I stated that in my OP.
So NATO's excuse for a no fly zone refusal is just cowardice?
If Putin were pushed to make the next move, do you believe his defense advisors would allow him to escalate?
NATO's excuse is that:
1. Ukraine isn't part of NATO.
2. The BEST STRATEGY is to let 'Slavic Brothers' fight each other.
3. Putin may 'win' in the short term, but 'lose' in the long term.
The 'Kievian Rus' is a cultural and historic bonding of Ukraine and Russia. Putin is doing something that NO ONE ELSE COULD DO, put a permanent wedge into that relationship.
"What was the Kievan Rus known for?
The Kievan Rus was a powerful empire during the Middle Ages centered around the city of Kiev. It served as the foundation and beginning of both Russia and the Ukraine. Today Kiev is the capital city of the Ukraine."
Kievan Rus - Middle Ages for Kids - Duckstershttps://www.ducksters.com › history › kievan_rus
Putin ... What an Idiot!