By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Zelenskyy has stated that continued pressure on Russia is essential to end the war, highlighting the importance of diplomatic efforts. He condemned Russia’s actions, including the attack on a US-owned plant, viewing it as a targeted strike. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a strong response from partners while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic channels to facilitate peace talks. Furthermore, he indicated ongoing efforts by national security advisors and ongoing efforts to secure aid and weapons for Ukraine.
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Zelenskyy: The signals Russia is sending out are obscene; pressure must continue, and it’s a clear, urgent message. The situation demands that the world recognize the reality of Russia’s actions and the implications of its signals. It’s not just about military maneuvers; it’s about the core values and principles at stake. And frankly, what they are sending out is just… obscene. The very nature of their approach, the way they’re conducting themselves, reeks of disregard for human life and international norms.
Zelenskyy’s stance is unequivocally that pressure is the only language Russia understands right now. And I have to agree. It’s become apparent that traditional diplomatic overtures, those attempts at peace talks, have been nothing more than a mockery. Russia is putting forth utterly unrealistic demands, including territorial claims that extend beyond even the areas they’ve managed to occupy. It’s a blatant indicator that they have no genuine interest in a negotiated settlement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.
This raises the question of what true effectiveness looks like, and the answer seems to lie in significantly more robust measures. The current sanctions and economic pressures, while perhaps having some impact, are clearly insufficient. We need to see crackdowns on everyone enabling Russia, everyone still doing business with them, effectively funding the war machine. This includes a broad spectrum, and it’s not just about money; it’s about cutting off their access to technology, resources, and the global marketplace.
The comparison of Putin to Peter the Great is revealing, and not in a flattering way. His stated ambition of replacing the Ukrainian government with a puppet regime, a goal that’s been there from the very beginning, reflects the deep-seated imperialistic mindset. Now, as he navigates what may be the final chapter of his life, he is focused on his legacy. This legacy, from his perspective, is likely intertwined with achieving his initial objectives. This means the war will likely continue until those goals are, in his mind, secured.
Zelensky’s demands, and those of the international community, seem to me to be the realistic ones. It is about the survival of a nation and the restoration of its territorial integrity. Putin’s position, on the other hand, is maximalist, driven by a desire to rewrite history and secure his place as a leader who achieved his goals, by any means necessary.
The narratives surrounding the war are also complicated. There are those who may benefit financially from the conflict. The military-industrial complex, certain individuals in positions of power, all have vested interests in the continuation of the war. This inevitably complicates any potential peace agreements, creating an environment where real peace is viewed as a threat to those benefits.
There is also a level of almost absurd posturing in the situation. The idea that Putin would end the war just to please Donald Trump is, at best, wishful thinking. It also brings up the question of the true intentions of the players. It’s important not to be naive and to be aware of the self-serving interests that may lie at play within the conflict.
The potential impact of military aid is critical. Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense efforts is dependent on it. If the flow of weapons and other resources begins to dwindle, it will become increasingly difficult for them to resist the Russian offensive. If troop levels, or manpower, decrease on the Ukrainian side, they must consider, independently, what to do. Any discussion of forcing the Ukrainian leadership to capitulate to Russia because of a lack of manpower is absurd.
There are other elements to consider, such as the issue of Russia’s manpower shortage. To maintain its positions, Russia has resorted to recruiting from various sources, including countries like North Korea. This indicates the strain the conflict is placing on its resources. In effect, both sides are having difficulty, even if the difficulty appears disproportionate.