Alexander, we need to get ahead of Putin and not continue to react to him as we have in the past resulting in enormous costs. We cannot simply HOPE that Putin will not use nuclear weapons — or wait until he does, for the West to ACT.

What is high on Putin’s agenda is his own survival. This, we could guarantee on condition that he relinquished power. Parties would have to be convinced and this would undoubtedly require some exceptional skill. Not all problems would be instantly solved but some would and the nuclear threat diminished.

Another thought is that NATO acts the MOMENT there is clear evidence that Putin is moving beyond nuclear rhetoric. We don’t want a repeat of Putin setting up to invade while America and the West sit on their hands waiting for it to happen.

Our focus should be on PREVENTION and not retaliation or punishment.

Always excellent articles.