[snyena]

>To be honest, I don't think Russia is in the wrong here, there is no real reason why Americans should even be involved with this country right up on the Russian border. How would Americans feel if we lost the cold war and Russia started trying to dominate Mexico and Canada?

As a former citizen of Czechoslovakia I could not disagree more. Our countries are still recovering from decades of communism and Russian "help" and to this day Russia tries to exert influence over us. I hope Ukraine joins NATO one day.

[uejfiweun]

Look, I get that Russia is not exactly kind to its neighbors, I have some Polish relatives who tell me all about that. But I'm just not really sure that the US has any business being in Russia's "near abroad" anymore. The US isn't 50% of the world GDP anymore, and is politically paralyzed - I don't think we have the appetite nor the finances for another gigantic war.

Now this is controversial, so don't take this the wrong way, but I'd feel a lot better about the US defending Europe if Europe would also shoulder some of the burden. I honestly don't see why the US needs to spend so much on this project, while other NATO members are unable to even meet the 2% spending commitment. As a regular American it just kind of seems like Europe is riding on our backs with this. As much as I love Europe, Europeans, and European culture, I can't get behind spending tax dollars on defending countries that don't care enough to spend money to defend themselves.

[snyena]

I actually agree with that. I think Europe should strive to meet its 2% spending commitment. There have been talks about a joint European army as well. I am no expert in these matters but I am of the impression that Europe should be more committed to defending itself.

[vanusa]

But I'm just not really sure that the US has any business being in Russia's "near abroad" anymore.

Does Russia have any business being in their "near abroad" any more? Given their "not kind" history conducting themselves in these countries?

Would you like to give us your own synopsis of this "not kind" history in Ukraine, specifically?

[JaggerJo]

I’m German and think we spend too little on our own military - to the point where it’s a joke.

Europe needs to grow up and get able to defend itself.

[zqna]

And also maybe stop sponsoring and doing business with oppressed regimes too (yes China too)? I'm baffled that Nord Oost pipe project is at the latest stages right now, and W.Europe is considering putting the energy shackles without any extra thought. In a similar vain I'm puzzled that Netherlands are just doing business with Russia like normal after what happened with MA17. I perfectly understand that sitting cozy in their homes is what only matters to the most of people, but it's just sad that we are slaves of our own comfort and refuse to see a bigger picture.

[allendoerfer]

I am always baffled by people talking about the big European powers of the past going on to derive some sort of claim over other present day people. Of course it makes it easier to think about the Germans vs. the Russians on a chess board, that is Eastern Europe. But there are people living there right now and Russians have no business whatsever to claim anything or assert any influence there. They can make offers, it is just that other offers (NATO, EU) are better. They have to accept that. If countries decide to invite the US to help, then it is absolutely OK for the US to help, no matter how close that country might be to Russia.

Fortunately we are not glorifying WWII Germany, even though we could (moon landing, etc.) and by extension also WWI Germany (even though the whole guilt here is highly debatable). Stalin Russia should get the exact same treatment. And while we are at it, we can also put the US in there (e.g. for what they did to Japan). All emperors should reside in the same bucket: They are all essentially a bunch of war criminals invading other peoples countries. We can look at positive second degree outcomes, but should not forget the cruelty of war.