Ukraine

New York Times veteran foreign observer Thomas Friedman had a lengthy column yesterday stating his conclusions after a three-day visit to Ukraine. Friedman underscores that Putin is the personification of evil. My impression after reading this article and from other sources is that the outcome of the war is uncertain, but that certain things should be clear to the West:

1. Putin will continue to try to brutalize Ukraine into submission. He is likely in hopeful frame of mind, given recent military deals with Iran and North Korea.

2. We should supply Ukraine with all the weapons, equipment, training, and backup it needs as fast as possible. Concessions may be required to achieve peace, but what must never be conceded is Ukraine’s right as a sovereign nation to gain NATO’s guaranteed protection and freedom to join or align itself with NATO and the EU.