According to The New York Times, “President Vladimir V. Putin said he would recognize the independence of two Russian-backed territories in eastern Ukraine and warned the government of Ukraine that further bloodshed ‘will be fully and wholly’ on its conscience, delivering an emotional and aggrieved address that set the stage for the possibility of Russian military action against Ukraine. The White House responded by saying that President Biden will begin imposing limited economic sanctions on the two separatist regions, stopping short of imposing any penalties directly on Russia for now but vowing that more would come. Leaders of the European Union also condemned Putin’s move and said they will impose sanctions on those involved.”
First, you should be absolutely clear about what Putin has done. He has essentially signed articles of war. He should have just declared war out loud. This is the mother of all pre-texts to justify an invasion. He literally just created the circumstances for Anschluss or whatever the Russian term is for the same. In short, Putin created a “legal” — only insofar as Russian jurisprudence extends — rationale for defending these new Russia-allied “states” from Ukraine “aggression.” So, what does that mean for Ukrainians who are not Russian-backed separatists living in those provinces? They are now about to be under the direct influence (read: control) of Russia. Ukrainians one minute, Russians the next. And that is how wars are started. The dye has been cast. Again, I say the war actually started a few days ago, but if people want a more formal indication, then I say bombs will fly and tanks will roll within hours from now. Caesar crossed the Rubicon today.
Second, I am pleasantly surprised Biden has already said he will impose sanctions for this most recent Putin action. It was swift and direct. Good start, but not enough! War is here, folks!