Limited options to resolve Ukraine conflict.

 WEST HAS USED ALL ITS LEVERS EXCEPT DIRECT WAR WITH RUSSIA

TIME TO FACE REALITY AND MOVE ON

In the last few days we have seen the usual criticism about a possible end to the Ukraine conflict. We hear that Trump is about to surrender to Putin. We hear that the U.S. is about to abandon Ukraine and NATO. We hear that if Putin comes out of this as a possible victor it is a disaster for the West.

The reality is that there really are only 2 options. One is to end this conflict by acknowledging that Ukraine cannot ever be part of NATO. That Russia has indeed now expanded its borders into what was once considered Ukraine by the West. That Russia has been able to withstand the combined resources of NATO and prevailed.

The other option is to enlist the full power of NATO and send ground, air and all out support for Ukraine, in effect WW3. While we hear brave words by some leaders in NATO, I do not see that they have the capability or resolve to go to all out war with Russia. If NATO intercedes, more than they have to date, there is the possibility that they will be defeated by Russia, or even worse, if they should march into Russia that would result in a nuclear catastrophe.

This Ukraine project was ill conceived and unnecessary. It has resulted in the economic crisis in Europe, it has had repercussions all around the globe and contributed to the hastening decline of the economic and political power of the West. Prolonging this conflict will result in the loss of another generation of Ukrainian young men, further decline of the economic prosperity of Europe and the accelerating emergence of an alternative global economic system. A system that if it is considered a threat rather than a possible cooperative and co-existing reality will lead to further economic and political decline of the West.

The Ukraine project has been the worst political decision of the 21st. century, so far. Much of it had to do with hubris and a disdain for the concerns of anyone other than their own concerns. It was a gross overestimating of their ability or to understand their limitations. Continuing in the name of honor and face saving will only result in further damage without any positive outcome.