I’ve read the back and forth for months on this site.
First off I think our government is shit and I don’t trust it at all in foreign affairs.
But I have dealt with bullies all my life and they don’t ever want mess with me after it is done even if I lose, which was often the case. Russia is being a bully as is China.
The USA is no saint either. All need a slap down. In the modern day war is bad, since we are capable of destroying all societies as we know them. Pandoras box has been opened.
I’m not a pacifist, I’m proud of my military service. I’d gladly destroy the entire society of any country that threatens mine. A strong defense is good. I would NOT do things half assed. That is weakness.
This is a civil war and Russia likely will win, but we want to be sure Russia will never do it again. Loss of men, military resources, lowered population growth rate, lack of trade with dynamic nations and its own border concerns. May be enough.
Russian history says otherwise.
What the Russians weren't counting on was Ukraine developing their own sense of independence.