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 Stunning Hypocrisy Of U.S. Foreign Policy
October 29, 2025
Take Action Now The US government regards the entire world as its legitimate sphere of influence, including the backyards of its rivals.By Donald…
The Lost Language Of The Working Class: Reviving Economic Populism In The Democratic Party
October 29, 2025
Take Action Now A detailed account of the Democrats’ alienation from working America and how candidates like Dan Osborn and Zohran Mamdani point the…
New Report From Corporate Democrats Falsely Claims Medicare For All Is “Unpopular”
October 28, 2025
Take Action Now The report declares that Medicare for All is in the category of “unpopular economic policies.” The claim is false.By Jeff Cohen…
Unfettered And Unaccountable: How Trump Is Building A Violent, Shadowy Federal Police Force
October 27, 2025
Take Action Now The administration gutted guardrails and offices meant to rein in abusive actions. Some families say they have no idea where their…




