War advances, however, resistance consistent

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Action and reaction.

Listen and learn.

Understand in confidence.

The world stage has been compelling in the last two weeks in following the seemingly distant Winter Olympic Games’ conclusion.

Russia took steps toward war and sought to justify it. The world watches and understands. Certainly the course by Mr. Putin offers a consideration for change. Nonetheless, Putin’s aim was to accuse Ukraine of doing wrong and accelerating war prospects.

Given the scrutiny, including social media, can there be many who do not understand Russia’s role in the degradation of Ukraine’s territory?

Putin not only wanted to wage war, and live to lie about it, evidently he does not care who thinks ill of him. He will seek to justify his actions and evidently wants to be the bad guy. He seeks a prominent place in history. Resistance, led by Ukraine forces, government officials, and the dedicated citizens, has been effective. Although under heavy firepower, Ukraine forces are on familiar turf and seek to shed the Russian bear completely. To some Ukraine residents, death is an option, and occupation is not viable.

If, somehow, the air assaults by the Russian military are excessive and damaging, the decision will be if Ukraine cities can withstand the pounding, or if Russian air assaults will diminish. An even greater question may be can the Russians survive Ukraine sniping in the face of Russian occupation? An occupation could be Russia’s undoing. The Russian military has not been stellar, at times clumsy, and often less dedicated than the Ukraine forces.

How best to achieve peace? Likely Mr. Putin must be dissuaded of his efforts to authorize shooting of missiles and engage in the killing fields. Likely the ugly publicity, evident to the whole world, which is watching, will prolong Putin’s isolation.

The question is whether Putin will realize it and find a way to end war, which is unlikely, or, will embarrased forces within the Russian military understand they they are literally engaging in a civil war and soothing the ego of a belittled president who fights a self-image problem, evidently, and is lacking in true self-confidence. He evidently thinks he gains in stature when his military pummels other forces.

The United Nations, NATO, and civilized forces, must continue efforts to prevail and must keep Putin from justifying his monster-like actions, which in reality is not justified. Does Putin want to match Adolph Hitler? The latter met dire consequences.

• Clear and Concise, Week 10 Year 3: Repeat last week, words are important which we understand when we view interactions among diplomats and representatives of dissenting nations. Are statements to be believed? Did the presenters make themselves understood? Were they precise and not rambling? Did listeners truly listen and understand? Did the listener tune out expected rhetoric, or listen closely?

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