>> I believe a negotiated ceace-fire would be in the best interests of both Russia and Ukraine. <<
Aye, there’s the trick, though, when a super-power attacks a much smaller nation, isn’t it? In a very real way, Max Detweiler from the Sound of Music was quite correct when he said that surrendering to the Germans was in the best interest of Austria. In fact, there’s a point when it’s in a rape victim’s or a tortured prisoner’s best interest to stop resisting. But if you tell a victim it’s in their best interest to stop fighting, it’s pretty damned hard to say you’re a friend and not an accomplice, isn’t it?
There will likely come a point when the rest of the world can do no more to drive Russia out of Ukraine, but if the prize of Russia isn’t so very small, and the cost so very large, Russia will attack again and again. Be careful you don’t end up sounding like Max Detweiler or a rapist’s accomplice or Neville Chamberlain or Jimmy Carter.
Very good dangus.
Here’s another:
*so they are dying for their country*
More need to die on both sides to negotiate an end but will it end?