The free world (yes, the term is once again appropriate) is at a decisive turning point. It, and therefore we, face a monumental judgment whether or not to aid a nation and a people whose struggle today is, most assuredly, a harbinger of what we and our allies will likely face tomorrow.
Looks like we're getting softened up to accept some kind of "declare victory and move on" strategy, with Blinken, Boris and Annalena all visiting Zelensky to promise him some kind of consolation prize (EU membership?). How to do this? Easy. Lie about Russia's war goals and say "we prevented Putin from achieving his objectives." Biden desperately needs the war to be over before it further threatens his reelection. The assumption seems to be that Putin will accede to some kind of deal - but why should he? If Russia really were losing, they would be the ones seeking a settlement. The only settlement of interest to Putin is Ukraine's surrender.
One of the advantages of being old is (if you’re lucky) you remember how things got the way they are and why it’s important to defend that history lest it repeat itself. Your recall of why we need to support Ukraine’s independence from Russia is “spot on”. Fortunately we (and the other NATO nations) have only been called on to provide “treasure” and not lives. But the likelihood of Russia’s future moves to reunite the old Soviet Union is a virtual certainty if we only pay attention to what Putin has said publicly. WW II involved our blood and treasure. If history was to repeat itself how would we respond without Europe as defensive geography?
Biden, Blinken et Al have not purposed that Russia has lost the war. They do express optimism which may reflect a truly wishful posture necessary to address the American people. Putting words in their mouth such as these only demonstrates how hopelessly political this issue has become and divided we are.
Miley also said that Ukraine only has thirty days left. Sullivan’s comment was they have lost insofar as they have failed to yet achieve their objectives. In any case I stand corrected and apologize while still standing by my position. No one truly believes they have lost the war although I desperately wish it were true. Those rhetorical statements are as I described.
Well as I understand it our total contribution to Ukraine is substantial but only about 3% of our yearly military budget. Should we need to confront Russia or China or any belligerent with American military forces we would undertake an exponentially greater burden. “No blank check” is a ridiculous metaphor totally undemonstrative of the situation this administration faces and effort we are undertaking.
I totally agree with your article - at the same time I can support the idea of 'no blank check'. To me that just means a thoughtful evaluation of the most effective aid we can afford and provide to Ukrainians as they battle the 'evil empire' (to quote an ex-President).
Looks like we're getting softened up to accept some kind of "declare victory and move on" strategy, with Blinken, Boris and Annalena all visiting Zelensky to promise him some kind of consolation prize (EU membership?). How to do this? Easy. Lie about Russia's war goals and say "we prevented Putin from achieving his objectives." Biden desperately needs the war to be over before it further threatens his reelection. The assumption seems to be that Putin will accede to some kind of deal - but why should he? If Russia really were losing, they would be the ones seeking a settlement. The only settlement of interest to Putin is Ukraine's surrender.
One of the advantages of being old is (if you’re lucky) you remember how things got the way they are and why it’s important to defend that history lest it repeat itself. Your recall of why we need to support Ukraine’s independence from Russia is “spot on”. Fortunately we (and the other NATO nations) have only been called on to provide “treasure” and not lives. But the likelihood of Russia’s future moves to reunite the old Soviet Union is a virtual certainty if we only pay attention to what Putin has said publicly. WW II involved our blood and treasure. If history was to repeat itself how would we respond without Europe as defensive geography?
Biden, Blinken et Al have not purposed that Russia has lost the war. They do express optimism which may reflect a truly wishful posture necessary to address the American people. Putting words in their mouth such as these only demonstrates how hopelessly political this issue has become and divided we are.
https://www.businessinsider.com/top-us-general-says-russia-has-lost-the-ukraine-war-2023-2
Miley also said that Ukraine only has thirty days left. Sullivan’s comment was they have lost insofar as they have failed to yet achieve their objectives. In any case I stand corrected and apologize while still standing by my position. No one truly believes they have lost the war although I desperately wish it were true. Those rhetorical statements are as I described.
https://thehill.com/policy/international/4196592-blinken-putin-has-already-lost-in-attempting-to-erase-ukraine/
https://breakingthenews.net/Article/NSA-Sullivan-says-Russia-already-lost-this-war/59526035
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4095362-biden-says-no-possibility-of-putin-winning-war-in-ukraine/
Well as I understand it our total contribution to Ukraine is substantial but only about 3% of our yearly military budget. Should we need to confront Russia or China or any belligerent with American military forces we would undertake an exponentially greater burden. “No blank check” is a ridiculous metaphor totally undemonstrative of the situation this administration faces and effort we are undertaking.
According to Biden, Blinken, Austin and Sullivan, "Russia has already lost the war." (Somebody forgot to tell Russia.)
I totally agree with your article - at the same time I can support the idea of 'no blank check'. To me that just means a thoughtful evaluation of the most effective aid we can afford and provide to Ukrainians as they battle the 'evil empire' (to quote an ex-President).