Many thanks, Hossein; I much appreciate your reading and valuable comments.

Yes, the grain ships have to get through (for humanitarian reasons, AND it's an opportunity to hold strong with countries in the African continent),. Agreed, the overwhelming muscle of NATO should be employed NOW. This CAN be done without an outright attack on Russia (maintaining the mission of the defense of Ukrainian sovereign territory) and, contrary to popular views, will pressure the nuclear option into retreat not only with Putin but also worldwide.

Few have agreed with me on my criticism of America’s management of the Putin/Ukraine crisis. The standard reply is "all well in hindsight," which the critical elements of my argument are not, but even if they are, "hindsight" is invaluable to what actions we take NOW.

Best to you.