Russia.

Alexei Navalny, a Russian patriot and Putin critic urges the West not to arm Ukraine. First, because he says it will make Russian opposition to Putin the more untenable,--exhibit 1, Boris Nemtsov--strengthening Putin, any criticism of whom on the issue being seen as treasonous. Second because military aid to Ukraine cannot succeed.

“I do not think that supplies of weapons, lethal weapons, will change the situation dramatically. The fact is that a military victory of Ukraine over Russia is impossible. Putin will get new facts that Americans are fighting the war in Ukraine and not Ukrainians.”

I don't know if Alexei is correct on that first point, or entirely sincere. He is probably correct but we (in the West) are getting some counter-information: that mothers of Russian soldiers killed in the invasions are angry, and their numbers grow; that Alexei has turned more nationalist. One presumes also that Alexei, only 38 years old, would like to remain alive, to remain in Russia and with a political future in Russia, unlike, for example, Ksenia Sobchak, who reportedly has already fled the country after being told by state security in a meeting that she could end up like Nemtsov. 

What would Alexei have the West do, continue the sanctions? If he says that, that would dispel some of the doubts but if he said that, as Nemtsov did, well...

But his second point is dispositive, as far as I am concerned anyway. He is absolutely correct about that. 

I am for discontinuing the sanctions over Crimea. I am, with some hesitation, for continuing the sanctions over the invasions in eastern Ukraine but with a sunset provision. Because of Alexei's second point I am for getting this over with asap and with no more bloodshed. "Give it to a Russian," I have urged, with distaste, upon Ukraine. And I am for saying "Farewell to Russia" as far into the future as I reasonably can see. Decide--It took my breath away the first time I thought this.--where we are going to go to war with Russia. Yes, war, draw a red line, presumably at the borders with the NATO countries (I hope not with the Baltics!) and decide. Have the confidence that comes with rational decision-making, the resolution: If they cross that line, be psychologically prepared to immediately launch a full nuclear attack on Russia, on its cities, as well, of course, on its military and government. 

As far into the future as I can see, and I cannot see a responsible Russia from here, we must say Farewell to Russia. None but the most pro forma contacts. No attempts to bring them into the world of nations, no more attempting to make them "partners," Putin continues to use that term, no more "resets," let 'em go and keep 'em out there wherever they end up.

So we say Farewell to Russia in one way, with a cold, permanent divorce, or the other way, with the white hot, nuclear genocide of the Russian people.

Sorry, Alexei.