"With the benefit of that classified information, the U.S. and NATO have gone way out of their way to signal to Putin that the U.S. and NATO do not seek a nuclear confrontation with Russia. I don’t believe any of us have the information to second-guess a judgment based on the best intelligence available about Putin’s state of mind." I am with you here. My particular confidence is with Joe Biden who has demonstrated the prudence and the steadfastness of a leader of a great nation. In this he is a real contrast to Marco Rubio (who will serve as a stand in for all of the Republican aspirants). I have been following The Boston Globe conversation about this issue. Rubio's defenders ask "What is it about the photos that identify the where Zelensky is?" Rubio's critics explain that technology is the problem. Distributing that screen shot by social media allows someone attempting to find Zelensky's whereabouts to follow the technological Zoom connections (I have no personal understanding of this, I have to admit) to locate Zelensky. If nothing else, Rubio's casual willingness to violate the request of the Ukrainian government demonstrates a lack of prudence and a lack of steadfastness which disqualifies him as a presidential contender and ought to disqualify him as a Senator to his Florida constituents.
While I agree with almost everything Robert has written tonight, I think his comparison of Putin's behavior to that of North Korea does a disservice--to North Korea. That isolated nation, while full of bluster and threats, has NOT invaded any of its neighbors in nearly 70 years. What Putin has done is without a direct parallel in post-WW II history and it too will live in infamy.
I don’t remember Garland himself saying anything about protecting the DOJ’s reputation. If he is in dereliction of his duty, shouldn’t he be replaced—or would that be too “political” a move on Biden’s part? I am mystified by Garland’s sluggishness.
I so appreciate your reminding us of the nuclear threat in Ukraine. The current crisis is about a hell of a lot more than newsprint, as those of us in our seventies and eighties can attest. We need to lean on diplomatic solutions while providing non-inflammatory aid to Zelensky.
Mar 7, 2022·edited Mar 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Robert, You mirror our stunned recognition of the merciless acts being committed by a human monster named Putin. Ukraine and our minds are blanketed with human and structural destruction, soot. guns, people running for cover, dead bodies and blood. I don't think that Putin was slow to know what was happening. My hunch is that he knew before the rest of us. His ill prepared military, with many soldiers not knowing where they were going, they were slow. Has this monumental embarrassment, exposed for the world to see, not inflamed him more? Putin's flames of annihilation are deep and readily turned on and up. You frequently point to the threat of nuclear war, Robert, if the no no-fly zone became a no-fly zone. (Side note, in my email to you I wrote that I would maintain the no-fly zone, mistakenly leaving out the 'no' before the no. Hope that is clear) Given all of our concern about the 'nuclear' possibility, you have given little if any attention to the nuclear plants in Ukraine. From today's Guardian, 'Staff at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are being told what to do by the Russian military commander who seized the site last week, in violation of international safety protocols. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed “grave concern” at the situation at the six-reactor plant, the largest in Europe. The agency was told by the Ukrainian nuclear regulator that “any action of plant management – including measures related to the technical operation of the six reactor units – requires prior approval by the Russian commander”. There is no time and space for me to go into why this is so grave, but it is a subject that I would appreciate you addressing. In any analysis of the horrors which could emanate from this war, certainly the recklessness of Putin's military being in control of nuclear power plants must be considered. In addition, Ukraine needs planes and drones, and I do not know what else, but they do not have what they need.
Whoever thought that modernity would bear no resemblance to medieval times or the early 1940's -- actually who would have thought compare them? Evil will not be deterred. . .
I hope Americans are aware that the Republicans as a political party have not stood united behind Biden and the efforts of his administration to navigate the Ukrainian invasion by Russia and to keep the US out of a war. At the end of the day the Russian invasion has demonstrated to the world the resolve of the Ukrainian people, the fearless leadership of Zelensky and the value of an experienced President like Biden who has helped unite both NATO and the EU. Biden’s leadership is a threat to the Republican Party because they have no viable alternative . A simple question should be asked in an ad to all voters. “ In the current world crisis who would you rather have as President Donald Trump or Joe Biden? We need to remind people everyday.
A very balanced analysis. We as a nation have evaded discussion of the consequences of our continuing reliance on nuclear weapons, in part because the consequences of nuclear war are almost unimaginable for most of us.
