Leaders around the globe have watched the actions and behavior of Russian President Vladimir Putin. We can no longer afford to be naïve.
Make no mistake, Putin is a dictator of a communist country.
History tells us that dictators operate with different mentalities. Putin is no different. The entire world sees he is beholden to no one, only to his illogical belief in restoring a bygone era, a time when the West and Soviet Russia engaged in what was called The Cold War.
Fortunately, for many countries and their people, that world no longer existed.
With the breakup of the former Soviet Union came a renewed hope for a better life by millions of people from multiple nations who had lived under the harsh, freedom-repressing regime of the Communists. These former satellite countries emerged with a legitimate interest in prosperity for their citizens and economies.
They relished being free and out from under the yoke of communism. Of course, the transformation from authoritarian rule to something freer did not come without challenges. Even still, many countries made huge strides for the improvement of their economies, forming governments with elected leadership.
Now, the game has changed.
Russia’s full-scale invasion into Ukraine this morning should come as no surprise. For weeks, he was building up military forces along with eastern Ukraine and in Belarus claiming to be conducting military training operations.
Satellite imagery told a different story. Putin’s recent speech about restoring Russia’s safety (and, integrity) was telling, and now we know his lethal intent. Our only hope is that leaders around the world, have the moral compass, the will, and the courage to do what is right—to support freedom wherever it is and to stop dictators from dashing the hopes of millions of global citizens who crave liberty.