Crippling sanctions aren’t enough — Here’s what needs to be done to stop Putin
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But it is still not enough.
Although the military’s impressive defence weapon deliveries have been crucial in Ukraine’s extraordinary resistance and resilience, they are not enough to stop Putin’s increasing airstrikes targeting civilian targets, and urban centers.
Despite being historic in scope and impact, the unprecedented financial and economic sanctions placed on Russia have not been sufficient to dissuade President Obama. Vladimir Putinhis escalating war on Ukraine.
These are not enough.
The unanticipated transatlantic and international unity – including a 141-5 resolution of the United Nations General Assembly that demands Putin end his war and withdraw his forces – hasn’t dissuaded Putin. There is no better sign that Putin has become a pariah that the four people who voted for him, Eritrea and Belarus.
Yet, this isn’t enough.
Many countries around the globe continue to ignore their responsibilities. There are 35 full-fledged countries represented at the United Nations abstainedInstead of condemning Russia’s ugly behavior, they hoped that it would be forgotten and not force them to stand up against the international crime.
American and international partners have tried to humiliate the Chinese president with their efforts Xi JinpingHe also failed to withdraw his support for Putin’s warmachine, even though none of the countries’ actions could have done more to end war and save lives.
Putin received the Chinese approval he needed to invade China from President Xi. 5,300-word statementTheir relationship “no boundaries” was their declaration at the opening of Beijing’s Winter Olympics. Putin kept his part of the bargain – not invading until Xi’s Olympics had ended. Xi does not seem to be ready to disengage himself from Putin.
It is remarkable to see the unity displayed by civilized nations in response to Putin’s invasion. Biden Administration deserves credit for releasing the intelligence on Putin’s plans earlyBy doing so, we can focus on the story and assign blame, before rallying support for the cause.
Given its dependence on Russian energy and proximity to Moscow, Europe’s actions together against Putin were particularly remarkable. Germany achieved more than any other country in the past two decades in countering Russian revanchism in one weekend: It reversed a ban on weapons sales to Ukraine and significantly increased its defense spending, to 2% GDP. $100 billion spending planThe budget for 2022 by the Bundeswehr
If that is not enough to make Putin change his course, there are only two options: to add more sanctions or more military support and more international unity.
Two compelling reasons are why.
One is humanitarian. Putin has been relentless in his air attack on civilians in Ukraine. Europe’s biggest refugee crisis since World War II.
Second, the historical imperative. The necessity to change a global trend that would allow for brutal authoritarianism and bloody chaos to determine the future of the world.
Americans have ended their 30-year-long holiday in history by allowing Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine. writes Robert M. GatesIn the Washington Post, he shares his views from eight U.S. administrations including as Secretary of Defense or CIA Director. The United States now faces aggressive, powerful adversaries in Europe, Asia, seeking to restore past glory, claiming territories and spheres, for the first times since World War II. …Putin’s war has provided the cold shower needed to awaken democratic governments to the reality of a new world, a world in which our recent strategy is woefully insufficient to meet the long-term challenges we face.”
It’s clearening and motivating to look at Putin’s attack on Ukraine this way, rather than as a potentially dangerous incident but as a major challenge.
What should we do with this information?
Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, Atlantic Council provided actionable military suggestions through a surveyof 37 national security specialists. These experts weighed the potential benefits and the risks of escalation.
This was the best:
- We need to send more drones with armed capabilities that are being used by the Ukrainians.
- Providing “off-the-shelf” electronic-warfare capability, including satellite navigation and communications-jamming equipment, that would enhance Ukraine’s ability to disrupt and slow Putin’s advance.
- To enhance Ukraine’s short-range air defense capability, we provide more ground-based and close-in weapon systems that can better protect against Russian missile attack aircraft.
A partial no fly zone should be established over most of the Western Ukrainian provinces. It would also apply to areas near the Romanian, Slovakian and Hungarian borders. It is understandable why NATO and the U.S. oppose a no fly zone covering the entire of Ukraine. However, in Western Ukraine this is an urgent humanitarian need, militarily it is easier because it’s close to west air bases, and would show our commitment to Putin.
The U.S., Europe and their global allies should also add to Russia’s impressive list of sanctions.
They have had a tremendous impact so far writes the Council’s Brian O’Toole and Daniel Fried“It has been to collapse the Russian financial system and crash the ruble. It also spurred a possible sovereign default. And probably moved the Russian economy into depression.”
Putin’s forces keep attacking civilians in order to turn urban centers into rubble. O’Toole & Fried are there to provide a buffer. menuNext steps in order of increasing impact:
- The sanctions are being expanded against Putin’s cronies, subordinates.
- Expanding sanctions against more banks and important companies. They include Gazprombank and Russian Agricultural Bank as well as AlfaBank and Sovcomfort.
- Sanctioning Russia-owned businesses is one way to block the Russian government.
- If nothing else works, you can impose a complete financial embargo which would prohibit all transactions with Russia, as well as exports and imports.
It is certain that Putin’s actions will escalate, even if more can be done to stop them.
“I think Putin is angry and frustrated right now,” CIA Director William Burns toldLast week, the House Intelligence Committee. “He is likely to double-down and attempt to crush the Ukrainian military without any regard for civilian casualties.”
Putin lost. He won’t be able to pacify or occupy Ukraine completely. And he caused generations of damage to Russia, which he wanted to increase its power and prestige. His opponents are not winning. The key to shaping the future of the world is saving Ukraine and supporting their common cause.
This is possible despite the remarkable efforts against Putin to date. However, it’s still not enough.
—Frederick Kempe is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlantic Council.
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