This knife can split Ukraine into two parts, cutting off the territories occupied by rashists. The likelihood of such a scenario is high. It’s no coincidence that Trump’s national security adviser, Voltz, says Ukraine will have to cede territory in order to conclude a peace agreement with russia. In pursuit of the ambitious goal to become a global peacemaker and win the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump may make concessions to putin and demand that Ukraine agree to them. The whole world has already realized how dismissively the American president treats Ukraine and its President Zelensky, and how he flatters the criminal putin.
What should Ukraine do in this situation? Refuse such a proposal. In that case, Ukrainians will face immense pressure and accusations of unwillingness to sign a peace deal, which may again lead to a ban on supplying weapons, providing intelligence, or similar actions. Then we will face a retreat on the front lines, which we are barely holding at present. Add to this the physical and moral exhaustion of civilians and the military, rampant corruption, and the selfishness of political elites. Under such circumstances, Ukraine would face extremely difficult times, since Europe today cannot fully replace America in providing military support.
Agreeing to this idea means compromising the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, accepting violations of international rights and freedoms, encouraging the aggressor, justifying and forgiving all its crimes, and going against the will of the majority of the Ukrainian people. That is why the country’s leadership now has to walk on a razor’s edge, avoiding missteps in either direction. Step by step, they must look for acceptable solutions depending on the situation, in order to remain standing. Zelensky understands this and tries to temper personal grievances and reputational losses for the sake of national interests.
Nevertheless, the time will eventually come when final, decisive decisions must be made. It will then be important to consult with the people, to hear their opinion. Yet even that may not be the defining factor. History knows examples when top leaders acted contrary to public sentiment and ultimately proved to be right, with their decisions vindicated. It all depends on the wisdom and foresight of those in power. Whether Ukrainian leaders possess those qualities is hard to say right now. The future will show. But at least for the time being, they demonstrate enough patience and self-control. The main thing is to preserve the country, the nation, and the culture, even if we must “cut into the living flesh.” Wounds will heal, the pain will subside, and the body and soul will remain whole and alive, eventually recovering and regrowing. The key is to endure this period of blatant populism, lies, and cynicism. It won’t always be like this. As Heraclitus said, “Everything flows, everything changes.”
Here’s another thought. In wartime, Ukrainians managed to unite, to clench their fists, and land a blow on the moskal. We understood that we must rely first and foremost on ourselves, because even such tried-and-true friends as the Americans can fail us at some point—depending on elections and moods in the White House. Europe stands with Ukraine and supports it today, but tomorrow (again, depending on elections) may change course if the ultra-right or nationalists come to power. And then what? We need to strengthen our own “defense industry,” build drones, missiles, planes, and ships. Restore our nuclear status, listen to no one, and fear no one. After all, they did not fulfill their pledges and obligations under the Budapest Memorandum, so we have the right not to fulfill ours. We must reinforce and upgrade our army, because only it can protect the Ukrainian people from an aggressor. The main thing is not to relax, not to despair, but to keep our fists clenched. We must make Ukraine so strong that we won’t be asking to join NATO; NATO will be asking to join us.
One day, the war will end, and Ukrainians will live in peace and think about the future. But this current existence on the razor’s edge, on the brink between life and death, will never be forgotten.
Author: Myroslav Grekh