[Softball Fan]

Agree with Palo Alto. 

Lots of negatives to this war continuing, in addition to cost to US (which is not my main concern). There is increasing world economic damage… increased gas prices/limited supply, increasing Western dependence on other unsavory gas producers,  reduced grain supplies. There is pushing Russia to ally further with the worst regimes (Iran, N. Korea). And a weakened Russia likely becoming more dependent on China (even though China’s war support has been limited). And of course the death and destruction that continued war will bring, and the possibility of nuclear weapons being used.

There is of course an argument for continued war support…especially if we believe that further Russian losses could result in Putin being deposed and a less bad leader installed. But that is a plenty risky alternative. And even if Putin is removed, a de-stabilized Russia with lots of nuclear weapons could result. 

As for TrumpCard’s comment…I think a lot of the degradation of the Russian military, both physically and psychologically, has already occurred. 

Its time to start trying to find a resolution. Its a tough balance with not rewarding aggression. But we need to start working on creative solutions.

Putin has no interest in negotiating:  https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-says...022-10-14/

The best way to end this war is to help the Ukraine win quickly.  That is the only thing that will drive Putin to the negotiating table.

I am not a big believer in the Chamberlain approach....

IIRC Neville Chamberlain was best known for trying to avoid war.  The issue here is the end game; how to end the war.

You bring up one of the points that changed my thinking.  How is Ukraine going to "win" the war?  Are they going to destroy and conquer all of Russia?  That doesn't seem likely.  Plus I believe Putin will use tactical nukes before he would accept defeat.  What do you do about that?

[Softball Fan]

Agree with Palo Alto. 

Lots of negatives to this war continuing, in addition to cost to US (which is not my main concern). There is increasing world economic damage… increased gas prices/limited supply, increasing Western dependence on other unsavory gas producers,  reduced grain supplies. There is pushing Russia to ally further with the worst regimes (Iran, N. Korea). And a weakened Russia likely becoming more dependent on China (even though China’s war support has been limited). And of course the death and destruction that continued war will bring, and the possibility of nuclear weapons being used.

There is of course an argument for continued war support…especially if we believe that further Russian losses could result in Putin being deposed and a less bad leader installed. But that is a plenty risky alternative. And even if Putin is removed, a de-stabilized Russia with lots of nuclear weapons could result. 

As for TrumpCard’s comment…I think a lot of the degradation of the Russian military, both physically and psychologically, has already occurred. 

Its time to start trying to find a resolution. Its a tough balance with not rewarding aggression. But we need to start working on creative solutions.

Putin has no interest in negotiating:  https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-says...022-10-14/

The best way to end this war is to help the Ukraine win quickly.  That is the only thing that will drive Putin to the negotiating table.

I am not a big believer in the Chamberlain approach....

IIRC Neville Chamberlain was best known for trying to avoid war.  The issue here is the end game; how to end the war.

You bring up one of the points that changed my thinking.  How is Ukraine going to "win" the war?  Are they going to destroy and conquer all of Russia?  That doesn't seem likely.  Plus I believe Putin will use tactical nukes before he would accept defeat.  What do you do about that?