Things to Consider before approaching Ukraine/Russia conflict
From a Western Point of View
Things people need to take under consideration when it comes to Ukraine / Russia conflict, without getting overemotional or conspiratorial. Bias check: I am in favour of pushing Russia out of Ukraine, I have family in Poland, I have family in Polish army, and my wife have distant family in Ukraine.
1. Enemy of my enemy is not my friend. I have written about it before. Putin is neither a friend of the West, nor some kind of saviour of Christianity.
https://theworldofmomus.com/p/the-enemy-of-my-enemy-is-not-my-friend-putin
2. Putin is a dictator but he is not Hitler. So, stop comparing him as such because it clouds judgement. He is however wrong in his propagandised history story, and his intentions.
3. Ukraine is not some great western democracy. It is the second most corrupt country in Europe after Russia. They have their own issues, many varied issues, where the rest of the West hasn't helped with their own involvement within their national corruption.
4. The history of the Slavs is not really that straight forward. So, don't take narratives on just face value, of what they have against each other. There are centuries of war and propaganda that they have done against each other. Complicated history. Especially even if you consider the history of Eastern Slav only, and their roots within Kievan Rus, and the intricate history between Ukraine and Russia. I did a video, a long time ago, trying to summarise their intermingling history a while back. Don't know if the audio is that great but have a listen if you want:
5. We cannot always get what we want, well we mostly definitely don't get all we want ever I guess. It is a matter of trade-offs. NATO should deal with Russia, after they have decided on their trade-offs, what they are willing to let go and what do they actually want to gain out of it. I don't feel this has been hashed out properly.
Russia has no claim to anything, anyways. All of that is besides the point. The whole of Europe is an overlapping of one conquest over another, so we can't all start claiming lands by any old claims. The point is, to recognise, this is a modern warfare, and we need to be careful in dealing with all involved appropriately, so it doesn't end up in destruction of all. The Nuke problem, is not a small problem. It is a problem we have never had to face, in a full blown out conflict, ever before, between multiple nations. So, tread carefully, should be the order of the day. Along with, know what you want and what you are willing to give up.
6. Ukraine, to join NATO, while it is in the middle of the conflict is stupid and dangerous. And provocation of conflict escalation into WW3. A thing to be expressly avoided. All efforts should be made to come to a resolution, rather than continuing the conflict, as it is resulting in pointless deaths from the start. And during peace negotiations, Ukraine becoming a NATO member and not a NATO member, should be on the table, so that the best deal can be reached for all parties.
7. Ukraine, needs to be willing to give up some parts of its territory, for future long term peace and stability. However, this is an express matter for Ukraine to agree upon. But at the same time, a bargaining chip, with NATO membership, for future security.
These would be my few points to consider, for anyone, looking into this conflict. At least as a non-expert, within strategic warfare, this is my perspective as a layman. To approach this topic, with as many considerations, and reality checks as possible. I would urge everyone, to stop giving into emotions.