The successful visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the United States last week heralds the beginning of the end of the war in that country. Zelensky pretended to be there to express gratitude to President Biden and the members of the joint session of Congress for their previous and upcoming support of his nation’s continued struggle against the Russian invasion. As Biden’s advisers had already created the stage by addressing the subject with Zelensky before his arrival, it is likely that the two presidents discussed how to put an end to the fighting in private.
A sense of mutual understanding between father and son could be felt at the combined Biden-Zelensky press conference. They adhered to a philosophy put forth by Sun Tzu over 2,500 years ago in their public and private discussions: “In battle, prepare for peace.” Additionally, Dmytro Kuleba, the minister of foreign affairs of Ukraine, called for peace negotiations this week.
As well, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently declared, “We are ready to engage with everyone involved to stop the war,” despite his continuous attacks. Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, and Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, who both stated Russia’s starting point, immediately emphasized this.
Allies in West Europe are also prepared to put an end to the war and begin focusing more on their faltering economy.
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine with the intention of annexing Ukrainian areas. The war, which Putin described as a “special military operation” and which Russia and the West believed they would easily win, has gone horribly for Russia, with over 80,000 according to the Pentagon and 100,000 according to the New York Times reported casualties.
Despite numerous losses, a destroyed infrastructure, and millions of displaced people, Ukraine has been winning many fights and is emerging as a more united nation, determined to become a democracy.
Modern weapons, as well as financial and moral support from Western Europe and the United States, are helping to win the fights. Europe and the U.S. have each provided Ukraine, according to one estimate, around $50 billion. The United States just committed an additional $45 billion, and the European Union 18 billion euros.
In addition to its numerous terrible repercussions, the conflict has considerably raised prices for food and energy. In order to combat inflation, which may cause a recession, central banks in Europe and America have been boosting interest rates. Ending the battle would result in lower costs for groceries and heating, which would benefit millions of people in Europe, the US, and other countries.
The economy and standard of living are both deteriorating in Russia, too. The economic restrictions imposed on it would be lifted entirely or in part, which would boost growth.
As a result, it is now time for the United States, other Western allies, Russia, and Ukraine to put an end to the conflict and confront the resulting geopolitical realities. The following guidelines should be used as a guide:
Include all parties concerned. The war involves a number of significant players, including the United States, Western European nations, NATO, and maybe additional parties in addition to Russia and Ukraine. It’s crucial that Russia doesn’t feel under siege by the West like Germany did after World War I.
Compromise. Concessions from Russia and Ukraine are required. They ought to be prepared to settle for less than they desire, and the United States and Western European nations ought to be prepared to defend the terms of the ensuing accord.
While the battle helped the U.S., Western Europe, NATO, and democracy as a whole, Ukraine and its president have emerged as the biggest winners. The Economist named Ukraine “country of the year,” and Time Magazine named Zelensky “person of the year.” As a result, it is possible that Russia will make additional concessions.
Respect for all parties involved. The negotiations to end the war must be handled delicately and with respect for Ukraine and Russia, especially for Putin, whose standing in Russia and the international community has significantly deteriorated and whose authoritarian hold over his nation has loosened.
Territorial integrity is acknowledged. The aggressor, Russia, must ensure the integrity of the areas it recognizes as Ukrainian territory, or face dire repercussions.
Assurance of security. Such a clause becomes effective when it is violated and something is done to make the agreement’s terms once again. For Ukraine, a sense of security would be crucial. It must be willingly enforced by Western Europe and the United States.
It is important to note that putting an end to this war does not entail gaining peace. Before negotiations ever start, it would need to be put an end to by continual multi-party meetings and debates. And when it’s over, that area’s appearance will change.
While the conflict in Ukraine rages on, the seeds for its conclusion have already been planted. Are those seeds going to flower in the spring or the summer?
