What to watch for now

The issue circa 2014 to 2022 was: Will Ukraine become part of NATO or not? The conflict now raging probably will settle that question in the affirmative.

Ukraine may come of out this war in pretty good shape. The U.S. has essentially said: We’ll back you and beef up your army with the understanding that going forward you’ll become part of the Western alliance. Ukraine’s military capability will probably wind up being ten times greater after this is all over. And the economic reconstruction financed by the West will result in state-of-the-art infrastructure, industries, and agriculture. Billions and billions are pouring into Ukraine and some people there are getting very rich.

I think the issue after the war will be: Who will dominate Russia? In that regard Xi Jinping’s meeting with Putin this week was indicative of what’s to come and what to watch.

The West will take this opportunity to knock Russia out of the ranks of geopolitical super-powers. The West would hope to then move in post-war and buy up industrial plant and resources to the extent of dominating the economy. China may stand in the way.