It's crime to say War in Russia punishable by 15 years in prison.
It's a "Special Military Operation."
I agree with you. It's sad and I am all for Russia being thrown out of Ukraine but it is a culturally intertwined area with history going way back.
Putin has a point about the Ukrainian lands being part of different configurations over the centuries.
It's also true they voted to separate from the Russian Federation as soon as they were let off the old Soviet lease.
The history of Russia and that is fascinating.
There are YouTube videos going back through all the Tzars and the rise of the Soviet Union.
The basic argument here is, is it fair to reconquer Ukraine after it officially separated from the Russian Federation.
Putin is after rebuilding Empire. It has to be 80% ego and 20% vanity.
god damn. Putin invaded Georgia, took Crimea away from Ukraine, bombed civilians in Syria and the US did practically nothing. Now, Putin invades Ukraine, using 5th century BC tactics with modern arms and you say it's OK because the Tzar?
Ukraine became an independent nation in 1991. It signed a treaty with Russia in 1994 that recognized this with guarantees that Russia would respect the borders. Citing ancient history to justify an illegal invasion? WTF?
Direct armed conflice between US and Russian troops would not help Ukraine. It would turn Ukraine into a battlefield that would end up levelling its cities and infrastructure, not to mention there is no exit strategy once Putin's enfeebled military is finally shown the door. Supplying arms to help Ukraine defend itself is valid as is allowing the Ukrainian air force to use NATO bases.
Sanctions are a long term strategy that will end Putin's ability conduct war. His regime will fall apart eventually.