Dear Editor, 

America needs to focus on ending this war as soon as possible, which will mean a compromise short of what would be “just.” Blunt characterizations of Putin, though deserved, are not helpful.

To carry on such a conflict to the bitter end has evil effects even when one is in the right, because the enmity is thus perpetuated. We need to support neutrality for Ukraine and Ukraine parting with Crimea and the breakaway provinces.

Hopefully, sanctions, the oil boycott, growing disaffection at home and declining morale in his military will bring Putin to accept these gains in exchange for halting the aggression.

This would be far from ideal, but much worse outcomes—for Ukrainians alone-- are increasingly likely.

Todd Buchanan 

Eldora