This is likely just a question of if you are in open military conflict now -- or you are in it 12 to 24 months from now when Putin invades another European nation. A "no fly zone" outlines a clear intent to stop offensive military action while protecting civilians. All without any type of direct ground engagement between Western nations & Russia in the Ukraine. Russia can either accede & stop their offense, or lose a number of planes & offensive military columns (via the air) if a "no-fly zone" is established. A "no-fly zone" would stall the on-ground military situation on both sides, and allow a peace accord to be worked out at the negotiation table. Otherwise all we will have in the Ukraine is a bloody conflict that goes on for weeks.
Great post. They won't listen, though. The blood lust is there and the outrage is spewing. Just read the thread and note the usual cast of characters shouting "whataboutism" and all that.
Ok, so you're OK with open military conflict with Russia. Let the record state it. Be proud of your viewpoints, man. Don't obfuscate. You think that we should escalate because if we don't, Russia will move to another European nation, right? Did I state this correctly?
Never thought I'd share some viewpoints with AOC and Sanders, but there you have it. Democratic Socialists blame US imperialism for Russian invasion of Ukraine The Democratic Socialists of America blamed US and NATO “imperialist expansion” for helping trigger the Russian invasion of Ukraine — provoking criticism from local political leaders. “DSA reaffirms our call for the US to withdraw from NATO and to end the imperialist expansionism that set the stage for this conflict,” the DSA said in a statement. “While the failures of neoliberal order are clear to everyone, the ruling class is trying to build a new world, through a dystopic transition grounded in militarism, imperialism, and war. Socialists have a duty to build an alternative.” The socialist group continued that “much of the next ten years are coming into view through this attack” and closed by saying, “no war but class war.” The DSA’s members who are elected leaders include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). The Democratic Socialists of America put out a statement placing some blame for the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the United States. Getty Images Military vet and former Staten Island Democratic Congressman Max Rose said in a tweet, “I am deeply concerned with DSA’s statement calling on the US to unilaterally leave NATO in the midst of a level of Russian Aggression on the European Continent that we have not seen since World War 2. “Now is the time to double down on our alliances, particularly NATO, to send economic and military aid to Ukraine, and to comprehensively punish Russia with crippling and unprecedented sanctions,” he added. Long Island Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat running for governor, tweeted in response, “Well said, @MaxRose4NY ! I adamantly oppose the DSA’s statement calling on the US to leave NATO. We must stand by NATO, stand with Ukraine, and stand up against Putin’s bullying.” Sen. Bernie Sanders, along with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are two of the DSA’s most prominent elected officials. AP The DSA did condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and demanded immediate diplomacy and de-escalation to resolve this crisis. “We stand in solidarity with the working classes of Ukraine and Russia who will undoubtedly bear the brunt of this war, and with antiwar protestors in both countries and around the world who are calling for a diplomatic resolution,” the DSA said. The DSA said the invasion is an “illegal act” under the United Nations Charter. “There is no solution through war or further intervention. This crisis requires an immediate international antiwar response demanding de-escalation, international cooperation, and opposition to unilateral coercive measures, militarization, and other forms of economic and military brinkmanship that will only exacerbate the human toll of this conflict,” the lefty group said.
I'll say it again, Tony - you're not afraid to hold to your beliefs no matter which side questions you. Courage, sir!
Putin is likely to move to some of the non-European Soviet satellite states first before he comes back to Europe. His methods are clear -- first use propaganda to undermine the existing government, use agents to rile up the population & cause unrest, use an increasing number of threats & demands against the nation, and then launch military action to seize territory. At some point nations need to put their foot down and firmly draw a line at what is acceptable & use military force as a collation if necessary to stop aggression from dictators. It would have been best to resolve the Ukraine situation peacefully but it appears we are well past that point without applying a "no-fly zone" or some direct action to stop Russian aggression. Russia is not going to stop action in the Ukraine due to western sanctions. So the West is at a crossroads -- either do nothing & let Putin have his will with the Ukraine -- or step up & take a firm stand. Not taking a firm stand now backed with action will just further embolden Putin to assault other nations.