I am impressed with the grit shown by the Ukranians in their war with a much larger Russia. Russia invaded Ukraine early in 2022 and still have not been able to take control of all the country. The Ukranians have been innovative in their use of weapons and troops even though they are outnumbered on the battlefield. The Russians, fearing attack from the Ukranians, have moved ships and aircraft farther away from the battlefront. We spend a huge amount for every missile we build. Ukranians have developed much cheaper small missiles, which when launched in a cluster can do major damage to Russia’s ability to wage war.
Our leaders seem to be treating this war as one already won by the Russians and want Ukraine to cede land to the Russians with their promise to stop fighting. Did not the West cede Serbia to the Russians only to find out the Russians were emboldened to take more? What would happen if China or Russia decided to invade the United States? If Biden and the Communists, or Democrats if you prefer, were governing we would surrender. With Trump, the Russians or Chinese invaders would be destroyed. Why not take that approach to the Russian Invaders? Surely the West could provide Ukranians with enough resources to destroy the Russian Forces in Ukraine.
In addition to incompetent government officials, influencers in the media are blaming Ukraine for starting the war. How dare they provoke Russia to attack by wanting to join Nato to protect their nation from a Russian Invasion. Those influencers are also attacking Zelensky for being corrupt. That is laughable since those influencers voted for Biden and the Democrats.
We need to recognize that Putin’s position is not as strong as a lot of enemies of the free world would have you think. Putin had to hire mercenaries from other countries to do some of the fighting. He had to move ships and aircraft far from the front to protect them from Ukranian Attack. He has sent a lot of Russians to Ukraine to die on the battlefield, which has not made him popular in Russia. Some of his soldiers have deserted. This war has cost Russia a lot of money and it has had a very negative effect on the Russian Economy. Some citizens set fire to Putin’s limo zine. His continuance as leader of Russia is not all that certain. This is a good time for the West to really put the pressure on Putin. Making it unsafe for Russian Soldiers to stay in Ukraine would be a good move.
Trump tried to negotiate with Putin and apparently Putin was too unreasonable. I hope Trump learned something. Our new negotiations should begin like this. Remove your troops from Ukraine or they will be destroyed. It is time to exert maximum pressure on Russia, militarily, economic and condemnation from world leaders and the news media. Being nice to tyrants does not work.
This is an opinion blog for Conservatives and People of Faith.