That little splotch of color on maps adjoining the Russian Country may disappear soon. Yes, the Ukraine is now a rapidly disappearing democracy on the edge of the USSR. And Russia, in actions that would have made Hitler blush with jealousy, is at it again. If you ever took any European History and studied Russia and its relationships to the Balkans, you can see what I mean. Russia wants it right now.

Why? Well, here it is. The great prairies of this breadbasket democracy provide 30% of the world’s wheat and grain. In the past, when Ukrainian crops failed, famine quickly set in on Russia and many other parts of our world. And here I thought the USA was the world’s breadbasket.

What else? The Ukrainians in their freethinking democracy have developed into a technological wonder of the world in electronics and most areas of industry. As such it has become a wealthy area under Vladimir Putin’s eye. Did I mention its vast oil reserves?

There is a big difference in foreign policy between Russia and the USA. For the past century our country has taken the view that when our neighboring countries, such as Mexico or other nations prosper, they make better neighbors: They can buy more of our goods and not be some sort of military threat. Not so with Putin. He looks, he sees, he wants, and he takes. Like a 2-year-old.

Putin’s adventure in the Ukraine has puzzled us, of course. Why would he do this? Just go in and start blasting away at nonmilitary targets. High rise apartments filled with civilians just living their lives. Missiles whammed right into the middle of these inhabited apartments. Those lucky enough to get out alive became part of the millions of refuges clogging the subways, trains and highways. Russian tanks ran amok down freeways crushing cars, railroad passenger cars loaded down with panicked families trying to escape. Why, we ask, is he so obsessed with killing civilians? Well, that’s his mission.

In Mariupol a highrise hospital catering to pregnant women and their babies was merciless, and without warning, just methodically mowed down and flattened. Hundreds died. Mariupol’s famed Drama Theatre was selected by terrified residents as a bomb shelter of last resort. “Surely, they thought, the Russians wouldn’t attack this place.” The word “CHILDREN” was written out on the pavement in large block letters to make sure they knew. It made no difference. The Theatre was blasted to pieces and hundreds of innocents died inside. Putin had even brought in portable crematoriums. His intentions are plain. No wonder local Ukrainian survivors are so outraged.

The ambitious Ukrainians not only make lots of hitech products they developed one of the largest steel mills in the world — the Azovstal Steel Plant. Covering nearly five square miles, the big plant is partly destroyed now. The Russians are still working on it. You see, it may be something Putin may want in his future plans for this area. His military is rendering the area mostly uninhabitable. He hates President Zalinski, and he wants him and his leadership to be all dead and gone.

Vladimir Putin has the military power to do what he wants. He will, too, and when the war ends be able to go in and install his own government in Kyiv. To the victor belongs the spoils goes the old saying and the Ukrainian land will be a vast new frontier whose riches are to be enjoyed by Putin’s special people. His politicians, his mayors, his politburo, ad nauseum.

Viewed in this depressing way, you can see why Putin isn’t interested in any negotiations. He already plans on taking it all. He tells the Russian people over his statecontrolled media that the Ukrainians are just a bunch of Nazis. A sad situation indeed, as our timid President tries to quell the political outrage in America by sending the feisty Ukrainians a few bullets and antitank weapons. Oh me.

Have a good week and be sure and go to church Sunday.

Wayne Bullard, DPh cwaynebullard@gmail.com