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“If you have a modicum of knowledge about history, you know that war can occur when there are miscalculations about the enemy’s intentions.”

I’ve studied history my whole life. My university degree is in history.

“You shouldn’t ascribe your own values, intentions, etc. to the enemy.”

I don’t.

“We almost had a nuclear war over the Cuban missile crisis because the Soviets did not believe our red line. Fortunately, both sides blinked and the Soviets were given a face saving exit with our withdrawal of missiles from Turkey.”

I remember the Cuban Missile Crisis very well. In any event, our Jupiter missiles were obsolete for the intended mission, but the propulsion system was the model for our space program.

“The Russians have drawn red lines over the entry of Ukraine into NATO and the status of Crimea.”

Ukraine is not going to become a NATO member, and everyone
— including Putin — knows it. Crimea was illegally annexed by Russia. Only a handful of countries — all Russian toadies — recognize Crimea as part of Russia today.

“As we continue to escalate our involvement in Ukraine, we run the risk of crossing these red lines.”

No, we don’t. As I said before, Ukraine is not going to become a member of NATO. Putin knows that. As for Crimea, there is little chance Ukraine will get it back, so any settlement would have to recognize that. But the other parts of Ukraine that Russia has illegally annexed are a different story. So, your two “red lines” will not be crossed.

“Russia cannot lose this war.”

Of course it can. Every war can be lost. But, perhaps you meant that Putin’s ego can’t afford to lose this war.

“If it believes its strategic interests are being threatened, it will raise the ante.”

As would any nation.

“We are already at war economically with Russia now.”

Yeah? So what? We have sanctions against a lot of countries and a lot of entities. In that sense, we are at war economically with China. Do you recommend that the US “surrender” that economic war with China?

“Who blew up the NordStream pipelines?”

I have no idea. Present the evidence in a court of law and if the defendant party is found guilty it should accept the consequences as set down by the court.

“Take a look at what Biden said we wouldn’t do in terms of the kinds of weapons.”

Conditions dictate the measures. A year ago is a long time ago; much has changed. Only a fool would restrict himself in that respect.

“There has been a definite escalation on our side.”

As the Soviets escalated in Korea and Vietnam. It’s how the game is played. You know that; you’re not naiive.

“What happens if the coming Russian offensive is
successful?”

That depends on “how” successful.

“To what extent will we go to prevent a Ukrainian defeat. F-16s? US advisors?”

No, we won’t put US boots on the ground in Ukraine in combat roles nor will we put US helmets in the air above Ukraine in combat roles. And I would very much oppose us doing it. Advisors? As long as they do not actively engage in combat operations, advisors are just that: advisors. We are already giving the Ukrainians intel, etc.

Let me ask you this: There are stories floating around that Putin is planning to launch operations against Moldova. If true, are you okay with that, as you seem to be okay with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine?

Ukraine is not going to become a NATO member, and everyone — including Putin — knows it.

Somebody needs to tell NATO, the US State Department and DOD that Ukraine is not going to become a member of NATO. NATO has been training Ukrainian military forces for many years. On June 12, 2020 NATO recognized Ukraine as Enhanced Opportunities Partner.

"As a NATO partner, Ukraine has provided troops to Allied operations, including in Afghanistan and Kosovo, as well as to the NATO Response Force and NATO exercises. Allies highly value these significant contributions, which demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic security."

"As an Enhanced Opportunities Partner, Ukraine will benefit from tailor-made opportunities to help sustain such contributions. This includes enhanced access to interoperability programmes and exercises, and more sharing of information, including lessons learned."

On November 10, 2021 The US signed the U.S.-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership Among other things it stipulated that:

"Guided by the April 3, 2008 Bucharest Summit Declaration of the NATO North Atlantic Council and as reaffirmed in the June 14, 2021 Brussels Summit Communique of the NATO North Atlantic Council, the United States supports Ukraine’s right to decide its own future foreign policy course free from outside interference, including with respect to Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO."

Crimea was illegally annexed by Russia. Only a handful of countries — all Russian toadies — recognize Crimea as part of Russia today.

So why didn't Obama /Biden do anything about it? Or NATO? Life went on with Russia. No real sanctions. Trade and commerce continued. Ukraine made no effort to liberate it in contrast to the Donbas, which they shelled regularly.

I wouldn't be so sure. We started in Vietnam giving weapons and stationing advisors who then got involved in combat. First we said no tanks. Now jets are being discussed if not provided by us, then other NATO members. This is how incremental escalations work. All of sudden you are in direct confrontation with the Russians. You know we have contractors in Ukraine maintaining weapons and training personnel. Real time intelligence is being provided for targeting. It seems highly unlikely we wouldn't already have boots/intel people on the ground in Ukraine.

I am not OK with it, but Moldova is not part of NATO. The Russians already occupy a portion of Moldova. Russian peacekeepers occupy a mainly Russian-speaking breakaway sliver of territory called Transdniestria since 1992, while political power in the capital Chisinau has oscillated for years between pro-Russian and pro-Western political parties.

We should stay out of it.