Is it the beginning of World War III? Is it justified in any way? What is the role of NATO at this point? What must Europe do & can they afford to be involved in a long and costly war against Russia?
Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe (after Russia), with a population of over 40 million. It is an important, industrialized country with valuable reserves.
Can Europe wean itself from its dependence on Russian oil and gas, which has emboldened Putin to act with impunity? Ironically, this invasion might result in a stronger NATO, which is the opposite of what Putin wants.
As explosions go off, the death toll in Ukraine, so far, is estimated at around 40, with many injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Russia launched missile strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure as well as border guards.
Meantime, NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, says Russia's invasion of Ukraine has brought war in Europe on a scale and of a type we thought belonged to history.
How will the world adjust to the largest attack by one state against another in Europe, since WWII?
I have far more questions than I do answers on this unfortunate matter… I would like not to think in a simplistic, reductionist or biased view of Russia as a power-hungry bully, but their involvement with Syria (which hit close to home) made me view them as opportunistic when it comes to sowing chaos for personal benefit.
I know that the US has lost its moral standing some time ago, invading other countries in the name of ‘saving them’, meddling in the affairs of others for their gain and propping up dictators throughout the world.
But, as a military superpower, what can/must it do?
And, are there diplomatic solutions, at this point, that do not involve violence, such as imposing sanctions on Russia, as some countries are already beginning to do ? Can the world sit back & allow this invasion of Ukraine to happen, with the excuse that this is ‘the way of the world?’
Let me know what you think; I’m curious to hear other, more learned perspectives than my own.