Russian Combat Medals Put Lie To Putin's Claim Of No Russian Troops In Ukraine

The Kremlin’s fig leaves that cast slight shadows of doubt on the truth of regular Russian troops in Ukraine provide a disorganized, timid, and even cowardly West a reason for inaction. We all know that a Russian missile shot down MH17 and that there are regular Russian troops in east Ukraine, but as long as there is a one in a thousand chance of another explanation, we have a reason to hold back. After all, isn’t Russia a “great nation?” Shouldn’t we give their explanations a hearing no matter how crazy?

There will be no peace until we call the Russian narrative for what it is – a lie. In the meantime, the words we use matter in determining the eventual outcome and burning Putin’s fig leaves remains a worthwhile activity.

go to Forbes.com

The Farce Goes On: Europe Petitions Putin To Use Influence Over His Own Forces

In a phone call late Monday (February 16), German Chancellor Angela Merkel and  (I imagine a very reluctant) Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to use his influence on the separatists to convince them to stop the fighting. After sitting 15 hours with Putin in Minsk, they surely recognized the futility and disastrous symbolism of going to Putin hat in hand. Merkel’s appeal was not effective. Putin’s response was to advise the Ukrainian troops to surrender, and today (February 18) Poroshenko announced the “orderly withdrawal” of Ukraine forces from the besieged city, after they incurred massive losses. In their wisdom, leaders of Germany, France, and (a reluctant) Ukraine again have scheduled a phone call with Putin, as if that will make a difference. Well, he might be more accommodating after achieving his military goals. I guess Merkel et al have not heard of “don’t shut the gate after the horse has bolted.”

go to forbes.com

Europe And The United States Finally Declare that Russian Soldiers Are Fighting In Ukraine

The European and American separate declarations that Russian soldiers are fighting in Ukraine is a rejection in clear language of the Kremlin’s phony narrative of a civil war fought by separatists and Russian “volunteers” deprives them of the “excuse not to believe.” It also means that Europe and the U.S. have labeled the leader of another country, one Vladimir Putin, a liar. The first step in solving any problem is to clearly define what it is. Europe and the U.S. have reluctantly taken this step. The next is to act.

go to Forbes.com