Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to about one-third of the country’s fleeing as refugees to other countries. There is extensive evidence of torture, and slaughtered civilians. Putin is destroying the civilian infrastructure that will lead to misery and death this winter. Putin lies to his people, but he has been honest when he has claimed that it is a war against the west. This is a war against us, and not just Ukraine.
Time is against us. The Republican party has shown that it will oppose anything proposed by Democrats in an attempt to regain power. We have only until January to truly act. Putin has shown no willingness to negotiate, because there is no advantage to him in negotiation short of surrender. We need to, and can change that calculation. You need to speak out that this is a war against us, and not just Ukraine. You need to send Ukraine the equipment they need to actually repel the Russian invasion. They need long-range missiles that can strike Russian missile sites in Russia. They need missiles that can attack Russian military sites. This is what we should be negotiating. Repeal the annexation of Ukrainian land, or have the war brought into Russia itself. Putin will not stop unless he is forced to stop. Failing to act forcefully now will prolong the misery and death, and will not save Ukraine, and perhaps the rest of us as well.