Understand Russia’s point of view
I am not supporting or condoning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but what Russia is asking from Ukraine is entirely reasonable and fair. Russia has every right to demand that Ukraine not join NATO. If Ukraine became a member of NATO, the U. S. and NATO countries would place nuclear missiles throughout Ukraine pointing towards Russia. Ukraine is as big as the state of Texas so there is a lot of land that NATO can use for deploying missiles aimed at Russia.
All Russia asked is that we guarantee that Ukraine will not become a member of NATO. Our government in Washington would not guarantee that simple request, and so Russia invaded Ukraine. The United States promised (verbally) to Russia in 1991 that NATO will not expand further eastward after the fall of the Soviet Union. We did not keep our word.
Those who argue that NATO is strictly defensive don’t have a leg to stand on. NATO was used offensively against Libya in overthrowing Muammar Gaddafi. And something defensive can quickly be turned offensive. If Ukraine became part of NATO the anti-Russian elements in Ukraine, and there are many of them, may easily be emboldened to harass Russia with no fear because NATO protects them.
President Zelensky of Ukraine doesn’t care about American and Western lives. He wants us to risk going to war directly with Russia which could easily lead to a devastating nuclear war between Russia and the U.S. That doesn’t bother Zelensky one bit. Zelensky could have easily avoided war with Russia by simply not agreeing to join NATO.
NATO is no longer necessary. Russia is not the former communist Soviet Union. Russia is no longer an officially atheist country. Russia has a free-market economy where Russians can own and operate private businesses. Russia is not a threat to the U.S., but the U.S. is becoming a threat to Russia in insisting on expanding NATO, which Russia rightly sees as a threat.
Our leaders cannot see the forest from the trees. America is becoming more and more stupid, and we may pay the ultimate price. Russia didn’t threaten us. Russia’s conflict with Ukraine is entirely regional and is no threat to our security or the security of the rest of Europe, but we’re willing to risk nuclear war with Russia so that Ukraine can join NATO. May God help us. We are just so stupid!
The author, Babu G. Ranganathan, has his B. A. degree with concentrations in theology and biology, and has been recognized for his writings on religion and science in the 24th edition of Marquis “Who’s Who in the East.”