By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is facing a critical moment, with the US and Russia proposing a 28-point plan to end the war. The plan reportedly includes concessions from Ukraine, such as ceding territory and scaling down its military, while Russia demands recognition of its control over certain regions and an end to NATO aspirations. Moscow also seeks reintegration into the global economy, the lifting of sanctions, and amnesty for all parties involved, including its troops. In return, Russia offers vague assurances of non-aggression towards other countries and desires a comprehensive non-aggression agreement with Europe.
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Ukraine facing a “very difficult choice” of dignity or a key partner, as Zelenskyy himself has noted, presents a truly agonizing dilemma. This isn’t just about geopolitics; it’s about the very soul of a nation. It’s a question of whether to accept a deal that, at its core, seems to sacrifice long-term security for a fleeting promise of peace. The core of this issue is the potential for the US, a vital source of support for Ukraine, to reduce or even eliminate its military aid. This is a crucial pivot point, potentially leaving Ukraine vulnerable.
The so-called security guarantees being dangled before Ukraine, with conditional clauses that make them effectively voidable, appear incredibly flimsy. The notion that Ukraine would be penalized for defending itself is, frankly, alarming. Consider this: Russia could wait, rebuild its forces, and then resume its aggression when Ukraine is at its weakest. If a deal is struck, and Ukraine concedes, what’s to stop Russia from violating it down the road? History, sadly, offers many examples of such betrayals. The Budapest Memorandum, where assurances of security were given in exchange for Ukraine giving up its nuclear weapons, offers a stark warning. The guarantees were not honored, and the consequences have been dire.
This situation isn’t just about the here and now. The timing is crucial. The current political climate in the United States, and the potential for a change in administration, adds another layer of complexity. If this deal is embraced, it would ultimately mean conceding defeat and limiting their own defenses against future attacks. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, especially when the alternative is to stand firm.
The core issue revolves around this: Is a temporary peace worth sacrificing long-term security and sovereignty? If Ukraine complies with the proposed conditions while Russia is left to rearm and consolidate its gains, it’s difficult to see how Ukraine benefits from the deal. It is a surrender in all but name, especially when considering the potential for a renewed invasion after a period of rebuilding.
The potential for a betrayal is high, given Russia’s history and its clear objectives. The idea that Ukraine should have limited its ability to defend itself is, frankly, absurd. A ten-year guarantee of security, as offered, is of limited value. It’s a fragile promise that could be broken at any moment, especially given Russia’s nuclear capabilities. It is essentially asking Ukraine to surrender key territories.
Let’s be candid: Ukraine is essentially being asked to make a terrible choice, with no real viable path to genuine long-term security. The only true solution, as many believe, would have been to admit Ukraine into NATO years ago. This would have provided a concrete deterrent against Russian aggression. The fact that the U.S. seems poised to potentially abandon Ukraine is a betrayal of historic proportions.
The impact of this situation is clear: the EU must step up. It’s time for Europe to demonstrate its commitment to Ukraine’s defense and independence. Ukraine cannot afford to cede territory or limit its military capabilities in exchange for hollow promises. It’s not a peace deal; it’s a prelude to further aggression.
The underlying issue is trust, or rather, the lack of it. Can the U.S., under its current leadership, be relied upon as a true partner? The answer appears to be a resounding no. There is fear that intelligence could be shared with Russia. This is a very difficult choice, a poisoned pill masquerading as a path to peace. It’s a complete loss for Ukraine. The idea that the defending nation should be the one to give up capabilities is insane.
This deal would hand Putin everything he wants, while simultaneously giving him ten years to recover. Ukraine’s military capabilities would be constrained, its territory reduced, and it would be blocked from NATO membership. Russia would have the opportunity to rebuild its forces and economy. Ukraine has far more self importance than giving in now. It would be far better to keep fighting and to push for a new administration.
The best solution is for Ukraine to receive all the support and munitions it needs from the EU. The U.S. is not anyone’s ally at heart at this moment. The only answer would be for the EU to step up. Now is the time to dismantle Russia.