For any hope of a lasting peace, Russia must prove itself willing and capable of accepting justice and honouring its agreements. The track record under Russian President Vladimir Putin here does not bode well, says this academic.
Russian officials have confirmed the latter practice, despite it being in contravention of the UN’s Genocide Convention. Russia also continues to attack civilian infrastructure, terrorising Ukrainian civilians.
For any hope of a lasting negotiated settlement, Russia must prove itself willing and capable of accepting justice for its actions and honouring its agreements. The Russian track record under President Vladimir Putin here does not bode well.This issue is connected to a second, more serious obstacle: Russia maintains its extreme aims.
But war is hard to predict. Many figures, including American intelligence officials, wrongly believed Ukraine was likely to collapse in February 2022.Well-meaning calls for peace are understandable and laudable, especially with concerns over nuclear escalation, the high loss of life in Ukraine and a “forever war” taking place.
Others believe Ukraine cannot win. Some claim Ukraine should give up territory or negotiate to maintain its existence.These responses are short-sighted. Effectively, they encourage Russia’s aggression while removing the support Ukraine has used to defend its territory to great effect so far. They also ensure no justice for Ukrainians over Russian atrocities.
These realities underpin why many experts, including myself, stress the need for Russia’s defeat in Ukraine in the absence of other reliable options. The best path to a lasting peace in the region is for Ukraine to liberate its territory and for Russia to accept it cannot act aggressively.WHAT’S AT STAKE?
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