Hello everyone,
There’s only one thing to write about today.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces is underway with the key target being the nation’s capital, Kyiv.
Many Delawareans, especially those of Ukrainian descent, can only look on in horror.
In the fog of war, it is hard to determine what is taking place. Accounts indicate the capital could fall in a matter of hours or days. Toppling the government and executing or imprisoning its officials is the goal.
Ukrainian forces are putting up a fight with obsolete equipment but face a third-rate economic power that squanders its potential on a military machine that comes complete with mobile crematories for fallen soldiers.
One thing we do know is that we are staring into the face of pure evil.
While many of us are enjoying the freedoms we take for granted, Ukrainians are fighting and dying for basic human dignity.
Sanctions that include cutting Russia’s ties to the global economy, while necessary, won’t immediately affect a sociopath fixated on rebuilding a Soviet empire and seeing himself in history as what one pundit described as “Putin the Great.”
Moves by Western democracies will bring suffering to Russians, but as we have found in North Korea, the elite will find a way to survive. Dissent in Russia will be crushed unless millions of people hit the streets. It is clear that Putin no longer cares what the world thinks.
For now, NATO’s defenses must be bolstered and preparations need to be made for the humanitarian crisis that comes when tanks roll through streets while bombs and missiles kill soldiers and civilians alike.
Nothing should be taken for granted including assuming a delusional Putin won’t see other nations as ripe for the taking. – Doug Rainey
