The all-Ukraine edition
Russian invasion may be 'way over there,' but will have lasting effect on the U.S.
Thoughts for the day
In what has been noted as the largest attack on a European state since the Second World War, Russia attacked Ukraine overnight by land, sea and air, Reuters reports.
The invasion ends months of Western diplomacy. Indeed, the attack was launched as an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council was getting underway.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he ordered his “special operation” to protect Russians subjected to “genocide” in Ukraine.
"And for this we will strive for the demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine. Russia cannot feel safe, develop, and exist with a constant threat emanating from the territory of modern Ukraine...All responsibility for bloodshed will be on the conscience of the ruling regime in Ukraine." — Vladimir Putin
It is worth noting Ukraine is democratic and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is Jewish.
The repercussions are already being felt in the economy as stocks plunged and oil topped $100/barrel.
The question now is how far Russia will go. Will it stop at the states it recognized as independent republics? Will it take Kyiv and topple the government?
And how will America and the West respond? The absorption of Belarus and Ukraine puts Putin on NATO’s doorstep. Will Western economic sanctions result in escalation, perhaps in the form of cyberattacks?
The urge may be to consider what happens between Russia and Ukraine to be a local matter, but have no doubt, sooner or later, it will be our problem.
The Six
No. 1
The Economist has in-depth reporting that addresses those questions and more, and how it will reshape European security.
No. 2
How President Joe Biden handles the crisis will put him to the test. He has tried to contain it and prop up NATO allies, but his options are limited. There is no appetite in the U.S. for a military response, but certainly, his critics will seize upon the opportunity to paint him as not being up to the task. A Reuters analysis says his handling of it so far “has been deemed something of a mixed bag.”
No. 3
The New York Times reports on what the invasion means for the U.S. economy at a time of already-high inflation: Uncertainty, upset in commodity markets and rising gas and food prices. The Economist takes a look at the economic consequences of the war from a global view.
No. 4
The Washington Post reports while President Biden and bipartisan U.S. lawmakers have condemned Russia for escalation in Ukraine, “A vocal group of right-leaning figures admires the Russian president for what they depict as his strength and shrewdness, while disdaining a U.S. president they dismiss as weak.”
No. 5
The New York Times is tracking the Russian invasion of Ukraine in maps.
No. 6
The AP reports UEFA is set to move the Champions League final out of Russia, while F1 bosses are set to have meetings today regarding the potential impact on the Russian GP.
Quote of the Day
“A few words to those who might be tempted to interfere in the unfolding events from the outside. Anyone who tries to hinder us and...create a threat for our country and our people must know that the response will be immediate and will lead to consequences that you have never faced in your history. We are ready for any scenario. All necessary decisions in this regard have been taken. I hope you hear me.” — Vladimir Putin
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About
Christopher Six is a passionate advocate of community journalism with more than 30 years in the media, corporate communications and marketing. An award-winning designer, columnist, illustrator, photographer and newsroom leader, he is a respected voice in journalism ethics. A veteran reporter, he has created and taught news writing seminars for community colleges and the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.
Editor’s Note
Pick Six is published most Mondays-Fridays. Sharing of stories does not equal endorsement, however, personal thoughts and commentary on those stories are 100 percent my own.