Blame Putin, not the president, for Ukraine mess

The latest uprising and Russian response in the region known as the Ukraine is undoubtedly Vladimir Putin’s mess and his mess alone. There have been harsh words from some in our Congress and even one attention-seeking “I told you so” from a shrill voice devoid of power and struggling for influence. These words place blame with the president of the United States for Putin’s acts of aggression.

In truth, Putin would have invaded no matter who was sitting in the Oval Office — Obama, Romney, McCain, Reagan or Elmer J. Fudd. Regardless, Putin would have invaded and he has. He doesn’t give a hoot about what the U.S. and the world thinks of him. He never has, and frankly never will. Blaming the president makes as much sense as blaming the ice cream man for losing the Super Bowl because he didn’t stock up on ice cream.

The seaport of Sevastopol in Crimea, now here is the real reason for Putin’s actions. It has been the seat of the Russian Navy since the 18th century, the only warm water port it has to date. Lose that and Putin’s naval power is cut in half. That isn’t going to happen, ever. Crimea is a part of the Ukraine, but it is a vital part of the Russian war machine.

It may not be the USSR anymore. Its military has been cut down a lot since its fall. But do not be fooled by all that. The Russian military is on a par with the U.S. in its power and lethality still. Its soldiers are well trained and very professional, and the nation has enough firepower in conventional and nuclear armaments to equal the U.S. And they know how to use it. That hasn’t changed one bit from the cold war. The man seems bent on bringing those days back in my opinion.

Now what can the president and the U.S. do about it? Very little. We can pitch a fit in the United Nations (which we are). We can call for sanctions (we are). We can make our case to the world in the media to shame them and call for world condemnation (we are).

In fact, we are doing everything every other president has before when something similar has happened. In 2008, Russia took on Georgia (the country, not the state) under President George W. Bush’s watch. A whole lot of shouting was going on from everyone with a voice. Putin ignored it all and went ahead with his plans. You see, this is not the first time he done what he wants and said to hell with what the world says.

So why, for Pete’s sake, are some blaming the president for this mess? I know, I know. There are a few among us who allege President Barack Obama is responsible for everything from warts to the anti-Christ. Sure, the president has faults, I am not naïve enough to think he is perfect. His presidency is mediocre and his foreign policies are shabby. But he is not to blame for the crisis in the Ukraine. That blame falls squarely on Vladimir Putin and both sides involved with the violent unrest in that region.

At the time of this writing the invasion has been bloodless, only a couple of warning shots. Which says something about the discipline of the soldiers on both sides. But how long that will last is anyone’s guess. When you put two heavily armed militants in close proximity, well, something is bound to set them off. And at such close range, no one is going to miss. If that happens, the term “blood bath” will be an understatement.

Do the armed forces of the Ukraine stand a chance against the Russian Army bearing down on them? I hope the powers of diplomacy and negotiation prevail before the world ever has to find out that answer.

Beyond our current responses, I’m not sure what else we can do without setting off World War III. It seems any response such as a U.S. or NATO military incursion would be prone to ignite such a conflict.

World War III — let that term sink in for all those armchair generals out there reading this. If you are not scared to death, then you scare the willies out of me. And for those wagging fingers at the president, chiding him as weak while they sit in front of their TVs safe behind their four walls, I only have pity and contempt for you.

The crisis is fluid. Anything can happen. That is the frightening aspect. Nobody knows what the outcome will be, not even Putin. I get the feeling Crimea will be put on the block. Perhaps that is his aim. I know he will not let that base fall under control of the infant Ukraine government. Looks like Putin has taken a few plays not only from the old Soviet Union, but from Nazi Germany as well.

The sad irony is that the Olympics games took place in his backyard only a few weeks ago. It was a peaceful gathering of people from all over the world striving to be the best in sport instead of armed conflict. It was all done in the name of peace and humanity. It seems Putin failed to learn that Olympic lesson.

The blame here belongs squarely on Putin’s shoulders. Imagine if we as a nation stood united with our president instead of pointing fingers and lobbing accusations. That would make Putin blink. (He is counting on America’s division.) Maybe that is the simple solution to this whole affair.

Wasilla resident Daniel D. Grota retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service.