A few thoughts:
1. After the 2014 proxy war continuing until the present, even Ukrainians in the east have become more and more opposed to Russia regardless of ethnicity. Ukrainian patriotism has been on the rise over those years.
2. I think Ukraine has 44 million people. I don't see how you can hold that huge population and maintain order, especially given the seething anger that will be present in the population after countless deaths and destruction. Guerrilla attacks will be rampant. Hopefully, the U.S. will arm the resistance indefinitely.
3. I doubt many Russian soldiers are happy to be fighting in Ukraine. On the other hand, Ukrainians are fighting for their survival and independence. Discord in the Russian military would be helpful.
4. I am hoping that the Ukrainians can send as many body bags back to Russia as possible while the western powers cripple the Russian economy. The west should also have a major information campaign to influence the average Russian citizen. Photos and videos from the front type stuff. My hope is that enough of the Russian population will rise up so that the rich and powerful in Russia take down Putin.
5. The sanctions to date aren't enough. Everything should be done to damage Russia in every way imaginable. What does Putin have to do to reap the full slate of sanctions?
6. China is watching. Strong action today by the U.S. may allow us to avoid even worst scenarios in the Pacific. We are failing the test to date.
1. After the 2014 proxy war continuing until the present, even Ukrainians in the east have become more and more opposed to Russia regardless of ethnicity. Ukrainian patriotism has been on the rise over those years.
2. I think Ukraine has 44 million people. I don't see how you can hold that huge population and maintain order, especially given the seething anger that will be present in the population after countless deaths and destruction. Guerrilla attacks will be rampant. Hopefully, the U.S. will arm the resistance indefinitely.
3. I doubt many Russian soldiers are happy to be fighting in Ukraine. On the other hand, Ukrainians are fighting for their survival and independence. Discord in the Russian military would be helpful.
4. I am hoping that the Ukrainians can send as many body bags back to Russia as possible while the western powers cripple the Russian economy. The west should also have a major information campaign to influence the average Russian citizen. Photos and videos from the front type stuff. My hope is that enough of the Russian population will rise up so that the rich and powerful in Russia take down Putin.
5. The sanctions to date aren't enough. Everything should be done to damage Russia in every way imaginable. What does Putin have to do to reap the full slate of sanctions?
6. China is watching. Strong action today by the U.S. may allow us to avoid even worst scenarios in the Pacific. We are failing the test to date.
