The Ukrain-Russian conflict will expand if Putin is not stopped now.

• Before 2022, many believed that war in Europe was unthinkable, ignoring the ongoing conflict involving Russia since 2014.

• The war began with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalated in 2022, with shifting justifications for the invasion of Ukraine. (“Russia, which began the war proclaiming that its goal was the liberation of the innocent Ukrainians from the allegedly drug-addled, fascist government of (Volodymyr) Zelensky, now talks about ordinary Ukrainians as traitors.”

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• Historical parallels are drawn between current events and pre-WWII tensions, emphasizing regional conflicts and alliances, such as the collaboration between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

• Russia’s war in Ukraine is framed ideologically by its leaders, with religious narratives used to justify aggression.

• Putin’s aggression has led to a revitalized Western alliance, as seen in Sweden joining NATO and other international military support for Ukraine.

• Germany is criticized for not contributing enough to defense efforts, while prioritizing welfare spending over military needs.

• The West must strengthen its military support to Ukraine to prevent a prolonged defeat that might validate Putin’s view of Western weakness.

This is a summery of  George F. Will's writing , a columnist for the Washington Post.