How else could NATO support Ukraine while maintaining neutrality with direct fighting?

[Tadpole Raisin]

I don’t think this will happen but NATO could bring in forces to Ukraine at their request to protect Chernobyl against potential damage during Russian attacks. The safety of Chernobyl is of concern to neighboring countries and the world.

The fact that it is close to the Capitol and could serve to block an avenue of attack is a secondary benefit. Neutrality maintained! I don’t think countries in the area would object to that.

Russia’s reaction is another story and Putin did threaten NATO/USA with nuclear weapons if they interfered so there’s that….

It may not be in the cards but I hope the option is on the table.

[Scrivener7]

1. Too late on Chernobyl.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216396445

[Tadpole Raisin]

2. I saw that! But this makes it even more valid

to have forces go in, not less.

[Renew Deal]

3. Doesn't that assume NATO wants to help?

[Tadpole Raisin]

4. Putin will not stop with Ukraine.

And if he succeeds it may give China an excuse to invade Taiwan.

If any NATO country cares not one whit for Ukraine they do care about radiation from Chernobyl, by accident or design, causing a new disaster scenario.

If any NATO country including the USA does care but feels bound by the limits they feel are present by the fact that Ukraine is not a member, then maintaining the safety of Chernobyl eliminates that concern and can be a valid reason to enter.

Or they can just sit on their hands and do nothing. It will be interesting to see how this gets covered in the next few days.

[Amishman]

5. Arm them, either directly or using a cutout

Latvia has been selling anti air missiles to Ukraine, and they are a NATO member, so the precedent is there.

If not, sell them to Finland and put a statement in the deal that the Fins are not to turn around and immediately sell them to the Ukrainians. When the Fins do exactly that, we protest diplomatically but take no action of substance. Russia can whine, but we would have far more diplomatic cover than they have with anything they're doing.

I know we have had surveillance aircraft over the warzone, and I hope we are already sharing all intel with the Ukrainians. Russia's commanders shouldn't be able to take a shit without the Ukrainians knowing if they washed their hands afterwards.

Cyber attacks also are a nice area where action can be taken but maintain the fig leaf of plausible deniability.