Over the years, I have often asked American colleagues how they felt about being (and financing through their taxes) the World's police force, with my point being that the nations (i.e. NATO) who take for granted that the US will protect them (Canada being the worst offender) are getting a free ride.
All seized Russian funds and assets MUST be held to pay for this war, beginning with Ukraine's reconstruction and ending with payment to allies for the billions spent in weapons and aid of all types.
A clear message must be sent to Putin and his ilk that things will NOT go back to "normal" after this ends, and they will pay for it (with their lives, their freedom and their wealth). Allowing Putin to "retire" to his multi-million dollar castle cannot be an option. War crimes must be judged and guilty parties punished severely, even the rank and file soldiers.
A clear message must be sent to others who dare threaten our democratic values, including the fence-sitters supporting Russia, such as India and the UAE.
I also am opposed to Russian citizens (especially high profile athletes) still permitted to work in Western countries. Their choice should be to either leave or become citizens of that country. Again, like some countries, you shouldn't be able to have it both ways.
Finally, are we still waiting for the UN to expel Russia? If it fails to do so, then it must be defunded. There's a nice slogan: "Defund the UN!"
Absolutely. Putin must pay and must be treated as an international pariah. No road back for him. He can never be trusted. No rehabilitation, no appeasement, no compromises. The leader of an uprovoked genocide must be treated accordingly.
I think it is the desire to be important that is motivating the French president. Similarly Olaf Shultz has a grand article today in Foreign Affairs. These countries/presidents want to be important in what is going on, even though they have not contributed a corresponding amount of military equipment and money to actually help Ukraine in its desperate straits. Talk is cheap, as is proposing solutions for others when you have little to lose.
Interesting that Macron wants a negotiated settlement that may include Putin retaining some parts of the Ukraine. He must have forgotten about WW1 and WW2.
I “like” France and Germany, just wish they would put their full leadership efforts and resources towards practical help for Ukraine and defeating Russia, and otherwise “keep their mouths shut”. Same for people with a public voice in the U.S.
Totally agree. How do you put a price on all the lives lost, injuries and how the refugees are suffering in other countries. What if Russia had to pay a pension for 25 years to all Ukranian survivors plus full cost of reparation?
bil browder recently stated that canada is way behind in confiscation of russian oligarch monies .....trudeau goes along with the magnitsky act ....but does nothing to enforce it....
good comment. Wonder if Macron would give up Provence or Normandy?
Over the years, I have often asked American colleagues how they felt about being (and financing through their taxes) the World's police force, with my point being that the nations (i.e. NATO) who take for granted that the US will protect them (Canada being the worst offender) are getting a free ride.
All seized Russian funds and assets MUST be held to pay for this war, beginning with Ukraine's reconstruction and ending with payment to allies for the billions spent in weapons and aid of all types.
A clear message must be sent to Putin and his ilk that things will NOT go back to "normal" after this ends, and they will pay for it (with their lives, their freedom and their wealth). Allowing Putin to "retire" to his multi-million dollar castle cannot be an option. War crimes must be judged and guilty parties punished severely, even the rank and file soldiers.
A clear message must be sent to others who dare threaten our democratic values, including the fence-sitters supporting Russia, such as India and the UAE.
I also am opposed to Russian citizens (especially high profile athletes) still permitted to work in Western countries. Their choice should be to either leave or become citizens of that country. Again, like some countries, you shouldn't be able to have it both ways.
Finally, are we still waiting for the UN to expel Russia? If it fails to do so, then it must be defunded. There's a nice slogan: "Defund the UN!"
Absolutely. Putin must pay and must be treated as an international pariah. No road back for him. He can never be trusted. No rehabilitation, no appeasement, no compromises. The leader of an uprovoked genocide must be treated accordingly.
I think it is the desire to be important that is motivating the French president. Similarly Olaf Shultz has a grand article today in Foreign Affairs. These countries/presidents want to be important in what is going on, even though they have not contributed a corresponding amount of military equipment and money to actually help Ukraine in its desperate straits. Talk is cheap, as is proposing solutions for others when you have little to lose.
Interesting that Macron wants a negotiated settlement that may include Putin retaining some parts of the Ukraine. He must have forgotten about WW1 and WW2.
I “like” France and Germany, just wish they would put their full leadership efforts and resources towards practical help for Ukraine and defeating Russia, and otherwise “keep their mouths shut”. Same for people with a public voice in the U.S.
Totally agree. How do you put a price on all the lives lost, injuries and how the refugees are suffering in other countries. What if Russia had to pay a pension for 25 years to all Ukranian survivors plus full cost of reparation?
bil browder recently stated that canada is way behind in confiscation of russian oligarch monies .....trudeau goes along with the magnitsky act ....but does nothing to enforce it....