IAN KELLY

The Biden administration likes to say Russia is isolated internationally because of its invasion of Ukraine.

The Biden administration likes to say Russia has become isolated internationally because of its invasion of Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has been meeting with world leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country is a NATO member. Meanwhile, his top diplomat, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is jetting around the world, smiling, shaking hands and posing for photos with foreign leaders — including some friends of the U.S.

Russia’s war in Ukraine is grinding into its third month with little sign of a decisive military victory for either side, and no resolution in sight.

As Western leaders congratulate themselves for their speedy and severe responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, they’re also scratching their heads with uncertainty about what their actions will accomplish.

Even if a Russian invasion of Ukraine doesn’t happen in the next few days, the crisis is reaching a critical inflection point.

By failing to offer realistic alternatives, the U.S. and Europe have left another region to the tender mercies of a predatory power.