Two years ago Putin’s army attacked Ukraine expecting only token resistance, believing it would be a veritable cake walk. It is rumored that front line Russian troops brought along their dress uniforms for an early victory parade through Kyiv.
That was then. Over the last two years, the Ukrainians have put up fierce resistance, surprising the Russians, surprising most of the rest of the world and, perhaps, surprising even themselves.
Ukraine has long been seen as an essential, underbelly buffer for Russian security, not only because of its strategic geography but also because of its vast fertile lands and its industrial might. It should be no surprise that Russia would go to war to prevent losing it to NATO – – – remembering that NATO is a post – WW II militant organization expressly created to confront potential Soviet Union aggression.
But what has evolved now, what has become most obvious now, is this war is no longer just about Ukraine. It is a war between Communism and Capitalism, between autocratic rule and liberal democracy, between Russia and its allies of like mind (China, Iran and North Korea) and the United States and its western allies. If Ukraine loses, the west loses; our way of life and our credibility loses. Too many times since WW II we have made ill-advised forays into foreign lands and departed in chaotic, embarrassing circumstances. We cannot allow this to happen again by engaging in our all-to-frequent, short-sighted political squabbles. Support for this war is not one of the things we can kick down the road or postpone for a more suitable season. Time is of the essence. Putin has upped the anti in Ukraine; we must not show hesitation and abandon the battlefield. Yes, it is costly; yes, we could certainly use the funds and materials internally for badly needed repairs to our border, to our infrastructure and to our people. But, emphatically, the West cannot let Russia win.
In essence, this is WW III, being played out in Ukraine. As we did in WW II to ensure victory, we must again marshal our resources, unify with our allies, and endure the necessary sacrifices. The world is watching. The outcome will have broad, worldwide consequences for world peace and international harmony.
God help us to show resolve, God help us to show strength, God help us to prevail.
– – – Just the view of a common man.
Views of a Common Man 