The amount of hot air being blown toward Russia by the U.S., UN and Europe is unsurpassed since the “cold war.” But it has a long way to travel and by the time it has flowed over the icy steppes it has cooled to a tepid puff. Russia is huge and strong with massive natural resources. They are quite able to handle the onslaught of Western sanctions without batting an eyelid. These people are not about to succumb to bullying. Look at their history. They will sacrifice a great deal to beat their foes as Napoleon and Hitler found out. A people who can fight as they did in Stalingrad will not be easily beaten.
This state of affairs can be quickly smoothed out by recognizing Russia’s claim to the Crimea. The Crimea has been Russian for centuries. Its people are Russian and they want to return to Russia. If there is a culprit it is the Ukrainian government who didn’t administer the territory with the proper regard to the Russian speaking population. From what is being reported they were treated as second class citizens; no wonder they wanted to reunite with their brethren and no wonder Russia stepped in to help.
So before the Western windbags pump up their rhetoric and start honing their sabres, let them take a closer look at older and recent history. And, also, visit the cemeteries at Normandy to reassess the true cost of war.
Roger Sayer
Mukilteo
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