OPINION:
To avoid an unnecessary war with Russia, the U.S. must allay that country’s fear of attack from the West. Russia’s fears are justifiable, after all. First there was Napoleon, then Hitler. Millions upon millions died and catastrophic destruction occurred.
Fast forward to today. However unjustified Russia’s encroachments upon Ukraine (which dislikes Russian intensely despite sharing a history with it) the U.S. and our allies must not be drawn into the regional conflict. An adroit way to forestall this awful consequence is for the U.S. to effect an security agreement with Russia. After all, we have no territorial grievances with Russia, not does it have one with us.
A security agreement whereby we assure Russia that we will come to its aid in the event of an attack by NATO forces should allow it to stop encroaching on Ukrainian territory as a crude means of keeping NATO at bay. Yes, it’s an off-the-wall tactic, but if it avoids another war with a nation replete with nuclear weapons, it’s worth it.
LT. COL. JAMES ROBERTS
U.S. Air Force (retired)
Alexandria, Va.
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