I would offer a simple solution to end the conflict in Ukraine. [View all]

[colorado_ufo]

The same game cannot be played by two different sets of rules. There are the rules of all the treaties that have been signed along with the generally accepted rules of humanity. And then there are Putin's rules, which basically say that 1) I refuse "rules," 2) I do not limit myself with "humanitarian concerns"; 3) if confronted, I merely "double down" and make matters worse and worse and no one can touch me because of a nuclear threat.

Putin has given as a concern, ostensibly, about Ukraine joining NATO and being a threat to Russia as a reason for his invasion (along with other reasons that are purely nonsense). It is time for NATO, led by the USA, to use its own version of "double down." As the desire to join NATO is already in Ukraine's ratified constitution, NATO needs to present to Putin that he has 10 days, starting immediately, to withdraw his troops or NATO will give emergency admittance to Ukraine.

Putin will not take on the full force of NATO. He can also offer the excuse to Russia that, "See? I was right! They are threatening Russia with NATO admission of Ukraine and forcing us to comply!"

If he does not heed the warning, then do it and follow through with any force needed to evict these aggressors. If NATO does not put a end to this genocidal disaster, then it will be seen as powerless, and other dictators will be emboldened.