Each morning when I wake up the first thing I think about is Ukraine and the utter destruction and devastation they are experiencing from the Russian hordes. It damages my soul to bear witness to this as I’m sure it does to you. To think that the IOC hasn't banned Russia from the Paris Olympics is grotesque. I don’t want one Russian to participate, no neutral flag, no nothing. You have a Russian passport you don’t participate. Period.
(I realize I’m way off topic when you are talking about Europe’s Israel but I had to get this off my chest. This daily slaughter of Ukraine is taking a toll on me as I’m sure it is for everyone.)
Excellent..I feel ashamed as a Canadian with our lack of responsibility towards providing our share..we talk the talk..but frankly our military is mainly visible making sand bag barriers during floods..so many generals, so few troop, so little useful equipment, and utterly no direction...no focus..other NATO members have adopted focussed strategies and are good at their chosen roles..we are inept clowns
A minor point. In future please differentiate between America, the US and Canada. Canada is not a major player on the international scene and your use of the term America sometimes gives the impression that you are including Canada when in fact I think you are referring only to the US. Canada should not receive any credit for the amazing support being provided by the US.
Before we get starry-eyed (and I know I sound like the skunk at the garden party), let us not forget that while Israel has had the benefit of decades of economic, diplomatic, political and military support from the West, Ukraine was - until this past year - the Lazarus of Europe knocking at the door of the western world's rich and powerful appealing for a little "security". And while Israel may have been helped in becoming a nuclear power and enjoys the most advanced sharing of military technology, Ukraine was conned into giving up its status as the world's third largest nuclear power in a diplomatic shell game signed at Budapest. And it was NATO - with its vastly greater military and economic power that was helpless in facing up to Putin, while Ukrainians waited at the airport to unload each incoming plane delivering the most basic military equipment and requesting "ammo not a ride". In fact, the sight of tens of thousands of military age husbands and fathers streaming back into Ukraine from Poland to take up arms after dropping off their families is an incredibly insightful "portrait" of the nation that has saved western civilization from itself. At least for some period of time.
When all is said and done, Diane, we get down to the basic reality that - regardless of all the kudos and support - Ukrainians won this one, and the amount invested by the "democratic coalition" is a drop in the bucket compared to the future cost - in blood and treasure - that "the west" would have had to bear if Ukraine had succumbed and matters had continued the way they were. The only real partners Ukraine has is - as you correctly identified - Poland and the Baltic states. As to the rest.....well, nations have permanent interests but not permanent friends.
I think it would be beneficial if you would write a column exposing Canada's weak commitment to both NATO and North American security. The two oceans no longer serve as the barriers they once were. Canada's weak support of North American security puts both American and Canadian citizens at risk.
Your lips to god’s ears, but it is hard to know what ‘security guarantees’ can be given to Ukraine, other than NATO membership, which cannot be given without involving NATO in face-to-face conflict with Russia, especially as you say “guarantees must be concrete.” It may be that some eastern European nations are willing to enter bilateral agreements with Ukraine but what practical use would those be, considering the Leopards, Abrams, Bradleys, Challengers and all the rest have made in USA on them, or in France, Germany and UK? I don’t see Israel as a comparison with Ukraine, because Israel has only one major ally - and only needs one - the two dominant states in the US are New York and California, which between them have more Jews than Israel. Yes, Saudi Arabia spends much more defense money than Israel, but one has only to look at the lengthy conflict in the Yemen to understand why the Israelis are not concerned. Finally, I cannot see that China has ‘joined the right team;’ as far as I can tell, China continues to support Russia economically and ideologically. China would love for Russia to defeat Ukraine, as that might boost its long-stated aim to take over Taiwan, not to mention the CCPs other goals which are all antipathetic to the West (another reason why the U.S. should not surrender its lead in advanced micro-processors). I just think Ukraine must soldier on as it’s been doing, and if it can isolate Crimea that might create such a destabilization in Moscow as to create an opening to end ‘Putin’s war.’
The Russian partisans might make a differrence, but that might trigger tactical nuclear; or WW3. Then China would move on Taiwan. Not good to have an enemy on two fronts.
Excellent article as always Diane...thank you for your insight and honesty regarding the Russian slaughter of Ukrainians. I wake up every morning wondering how many more attacks has russia hit Ukraine with. Putin is getting away with genocide because russia has nuclear arms. Do we know if those nuclear arms have been maintained? Would Putin really use nuclear arms knowing it would be the end of russia? If the west would just arm Ukraine with absolutely everything they need so that Ukraine could rid its country of the russian barbaric invaders. Stop the trickle in of defensive weapons. It's causing so many needless deaths of Ukrainians.
Great newsletter Diane.