You have the "no fly zone" problem right. It brings to mind one of my favorite quotes from H. L. Mencken:
"For every complex problem there is an answer that is simple, clear and wrong."
Without disagreeing with your, I consider, correct analysis of the potential dangers of Imposing a no-fly, I believe you did not finish the construction….If not now, when?
How much loss of life, destruction of essential homes, institutions and services before we say enough? And, most importantly, how much appeasement of Putin before we say no more?
I believe Putin cares little of the economic hardships imposed on the Russian people. I also believe that he draws strength of purpose every time we, and NATO, allow him to dictate the terms of war by threatening use of nuclear weapons.
Therefore, after destroying Ukraine why not invade the Baltic nations, or Finland or Romania? If the West objects, just terrorize everyone with the threat of nuclear winter.
So, by all means continue to support Ukraine with weapons and humanitarian support, add in as many drones as possible. Ask citizens to endure higher gas and energy prices. Just recognize that at some point we will have to call an end to Putin’s madness, or the democratic world as we know it.
My view is the longer we wait, the more determined he becomes. At the same time, he becomes more dangerous and cornered as his conventional weapons inventory is depleted and economic distress increases. Biden has an impossibly difficult situation to navigate. We will just have to hope he will to make all the correct decisions.
As a final note, completely agree with you on the embarrassing disappearance of the DOJ and Garland. Thanks for keeping me up to date on the apologist’s point view and the legal issues.
Right on Robert! Biden has lead a master team in our response to Russia and support of Ukraine. If they could support a no fly zone without escalating the situation they would. I wish people would consider the atomic bombs dropped on Japan and understand that any nuclear weapon Putin uses would be at least 100 times worse. It wouldn’t just affect the IUkrainians and Europe it would reach our shores easily. For all we know we would be the primary target.
Not only the idea of a no-fly zone not smart, but also, the idea of a "Yachts for Ukraine" bill is floating around Congress. I live in NY, and Chuck Schumer is one of my Senators. Here's my message to him yesterday, sent using https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck
Hi, I've read that there's interest in Congress for a "Yachts for Ukraine" bill. The idea is to seize Russian yachts and other assets, sell them, and give the proceeds to Ukraine.
I think this is a bad idea. It would give Putin a reason, perhaps, to claim that the U.S. had illegally confiscated Russian assets. He's a cornered rat. Who knows what he'll do as things worsen.
Don't poke at him.
Continue the sanctions, perhaps even stopping the purchase of Russian oil, and turn more towards renewable energy.
Support Ukraine vigorously with supplies of all sorts. And replenish the military aircraft that, say, Poland is giving to Ukraine. But do not give Putin a reason to escalate to, perhaps a tactical nuke or two.
Regarding Putin not being able to keep people from news, alas, I fear that isn't enough. In this country, half our citizens theoretically have access to the truth, but that doesn't mean they have any interest in it. Instead, they happily listen to Faux News or whatever version of alt-reality they prefer. I'm reading that Russians have no idea Putin has invaded Ukraine. I suspect that it's partly because many of them don't want to know or don't want to believe. Just like in this country. A further note: I'm appalled that I'm hearing news outlets refer to the "war" between Russia and Ukraine, as if both sides are at fault. This is not a war; it's a full-scale invasion--an assault. It's only a war in the sense that one side is defending itself against horrific aggression.
Mar 7, 2022·edited Mar 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
As we examine the pros and cons of a Ukrainian no fly zone consider the current plight and consequences of sanctions on Russian civil aviation. At present Russian civil aviation includes Russian airlines with a total of 980 passenger jets in service. Of course there are also a number, unknown at present dedicated exclusively to freight services. Of those 980 about two thirds or 515 are leased from foreign firms, the majority of those are Irish aircraft leasing companies. Under the present sanctions those aircraft are to be repossessed by March 28th. The repossession of those aircraft is an interesting logistical exercise. Additionally, the Russian lessor airlines will have great difficulty making lease payments due to sanctions on Russian banks. They also face sanctions banning the sale of aircraft maintenance services and parts to Russian airlines. This is quite likely to result in grounding a significant portion of the Russian aviation fleet even if the airlines were able to avoid repossession of the planes. Now consider the fact that Russia is the largest country in the world geographically stretching across 11 time zones. The loss of a significant portion of Russian air travel presents an entirely new challenge for Putin and Russia that will present him with another set of problems and heavily impact the Russian people and further challenge the Russian economy.
