but the restriction was always unfair. What with the Russian "election" coming up, Navalny's murder, and a planned conscription of more Russian troops, the warning that restrictions are removed might actually cause a pause in Russian aggression. Remember, Russia will undoubtedly continue its insane efforts to take over other countries, and the easiest would be Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Those are NATO countries, which we are obligated to defend. We'd be in the suck, anyway.
If we were engaged in a war with Russia, we would not be restricting our targets at all. There is the notion that Russia could strike us without any consequences. But, Russia would risk total annihilation, too. They will take their chances based on intel they have received (think, Trump), how compromised our Congress is (think, GOP), and whether they have degraded NATO responses. Also, it depends on what other country is willing to sacrifice their own troops in Russia's quest to be in charge.
Russia is under the illusion that Ukraine is definitely going to lose. But, everyday Russia is losing men, equipment, and other assets like oil refineries. We will find a way around our own government's anti democracy stance, and Ukraine will be back in business. Yes, they have lost ground recently, but no, it is not permanent.
Pussyfooting around Putin will not work. It hasn't worked for two solid years, and Putin shouldn't be allowed to figure he can just continue. His gut punch is coming. Better that Ukraine does it than us. So, I think, give Ukraine everything they need to push Russia out of Ukrainian territory. Let them hit the oil refineries and missile factories.
And the Bridge. You know that bridge has got to go. Unless, a plan exists to travel over it to capture Russian territory. Then, Putin can negotiate to get back his former territory. What a loser Putin is, to risk that.
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