Putin in the past couple of days has made several comments that makes anyone wonder what he is trying to do. As the world knows, Malaysian Airlines flight 17 was shot down and evidence is mounting that pro-Russian forces were behind it. The day after the crash Putin stated:
“This tragedy would not have happened, if there had been peace on that land, or in any case if military operations in southeastern Ukraine had not been renewed.”
Putin is placing the blame of the fighting on the Ukraine. Yet which country inflamed the conflict to begin with? Only a couple of months ago Putin was telling the rest of the world part of the Ukraine were Russian because of the high numbers of Russian speaking citizens.
Two months ago Putin sent in Russian troops to conquer the areas of the Ukraine he stated should be part of Russia. Why? The majority spoke Russian and wanted to be part of Russia. His actions were regarded by many as very Hitler-like in 1938 and the annexation of Czechoslovakia.
Yet despite these actions Putin is laying the blame for the fighting on the Ukraine. There is even a claim that the missile was meant not for a civilian airliner, but for Putin himself. Of course such claims are bold and begs the question why would Putin’s security members have him fly so close to a war zone? It is very illogical claim.
The Ukraine situation around the world had been dying down. Press groups around the world were paying it little attention. Even airplanes being shot down were not reported world-wide, being military aircraft it was assumed to be part of the conflict.
Then came Flight 17, and a move by someone to order the missiles fired.
Now Putin is uncomfortable, on the defensive around the world. The rest of the world needs to stand up to Putin now while the tragedy is fresh.
For that to occur, the President of the United States needs to step up and show real leadership. If he fails to do so, Obama might be more remembered as British Prime Minster Neville Chamberlain who catered to Adolf Hitler’s demands ensuring war than a leader who stood up and prevented war.