Falling into Putin's trap

[Mik]

Interesting perspective and, I think, correct at least in part.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/alexei-navalny-warns-the-us-is-falling-into-putin-s-trap-on-ukraine-like-a-frightened-schoolboy/ar-AASWOO2?ocid=msedgntp

[Jolly]

So his point is that immediate sanctions are the preferable way to deal with Putin? Always the stick before the carrot?

[Mik]

At least do not offer incentives to behave.

[Renauda]

Navalny has a point. Bear in mind however he has his own agenda and is every bit a Russian nationalist as his nemesis, Putin. He naturally promotes an aggressive economic Western response over Ukraine because he wants the Russian economy to tank as it is the only way to get rid of Putin and his corrupt cronies. He cares little about Ukrainian independence or sovereignty. In fact, if you do any digging into his past you will discover he is no friend of liberal democracy either.

[Mik]

I have no illusions of a white knight riding in to save Russia, other than to keep it for himself. Way too much money floating around.

[jon-nyc]

Interesting thread I'm not sure what to make of it. 15 years ago I had good Russia contacts, including a granddaughter of a former Soviet leader. Today, not so much.