By Matt Underwood Russia accuses Kyiv and the West of rejecting diplomacy to solve conflict in Ukraine. This accusation feels like a textbook example of “look what you made me do” abuser energy. It’s a classic move: the aggressor claiming victimhood, as if the West and Ukraine are somehow the obstacles to peace. But what does Russian “diplomacy” actually look like in this scenario? It’s not about compromise or mutual understanding. It’s about Ukraine disarming itself, accepting a Russian puppet government, and allowing no foreign arms or soldiers within its borders. It also includes acknowledging all captured territory as rightfully Russian and lifting all sanctions. Honestly, it’s a joke.
It’s tragic that Russia strings the West along with promises of ceasefires and diplomatic efforts, all while the war they started rages on. And then, as soon as the West steps up with new arms shipments and support for Ukraine, Russia suddenly complains about the West’s lack of effort to stop the war. Here’s the kicker: Russia could end this war tomorrow if it truly wanted to. They could simply withdraw their forces. So, when we hear them talk about “political and diplomatic means,” it rings hollow, because their actions directly contradict their words.
Every accusation from Russia feels like a confession of their own actions. This is a country that has rolled tanks across borders and annihilated civilians, a country where the leader, Putin, is a war criminal who seemingly thrives on the suffering of others. The time for diplomacy, as far as many are concerned, is over. The war ends when Russia bends the knee, withdraws, and acknowledges its wrongdoing. The sheer audacity of Russia to lecture anyone about diplomacy, especially given its history of violating every ceasefire and agreement in the last two decades, is staggering.
Let’s be clear: Russia’s version of diplomacy is akin to Trump’s approach – “You are bad, give us what we want, and then we will take more.” They seem to believe that if they just make enough demands, the world will cave. What’s truly baffling is the constant projection. Russia, a nation committing atrocities on an industrial scale, accuses others of rejecting diplomacy while simultaneously threatening nuclear war and relentlessly bombing Ukrainian cities. It’s the aggressor’s narrative, weaponized to deflect blame.
The heart of the matter is simple: Russia needs to withdraw from Ukraine if it truly wants peace. Instead, they demand Ukraine’s surrender and the acceptance of a puppet regime. This is not diplomacy; it’s coercion. Their actions reveal a strategy: “Give in to our demands or we’ll keep trying to destroy you.” And then, they feign surprise when others don’t want to “help them end the conflict peacefully.” It’s all a twisted game, and it’s insulting to the victims of their aggression.
The fact is, Russia’s calls for diplomacy ring particularly false when you consider their long history of deception and disregard for international law. Who started the war? Are Donetsk and Luhansk part of Russia? Who committed the war crimes in Bucha? These are not complex questions; the answers expose Russia’s lies. Russian diplomacy boils down to complete surrender from Ukraine, a demand the West and Ukraine have consistently rejected.
Furthermore, the hypocrisy is astounding. This is a nation that has constantly violated international agreements and, at the same time, claims to be the victim. The only path to peace is Russia withdrawing from Ukraine, including Crimea. Until that happens, any talk of diplomacy is nothing more than gaslighting and a blatant attempt to shift blame.
It’s also important to note that Russia’s interest in diplomacy seems to coincide with their military setbacks. Now that they are losing, they are back to talking about peace. What’s even clearer is that Putin could end this war with a single order to withdraw. Instead, they prefer the war to continue, perhaps hoping for a better outcome. The only way for a resolution is Russia leaving Ukraine and then making amends for the destruction and the lives lost.
There is something incredibly ironic about Russia, an aggressor in this conflict, accusing others of rejecting diplomacy. What concrete diplomatic efforts has Russia actually made beyond demanding that Ukraine surrender and hand over territory? It’s a hollow plea from a nation whose actions speak louder than its deceptive words. The true diplomacy Russia seems to be seeking is one where they get everything they want without having to compromise or negotiate.