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Linda MacDonald's avatar

So glad to read this piece from you today! Frankly, I've worried about you given the terrible continuing carnage and destruction in Ukraine. What a super analysis. You are absolutely correct as far as Putin is concerned and the propaganda machine. It has gone silent on NATO, nukes, and the Nazis. Putin counts on the west losing hope. Exactly right. And that is something we must not lose. I have begun going to the Office of the President of Ukraine each day, at least by evening, to catch up on what is happening and to hear the evening address of President Zelenskji. Putin's tool now is fossil fuel and grain. The approach of winter and the threat of famine. Everyone will have to stay the course until together the democratic world can force Russia to leave Ukraine. Russia cannot be seen to win anything from this aggression. That is what worries me the most - that the attacker will be able to say "we got this land". They'll not be satisfied with a "token". Because the goal is all of it for the purpose of erasing a people. A writer in the Guardian is wondering when NATO will finally step in to put a stop to what Russia is doing. I guess he's thinking of the Balkans. The difference is that Russia could not do anything then to counter such a move. That would not be the case today. But could Russia actually be on the back foot now? Wonder what you think of such a scenario? Perhaps you might let your readers know when you are giving a lecture. I was glad to catch up with one which was fairly recent from Yale for an art exhibit. Can't remember the exact name of it but was excellent.

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Jonathan Popper's avatar

A great start at debunking sone myths, but I’m afraid too many people in the West believe Russia is justified. To be sure, they are horrified at the invasion and Russia’s brutality, but they also think that’s there’s no smoke without fire. Typically, and I include many of my friends here, they are not pro-Russian nutcases. They are often quite liberal and pacifist. They may be hostile to The USA and NATO. When I talk to them they blame this war on two factors: NATO expansion and Ukrainian suppression of ethnic Russians. They cite NATO expansion as a threat to Russia and moves to downgrade Russian language and culture. Tim, please do more to help disabuse these people.

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