By Matt Underwood Putin tells Ukraine: End war via talks or I will end it by force. This statement feels like a headline ripped straight from a history book, a chilling echo of ultimatums delivered throughout the ages. It’s a clear indication of the stakes, packaged in a phrase that sounds both threatening and, frankly, a bit repetitive.
He can only be talking to his own domestic audience with this; the ones who might still buy into the narrative that Russia hasn’t defeated Ukraine because of external interference. The reality, however, is much more complex and brutal. He’s already been trying to end it by force for years now. To suggest he will suddenly succeed now, with a different approach, or within a short timeframe, seems disconnected from the facts on the ground. It’s like the war has become a stubborn, unwinnable game.
“You can end the war I started with diplomacy, or I’ll end you.” The irony of that statement is palpable. It is a very rational thought process from a war criminal. He initiated the conflict, yet he frames it as a matter of Ukraine’s choices. It is an interesting way to spin it. The world is led by evil scumbags. It’s the kind of statement that only adds fuel to the fire, further entrenching both sides in their positions. It’s like the Titanic’s captain threatening to hit the iceberg harder. This is a script familiar from Civ 8, a game of strategy and war, but unfortunately, now real life.
The suggestion that all Ukraine needs to do is make concessions is a classic propaganda move. It’s designed to deflect blame and portray Ukraine as the obstacle to peace. The truth is, Putin *can’t* end it with force. If he could, he would have done so a long time ago. It is becoming clear that Russia has been trying, with little success for 3.5 years. This is a long drawn-out operation that was supposed to be over in a matter of days.
You have to wonder if it’s about the desperation of a losing side. Big talk for a loser. What has he been doing for the last three years? Hasn’t he been trying to force a conclusion? How can you threaten what you’ve been trying to do all along? It’s a stark display of the reality of the situation. Just go home, that’s all that’s needed to end the war.
What exactly is there to talk about? Putin seemingly wants to end the existence of a sovereign Ukraine, as it belongs to Russia’s sphere of influence in his worldview. The Russian goals haven’t changed, which makes any genuine negotiation incredibly difficult. And, crucially, those goals remain existentially unacceptable for Ukraine. To even begin talks, either side would have to substantially back off from their core positions.
Ukraine cannot stop defending itself. Russia can stop attacking. This is the fundamental imbalance. Russia could choose peace today, but it hasn’t. Instead, we get the posturing and threats. The whole situation feels like a Monty Python skit. This is very concerning. It’s like the old joke: “I’m afraid!” Kinda reminds me of that Monty Python skit. The one with the knight guarding something and not letting people past. Eventually the knight gets all his limbs chopped off and is just a head and torso but still saying stuff like “Come back here and fight coward”
The idea of a swift victory seems laughable at this point. The three-day operation that stretched into years, with unimaginable casualties, makes such a claim sound hollow. What’s he gonna do, invade even harder?
This is about more than just military tactics. It is about the erosion of infrastructure, the long lines for gas. This is a slow burn. It is about the economic realities, the political calculations, and the tragic human cost. The situation has now gone on for long enough that it is becoming more evident that Russia will not succeed in its goals. What’s he gonna do? Invade?