So that's why you're arguing that we should behave like Russians? What else does "strategic CULTURAL" objectives mean except to say "we shouldn't mess with the Russkies, and should invade countries where ethnic Americans are living in" LOL.
Lest we someday find ourselves alone in the world.
After all, most of the liberty and beauty in the world sprung from them,.
But I contend, while existential war is warranted to protect Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Paris and London, that warrant DOES NOT extend to Kiev and Sevastopol.
Certainly there is not sufficient commercial interest either.
This is a common mistake by the do-gooders. They think we can solve the worlds great problems...or bring comfort to those in misery...because it's the right thing to do.
But the adult players in the world...some our opposition...know that we will NOT fight where we do not have an interest. Even if we start out fighting.
Case in point:
Afghanistan after the Taliban were initially routed.
Yet some would risk nuclear war over Ukraine, where we have no interest whatsoever.
And where Russia has legitimate geopolitical and Strategic Cultural interests...interests that will cause them to use all power at their disposal to defend.
A Question to Ponder: Why did the USA not intervene in Hungary in 1956 or Czechoslovakia in 1968? We were FAR superior to the Soviets militarily...especially in 1956.