Does It Make Sense To Try To Negotiate Peace In Ukraine?

After Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States and its European allies have provided additional military, economic, and humanitarian support to Kiev. They imposed harsh sanctions on Moscow but are cautious not to draw Russia into the conflict or escalate it further.

Analysts contend that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict is an expression of a renewed great-power rivalry between these two states. This geopolitical confrontation will continue to play an influential role in shaping world security for decades to come, according to analysts.

In 2014, Putin’s response to Euromaidan — a violent uprising that forced former President Viktor Yanukovych from power — was an apparent annexation of Crimea that Western leaders rejected as an act of unjust aggression.

Since then, Russia has launched an unrelenting military campaign to devastate Ukrainian cities and towns, railways, bridges, farms, schools, hospitals, government offices, industry and ports. These attacks have caused catastrophic economic damage – with economic output reduced by half.

Ukraine’s military, police and government require significant financial support. Zelenskyy estimates that Kyiv requires $5 billion monthly in order to keep its government running and pay soldiers and workers.

In a December poll, American citizens were almost evenly split on whether Washington should support Kyiv in its conflict or urge it to negotiate peace. 48% thought it was important for America to remain on Ukraine’s side “for however long necessary,” while 47 percent felt the United States should promote peace efforts instead.

Of course nobody seems to want to admit that any attempt at peace negotiations with Putin would be utterly futile and would only prolong the war and serve to weaken the nations supporting Ukraine in this effort.