As Putin commenced the Russian invasion of Ukraine the world was wondering why? He says it is to assure the security of Russia and to prevent the alliance of Ukraine with NATO. But we all know that Putin is not noted for his truthfulness. So what are the real reasons for Putin’s invasion? I have my own thoughts on the Russian dictator’s behavior. Remember the ancient phrase, attributed I believe, to Julius Caesar, “divide and conquer”? I believe this may be part of Putin’s long-range plan.

Putin rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the KGB, during the time of the Cold War and the Soviet Union’s stranglehold over those countries of eastern Europe that were swallowed into the Soviet Bloc. The KGB was notorious for its savage and brutal behavior towards anyone opposed to the Communist party’s rule, undoubtedly something Putin misses after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Since Putin entered politics he has held the positions of Prime Minister and now President, an office he can hold for life, after he maneuvered legislation to extend the numbers of times he can run for office. Amazingly throughout his political career, his opponents have somehow managed to show up dead, a result of poisoning or “suicide”. Dissent of any kind is not allowed.

One barrier to Putin’s dream of rebuilding the Soviet empire, with him at the helm, has been NATO. He is fearful that former Soviet bloc countries, like Ukraine may adopt a democratic form of government and join NATO. Ukraine has already formed a democracy but has not joined Nato. And this is Putin’s greatest fear. For Putin to make his dream become a reality, he must weaken NATO and divide the electorates of Western Europe and the United States.

He has already meddled in elections in Europe and also the United States, where he most likely installed Trump as his puppet in the 2016 election, using massive misinformation campaigns on Facebook and other social media. After being elected Trump denigrated NATO and our European allies and fought to get rid of sanctions placed on Russia for their annexation of Crimea in 2014. Trump catered to Putin and defended his every move to destabilize the European continent. The Republican Party, during and after the Trump administration, was constantly in march step behind Putin loving Trump. Luckily in the 2020 election, the American people overwhelmingly defeated Trump, despite Russia’s efforts to interfere once again. But thanks to Trump and his sycophants in the Republican Party America is sorely divided. Even as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, Republicans, Fox News, and of course Trump steadfastly support Putin, over the United States.

With Putin believing that NATO and the resolve of the European alliance were weakened, thanks to the Trump presidency and the continued Republican attack on our democracy, he ascertained that this was the right time to attack Ukraine. Luckily NATO and the European allies have so far stood together in defiance of Russian aggression. Unlike Trump, Biden has met Putin with strong condemnation and sanctions designed to hurt Putin and his team of corrupt oligarchs. Even with Republican inaction and lack of support for America during these dangerous times, Putin may realize that he has underestimated Biden, America, and Europe.

If nothing is done to confront and punish Putin there is nothing in his way to re-annex all of the former countries of the Soviet Union, regardless of their independence and democratically elected governments. What is very scary is that Putin, according to the Mirror, said “the ‘consequences” of any attempt to strike back following the country’s invasion of Ukraine would provoke a response ‘never seen in history.” Obviously, a veiled threat to use nuclear weapons.

If he is successful in taking over Ukraine, then China will be emboldened to invade Taiwan. And don’t forget Alaska was once a part of Russia! We quite possibly are on the brink of WWIII or even worldwide nuclear annihilation. This is no time for partisan politics fueled by a narcissistic, pathological liar and the anti-democratic grifters who have formed a pathetic cult worshipping his every non-sensical babblings. These are serious and dangerous times and we must return to the shared democratic values we have always been known for.

We must stand by Ukraine.