106 Comments

In such a wonderfully clear and concise essay why leave the Russian’s term “denazification” unchallenged when it is a false description of their actual goal; and a term they’d love to see normalized and shared, at face value, for their own propaganda purposes?

“Such a move by the West would send the signal that his objectives – denazification, demilitarization, and territorial annexation of Ukraine – are obtainable.”

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Returning kidnapped Ukrainian citizens, especially children, must be part of any “peace” as well.

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Especially to my Russian counterparts, when Hitler was about to take Moscow in winter 1941 ... how many in Russia or US would call Stalin to negotiate a peace treaty to stop the barbaric war? Instead US setup a lend-lease and helped Soviets to defend their country for 4! years. Putin put all Russians in Hitler’s Germany shoes, so to speak, with relentless propaganda and elimination of opposition and free speech. “Fight or flight response” - Ukrainians decided to fight. The World must support them to the end.

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“Now that Putin has pursued his barbaric war for nearly a year, reparations, justice, and accountability must be added to the negotiation agenda. First, however, Putin must stop his invasion. He will only make that decision when he cannot advance his forces in Ukraine anymore. Tragically but necessary, more weapons and sanctions are the means to help Ukrainians achieve that end.”

I 100% agree with this - rule of law demands that Putin not be rewarded but also that he be punished

It’s so chic for “real politic” proponents to say Ukraine should give in now bc Russia is a great power and ironic that “normies” want to continue the fight but all the while deferring to Ukrainians who are fighting for their lives and I think diplomats like you have the right balance - I also scorned scare mongers like Tom Nichols who thought we dare not support Ukraine for fear of Russian nukes

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Thanks

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agree.

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Thank you Judy.

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Agree! Only Putin can stop this war.

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I agree with everything you say, up to "We should be ready to enter into a long and complex discussion about European security. Before the war, I called it ‘Helsinki 2.0’ in my essay on “How to Make a Deal With Putin” in Foreign Affairs." Unfortunately I was unable to read your article (due to a paywall), but it seems to me that Putin's war is not because he was concerned about Russia's security, it was because he wanted to take over Ukraine. Russia's foreign policy has not been driven by concerns about its security, but by what it can steal, or obtain in trade for military, diplomatic (Security Council) or political (generally disinformation) support from those "leaders" who cheat and oppress their own people. An agreement isn't needed; only power.

To start, Ukraine must be fully armed in a way that actually puts Russia at military risk for its attacks, including the ability to counterattack Russian bases. Second, we should arm the Belorussian opposition, and allow that key country to free itself from Russia. Third, Russia should be expelled from the UN Security Council. Indeed, consideration should be given to disbanding the Security Council; it's primarily been used by Russia and China to block appropriate international actions. Fourth--although, in reality, it may have to come first--we need to expose and punish the corrupt people who work for Russia, China and other authoritarians. The weakness of the response to Jan. 6 and all that led up to it is astonishing, as is the failure to release the full Mueller report and complete the investigation. The list goes on, and Putin is not the only villain, but there is a fundamental principle--forcefully oppose oppression and corruption, and support freedom and democracy.

The crisis we face is much deeper than the Ukraine war; it's the result of allowing Putin and others to take advantage of our gullibility and weakness. For this rare moment Putin has made a blunder that gives us a chance. We need to take full advantage of that, while we still have the chance. Ideally that means he is removed from power, and those who worked for him are exposed. I don't see how any negotiation helps in the least to achieve those goals.

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I think you are spot on. I am a student of eastern traditions. I believe in no harm to others. What I learned in not engaging in others harmful games, is that I was engaging, I was just losing. It showed me that no matter your beliefs, you have to stand up for yourself and push back against bullies. If Ukraine wants to survive, there is no other way.

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In all truth I've wondered if cynical and calculating Western decision makers have decided that they don't want the war to end soon. From their point of view fighting Russian expansionism in the Ukraine is much preferable to doing so on NATO soil or the Baltics so the arrangement in which Russia continues to bleed heavily in military power and treasure for a very long tme (giving sanctions time to work) looks pretty good. Rather better than Ukriane winning back all it's territory in one or two yearas.

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I am nice ("Al we are saying/Is give Peace a chance."

But not THAT nice.

Give Ukraine the weapons needed to fight this terroristic, warmongering monster.

Tighten the economic screws like a medieval garrote, except nicer.

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It’s terrible Putin and his ilk refuse to accept the coup regime imposed on Ukraine in February 2014. Equally terrible is the refusal by rebellious regions in the eastern parts of the country to submit to the rule of Ukranian ultranationalists. Just terrible..

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Spot on! Putin must learn the consequences of his war that he has inflicted on the Ukranians.

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Very true and very sad. Though it's a bit sad that it's called 'war mongering' and that something so obvious needs to be said.

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You are not wrong. The people you target for this statement are immune to rational discourse because they are afraid for themselves and everyone else. as for being a warmonger - when it is time for war, fight; when it is time for peace, parley. Ukraine decides what victory is on the battlefield and at the table and they decide when victory has been secured. As you have said often

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