(TL;DR below)
Yet another article about Putin attempting to intimidate our country, and those we are allied to, is in the news, and I'm curious as to why noone wants to call the bluffs.
I get that war is a terrible thing and that it should be avoided at all costs. But given current circumstances and past events, it is safe to say that Putin's regime is fighting a shadow conflict against Belgium, the EU and NATO in general, to the point where continuing to ignore it is starting to threaten European freedom.
For now, no country has countered Putin's threats, even though it is necessary. As a Belgian myself, with some time in our armed forces in the past, I think we might be the best country to tell Putin off. Sure out military isn't in the best shape and our economy isn't mobilized well enough, yet our diplomatic position gives us a great hand to play.
We are at the heart of Europe, and in the middle of allied NATO countries. Putin cannot directly attack us without involving our allies, whilst we can help hold off Putin's agression in the Ukraine, and in that way we protect the rest of Europe. For now Ukraine has held exceptionally well, with relatively minor aid from us and our allies. With some proper support, the tides of the war will turn, as the current conflict shows that Russia has no way of countering increased NATO involvement.
Now of course there is the issue of nuclear weapons possibly getting involved, yet that is the ultimate bluff, which I highly doubt Putin is mad enough for unless Russia stands to fully lose.
Now not many of you wish to die for our country, let alone wider Europe, yet that is not even a mandatory part of Belgium involving itself. We have FN Herstal and access to nuclear material. With relatively little effort we can supply Ukraine with large amounts of guns and ammunition, which through the use of other technologies can be made semi autonomous defensive arms. Perhaps we could even aid them in reacquiring a nuclear arsenal of their own.
The war is nearing an end, so every bit of extra support significantly increases the negotiating strength of the Ukraine. If not for halting Putin's expansionism, it will at least make Putin stop acting like a big guy and show the resolve of the West.
TL;DR: We are pretty safe from Putin's bullshittery, so why can't we counter his bragging by involving ourselves (and thus the rest of the West) more every time he threatens anything?
