The remarks of the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the bragging of American intelligence used to kill Russian generals and sink ships were neither smart nor helpful (Tom Friedman had two good columns in the NYT 5/4 and 5/6).

The American mission desperately needs to be defined and made crystal clear to all. Namely to help Ukraine rid itself of Putin. This doesn't include attacking Russia.

We have to be careful in seizing Russian assets and money because we don't want to be pushing the laws ourselves. The populous love visuals of luxury yachts being towed away but this can too easily distract from our mission.

Many thanks Alexander.