The debate was reinforced by a highly choreographed day in Moscow that began with the announcement by Putin and his U.S. respondents. He did it legitimately within hours after another televised speech that mixed historical revisionism with self-pity and extraordinary militant language. President Putin sprinkled unfounded and distorted claims in his speech, focusing on solidarity of dissatisfaction with Ukraine. Even if Putin does not go any further, it is a serious violation of international law and will be an open challenge to Europe and the United States. Less than the full and immediate enforcement of strict sanctions aging by Western allies in recent weeks will lead to terrible failure.

Source: The Irish Times February 22, 2022 00:10 UTC