Over the past year this blog has been quiet. I cannot, however, remain quiet any longer about the situation in Russia. Even back in 2008 I wrote that Vladimir Putin was trouble, that the Cold War was back on, and that President Bush stood idly by. It would be bad enough to say that nothing has changed, but since then, things have gotten worse, and for the Ukraine, a lot worse.
Once again the world stands at the brink of war with a maniac, and we wonder how to avoid it. Those Russians who resist the kook are subject to harassment or arrest. The casual relationship Mr. Putin has with the truth makes negotiations impossible. It would be bad enough if it were just the Ukraine that was put through this nightmare. But Estonia has suffered cyberattacks from Russia, and it is a sure bet that the rest of the world has suffered them as well.
All of this because the Ukraine dared enforce their democracy to establish stronger economic ties with the European Union, against their neighbor’s will. And when it was shown that threatening to turn off the gas was not enough to dissuade Ukrainians, Mr. Putin invaded.
There are very few steps between where we are now and opened armed conflict beyond the Ukraine. Knowing this, rather than seeking peaceful resolution to the situation, Mr. Putin rattled his large nuclear sword, like bullies flex their muscles.
But there are a few.
Europe took additional steps this week to attempt to restrain this great bear, and one knows that Russia has transgressed when the leaders of the EU can agree on something. Whether it is enough to keep the peace in the Ukraine and to keep Russia’s domineering presence at bay is a question only Mr. Putin can answer.
Europe ought not stand alone when dealing with this threat. The United States has a role to play by supporting Europe in arranging for alternative sources of fuel. Other leaders need to stand up and say that this is not a way for a superpower to behave.