> I mean if it wasn't for Russia having and threatening with nukes… This is the part that I’m gobsmacked by. Simply by uttering the phrase “this is an existent

> I mean if it wasn't for Russia having and threatening with nukes… This is the part that I’m gobsmacked by. Simply by uttering the phrase “this is an existential threat to the nation” gives Putin a legalistic means to change nuclear first strike terms to any conventional war response. The “eastward expansion” narrative doesn’t hold up to any scrutiny. He’s displayed no compunction killing political rivals up to now, so why the sudden squeamishness killing far-right Ukrainian leaders (who, let’s face it, are indeed bona fide Nazi-admiring fascists)? That’s certainly far cheaper in political capital and easier than an invasion.