A lot of people had a very naive understanding of Russia's actions in the last years, and were shocked at the invasion.
It's ok to change your mind - maybe be more wary about that kind of rethoric in the future, because Putin's always been a literal bloody dictator.
It's ok to change your mind - maybe be more wary about that kind of rethoric in the future, because Putin's always been a literal bloody dictator.
That said - no, this was not a surprise, Putin was *even more ruthless and unjustified* in his intervention in Syria, it's just that media packaged that one VERY differently (and it started as a civil war, so international reaction was muddier).
And even more relevant: the politicians and parties who praised Putin at every turn untill a week ago, *absolutely* knew what sort of leader Putin was. They just thought their electors would never notice.
*They* aren't entitled to just change their mind.
*They* aren't entitled to just change their mind.
They enabled Russia for years, and tried to give it even more concession when the public opinion was much muddier on the issue. They'll try to pretend they were as shocked as electors were, but it's not true - they were Putin's allies, took his support and often his money.
So, beside the obvious - support Ukraine, support sanctions against Russia, even if they cost us - I really hope we can learn that foreign policy *actually matters*, it's not just a cheap way to score political points. People die by action and by inaction.
And the politicians who tried to hitch to the wagon of an authoritarian, ruthless dictator are liars who don't care about human life.
They lied about Putin *and probably lied about everything else*, and you should never trust them again, end of story.
They lied about Putin *and probably lied about everything else*, and you should never trust them again, end of story.
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