A path to stopping Russia in Ukraine

The following is from a Dallas Morning News editorial:

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was an intolerable horror from the start.

It has escalated into a genocide with both targeted and indiscriminate killings of Ukrainian civilians in what amounts to a terror campaign to subdue a people.

We are glad that the U.S. is again leading the world in confronting a European crisis that threatens to become a global war. It’s important that our European allies deepen their commitment to providing direct military aid. But Europe’s greatest lever against Russian aggression has yet to be pulled, and that is dramatically reducing the German purchase of Russian energy.

There is no question this would amount to a great sacrifice for the German people.

But the corresponding effect on the Russian economy and the Russian war machine would likely be far more impactful.

Alina Polyakova, chief executive of the Center for European Policy Analysis, told us during a recent visit to Dallas that a German decision to stop purchasing Russian energy would alter the course of history.

“It would end the war,” she said. “They would just run out of money.”

It’s simple in theory and excruciating in practice. Nevertheless, Germany has a moral imperative to take steps toward sharply reducing its purchase of Russian energy. We are talking about ending a genocide, and, as Germany has recognized in its own laws and culture, the nation has an enhanced responsibility in this regard.

Ukrainians have fought bravely and have shown the world that they can defend their nation. But they cannot hold on forever.

Free nations everywhere will have to make sacrifices. We urge Europe to act now to support Ukraine, to help end the war and to benefit all of humanity.