[TrumpCard]

The Biden Administration long ago made clear that its goal is to help Ukraine "avoid defeat," while minimizing the risk of head-to-head confrontation with Russia or other unacceptable types of escalation.  This strategy constantly manifests itself in the day-to-day developments.  Examples of this include the timing of providing packages of lethal military aid, the timing of expanding the scope of donated weapons systems, the timing of altering the artificial rules of engagement that the West imposes, etc.  That strategy has some obvious downsides.  Since this is a sports board first, I'll refer to the maxim that no one should ever play "not to lose" because that's a way to ensure defeat.  Nevertheless, whether or not we like the Administration's strategy, we should not be surprised by it anymore.  I remain hopeful that the strategy, though imperfect, will precipitate some sort of negotiated resolution that will allow Ukraine to continue to exist as an independent nation in the long term.  I understand that others here disagree with my premise that such a resolution is possible.

[TrumpCard]

The Biden Administration long ago made clear that its goal is to help Ukraine "avoid defeat," while minimizing the risk of head-to-head confrontation with Russia or other unacceptable types of escalation.  This strategy constantly manifests itself in the day-to-day developments.  Examples of this include the timing of providing packages of lethal military aid, the timing of expanding the scope of donated weapons systems, the timing of altering the artificial rules of engagement that the West imposes, etc.  That strategy has some obvious downsides.  Since this is a sports board first, I'll refer to the maxim that no one should ever play "not to lose" because that's a way to ensure defeat.  Nevertheless, whether or not we like the Administration's strategy, we should not be surprised by it anymore.  I remain hopeful that the strategy, though imperfect, will precipitate some sort of negotiated resolution that will allow Ukraine to continue to exist as an independent nation in the long term.  I understand that others here disagree with my premise that such a resolution is possible.