We must offer sanctuary for Russian military defectors

Economic sanctions have not deterred Putin, and direct war is not an option, because this maniac has nuclear weapons. The West’s options are limited, and he knows it.

One option that we have is to encourage Russians, and particularly soldiers, to defect, or surrender.

We should offer Russian soldiers who peacefully defect the ability to live peaceful lives in The West.

Don’t think that I’m being naïve — I recognize that many or most Russian soldiers believe that they are serving their country, and believe the vile propaganda that Putin uses to justify the invasion.

But there may be some Russian soldiers who do not want to kill Ukrainians. Offering the promise of a good life to Russian defectors is one small way that we could degrade Putin’s power. Russian soldiers must know that they have a choice.

The West should offer complete sanctuary to any Russian soldier who is brave enough to defect. Russian pilots must know that if they fly their plane peacefully into NATO territory — with radio communication that they are surrendering, that they will be allowed to land and will be given European protection.

The message must be clearly broadcast in Russian — that if Russians surrender in Ukraine, they will not be kept as prisoners of war in Ukraine — they will be immediately transported West and given a hero’s welcome.

Even if 100,000 Russian soldiers accept the offer — it will be nowhere near the millions of Ukrainian refugees we will soon see.

And even if only one Russian soldier chooses it — he deserves freedom.

Russian soldiers should know that they are not fighting for Russia — they are fighting for a heartless, brutal, evil, warmonger — dictator. They must know that there is a better option.