To the Editors,
History can show us that, as it relates to any Russian defense strategy, Ukraine is critical in such planning. Whether it be the French army under the command of Napoleon or the German army under the command of Hitler, Ukraine possessed tactical elements that determined the operational success of the invading forces against Russia.
Unfortunately, the world finds itself in another conflict today in the same region for the same reason: conquest.
As Ukrainian forces push back along the frontline in Kherson and Kharkiv, Putin has ordered a “partial mobilization,” calling for 300,000 civilians that are of fighting age to be conscripted and join the war effort.
Although Ukraine has made significant progress in the south and northeast, it is far too early to suggest these gains will be permanent as Russia regroups its forces once again.
Ukraine is so vital to the Russian defense strategy that Putin will do whatever it takes to make sure that NATO doesn’t take another step towards the west.
As the war continues, the potential for a broader conflict becomes much more likely. With Ukrainian lawmakers calling for strikes within Russia and the threat of nuclear weapons, this conflict is far from over, unless serious diplomatic efforts take place. Funneling weapons into a warzone does not create stability, but threatening the world with nuclear fallout and committing atrocities in contravention of the Geneva Code will not bring sympathy to an invading force or the people who support it.
Walter Cassidy,
Hagersville
