Just as the global threat of the pandemic recedes, in steps Mr. Putin to fill the void. Long term power has a tendency to corrupt and the Russian President appears to have proven this true with his recent invasion of Ukraine.

The west is outraged but it’s hardly a surprise occurrence that Putin has flexed his considerable muscle. So will he succeed? As long as the Russian Generals remain loyal it seems likely that he will. The only other angle which can really make a difference is money. Can sanctions really work? The Russian oligarchs have deep pockets so the prospects are not bright on that front. The resistance of the Ukrainian people is strong. Ultimately they will regain their country, someday.

It’s a question of how long it will take, how many people have to needlessly die and how many lives have to be ripped apart.