Enough Already: Stop Provoking Russia

Anticipating Scott Horton's Upcoming Book

Many are eagerly waiting for Scott Horton's forthcoming book, "Provoked", which is expected to delve into the US provocations that led to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, there is a growing concern that it might be released too late.

Continued Provocation of Russia

Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Biden administration, in conjunction with the Ukrainian government and much of Europe, has persistently provoked Putin towards a broader conflict with the West. This dangerous path can be recognized without endorsing any of Russia's reactions to these provocations.

Arming Ukraine

The US and Europe have heavily armed Ukraine. The West has funded Ukraine's military effort, which has also led to significant corruption, to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars. This is allegedly beneficial for the US as it aids the US military-industrial complex. However, this will be of little consolation in the event of war with Russia.

Ukraine's Actions and US Support

Ukraine sabotaged the Nord Stream pipeline, but the initial blame was quickly placed on Russia. Ukraine also launched an invasion of Russia's Kursk region in early August, seemingly catching the US government off guard. Despite the invasion and revelations about the Nord Stream pipeline, the US government's support for Ukraine has remained unwavering. Furthermore, the Kursk incursion ultimately received US approval.

Increasing Attacks and US Support

The US government supplied Ukraine with ATACMS missiles that exploded a beach in Crimea in April. Now, Ukraine is once again launching attacks on Moscow, this time using drones that have targeted residential buildings and an airport. The question arises whether the US's unconditional support for Ukraine, as it increasingly acts out of desperation, will make war less likely, as the war hawks seem to believe. The answer is unlikely.

The US's Misunderstanding of the Conflict

The US is making a fundamental mistake by treating the war with Ukraine as a proxy war. However, for Russia, it is not. The Ukrainian proxy is not fighting a Russian proxy, but Russia itself. The fact that the fighting is taking place in Ukraine, a neighboring country, rather than in Russia, changes nothing. US money, weapons, and intelligence are being used to wage war on Russia, a fact that is clear to Russian leaders.

The Dangerous Game of the US Establishment

The US establishment is playing a perilous game. They are blinded by their own arrogance, believing they know better. They argue that Putin is bluffing when he hints at using nuclear weapons, or when Russian officials suggest that Russia is altering its nuclear doctrine in response to the West's actions. They claim that Putin is a "coward" who will back down in the face of power and determination from the West. This narrative is also promoted by the Ukrainian government.

Contradictory Narratives

This narrative is glaringly inconsistent and self-serving. Michael McFaul, a former US Ambassador to Russia and a fervent Russia hawk, simultaneously believes that Putin will back down to US deterrence, but also asserts that Putin consistently behaves aggressively even when the costs seem to outweigh the benefits. So, which is it? Does Putin back down, or is he unpredictable and willing to take costly actions driven by fear? This unverifiable speculation about Putin is crucial.

Escalation Despite Fears of Nuclear Use

When their narrative inevitably collides with reality, they resort to the Washington, DC playbook—arguing that unprecedented action and funding were not enough, and that we need to do and spend even more. If the West does not fund Ukraine or make peace with Russia, Putin hawks argue that we are rewarding aggression. This typical Beltway or detached think tank logic involves taking costly, symbolic action that makes no difference. In the end, it will have made no difference, other than to prolong the conflict and increase death and suffering. Doing more will only bring us closer to the brink. As revealed in the New York Times in late August, the Biden administration at one point "feared the likelihood of nuclear use might rise to 50 percent or even higher." Yet, we escalate further.

US Political Establishment as an Obstacle to Peace

At every step, the US political establishment has hindered peace. Victoria Nuland, Biden's former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, recently admitted what was already known: that the US helped sabotage a peace proposal that could have ended the Russia-Ukraine war in its infancy. Their constant refrain that Putin could not be trusted and that he was eager to move on to Eastern Europe after Ukraine was not helpful either. History will remember that the war could have been over almost immediately, and countless Ukrainians alive today, had the US establishment prioritized peace over targeting Putin.

Call for Peace

When will US leaders say enough is enough? When will they end their support for Ukraine, pull back from the bellicosity against nuclear powers, and advocate for peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, without entangling alliances? To paraphrase Murray Rothbard, while some may prefer death in nuclear war to Russian rule over Ukraine, most Americans—and many Ukrainians—rightly prefer not to end up in a "free world" cemetery.

European Leaders Advocating for Peace

Some European leaders are advocating for peace. However, only an intense and sustained campaign for peace from the American people can counter the hawkish establishment impulses to defend Ukraine at all costs.

Bottom Line

It's clear that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a complex and multifaceted issue, with various global powers playing significant roles. The question remains, however, whether the current approach of continuous provocation and escalation is the most effective or beneficial strategy for all parties involved. What are your thoughts on this matter? We encourage you to share this article with your friends and engage in a thoughtful discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.