UK Air Vice-Marshal Sean Bell has accused the West of playing into Vladimir Putin’s hands during the Ukraine war. The remarks come after Russia lowered its threshold for nuclear weapon use, sparking fears of WW3. Bell claims that if the West had provided clear support to Ukraine from the start, the conflict could have been avoided.
The UK defence chief’s assessment comes as morale among Ukrainian forces dwindles with winter approaching and Russian advances continuing. North Korean troops have also been deployed to Russia, engaging in battles with Ukrainian forces. The US has responded by allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets inside Russia.
Bell believes that the West’s equivocal response fueled Putin’s aggression. By not providing clear support, the West allowed Putin to claim they were escalating the conflict. This mixed messaging “plays into Putin’s hands,” Bell warns. He hopes that a more decisive approach from the US, including former President Trump, could open doors to negotiations and prevent nuclear war.
Bell praises Trump’s language on Ukraine as a potential solution but notes that his unorthodox style may pose risks. The retired RAF pilot acknowledges that Trump’s words may be “scary as hell” but hopes they can lead to a more peaceful resolution.
Source: https://www.gbnews.com/news/world/ukraine-war-russia-putin-trump