Maybe you already have explained this, but can the president - or Congress - direct the DOJ to pursue an investigation? Or is it entirely up to Garland to decide whether or not something should be handled by the DOJ?
Thanks for the link to the information about Anonymous. Seems that hacker group is becoming a big player in what now feels like WWIII. If Putin keeps his promise to send protestors to the front, he just might inadvertently be strengthening Ukraine's army of volunteers. Why would they pick up arms against the very people whose destruction they are protesting?
I have enough background at this point to fully agree and see the logic of sticking with Biden and his advisers regarding the "no fly zone" idea. The more Putin has nothing to lose, the more likely he is to destroy far more just to "show us." It is a balancing act and it's quite clear he is ruthless. I agree with Robert's writing and view of this. During my first year at Ohio Wesleyan I was channeled into courses I hadn't selected. One was called "Comparative Political Systems." I knew nothing about any of it when I started the course. By the end, I had read "Hitler: A Study in Tyranny" and went on to read more about the era after my course ended. Appeasement comes in many forms. Not having the no fly zone as a viable option is not appeasement. Keep up the great work, Robert. I just wish you weren't right about Garland. Darn.
The U.S. enforcing a no-fly zone over Ukraine is a bad idea. Putin wants to reestablish the Russian (or Soviet) empire. He is 69 years old. This is probably his last and only shot at doing something to approach that goal. So he will go for broke. He has threatened to use nuclear weapons. He has threatened war on the Unites States and NATO. When he tells us and then shows us who he is--a cruel, murderous, despot--we should believe him.
"With the benefit of that classified information, the U.S. and NATO have gone way out of their way to signal to Putin that the U.S. and NATO do not seek a nuclear confrontation with Russia. I don’t believe any of us have the information to second-guess a judgment based on the best intelligence available about Putin’s state of mind." I am with you here. My particular confidence is with Joe Biden who has demonstrated the prudence and the steadfastness of a leader of a great nation. In this he is a real contrast to Marco Rubio (who will serve as a stand in for all of the Republican aspirants). I have been following The Boston Globe conversation about this issue. Rubio's defenders ask "What is it about the photos that identify the where Zelensky is?" Rubio's critics explain that technology is the problem. Distributing that screen shot by social media allows someone attempting to find Zelensky's whereabouts to follow the technological Zoom connections (I have no personal understanding of this, I have to admit) to locate Zelensky. If nothing else, Rubio's casual willingness to violate the request of the Ukrainian government demonstrates a lack of prudence and a lack of steadfastness which disqualifies him as a presidential contender and ought to disqualify him as a Senator to his Florida constituents.
- Marco Rubio reflects all that is wrong with the GOP and Florida. Go, Val Demings!
- Robert, The no-fly-zone explanation is so helpful. Retired GA Senator Sam Nunn, a nuclear expert, reiterates in a great 20 minute conversation: https://www.gpb.org/news/2022/02/28/political-rewind-former-sen-sam-nunn-talks-about-ukraine-ukrainians-in-ga-weigh
- DOJ’s lack of action emboldens Trump and his devotees.
While I agree with almost everything Robert has written tonight, I think his comparison of Putin's behavior to that of North Korea does a disservice--to North Korea. That isolated nation, while full of bluster and threats, has NOT invaded any of its neighbors in nearly 70 years. What Putin has done is without a direct parallel in post-WW II history and it too will live in infamy.
I don’t remember Garland himself saying anything about protecting the DOJ’s reputation. If he is in dereliction of his duty, shouldn’t he be replaced—or would that be too “political” a move on Biden’s part? I am mystified by Garland’s sluggishness.
I so appreciate your reminding us of the nuclear threat in Ukraine. The current crisis is about a hell of a lot more than newsprint, as those of us in our seventies and eighties can attest. We need to lean on diplomatic solutions while providing non-inflammatory aid to Zelensky.
