Recommended (required) reading about Ukraine

I don't have the ability to require anything of anybody, 

but if I did there are four articles about the situation between Russia and Ukraine

that I think should be required reading for just about everyone interested in that situation.

Two are by Mike Whitney and deal with the general Russia-Ukraine situation.

Two are by Ted Galen Carpenter and deal more specifically with Ukraine.

By Mike Whitney:

2022-10-09

https://www.unz.com/mwhitney/some-of-us-dont-think-the-russian-invasion-was-aggression-heres-why/

2022-10-22

https://www.unz.com/mwhitney/the-war-in-ukraine-made-in-washington-not-moscow/

By Ted Galen Carpenter:

2022-04-06

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/whitewashing-ukraines-corruption/

or

https://www.cato.org/commentary/whitewashing-ukraines-corruption

2022-10-24

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/washingtons-whoppers-on-the-war-in-ukraine/

There is considerable redundancy between the above articles.

But then there is great redundancy between the various MSM articles 

pushing the party line on Russia and Ukraine.

See:

2022-05-22

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-media-fumbles-again-on-ukraine/

"Coverage of the Ukraine crisis has been as biased as anything in the run-up to previous wars."

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For a video review of the Ukraine situation 

by a person who spent many years as a Russian analyst at the CIA, 

watch this one-hour video from Ray McGovern:

"Historical Context for Conflicts in Ukraine"

https://youtu.be/1gLzsQA3UGY

Also see his extensive, informative, and interesting website:

https://raymcgovern.com/

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Also see Stephen M. Walt

on the inability of the U.S. "liberal democracy" to show foreign policy restraint:

https://archive.vn/2022.12.13-231259/https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/12/13/the-united-states-couldnt-stop-being-stupid-if-it-wanted-to/

And Col. Douglas Macgregor on 2022-12-20:

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/washington-is-prolonging-ukraines-suffering/

And Henry Kissinger on 2022-12-17

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-push-for-peace/

Ukraine has become a major state in Central Europe for the first time in modern history. Aided by its allies and inspired by its President, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine has stymied the Russian conventional forces which have been overhanging Europe since the second world war. And the international system – including China – is opposing Russia’s threat or use of its nuclear weapons.

This process has mooted the original issues regarding Ukraine’s membership in Nato. Ukraine has acquired one of the largest and most effective land armies in Europe, equipped by America and its allies.

...

The preferred outcome for some is a Russia rendered impotent by the war. I disagree. For all its propensity to violence, Russia has made decisive contributions to the global equilibrium and to the balance of power for over half a millennium. Its historical role should not be degraded.