Why is Putin getting a pass from many? [View all]

[Are_grits_groceries]

I have kept up with the situation in Ukraine for weeks. It is not the simple black and white problem that many claim it is.

However, no matter what you think of events there, why on Earth is Putin and his actions not being mentioned or why do some think he is justified in invading Ukraine? What has he ever done to deserve any support?

The specious claim he is using to invade is to protect those Russian-speaking people or the pro-Russian supporters. Do you realize the other areas that could be subject to this pretext? We'd stroke out if the US decided to invade a portion of Mexico to protect a Americans there.

Don't start arguing about the legitimacy of the new government. That is done and will be argued about endlessly. It has no bearing on why he should avoid criticism for his actions. He is invading a sovereign nation.

I am not advocating that the US take direct military action. I believe that would be a horrible mistake. The EU and other countries in that area have to take the lead and the US should support them.

Clamp hard sanctions on the economic interests of the elites in Russia who have money and investments in other countries. Clamp down on visas and easy travel for them. Money speaks there too.

There is concern about Jewish people and others in Ukraine and rightly so. In addition, they certainly don't have an enlightened policy toward the LGBT community. However, do you seriously think Putin and Russia is a better choice with their history? If so, why?

If you disagree with the ouster of Yanukovich and have doubts about the entire governmental change, then it is certainly your right to express them. However, I repeat, that is a done deal. The Ukrainians have to sort that out. The US doesn't. Russia doesn't.

The problem now is Russia's military escalation. He deserves no cover or understanding for invading Ukraine.