The American Island

 I heard a Russian say recently (bitterly) that America is an island. By that he meant that no one is going to invade the United States, protected by two oceans. America--unlike Russia--does not have to conquer its nearby neighbors to feel safe. (?)

Russian has been invaded from the east and west in the past, including once by the United States. The Golden Horde conquered Russia and the Crimean Tatars burned Moscow. Actually the Russians themselves were invaders from Scandinavia about 900 years ago. None of which justifies Putin's current murder of Ukrainians. Many in Russian understand that, but they have no say in the matter.