By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In his address at the European Political Community Summit, President Zelensky emphasized the need for European unity and a “peace through strength” approach to counter Russian aggression. He cautioned against appeasement, stressing that Ukraine and Europe cannot afford to make concessions to Russia. Zelensky called for continued Western support, including weapons, for Ukraine’s defense, highlighting the importance of Ukraine’s 10-point peace formula for ending the war. He also expressed uncertainty about the future of U.S. support under President Trump, noting the potential for a deal with Russia at Ukraine’s expense, but remained hopeful for a “stronger America” that will stand with Europe.
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Peace cannot be bought by weakness, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared at a recent summit in Budapest. He argued that any concessions made to Russia would only lead to further demands, and that Ukraine must remain steadfast in its resistance.
He likened the situation to a tiger with its head in its mouth, emphasizing that one cannot reason with an aggressor when they have the upper hand. This sentiment was echoed by many, who believe that Ukraine must stay strong and unwavering in its fight against Russia’s invasion.
Zelenskyy’s call for strength comes against the backdrop of recent political developments in the United States. Immediately after winning the election, former President Trump reportedly urged Zelenskyy to agree to a deal with Russia that would involve ceding significant Ukrainian territory. This proposal was met with skepticism, as it seemed to align with Russia’s interests and contradict Zelenskyy’s previous stance of refusing to give up Ukrainian land.
Many saw this as a worrying sign, particularly given Trump’s past dealings with Russia and his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. There were concerns that Trump might be susceptible to Russian influence and could potentially undermine Ukraine’s efforts to resist the invasion.
While the focus on peace remains paramount, the prevailing consensus suggests that peace cannot be achieved through appeasement. Weakness, it is argued, only emboldens aggressors. The only way to negotiate peace is from a position of strength, which requires unwavering resolve and a willingness to fight for one’s freedom.
This sentiment underscores the importance of international support for Ukraine. The war has become a test of the West’s commitment to its values and principles. While some are urging for a negotiated settlement, many argue that Russia’s actions demonstrate a clear lack of respect for international law and the sovereignty of nations. Allowing Russia to succeed in its invasion would have far-reaching consequences for global security and could embolden other authoritarian regimes.
The war in Ukraine is a long and arduous struggle. The future remains uncertain, but the message from Zelenskyy and his supporters is clear: peace cannot be bought by weakness. Only through strength and resilience can Ukraine hope to defend its independence and secure a just and lasting peace.