Jorge Benitez, senior fellow and NATOSource director for the Brent Scowcroft Center, writes in U.S. News & World Report on the West’s response to Russian aggression in Crimea:

It has been two weeks since Russian troops left their bases in the Crimea and seized Ukrainian territory. The response by the West has been dismal and disappointing. The U.S. has imposed visa restrictions, Canada has recalled its ambassador, NATO has stopped joint military activities, and the EU has cancelled trade talks with Moscow. No one seriously expects these measures will induce Russian President Vladimir Putin to return control of the Crimea to Ukraine.

Describing Western actions against Russia’s aggression as half measures would be a gross exaggeration. Putin’s military invasion of Ukraine deserves at least a strong diplomatic and economic response from the U.S., Canada and Europe. But instead of prompt and meaningful sanctions against Moscow, the Western response has been lethargic and miniscule.

Read the full article here.

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