Our interests call for us to adopt a measured detachment from each of the adversaries. Throughout, we and others must grapple with the continued risk that we will be blamed and targeted. An enduring resolution may be elusive in the near term. It likely requires a strategy that looks out 1-2 years and that rests on building transatlantic alliance with the EU member states. Without a coherent, effective transatlantic alliance we cannot begin to see results.
Containment requires changing calculations through new forms of coordinated multilateral pressure.
Arms embargoes are essential, will take time, and require serious efforts at monitoring and enforcement. Action last night by the UN Security Council to impose an international arms embargo was a critical step. We need now to ensure that these commitments are implemented effectively. We should move rapidly to condition multilateral and bilateral assistance and to limit travel and the ability of the two adversaries to use our soil to raise funds for their respective war efforts.