I think its becoming clear the only way to end the war in Ukraine

[drray23]

is for Europe to move in and directly counter Putin. Roll in anti-aircraft systems, heavy artillery and boots on the ground. Putin is barely able to hold it against Ukraine. He stands no chance against the rest of Europe.

But what about the nuclear Threat, you say? I do not think Putin would dare to use nuclear weapons, and that is even assuming his antiquated arsenal is in working order.

[Mike Nelson]

1. Yes...

... an "EU" force, as opposed to a "NATO" force. The latter could eventually join, but not now. Vlad is smarting from "losing" Sweden and especially Finland, so "NATO" forces might be too much, right now. There are countries, NATO and non-NATO, would would be willing to move "peace-keeping" "advisors" inside. Start near Poland. Have leaders rotating visits, including the UK Royals... Vlad won't bomb them. If he does, he's already decided and will start his WW with some assassination. Also, shore up Taiwan and other vulnerable places. Add cultural ties, business ties, leaders visiting...

[maxsolomon]

2. No. WW3 is not going to happen in Ukraine.

This is not the "only way to end the war".

[B.See]

3. Agree that some are far too willing,

to give this aggressor/bully more than what's merited. Especially Trump, and Putin's MAGA apologists/enablers/ACCOMPLICES.

[Irish_Dem]

4. I agree, it may certainly come to this.

If Ukraine cannot do it on their own.

I also agree, it is unlikely Putin will use nukes.
He could use small tactical nukes, but not the heavy duty stuff.

If it comes to that he will be too busy planning his escape.
And his escape plans entail a livable planet with some resources remaining.

[BWdem4life]

14. Small tactical nukes?

That's opening Pandora's Box. A nuke is a nuke.

[Irish_Dem]

15. I tend to agree with you, but the evil powers don't see it that way.

Small vs big devastation.

Small tactical nukes may not provoke a world crisis.
Putin is said to be using chemical warfare and other underhanded battle tactics.
No one cares about it.
I don't think anyone will care if Putin uses small tactical nukes either.

[rampartd]

5. wouldn't dare?

i'm wondering why he hasn't.

not really.

[themaguffin]

6. It's up to Europe for a while. Hopefully that changes.

[Deuxcents]

7. drray, I have been posting this very thought and asking what is it gonna take to come to the aid of Ukraine

And get this war over.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

8. First thing European forces should do if they go that route,

is establish a CAP and notify Russia that they will shoot down any aircraft, missiles and drones that encroach on Ukrainian territory.

[paulkienitz]

9. The Europeans know they have to lead NATO now -- but it's taking them some time to make that pivot.

[InstantGratification]

12. They are working to increase their production capacity.

It pains me greatly to say these words: One thing TSF is right about is that Europe has leaned on the US for too long. At the end of WW2, it made sense. They were devoting all of their GDP to recovering from the war and rebuilding their countries. Now they are struggling to build the military production capacity to replace the US if we renege on our obligations. I won't pretend to be well enough informed to predict how this will go. If Trump WON'T keep the US engaged enough to hold off the Russians, I'm not sure Europe has the production capacity to do it without us.

[paulkienitz]

20. I think they'll be okay. They don't need to match our capacity, just what's left of Russia's.

[erronis]

10. And stop any information sharing with the trump/putin axis.

I'm not sure if the rest of Europe even trusts anyone in the Five Eyes anymore. Moles abound.

[DingleBerryNW]

11. Or...Putin could fall out of a window...

[moniss]

13. I think if Putin were to try that nuclear move that

one of the generals would put an end to the reign of Putin.

[Emile]

16. First they should give Putin the middle finger,

and allow Ukraine in NATO. If Putin continues his invasion, then NATO forces should force him out.

[Joinfortmill]

18. I'm with you. Stop this nightmare once and for all.

Then charge Putin in the Hague for war crimes including kidnapping thousands of Ukrainian children.

[LymphocyteLover]

19. Agreed. Certainly Russia is on its last legs and more help from Europe could finally break them

[uponit7771]

21. Or, Ukraine can continuously bleed them out and reduce casualties. It doesn't look good for Russia