[Jim Noble]

NATO has as much right to be there as Russia does

And a 19 foot sailboat has right-of-way over the Queen Mary II.

However, on crossing courses, if you are the sailboat, my advice is to bear off.

Russia has, and always will have, interests in Ukraine (except Lviv/Lwow/Lemberg) that dwarf those of the NATO states.

[dfwgator]

That’s why to me a split makes the most sense, Western Ukraine can join NATO, the EU, whatever....that might be the best deal they’re going to get.

[Sawdring]

It doesn't matter whether the interests are old interests or new interests. There is no moral equivalency in international relations, just good old fashioned power politics.

The boat reference should be two Queen Mary's playing chicken. You take the Russian side I will take NATO and the US'.