[Goose]

I know there are folks here who want to see Ukraine fight to retake every inch of territory Russia has taken so far.  This is more directed at those in the media whom I have heard advocating for a negotiation to trade territory for peace.  Just compare the amount of territory Russia has stolen from Ukraine (46,000 sq miles) to the amount of territory the Arabs are trying to take from Israel (2,400 sq miles).  If the Israelis are willing to fight for generations to retain that relatively small amount of territory, what makes us think Ukrainians will not fight just as hard for 19x the amount of land?  And why should they not?

We should respect Ukraine’s wishes with how to respond to the invasion.  Its their territory and it is their soldiers and civilians who are dying.  If they want to fight to the last man standing, they should be armed and supported.  They also shouldn’t be faulted if at some point they sue for peace.  It is ridiculous that outsiders are whispering at how the ar should go.

BC

BC, I can't agree. Every nation has a right and duty to evaluate the situation and respond in a way they think appropriate. One could argue the US isn't giving the Ukrainians what they want when they want it. Are we ridiculous because that is true? The Swiss won't do certain things because it violates their neutrality policies. Are they not entitled to that position? Israel is walking a very fine line on this subject to avoid problems with Russia in Syria. I don't agree with that policy, but I can't say it is ridiculous.

It is even theoretically possible a point could reached when the US decides that helping Ukraine militarily is counter-productive. Consider the scenario where Ukraine takes back the entire Donbas (not just Feb 24, but all the way), and only Crimea remains under Russian control. Ukraine wants to take back Crimea and continue fighting, but Russia gives every indication that is a nuclear trigger. What do we do? That one isn't so clear IMHO. I can envision us saying "Obviously you can do whatever you think best, but we will no longer provide missiles and ammunition to continue the war. We will support you in negotiating a reasonable conclusion to hostilities, but we are not giving you a blank check". I am not saying that would be our position, but it wouldn't be ridiculous IMHO to take that position.

[Goose]

I know there are folks here who want to see Ukraine fight to retake every inch of territory Russia has taken so far.  This is more directed at those in the media whom I have heard advocating for a negotiation to trade territory for peace.  Just compare the amount of territory Russia has stolen from Ukraine (46,000 sq miles) to the amount of territory the Arabs are trying to take from Israel (2,400 sq miles).  If the Israelis are willing to fight for generations to retain that relatively small amount of territory, what makes us think Ukrainians will not fight just as hard for 19x the amount of land?  And why should they not?

We should respect Ukraine’s wishes with how to respond to the invasion.  Its their territory and it is their soldiers and civilians who are dying.  If they want to fight to the last man standing, they should be armed and supported.  They also shouldn’t be faulted if at some point they sue for peace.  It is ridiculous that outsiders are whispering at how the ar should go.

BC

BC, I can't agree. Every nation has a right and duty to evaluate the situation and respond in a way they think appropriate. One could argue the US isn't giving the Ukrainians what they want when they want it. Are we ridiculous because that is true? The Swiss won't do certain things because it violates their neutrality policies. Are they not entitled to that position? Israel is walking a very fine line on this subject to avoid problems with Russia in Syria. I don't agree with that policy, but I can't say it is ridiculous.

It is even theoretically possible a point could reached when the US decides that helping Ukraine militarily is counter-productive. Consider the scenario where Ukraine takes back the entire Donbas (not just Feb 24, but all the way), and only Crimea remains under Russian control. Ukraine wants to take back Crimea and continue fighting, but Russia gives every indication that is a nuclear trigger. What do we do? That one isn't so clear IMHO. I can envision us saying "Obviously you can do whatever you think best, but we will no longer provide missiles and ammunition to continue the war. We will support you in negotiating a reasonable conclusion to hostilities, but we are not giving you a blank check". I am not saying that would be our position, but it wouldn't be ridiculous IMHO to take that position.