Robert, You mirror our stunned recognition of the merciless acts being committed by a human monster named Putin. Ukraine and our minds are blanketed with human and structural destruction, soot. guns, people running for cover, dead bodies and blood. I don't think that Putin was slow to know what was happening. My hunch is that he knew before the rest of us. His ill prepared military, with many soldiers not knowing where they were going, they were slow. Has this monumental embarrassment, exposed for the world to see, not inflamed him more? Putin's flames of annihilation are deep and readily turned on and up. You frequently point to the threat of nuclear war, Robert, if the no no-fly zone became a no-fly zone. (Side note, in my email to you I wrote that I would maintain the no-fly zone, mistakenly leaving out the 'no' before the no. Hope that is clear) Given all of our concern about the 'nuclear' possibility, you have given little if any attention to the nuclear plants in Ukraine. From today's Guardian, 'Staff at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are being told what to do by the Russian military commander who seized the site last week, in violation of international safety protocols. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed “grave concern” at the situation at the six-reactor plant, the largest in Europe. The agency was told by the Ukrainian nuclear regulator that “any action of plant management – including measures related to the technical operation of the six reactor units – requires prior approval by the Russian commander”. There is no time and space for me to go into why this is so grave, but it is a subject that I would appreciate you addressing. In any analysis of the horrors which could emanate from this war, certainly the recklessness of Putin's military being in control of nuclear power plants must be considered. In addition, Ukraine needs planes and drones, and I do not know what else, but they do not have what they need.
Whoever thought that modernity would bear no resemblance to medieval times or the early 1940's -- actually who would have thought compare them? Evil will not be deterred. . .
I hope Americans are aware that the Republicans as a political party have not stood united behind Biden and the efforts of his administration to navigate the Ukrainian invasion by Russia and to keep the US out of a war. At the end of the day the Russian invasion has demonstrated to the world the resolve of the Ukrainian people, the fearless leadership of Zelensky and the value of an experienced President like Biden who has helped unite both NATO and the EU. Biden’s leadership is a threat to the Republican Party because they have no viable alternative . A simple question should be asked in an ad to all voters. “ In the current world crisis who would you rather have as President Donald Trump or Joe Biden? We need to remind people everyday.
A very balanced analysis. We as a nation have evaded discussion of the consequences of our continuing reliance on nuclear weapons, in part because the consequences of nuclear war are almost unimaginable for most of us.
You have the "no fly zone" problem right. It brings to mind one of my favorite quotes from H. L. Mencken:
"For every complex problem there is an answer that is simple, clear and wrong."
Hi Robert,
Without disagreeing with your, I consider, correct analysis of the potential dangers of Imposing a no-fly, I believe you did not finish the construction….If not now, when?
How much loss of life, destruction of essential homes, institutions and services before we say enough? And, most importantly, how much appeasement of Putin before we say no more?
I believe Putin cares little of the economic hardships imposed on the Russian people. I also believe that he draws strength of purpose every time we, and NATO, allow him to dictate the terms of war by threatening use of nuclear weapons.
Therefore, after destroying Ukraine why not invade the Baltic nations, or Finland or Romania? If the West objects, just terrorize everyone with the threat of nuclear winter.
So, by all means continue to support Ukraine with weapons and humanitarian support, add in as many drones as possible. Ask citizens to endure higher gas and energy prices. Just recognize that at some point we will have to call an end to Putin’s madness, or the democratic world as we know it.
My view is the longer we wait, the more determined he becomes. At the same time, he becomes more dangerous and cornered as his conventional weapons inventory is depleted and economic distress increases. Biden has an impossibly difficult situation to navigate. We will just have to hope he will to make all the correct decisions.
As a final note, completely agree with you on the embarrassing disappearance of the DOJ and Garland. Thanks for keeping me up to date on the apologist’s point view and the legal issues.
Right on Robert! Biden has lead a master team in our response to Russia and support of Ukraine. If they could support a no fly zone without escalating the situation they would. I wish people would consider the atomic bombs dropped on Japan and understand that any nuclear weapon Putin uses would be at least 100 times worse. It wouldn’t just affect the IUkrainians and Europe it would reach our shores easily. For all we know we would be the primary target.
