[pierrem15]

The object, as it has been for a long time, is to keep the Russians as far away as possible.

Distance is always militarily significant. So is manpower: the Poles and Ukrainians, when adequately armed, add considerably to European forces. And there isn't any reason why Ukraine couldn't do as well as Poland economically if it were at peace and in the EU.

[Trailerpark Badass]

The Russians, except for nuclear missiles, are zero threat to the US. Do you really think they would conquer Europe, AND THEN cross an ocean to threaten us? We already have "distance," except now we have insisted on creating provocations right on Putin's border.

How is that creating "distance?"

Ukraine is a basket case, always has been. Saying it "might" rise to the level of, lol, Poland, just reinforces the fact that we have zero strategic interest there.