OPINION:
Since the Russians are essentially occupying eastern Ukraine and attacking Kyiv from the north, east and south, maybe NATO military forces, with U.S. support, should move into western Ukraine to prevent Russia from completely overrunning it. Air cover would have to be provided for the ground forces.
This would allow Ukrainian civilians to remain in Ukraine, and it could provide an alternate Ukrainian government seat of power if Kyiv is taken by the Russians. It would also provide leverage to get the Russians out of eastern Ukraine, since NATO and the U.S. could agree to pull its forces out as part of a negotiated settlement.
Moving military forces into western Ukraine runs the risk of starting a war with Russia, but the alternative (trying to get Russia out of Ukraine with sanctions and diplomacy) might not be viable. Additionally, it would put Russia on notice that it faces robust military action by NATO if it tries any expansionist moves in the future.
DONALD MOSKOWITZ
Londonderry, New Hampshire
Please read our comment policy before commenting.