There is already pressure to get involved if there is a full-scale invasion, but our history with proxy wars is littered with folly.
By Ted Galen Carpenter, Responsible Statecraft
The increasingly volatile situation involving Russia and Ukraine has the entire world on edge. Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognize the “independence” of two separatist regions in Ukraine, and especially his deployment of Russian “peacekeeping” troops to those regions, has dramatically escalated tensions. Although a full-scale invasion and occupation of Ukraine is not certain, even that scenario cannot be ruled out.
One point is clear though: the West’s proclaimed commitment to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity does not include U.S. or NATO military forces. Biden has confirmed that he “would not send American serviceman to fight in Ukraine” under any circumstances. Other NATO leaders have adopted similar positions of military restraint. Even if a larger invasion takes place, the West’s response likely will focus on imposing new, harsher economic sanctions on Moscow.
U.S. and Western officials are grappling with the embarrassing fact that they oversold their backing for Kyiv and now face the reality that Putin has called their bluff with an invasion and occupation of at least some of Ukraine’s territory. Consequently, they are scrambling for an option that would go beyond merely implementing more economic sanctions — a move that might hurt the global economy as much as it would inflict pain on Russia. The current front-runner for a more robust response is a scheme to fund and arm Ukrainian fighters to mount a resistance to a Russian occupation. Indeed, there are news reports that CIA operatives already are busily training Ukrainian paramilitary units.
Recent Posts
The Private Equity Lobbyist Network Surrounding Chuck Schumer
Take Action Now Blackstone, Apollo, and private equity trade groups employ Schumer alumni to push their interests in Washington as progressive…
With 74% of Voters Saying Iran War Was Big Factor in Midterms, Dems Urged to Become Peace Party
Take Action Now “Will Democrats finally get it?” asked one progressive expert. “Americans are tired of war. They want a new foreign policy.”By…
Democrats Have Been Handed an Antiwar Mandate — and the Opportunity to Enact It
Take Action Now The Democratically controlled Congress must go further than just war powers resolutions, an ex-Biden official says.By Sharon…
Van Hollen Says No Rubber Stamp for Schumer as Majority Leader Without Support for ‘Bold Agenda’
Take Action Now “It’s not a time for incrementalism,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen. “It’s a time to move forward a very bold kitchen table agenda.”…