Putin and the Nuclear Threat

By a wide margin, the task that eclipses all others is doing whatever can be done to reduce the threat of nuclear war. If withdrawing support from Ukraine would maximize the likelihood of avoiding nuclear war, I would be for it, tragic as that would be. It happens, however, that withdrawing support from Ukraine would likely increase the likelihood of nuclear war. Putin would roll over Ukraine. The Russian war hawks would be emboldened. Putin would demand more, and our credibility would have evaporated. At some point, we would have to resist. Now, not later, is a better time to stand firm. We have to keep helping Ukraine as long as they want to continue to defend themselves, but we must also talk with Putin and work to achieve a settlement. Stand firm, keep talking, keep working. Keep thinking. It’s what we must do and all we can do.