There are multiple headlines in the mainstream media today talking about "unrest" in Ukraine. Across the eastern part of that country, mean dressed in similar uniforms but without markings are taking over various government buildings. In some places there has been shooting between these mystery forces and the special operations troops of the Ukrainian government. It is truly amazing that the media describes this coordinated attack by Russian forces as "unrest".
Consider this: in Crimea, the Russian troops that occupied the province wore unmarked uniforms just like those on the troops taking over the government buildings in the rest of eastern Ukraine. Putin even denied that these men were Russian troops. Of course, once the province was annexed, the troops put their insignia back on their uniforms and were suddenly Russian troops again.
Further, there is no way that there could be a coordinated attack on government buildings by a local Russian militia acting on its own. Sure, there might be two or three such moves, but not a coordinated move of the size that is underway. This is the first step of the Russian takeover of eastern Ukraine.
In short, this is not "unrest". It is "invasion".
President Obama and the federal government understand that we are watching the next step in the Russian takeover of eastern Ukraine. Our government has already warned Putin against further moves in a public statement. (I bet that statement has Putin sitting in the Kremlin in fear.) Now Obama has dispatched vice president Biden to visit Kiev later next week. This is a meaningless gesture unless Biden has been authorized to provide weapons or other military help to the Ukrainians. If that is the case, then the help should just be announce today so that it can have the greatest impact stopping the latest Russian move. Most likely, Biden's visit is just for show.
The Russian takeover of all or even half of Ukraine is not something that ought be minimized. It makes the world a much more dangerous place. Europe does not need to deal with a newly strengthened Putin at the head of Russia.
Consider this: in Crimea, the Russian troops that occupied the province wore unmarked uniforms just like those on the troops taking over the government buildings in the rest of eastern Ukraine. Putin even denied that these men were Russian troops. Of course, once the province was annexed, the troops put their insignia back on their uniforms and were suddenly Russian troops again.
Further, there is no way that there could be a coordinated attack on government buildings by a local Russian militia acting on its own. Sure, there might be two or three such moves, but not a coordinated move of the size that is underway. This is the first step of the Russian takeover of eastern Ukraine.
In short, this is not "unrest". It is "invasion".
President Obama and the federal government understand that we are watching the next step in the Russian takeover of eastern Ukraine. Our government has already warned Putin against further moves in a public statement. (I bet that statement has Putin sitting in the Kremlin in fear.) Now Obama has dispatched vice president Biden to visit Kiev later next week. This is a meaningless gesture unless Biden has been authorized to provide weapons or other military help to the Ukrainians. If that is the case, then the help should just be announce today so that it can have the greatest impact stopping the latest Russian move. Most likely, Biden's visit is just for show.
The Russian takeover of all or even half of Ukraine is not something that ought be minimized. It makes the world a much more dangerous place. Europe does not need to deal with a newly strengthened Putin at the head of Russia.
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