Inside Ukraine- A Testing Time

The remnants of the Russian offensive inside Ukraine have maintained the offensive with goals of establishing a predicate for formal declaration of hostilities. In the Eastern region, Ukraine President  Petro Poroshenko has ordered military action to defend Ukraine territory and population. This is a testing time; the original goal of the rebellion was to present an image of endangered pro-Russian population groups in Ukraine that require rescue.

Ukraine is not accustomed to war, it has been a big part of their history but they are not like the U.S. Russia or most NATO countries- with tested military machines.  Ukrainian culture is rich in values but little to do with warfare. They are among the more vulnerable countries to an armed insurgency. The entire governmental ordeal from the demonstrations and fighting in Euro Maiden to the present has increased patriotic feelings in Ukraine, they will not lack for heroism and effort to defend themselves. But they do lack a cadre of tested war veterans, and a track record of military actions.

Through all, President Putin has remained in a low profile, and the situation presents  an opportunity which may be beyond his ambition but within his abilities. Putin can join President Obama and stand as a leader, not only of a great nation, also of humanity. He can lead the world into an era of peace and cooperation.  Russia like the U.S has a group of influential men intent on war, and invested in the profits of global conflict. However, like the U.S., it has a leadership structure which invests strategic military policy in one person-- a President.  Putin has an opportunity to compete for preeminence on the world stage that matters most, the path to Global peace. He can lead the Russian people inside Ukraine on a constructive path of power sharing and democratic processes.

This is the shape of the world when we all grow-up. Where we seek opportunities for embracing the value of life. It is a stage when we accept the blessing of life and agree it is the most valuable thing on Earth.