According to many knowledgeable observers like Chris Hedges, shipping weapons to Ukraine to support resistance to Russia is the worst thing we can do. It will result in more death, perhaps far more death.
We can and should call for negotiation, and finally recognize the fundamental Russian demands as reasonable and fair:
1) Ukrainian neutrality (No NATO)
2) Recognize Russian annexation of Crimea.
3) Independence of DPR and LPR regions to be determined by poll.
We can worry about a war crimes tribunal of Putin later. At that time, we should include Bill Clinton, George W Bush, and Barack Obama.
The US precipitated this war in Ukraine by pushing NATO on a country that, a decade ago, had little desire for it. We enabled a revolution that tilted the balance in favor of NATO among those still voting. But our actions also led to a civil war and crisis, according to Realism experts like Professor John Mearsheimer, who reiterated that assertion days before the Russian attack. Decades ago, George Kennan correctly warned about the consequences of expanding NATO into Ukraine. It is worse than folly to continue on this path. Even at best, maximizing sanctions on Russia will also be destructive to Europe, the world and US economies, and ordinary Russians. At worst, shipping more arms, could lead to our worst imaginations.
We must correct our demands first, before expecting Russian withdrawal. They feel this is existential, and we are not going to change that. Meanwhile, guaranteeing a right to join NATO means nothing to most Americans.
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