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Today we are joined by two of our good friends Brian and Alex to continue our discussion about Russia and Ukraine.

Introductions. Brian and Alex, feel free to share whatever you want to share about yourselves. I may ask you some questions, but feel free to tell me to be quiet.

Current state of affairs in Ukraine. This past winter, it seemed like Russia was going to try to starve the Ukrainians by destroying their infrastructure. It seems that Ukraine survived the winter and stopped further Russian advances in Ukraine. Is this success? Is this sustainable? What is the current support for Ukraine from the US? Is US support for Ukraine slipping?

What ought to be done moving forward? Last time I proposed a military option. Levi proposes that we “should drive oil below $20/barrel and keep it there until the Russians leave. We should implement an oppressive national carbon tax and a PR campaign to reduce demand. Turn down your thermostat, carpool, take the bus, telecommute, buy local, close off rooms in your ridiculous McMansions. Biden sets an example by cutting travel by 80%. Do it over Zoom like everyone else. Boost production. Green light projects that can make a short term difference. Nationalize refineries and wells that under-produce or projects that are stalled for BS reasons. Negotiate with Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and the Red Sea micro-states to get that oil flowing.” I am dubious that any of this could work. So far, sanctions have not done much, it is hard to get the world to act against their economic interest, much less Americans. Are their realistic steps people could take to show continued support for Ukraine? I’m afraid that most people will ask Ukraine to give up Crimea as part of a negotiated peace because Crimea will be hard to re-take without considerable Western resources.  

Big Question:

Why should Americans care about what happens in Ukraine? We spent trillions of dollars in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past two decades only to see Afghanistan fall to the Taliban. There are always new conflicts around the world. Why should we invest our time and money in Ukraine?