Not directly. Agree. But as the military arm of an economic strangulation of Russia, yes. I'm not defending Russia. The leadership is corrupt and small-minded.

Nonetheless, the West has been weakening Russia for some time. Even putting that aside, and calling it self-inflicted, does it matter? Putin recognizes that he's losing control.

The problem today is that after 2 years, after everything going wrong for him, he's still standing. Every day gives him another chance for something to go in his favor. If the CCP makes a move on Taiwan, Ukraine is a goner. The U.S. will give it Russia so Russia will join forces.

I know your heart is with Ukraine. Mine is too. But we have to guard against delusions. As long as Putin can continue to pay poor Russian enough to fight, they'll fight. I'm sorry to be a downer here. I don't know what would wake Americans up to what you say, which is true. Ukraine falls ultimately we all fall.