Ukraine: It is War

Russia has militarily invaded Ukraine. That Putin is smart enough to use GRU operatives (Google it) and partisans crossing the border rather than SU29s and T80s is besides the point. The invasion has nothing to do with NATO expansion eastward. Russia has been lying in ambush, stalking her pray like a panther. She strikes now, cuz she smells weakness in the West Wing. Putin is risking war, both conventional and nuclear, and knows it very well. However, the calculation is that, in the end, she will get her way. It is difficult to disagree. The rather bellicose response by Team Obama is a sign of weakness, not strength.

The Military Situation

I could not find very much info.

• US/NATO has moved token forces (jet fighters, airborne units) to the Russian border.
• Ukraine forces, such as they are, are trying to regain her territory from Russian forces. This is being made more difficult, cuz the GRU is using Ukrainian citizens as human shields.
• Russia is marshaling conventional military forces on the Ukraine border, but, so far, are staying put.

Now What Do We Do?

Russia is a bully, arrogant, or both. It is difficult to say. However, the US response must focus on Ukraine as the injured party, rather than placating Russia.

• Ukrainian entry into NATO should be fast-tracked somehow. Then, aid, both monetary and military, can be given to Kiev.
• Ukraine must repudiate her debt to Gazprom. She owes something like $15b. However, Russia is now the enemy. It is not logical to give money to your enemy. Yes, I know, deliveries of natural gas to Ukraine and Europe will be cut off. However, there are several months to find a solution before the cold, snowy winter sets in.
• Russian GRU and partisans must be pushed back over the Russian border where they came from, and be prevented from coming back.
• Ukraine needs time to heal the wounds inflicted upon her by Russia.
• Ukraine must have democratic elections, so she will have a legitimate President and Parliament for all Ukraine, including Crimea and the West.

Ugh...

The most disgusting thing I have heard about the Ukrainian War is: Crimea is now a legitimate part of Russia. Yeah, right. In the same way that the Sudetenland became a legitimate part of Nazi Germany.