I have great interest in what is happening in Ukraine and Russia. Collectively our immediate family has lived almost 25 years in Ukraine and Russia. I currently have a son living in Kiev, Ukraine and a son living in Russia. Most of my children speak Russian and Ukrainian. Historically our ancestor, Vladimir the Great, ruled Kievan Rus (modern day Russia and Ukraine.)
When it comes to sanctions that speak to a Russian leader Vladimir Putin, it will not be restricting his friend's from shopping on 5th avenue. It will be in the language of oil and gas.
I think the best thing that we could do would be to offer to help Ukraine produce and distribute their own natural gas for Ukraine and then sell natural gas to other Eastern European countries. Right now the pipelines lay in place through the country of Ukraine where gas is pumped from Russia to Ukraine and other countries. Russia controls all of those who are dependent on energy from Russia. Russia, as demonstrated recently, can hike the price of energy at a moment's notice.
Since our government won't let us drill for more energy here, let's send some of this industry to Ukraine to help them foster some independence and release the independence of the other countries on Russia.
This message WILL affect Russia. Being told that they can no longer use pipelines through Ukraine and the thought of their neighbors and customers becoming energy independent WILL get their attention. America can also proceed with the pipelines that we have on hold and offer to change the energy market that Russia holds hostage. As President Putin sees his power diminishing, his land-grabbing ambitions may also start to wane. It is all about speaking the language of a true Russian.
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