Can the West outlast Putin?

The invasion of Ukraine will end someday, and the war may continue as a guerilla type war that could last for years. Meanwhile Russian President Vladimir Putin will probably still rule Russia even if the Russian people eventually learn how he lied to them. Putin has his base of supporters that will buy anything he says because it’s for their benefit to believe (sounds a little familiar). Such is the rule of dictators.

So how will we ever deal with a nuclear-armed Russia in the future? Putin has proved to us what a liar he is with his numerous denials of the coming invasion of Ukraine. He has proved, once again, that what comes out of his mouth is usually garbage (hmmm, familiarity strikes again). Putin is the head of a powerful well-armed nation of almost 150 million souls. We have no choice but to deal with them. They have almost unlimited natural resources, especially oil and gas. They can dictate who will be their friends and who will not. Germany, Europe’s largest economy, who once dominated Europe with its military might, is dependent on Russia for a large part of its energy needs.

NATO countries are applying sanctions on the Russian economy, but it’s a two-way street. High gas prices are the least of our worries regarding Russia. The Russian people can handle any hardship that we can impose on them far better than we can handle what Russia can do to Europe. What hurts Europe will hurt us, in my opinion.

K. Morgan

Sultan

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Feb. 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

State single-payer health care bill offers many advantages

I was excited to read in Will Geschke’s report (“Everett lawmakers back… Continue reading

Important national story missing from Herald

I couldn’t find a report in The Herald that the Trump administration… Continue reading

Comment: Trump’s ‘Man-of-Steel’ shtick will make U.S. weaker

Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum will harm allies we need and won’t help industries here.

Comment: AG Bondi’s DEI memo more messaging than lawsuit threat

Talk of criminal investigations is intended to panic corporations into abandoning their DEI programs.

Goldberg: Why Musk, Vance went to bat for self-desribed racist

While a former Trump official is on the outs for doing his job, a proud racist gets his job back.

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Feb. 12

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Welch: State Democrats’ bill would undermine parental rights

The bill would allow kids as young as 13 to make mental health decisions without notice to parents.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.