Scott,

The defeat is of Putin and not the Russian people -- who have already been subjugated.

Regarding peace. Putin can have peace anytime.

Initially, the effort to counter Putin's aggression was incremental and timid. Most of the blame for this is on Joe Biden's leadership. He continues to slow-walk in not allowing Ukraine into NATO, which he should do immediately. Some arrangements can be found to move around Article 5.

Zelenski and Ukrainians are fighting for Europe, America, and the West. Ukraine has thousands dead and many times in casualties. America and the West have risked zero lives.

Getting Ukraine swiftly into NATO will be a defeat for Putin, which we want, and we will embrace Ukraine into a new order.

The danger of forever finding excuses for keeping Ukraine out of NATO can sour Zelenski and Ukraine's relationship with the West. We DON'T want that. Turkey soured on the West because it was never allowed membership to the EU club.

Many thanks. Best.