Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
The Day After Russia Attacks, By Alexander Vindman and Dominic Cruz Bustillos
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/ukraine/2022-01-21/day-after-russia-attacksDespite a flurry of meetings in recent weeks, the United States, NATO, Ukraine, and Russia have not moved any closer to a diplomatic solution or a reduction of tensions on the Ukrainian-Russian border. Although Russia has not completely abandoned diplomatic pretenses, the chasm between Russian and Western expectations has been laid bare. Russian officials have made clear that they are not interested in proposals focused solely on strategic stability or on military exercises, or even on a moratorium on NATO membership for Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks nothing short of the complete dismantling of Europes postCold War security architecture and a rollback of fundamental international agreements governing states rights to self-determinationan outcome the United States and its partners and allies will never accept.
Meanwhile, despite assurances that Russia has no plans to invade Ukrainethe Russian military has been occupying Ukraines territory and fighting a war on Ukrainian soil since 2014the military buildup along the Ukrainian-Russian border has continued unabated. Most recently, military equipment from Russias Eastern Military District has been moving westward while attack and transport helicopters as well as support units have been moving into place for a full-scale offensive. Russia also justified a military buildup north of Ukraine by announcing that it will stage joint military exercises with Belarus that will run through February 20. Russian forces are already being concentrated near the southern and southeastern borders with Ukraine. Additional steps remain before an operation will commence, but the live-fire drills and exercises that are currently taking place and the arrival of logistics units are indicative of a force preparing for action.
Earlier this week, U.S. President Joe Biden predicted that Putin would ultimately decide on some form of invasion or incursion. Do I think hell test the West, test the United States and NATO, as significantly as he can? Yes, I think he will, the president said at a press conference. My guess is he will move in, Biden added.
A major military conflict in Ukraine would be a catastrophe. It is an outcome that no one should crave. But it is now a likelihood for which the United States must prepare.
. . . more
InfoView thread info, including edit history
TrashPut this thread in your Trash Can (My DU » Trash Can)
BookmarkAdd this thread to your Bookmarks (My DU » Bookmarks)
3 replies, 1988 views
ShareGet links to this post and/or share on social media
AlertAlert this post for a rule violation
PowersThere are no powers you can use on this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
ReplyReply to this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
Rec (16)
ReplyReply to this post
3 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The Day After Russia Attacks, By Alexander Vindman and Dominic Cruz Bustillos (Original Post)
swag
Jan 2022
OP
RainCaster
(10,869 posts)1. Lengthy article, worth your time
The author is a very respected military figure in the region.
marie999
(3,334 posts)2. Foreign Affairs has high rating.
blue-wave
(4,352 posts)3. Thank You for posting, an excellent read
A very poignant article that stresses the urgency of a very serious situation. The U.S. and our allies must do everything in their power to strengthen Ukraine, deter Russia and the possibility of a wider war.