Hi,
Not only the idea of a no-fly zone not smart, but also, the idea of a "Yachts for Ukraine" bill is floating around Congress. I live in NY, and Chuck Schumer is one of my Senators. Here's my message to him yesterday, sent using https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck
Hi, I've read that there's interest in Congress for a "Yachts for Ukraine" bill. The idea is to seize Russian yachts and other assets, sell them, and give the proceeds to Ukraine.
I think this is a bad idea. It would give Putin a reason, perhaps, to claim that the U.S. had illegally confiscated Russian assets. He's a cornered rat. Who knows what he'll do as things worsen.
Don't poke at him.
Continue the sanctions, perhaps even stopping the purchase of Russian oil, and turn more towards renewable energy.
Support Ukraine vigorously with supplies of all sorts. And replenish the military aircraft that, say, Poland is giving to Ukraine. But do not give Putin a reason to escalate to, perhaps a tactical nuke or two.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Stromberg, Round Lake, NY
Regarding Putin not being able to keep people from news, alas, I fear that isn't enough. In this country, half our citizens theoretically have access to the truth, but that doesn't mean they have any interest in it. Instead, they happily listen to Faux News or whatever version of alt-reality they prefer. I'm reading that Russians have no idea Putin has invaded Ukraine. I suspect that it's partly because many of them don't want to know or don't want to believe. Just like in this country. A further note: I'm appalled that I'm hearing news outlets refer to the "war" between Russia and Ukraine, as if both sides are at fault. This is not a war; it's a full-scale invasion--an assault. It's only a war in the sense that one side is defending itself against horrific aggression.
As we examine the pros and cons of a Ukrainian no fly zone consider the current plight and consequences of sanctions on Russian civil aviation. At present Russian civil aviation includes Russian airlines with a total of 980 passenger jets in service. Of course there are also a number, unknown at present dedicated exclusively to freight services. Of those 980 about two thirds or 515 are leased from foreign firms, the majority of those are Irish aircraft leasing companies. Under the present sanctions those aircraft are to be repossessed by March 28th. The repossession of those aircraft is an interesting logistical exercise. Additionally, the Russian lessor airlines will have great difficulty making lease payments due to sanctions on Russian banks. They also face sanctions banning the sale of aircraft maintenance services and parts to Russian airlines. This is quite likely to result in grounding a significant portion of the Russian aviation fleet even if the airlines were able to avoid repossession of the planes. Now consider the fact that Russia is the largest country in the world geographically stretching across 11 time zones. The loss of a significant portion of Russian air travel presents an entirely new challenge for Putin and Russia that will present him with another set of problems and heavily impact the Russian people and further challenge the Russian economy.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/hundreds-russia-plane-leases-be-axed-after-eu-sanctions-2022-02-28/
Maybe you already have explained this, but can the president - or Congress - direct the DOJ to pursue an investigation? Or is it entirely up to Garland to decide whether or not something should be handled by the DOJ?
Thanks for the link to the information about Anonymous. Seems that hacker group is becoming a big player in what now feels like WWIII. If Putin keeps his promise to send protestors to the front, he just might inadvertently be strengthening Ukraine's army of volunteers. Why would they pick up arms against the very people whose destruction they are protesting?
I have enough background at this point to fully agree and see the logic of sticking with Biden and his advisers regarding the "no fly zone" idea. The more Putin has nothing to lose, the more likely he is to destroy far more just to "show us." It is a balancing act and it's quite clear he is ruthless. I agree with Robert's writing and view of this. During my first year at Ohio Wesleyan I was channeled into courses I hadn't selected. One was called "Comparative Political Systems." I knew nothing about any of it when I started the course. By the end, I had read "Hitler: A Study in Tyranny" and went on to read more about the era after my course ended. Appeasement comes in many forms. Not having the no fly zone as a viable option is not appeasement. Keep up the great work, Robert. I just wish you weren't right about Garland. Darn.
The U.S. enforcing a no-fly zone over Ukraine is a bad idea. Putin wants to reestablish the Russian (or Soviet) empire. He is 69 years old. This is probably his last and only shot at doing something to approach that goal. So he will go for broke. He has threatened to use nuclear weapons. He has threatened war on the Unites States and NATO. When he tells us and then shows us who he is--a cruel, murderous, despot--we should believe him.