine and should do so.
Training, medical and logistical aide would certainly assist the Ukraine.
There is no question that Putin’s invasion of the Ukraine has jolted most European countries into the realization that they are unprepared for Russian aggression and that they need for tactical nukes to deter Russian expansionist ambitions.
The problem will be who gets to obtain and control such weapons.
France and Britain already have nuclear capability but the remainder of European countries do not - most notably Germany.
The political issues arising from a proliferation of nuclear forces throughout Europe without a unified command and control body would be extremely difficult if not impossible to solve.
It is possible for NATO to provide such control but Europe would have to agree to purchasing the weapons from the US and agreeing to pay for the re-stationing of American troops to deploy and control them.
This would be by far the best solution for all involved - a solution that would certainly satisfy Trump’s concerns.
Perhaps the only way to understand Trump's otherwise incomprehensible behavior with respect to Russia is to assume that he has long since been compromised by the KGB and is now in the awkward position of serving as Putin's most valuable asset. Prior to becoming President, Trump had numerous business ventures in Russia, including the Miss Universe competition, during which time and true to character, the convicted sex offender likely engaged in a variety indiscretions that were filmed by the KGB. No other hypothesis (attraction to authoritarian leaders, dementia, etc.) accounts as completely for the data.
I don't understand Trump Russia strategy - is he providing an exit ramp to keep him in the West's fold to help with China? Does he want a friend in the Arctic? Can the USA realize enormous wealth from Russian resources? Space? I wonder what Ukraine can do.
Diane......with all the interviews, blogs, articles, and fast-moving international events that you must grasp to "connect the dots" for your readers' benefit, I am amazed at the alacrity and expansiveness of your mind and thought processes. But please allow me just two comments regarding this latest superb piece:
The Russian Federation is 28 times larger than Ukraine. To put that in perspective: you could fit Ukraine into Russia nearly thirty times and still have room left over for several European countries.
Undoubtedly, you were simply thinking of ethnic Russia rather than all the additional nations and territories they looted as part of their federation.
The second point is merely a personal conjecture, but Trump is unlikely to recognize that Putin's failure to reassure his Iranian friends of his continuing commitment when they need him most is thanks to Ukrainians cutting Putin and his military down to size. After all, what do you offer when you, yourself, are running on fumes?
Right now decoding Trump's fascination with Putin, the thug in chief, is not as significant as Merz deciding to realign Germany's position or Rutte refinancing NATO. The Europeans can restore Ukraine, if they want to do it. China is a different kind of problem. Far beyond tariffs.
Your reasoning is brilliantly astute all the way through. And you supply verifiable truth to back all you say even more powerful.
Thank you, Diane. To your eight "facts" I would add a ninth, namely that, given their current distractions, it seems unlikely that the Iranians will be topping up the Russian war machine with as many drones as in the recent past.
I heard that Russia has its own drone factory now, with workers from North Korea. I heard this on his latest Silicon Curtain interview with a Ukrainian guest.
Unfortunately, Ian Reports confirm that Russia is now producing thousands of Shahed drones per month using Iranian designs and components, with the goal of increasing output even further. However, Russia still relies on Iran for key parts and expertise, as it cannot fully manufacture all components independently.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
That’s true but there is some downside as well. Trump is already pulling assets away from Ukraine in anticipation of Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in the Middle East plus the inevitable rise in world oil prices helps the Kremlin immensely, sanctions be damned. I’m not suggesting that this played a part in Trump’s thinking but I’m guessing he would view it as a bonus.
There won't be any 'drill baby drill' in the US if oil prices are less then $70. In fact oil prices are rising with the current situation which benefits Putin.