Only total defeat in Ukraine can cure Russia of its imperialism

https://nu.federati.net/url/286726 [www atlanticcouncil org]

> Some government officials in Kyiv have announced Ukraine’s aspiration to liberate all territories occupied by Russia, including Crimea. The Ukrainian army’s proven ability to defeat Russian forces on the battlefield and the accelerating delivery of heavy weapons from the West make this goal of complete liberation at least theoretically possible.

> However, some Western leaders fear the consequences of a comprehensive Ukrainian victory and favor the idea of a compromise peace. Most notably, French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly warned against “humiliating” Vladimir Putin. Advocates of appeasement ignore the fact that any settlement which leaves Russia in possession of Ukrainian lands occupied since 2014 would weaken the international security order and effectively reward Russia for aggression, thereby setting the stage for further wars.

It seems so obvious that one wonders why political leaders are not seeing it. If we want #Russia to stop trying to reconquer its previous conquests (the other #USSR nations), we have to give #Ukraine every possible tool to beat the invaders ... and we have to continue to present a united front against the invasion, despite the oil, gas, grain, and other economic repercussions.