I have been a constant critic of President Biden’s too little/too late support of Ukraine. Consequently, I have often been asked, “What would you have done I you were President? This is my answer.
I would have acted BEFORE the actual invasion. As soon as Putin placed troops along three sides of the Ukraine border, I would have issued a VERY stern warning – with specific consequences if he did not remove them.
Putin initially indicated that it was only a military exercise. If I were Biden, I would have informed Putin that we know his explanation is bullsh*t, and the United States and NATO will act accordingly.
I would have imposed severe sanctions PRIOR to the invasion – to be removed only when Putin’s troops were removed. And that would include Russian troops occupying the Crimea and the Donbas Region.
I would lead NATO and other allies in a unified strategy of maximum threat and maximum actions. I would have organized a NATO operation to send massive amounts of military equipment to Ukraine. I would have immediately commenced training of Ukrainian military personnel on the deployment and operation of the most sophisticated and powerful weapons – including fighter jets – in anticipation of their expeditious arrival in Ukraine.
Biden’s first major blunder was to assure Putin that no American or NATO troops would be on the ground in Ukraine to repel an invasion. Biden even ordered the small number of military advisors out of the country. This was nothing less than a diplomatic green light for Putin to invade.
I would have told Putin in the strongest terms that American and NATO military intervention was NOT off the table. I would not have removed American troops prior to an actual invasion. I would have informed Putin – in the strongest possible terms — that any deaths of American soldiers would be considered an act of war against the United States.
I would have given no credence to Putin’s nuclear threats – essentially telling him to take his nuclear missiles and shove them up his ass. More seriously, I would have made it very clear that any use of nuclear weapons would be a world catastrophe – and among the results would be his death and the leveling of the Kremlin.
I would have informed Putin that any shutting, damaging or destroying of the Zaporizhzhia region nuclear power station – especially if it sent radiation over Europe – would be viewed as act of war against NATO, which would result in military intervention.
Unlike Biden, I would not have prevented Ukrainian forces from striking military targets inside Mother Russia. Putin should have been told before the invasion that those sites would be specifically targeted. – and we would provide the long-range weapons to reach inside Russia.
I would announce a no-fly zone over Ukraine to be implemented the moment Russian troops crossed the Ukraine border – or advanced further from the occupied areas.
I would have had direct talks with China, North Korea, and Iran – and any others – that may aid and abet Putin’s proposed invasion. They would be advised that any military shipments to the Ukrainian front would be intercepted as war contraband by the United States and NATO forces.
I would have sent Navy warships to international waters along the southern coast of Ukraine to protect the sea routes into the war zone and form a blockade if necessary.
All the above is BEFORE Putin launches an invasion – and I doubt he would. But if he did, I would implement the threats swiftly.
Putin was shocked that without all the aforementioned measures, his military could not take Kyiv – could hardly advance from the occupied regions, and then only at enormous costs. Had Biden shown REAL leadership and REAL influence over NATO, I firmly believe that this war would be over … Putin would no longer be in charge in the Kremlin … and many lives and lots of money would have been saved. Ukraine would be in the process of rebuilding instead of still suffering devastating damage and loss of life.
Yes, this is all hypothetical. But well within the realm of reason – and it sounds like what President Reagan would have done. You know … that guy who brought down Putin’s precious Soviet Union.
If the United States wants to be the world leader, we need leaders who know how to lead. “Leading from behind,” surrendering and acquiescing are not the traits of leadership. It takes a balance between respect and fear. Under the Biden administration, the United States is getting neither.
So, there ‘tis.