Russia amasses troops on the border with Ukraine. What's Nato's response?

Much is being reported in the news about Russia amassing 20,000 troops on its border with Ukraine and Nato is speculating that Russia is preparing for an invasion of Ukraine.  Who knows the truth? I surely don't. But wouldn't it be great if Nato telegraphed what it was prepared to do to help Ukraine so that Russia and Putin would think twice about whether it was worth an invasion. I think so!

Georgia/Russian conflict discussion

I came across a Blog today which had commented a few days ago about the conflict. It was titled, "The American Portrait" and read Ryan's post about the conflict and then added my comment. Here it is and my comments:

MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2008
The Puppet Master

If you're one of the few people who still thinks Dmitri Medvedev is calling the shots in Russia, you'd better think again. When Russia invaded Georgia, President Bush (and rightfully so) issued the United States' response to the move, calling it "unacceptable". Condi Rice has played her role as Secretary of State (almost like a prime minister) by doing most of the "behind the scenes" work during the negotiations.

When Russia gives its response to the United States, Vladimir Putin of all people is the one to give it. He criticized the United States for portraying Georgia as the victim and for airlifting Georginan troops from Iraq. Shouldn't Medvedev have given that response? A prime minister in a secondary leadership role giving the official public response to the leader of another nation? Sounds fishy to me.

Europe and the United States need to learn that Russia's steady ascent to increased aggression over the last decade is due solely to Putin, an old school KGB man. Putin in some regards is a full blown dictator without an official title. As the world is prepared to give Russia a good 'ole slap on the wrist, this just seems a little too 1939ish for me.

My Response and Comment:

Ryan, I think you are missing some history here. Since the Bush 41 Presidency, the U.S. has been embarking on a policy of cozying up to former Soviet Countries and wooing them to be a part of NATO. Russia has objected and we have kept pushing.

I don't know if you are old enough but do you remember when Russia did a similar thing in Cuba during the JFK Presidency and how we felt?

I am not a friend of Russia but I am not their enemy either. We have created this mess and it is playing out as predicted given our previous provocative actions. One of the things I am disappointed about is American's immaturity arrogance and lack of accountability when it comes to the consequences of U.S. actions around the world.

It’s never about one person like Putin. All countries share in the accountability for allowing these conditions to be created in the first place.

Just for the record, I am not Russian, nor Georgian, I am American by birth, Italian by decent and a citizen of the World in my spirit. I am a social liberal and fiscal conservative and I voted for Sen. Biden in the Primary.

Charles Amico

New Arms Race: Don't blame Putin, blame Bush and Cheney

For those who say that we only have another year and a half of George Bush and why waste the energy and divisiveness in the country to start impeachment hearings, I say look at the dangers out there and how Bush responds. Today Russian President Putin warned the US and EU allies they are playing with fire when they consider installation of Missiles in former Soviet Block countries so close to Russia.

I don't blame President Putin. How did we feel when the then Soviet Union was installing Ballistic Missiles right next door in Cuba? This "strategy" from the same President Bush who said, "I can see into the very soul of President Putin". Well Mr. President you misjudged and misread Mr. Putin, you squandered and wasted that relationship, as well. This is reminiscent of the time when the whole world was with us after 9/11 and this President squandered that too and invaded Iraq. Can't you see we need to put this President and Vice President on defense, as when they are on offense they offend everyone!