Ukraine and all that

Russia is a criminal enterprise. Russia has always been a criminal enterprise – before the czars, during the czars, even more criminal under the Bolsheviks and then the Communists, under the presidents since the USSR fell apart.

Ukraine is less a criminal enterprise, although only by a degree or so. Kyiv founded Russia. Vikings founded Kievan Russ and the Ukraine. “Viking” was a job description for member of a criminal enterprise.

Cossacks were bandits.

Russia, the great land mass and not just the lines on maps, has always been up for grabs. He who conquers, rules.

Lace-shirted American diplomats and addled politicians do not know the kind of steppe criminals they are dealing with.