Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is already a humanitarian catastrophe. Though Vladimir Putin’s endgame shouldn’t be but clear, the West’s expressed refusal to put boots on the bottom in Ukraine invitations Russia to develop its long-shrunken empire. Mr. Putin views the entire of Ukraine as ripe for reconquest, whereas he should see Poland, the Baltics and different North Atlantic Treaty Group enemies as weak to nonmilitary subversion.
In need of committing troops, what can NATO do to weaken Mr. Putin’s hand? The coalition is already supplying Ukraine with war-fighting materiel and logistical and tactical help, denying airspace to Russia, and providing fast refuge for displaced households. President Biden’s skillful orchestration of extreme commerce, forex, banking and different financial sanctions towards Moscow and Russian oligarchs have created viselike pressures that can develop steadily simpler as financial panic takes maintain in Russia. Even dictators like Mr. Putin should attend to home opposition to warfare, already evidenced by public protests and outrage over the variety of Russian troopers coming dwelling in physique luggage. The important thing query is one in every of timing: Can these elements take full impact earlier than Russia subjugates Ukraine?
