[Daradon]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

My mind immediately goes to what Russia may eventually do to challenge our sovereignty in the Arctic if they continue to make moves like this unchecked. Not standing up to them on this incident will signal to them that we are toothless. However, a conflict is not in anyone's best interest. So naturally, we need to display solidarity with our NATO allies as much as we can, and also do what we can to support the formation of a stable Ukrainian government.

Is it wild to suggest that Canada lead an effort to accelerate Ukraine's inclusion into NATO?

This would draw a firm line to Russia that if they continue to play a game in which they attempt to regain territory and influence in former Soviet states in this manner, they will face push back.

What about sending a contingent to Ukraine to assist them in developing their shale gas reserves en masse, so as to reduce their reliance on Russian imports? Say... co-investing in a crown corporation?

I am sure that there are several non-violent, yet impactful contributions that could be made... yet we run flags up and pull our ambassadors out of the country and make passive aggressive statements about the G7 while wearing snappy sweater vests.

Just thinking out loud, these may be completely asinine ideas. But I don't know half of 1% of the truth, and read this situation as Putin challenging the West to prove they have any kind of strength against their ambitions. He is calling a bluff with a bluff of his own, he needs to have his legs kicked out from under him... swiftly. The fast ones he has pulled with Georgia, Syria, Iran, Eastern Bloc, in the past 8 years is not just annoying, it is dangerous.

We do not need any opening to allow for nuclear weapons stockpiles to be re-built, and I am concerned that this situation will do just that if handled incorrectly.




I agree that decreasing our diplomatic efforts in the region is a mistake, I should have been more specific. But then again I am not sure I agree with the benefit of such bodies as the UN security council or the G8 (or G8-1, -2, -n... whatever the hell). It always seems like a colossal waste of time and resources, but I am just a plug citizen. what the hell do I know?

Well to be fair, no country has really done anything yet, it's still a bit of a staring match. I agree we should probably take more concrete measures some of which you suggested, but I'm not sure you can blame anyone yet, as no one has really done anything yet.