This. I was in Poland in the early 90s, and have spent a lot of time there since and was in Ukraine in 2016. Most Americans cannot imagine the cultural pull Europe and the US have on these people. Whatever our problems are (and they are significant), integration with the West means the possibility of freedom and a "normal" life, whereas being a part of Russia is a simply a return to a gangster state.
Well put!
"This. I was in Poland in the early 90s, and have spent a lot of time there since and was in Ukraine in 2016. Most Americans cannot imagine the cultural pull Europe and the US have on these people. Whatever our problems are (and they are significant), integration with the West means the possibility of freedom and a "normal" life, whereas being a part of Russia is a simply a return to a gangster state."
And,
“Before the war, we had ties to Russia,” said Serhiy Zhyhalov, 36, a steel mill engineer, referring to familial, linguistic and cultural bonds. But no longer, he said. “No one has any doubts that Russia attacked us.”
Not complicated, nor should understanding that fear of opposing Putin due to nukes plays into his hand, for "peace in our time" simply delays conflict, yet Ukraine, with its great potential, has problems that are many. Trump understood the need for a stronger NATO and US military, but not a Wokelitary.