By Laurence F. Sanford

Vladimir Putin recently called European leaders “little pigs” for supporting Ukraine’s efforts in defending itself against the Russian invasion. His demeaning of opponents is an old communist rhetorical tactic to deflect attention from his own “big-pig” actions.

Putin is a former KGB thug whose goal is the resurrection of the Russian Empire. He called the demise of the Soviet Union the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the 20th century. He invaded Ukraine with a special military operation under the guise of restoring “historic lands.”

The Russian people originated in the present-day Kiev area in 882 CE, when Oleg the Wise united the eastern Slavs under Kievian Rus rule. In 988, Prince Vladimir adopted Christianity, leading to the merger of Slavic and Byzantine traditions. In 1240, Kiev fell to Mongol invasions, leading to the fragmentation of the region into numerous principalities and, eventually, to the formation of Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian people are distinct from Russians and want no part of being under Russian control. Millions of Ukrainians starved to death in the 1930s thanks to communist class warfare under the iron fist of Joseph Stalin, dictator of the Soviet Union headquartered in Moscow.

The United States should be at the forefront of supporting Ukraine against Russia. Yet President Trump is lagging in support. He criticizes Ukraine but is silent on Russia’s atrocities and devastation inflicted on Ukraine. Trump is justified in demanding that European leaders do more to protect themselves, but he should be doing more to help Ukraine reciprocate against Russia. Why should Russia be able to launch missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, and Ukraine not be given the tools to reciprocate?

Russian civilization is distinct from Western civilization.

• Russia has a history of strong, ruthless dictatorial leaders. Western countries have duly elected leaders and value individualism and personal freedom.
• Orthodox Christianity heavily influences Russian culture, whereas the West has diverse religions and secularism, which separate church and state.
• Freedom of speech and religion, private property rights, and rule of law are ingrained in Western civilization; not so much in Russian civilization.
• A strong respect for authority and hierarchy is prevalent in Russia, whereas in the West, questioning authority and independent thought are common.

Summary

Money matters, and supporting Ukraine is expensive — but not as expensive as the next Russian “special military operation” against the West.

European and American budgets are under strain from expensive social programs that are being exploited by mass Muslim migration in Europe and America.

Increasing defense spending means either reducing social programs or raising taxes. Neither option is conducive to reelections unless the citizens support the efforts to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Leadership is required to educate citizens on the importance of defending Ukraine’s independence. If Ukraine falls, western Europe becomes the front line against Russian expansion.

The “domino theory” has some validity. Adolf Hitler demanded that Sudetenland (in Czechoslovakia) become part of Germany because it was majority German speaking. This led to the infamous “Munich Pact” and “Peace in Our Time.” Putin is following in Hitler’s steps. And, of course, Putin is accusing Ukraine of being a Nazi state.

Bullying thugs respect only strength. Putin’s demands for ending the war include Ukraine ceding Crimea and the Donbas regions, which are largely Russian speaking. Other demands include Ukraine not joining NATO, not rebuilding its military, having new elections, and other restrictions on its independence. In other words, emasculating Ukrainian independence.

The U.S. and Ukraine have agreed to some of Russia’s demands, but Putin shows no signs of compromise. He is following the old communist negotiating tactic of “what is mine is mine; what is yours is to be negotiated.”

Putin insists NATO and Ukraine started the war because Ukraine wanted to join NATO and align more closely with the West. Senator John Thune, leader of the U.S. Senate, thinks the U.S. should shift from “mediation talks to more pressure on Russia.” And more pressure should include more military equipment so Ukraine can reciprocate.

The European Union has agreed to lend Ukraine 90 billion euros interest-free. Consideration was given to using some or all of the 210 billion euros of Russian assets frozen in Belgium, but fear of Russian retaliation led the EU to back off and borrow the money on capital markets.

Western civilization cannot allow Russian aggression to prevail. What message would it send to China regarding Taiwan?

Putin is the “Big Pig.”

Action

1. Increase military and economic aid to Ukraine.
2. Sign a security agreement that ensures Ukraine’s independence. Recognize that Russian civilization is an adversary and not a friend.

Peace Through Strength!

Laurence F. Sanford is a senior analyst at the American Security Council Foundation.