How Should We Respond To Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine?
Last night, at the orders of President Vladimir Putin, the world was horrified to witness the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
While it is still relatively early, and a lot is still unknown, it is clear that the entire Ukrainian nation is under assault. It is also painfully obvious that Mr Putin and his government lied when they said there were no plans to invade Ukraine. Most people assumed he and his cronies were lying, but we now have the proof.
In many ways, the invasion of Ukraine has played out similarly to how previous Russian invasions under Mr Putin have gone. One of the biggest differences is that this is on a much larger scale.
What’s happening is heartbreaking.
The US Response To Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine
Many people are asking what the US response should be, but thankfully, few are advocating for direct military action. President Biden only a little more than an hour ago delivered a statement on the situation. President Biden’s statement can be summed up as “Bad Putin, naughty Putin, sanctions, sanctions, stronger sanctions, allies, kumbaya with allies, we will not take military action but will respond in kind to cyberattacks, teamwork, sanctions, we’ll see how things are working in a month.” Relying on more than sanctions would be better.
Sanctions For Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine
So let’s talk about sanctions, since those seem to be the main thrust of the program against Putin’s aggression currently. The Biden Administration is trying to target the Russian government and oligarchs through the sanctions being implemented. Unfortunately, no matter how targeted sanctions are intended to be, their costs are often passed on. They end up devastating the lower and middle classes.
Sanctions, over time, can bring a nation to its knees. In doing so though,sanctions may turn the people of the sanctioned nation against the sanctioning nations. As sanctions make life difficult, they can essentially back a government into a corner leading them to lash out and be more aggressive in order to secure resources they can no longer secure through trade. Sanctions are simply a form of economic warfare. Sanctions are warfare using currency instead of bullets. Occasionally, sanctions can have the desired effect, but they often have unintended consequences, and come with a lot of risk. Sanctions should be applied with great caution and care.
War Crimes Indictments For Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine
Through wars of aggression on flimsy pretense over the years in Crimea, the Russo-Georgian war, and now with the invasion of Ukraine; Vladimir Putin has likely committed war crimes. Mr Putin and leaders in his administration and military should be indicted for war crimes.
Accepting Refugees
Ireland is waiving visa requirements for Ukrainians who travel to Ireland. The President of Moldova similarly announced that their borders are open for Ukrainians who need safe transit or wish to stay in Moldova and they have opened temporary placement centers to help them along their way. Likely, other nations will follow suit.
The US should have open arms for Ukrainian refugees who come here. It may be hard to get here, but those who manage it should be welcomed. Whether they wish temporary residence or permanent residence, they should be greeted with open arms.
Remember The Russian People Are Not Our Enemies
Thousands of Russians have been arrested for protesting against the invasion. These brave people are protesting despite being warned arrests may be on their records for the rest of their lives and may impact employment and other aspects of their lives.
Many, mostly independent, members of the media have “signed a petition condemning Russia’s operation in Ukraine” while “more than a hundred municipal deputies from Moscow, St Petersburg, Samara, Ryazan and other cities have signed an open letter to the citizens of Russia, urging them not to take part or stay silent.”
A platoon of Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian troops. They said they were unaware they were being deployed with the expectation to kill Ukrainians.
Support for this invasion is by no means monolithic. The Russian people are not our enemies. We should treat Russians with the same love, kindness, and respect we would any of our neighbors.
Continue And Expand The Work Of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty
Formed in 1949, Radio Free Europe was founded as an anti-Communist propaganda source. As time went on, it’s mission adapted somewhat, and later, Radio Liberty joined Radio Free Europe. Many might be surprised to know Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFERL) are still operating.
Russia has taken some efforts against RFERL. However, as we have learned, online groups and individuals can set up new websites, spoof addresses, and take other actions to either hide where they are or avoid being censored online. RFERL could expand its efforts and other organizations could also be created to spread the message of freedom, community, unity, love, free markets, democracy, etc. where the free flow of information is stifled.
While RFERL is funded by the US government, it functions as a private, non profit organization. There’s no reason other similar private non profits could not function without government funding.
Diplomacy With Russia Despite Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine
Although diplomatic efforts have stalled, and the US has expelled Russia’s #2 diplomat in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine and the Russian expulsion of the US Deputy Chief of Mission two weeks ago, diplomatic contact should still continue. Anyone who paid attention during the run-up to this invasion saw the lies being told by Mr Putin and his mouthpieces. Trust always seemed to be in short supply between the US and Russia, but the relationship is damaged even more now.
Despite the damage and mistrust, diplomatic channels should remain open and in effect. Diplomatic channels should never be completely closed off. There should always be a way for nations to talk, negotiate, and seek and find peace.
Aid For The People Of Ukraine
As individuals we can donate to organizations and charities helping support Ukrainian citizen, children, and refugees. USA Today has a decent list. Mercury One is another charitable organization that is doing charitable work for Ukrainians as well as others. Donations may or may not be deductible on your taxes, but even if they aren’t you’re doing good work, helping people in need, and that’s what’s really important isn’t it?
Answers?
Military action by NATO and the US is not a good option. If NATO were to get involved at this point, it would probably just broaden the war and bring about the third World War many people fear is coming.
Jimi Hendrix said “When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.” Fear, greed, and insecurity are also frequently motivations for violence and war. Love is the answer to all of them.
When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.
Jimi Hendrix
How will love solve the situation in Ukraine? I don’t know. Love likely won’t be given the opportunity, unfortunately. But if it were allowed to, it would be the best option. In the meantime, while we work on love, let’s try more than sanctions, sanctions, sanctions. A broad-based, holistic approach will have more effect than a single-minded, single-pronged response. Whatever we do, we should not drive further wedges between Russia on one side and Ukraine, the US, and NATO on the other.
Garrett Leeds is the multipassionate founder of the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Project. He is a writer, creator, father, and empathic human being. At the end of 2020 he published his first book, a book of poems entitled Love, Longing, And The Empty. When he isn’t writing, building his business, or spending time with family he can usually be found playing games, consuming media, or pondering deep questions.
