We are supplying a conventional war in Ukraine. Putin has made Nuclear threats. US intelligence claims that Putin is about to use either Chemical weapons, Biological weapons, or both. So far the military intelligence has been pretty much on the mark (unlike Iraq) on what is and about to happen. So I believe the estimates.
So far the US and NATO have been reacting to events. Clearly, We (and NATO) are trying to limit the conflict to Ukraine but fear an expansion. Does Putin fear the same thing? Should we be honest and tell him that if he crosses certain threat lines that he will trigger the response that he fears himself? Putin v the free world.
Where will (or should) we draw a line and tell Putin no more BEFORE he crosses that line? So far Putin has made the threats. Is it now our turn to publicly warn him if he crosses a line he will generate a more robust war involving NATO?
Will Putin’s use of chemical, or biological weapons trigger a NATO response as a direct attack (via fallout) and initiate a no fly zone over Ukraine or subject mother Russia to direct attack? Should such an attack open the door to unlimited supply and a peace keeping mission throwing NATO forces into direct confrontation with Russian attackers on Ukrainian soil? Will such an attack trigger an active military response?
Are we willing to commit our military and ourselves to enforce that limitation?
Is Putin the bully who will back off if a line is drawn? Even if it portends that Ukraine will become his and another Afghanistan again?
Again, where should we as a nation say enough and no more, or else? Or should we?