Subject: Re: Let’s See If This Pans Out for Putin
First rule of fighting: Avoid a fight. Second rule of fighting: inflict more damage than you take (which is ideally zero).

Last I checked, Ukraine's inflicted 2x the number of casualties on Russia (about ~850K vs. 400K for the Ukrainians). Inflicted massive damage on Russia's military equipment, materiel, and reserves. And all-but-stopped their advance.

So yeah, if you can't avoid the fight (the other guy started it), you can either keep inflicting damage on the other guy or give up.

Why do you think that "give up" is the best option for the Ukrainians when they don't?

You're misunderstanding. I'm the one advocating for Europe and American to radically up the pain that Russia is feeling. Break their economy and make them so radioactive they can't give anything away. You want a bully to stop? You don't lightly tap on his shoulder. You give him a black eye and some bruised ribs. Sweep the leg. Whatever it takes.

Why do you think anyone disagrees with you? We agree with the goal and approach - do everything you can to ratchet up their pain. We just disagree with you on whether the tactics being employed. Secondary tariffs against allies doesn't do that. Literally rolling out the red carpet for a head-of-state level summit is not doing that.

And most important? More than anything else? Stop suggesting that it is acceptable to us that this ends with anything other than Russian withdrawal. Stop giving Putin openings to weaken the West's resolve, encouraging him to stay in the fight in hopes that we might either abandon Ukraine or force them to accede to Russia's conquest. Make sure that Russia knows, 100%, that this never ends without them leaving.

The more Russia thinks that this might end with them getting to stay, the longer it drags out.