Bryan Dijkhuizen, I'm sure you are a well intentioned guy, but you are totally off the mark with your analysis and proposed actions.

Putin does not want Ukraine as a neutral territory. That is the problem.

Putin is not a madman (yet). Putin is essentially a mobster boss and Ukraine to him was a subordinate that answered to him and paid rent. When Ukraine wanted out of this relationship and didn't respond to Putin's threats, it then had to be punished into compliance. Now that even this is not working, Putin is focused on killing Ukraine.

Putin understands force. Peace talks to him are weakness to be taken advantage of.

Zelensky and the Ukraine people are fighting for their own country, but they are fighting for us in the West. At this stage with Ukraine's proven fortitude, America, Europe, Japan, others and NATO need to oust Putin totally out of Ukraine. If we don't, Putin will simply regroup and come back for another bite. Possibly Estonia.

You're right that sanctions alone will not stop the slaughter and destruction in Ukraine (but counter to what you say, they are hurting and take time). That is why the West needs to muster the fortitude to do whatever it takes to win this because time is of the essence.

When the risks from Putin's weapons of mass destruction become less should NATO take more direct action then we should do that. Immediately getting Ukraine all the fighting material they are asking for is the next step before quite possibly direct military intervention.

Many thanks.

(The Ruble has bounced back because of huge interest rate which likely cannot be sustained).