Each morning when I wake up the first thing I think about is Ukraine and the utter destruction and devastation they are experiencing from the Russian hordes. It damages my soul to bear witness to this as I’m sure it does to you. To think that the IOC hasn't banned Russia from the Paris Olympics is grotesque. I don’t want one Russian to participate, no neutral flag, no nothing. You have a Russian passport you don’t participate. Period.
(I realize I’m way off topic when you are talking about Europe’s Israel but I had to get this off my chest. This daily slaughter of Ukraine is taking a toll on me as I’m sure it is for everyone.)
Excellent..I feel ashamed as a Canadian with our lack of responsibility towards providing our share..we talk the talk..but frankly our military is mainly visible making sand bag barriers during floods..so many generals, so few troop, so little useful equipment, and utterly no direction...no focus..other NATO members have adopted focussed strategies and are good at their chosen roles..we are inept clowns
A minor point. In future please differentiate between America, the US and Canada. Canada is not a major player on the international scene and your use of the term America sometimes gives the impression that you are including Canada when in fact I think you are referring only to the US. Canada should not receive any credit for the amazing support being provided by the US.
Excellent synopsis and totally agree.
Before we get starry-eyed (and I know I sound like the skunk at the garden party), let us not forget that while Israel has had the benefit of decades of economic, diplomatic, political and military support from the West, Ukraine was - until this past year - the Lazarus of Europe knocking at the door of the western world's rich and powerful appealing for a little "security". And while Israel may have been helped in becoming a nuclear power and enjoys the most advanced sharing of military technology, Ukraine was conned into giving up its status as the world's third largest nuclear power in a diplomatic shell game signed at Budapest. And it was NATO - with its vastly greater military and economic power that was helpless in facing up to Putin, while Ukrainians waited at the airport to unload each incoming plane delivering the most basic military equipment and requesting "ammo not a ride". In fact, the sight of tens of thousands of military age husbands and fathers streaming back into Ukraine from Poland to take up arms after dropping off their families is an incredibly insightful "portrait" of the nation that has saved western civilization from itself. At least for some period of time.
When all is said and done, Diane, we get down to the basic reality that - regardless of all the kudos and support - Ukrainians won this one, and the amount invested by the "democratic coalition" is a drop in the bucket compared to the future cost - in blood and treasure - that "the west" would have had to bear if Ukraine had succumbed and matters had continued the way they were. The only real partners Ukraine has is - as you correctly identified - Poland and the Baltic states. As to the rest.....well, nations have permanent interests but not permanent friends.
I think it would be beneficial if you would write a column exposing Canada's weak commitment to both NATO and North American security. The two oceans no longer serve as the barriers they once were. Canada's weak support of North American security puts both American and Canadian citizens at risk.
Your lips to god’s ears, but it is hard to know what ‘security guarantees’ can be given to Ukraine, other than NATO membership, which cannot be given without involving NATO in face-to-face conflict with Russia, especially as you say “guarantees must be concrete.” It may be that some eastern European nations are willing to enter bilateral agreements with Ukraine but what practical use would those be, considering the Leopards, Abrams, Bradleys, Challengers and all the rest have made in USA on them, or in France, Germany and UK? I don’t see Israel as a comparison with Ukraine, because Israel has only one major ally - and only needs one - the two dominant states in the US are New York and California, which between them have more Jews than Israel. Yes, Saudi Arabia spends much more defense money than Israel, but one has only to look at the lengthy conflict in the Yemen to understand why the Israelis are not concerned. Finally, I cannot see that China has ‘joined the right team;’ as far as I can tell, China continues to support Russia economically and ideologically. China would love for Russia to defeat Ukraine, as that might boost its long-stated aim to take over Taiwan, not to mention the CCPs other goals which are all antipathetic to the West (another reason why the U.S. should not surrender its lead in advanced micro-processors). I just think Ukraine must soldier on as it’s been doing, and if it can isolate Crimea that might create such a destabilization in Moscow as to create an opening to end ‘Putin’s war.’
Excellent thank you
The Russian partisans might make a differrence, but that might trigger tactical nuclear; or WW3. Then China would move on Taiwan. Not good to have an enemy on two fronts.
Excellent article as always Diane...thank you for your insight and honesty regarding the Russian slaughter of Ukrainians. I wake up every morning wondering how many more attacks has russia hit Ukraine with. Putin is getting away with genocide because russia has nuclear arms. Do we know if those nuclear arms have been maintained? Would Putin really use nuclear arms knowing it would be the end of russia? If the west would just arm Ukraine with absolutely everything they need so that Ukraine could rid its country of the russian barbaric invaders. Stop the trickle in of defensive weapons. It's causing so many needless deaths of Ukrainians.
BRAVO!!!!!!