Ukraine was pressured by the West not to sign an agreement with Russia. Zelensky must now negotiate from a position of weakness, says Joost Smears, due to the pride of Europe and America.

Talks between the two countries took place last year, shortly after Russia’s war against Ukraine began, leading to a ceasefire and further agreements. However, Boris Johnson, then Prime Minister of England, rushed to Kiev to convince Zelensky to abandon a treaty and go to war. Russia must be defeated, it is possible.

Action by Russia

Now, a year and a half later, little remains of that hope. Despite the sanctions, the Russian economy is not dead. Since Russia kills more people than Ukraine, it will take some time. Ukraine’s failure to inflict a decisive defeat on the battlefield against the Russians; Gain and loss of a few kilometers will make no difference.

Optimism about Ukraine’s chances of victory has been undermined by what is happening in the United States. Republicans want to completely, or at least drastically, reduce their massive support for Ukraine. Europe cannot fill the gap left by US military efforts and spending. This significantly weakens Ukraine’s position.

Hamas and the Republicans

In recent days, the world situation has changed dramatically with the murderous attacks of Hamas, and the focus is no longer on Ukraine. No wonder the Republicans in America and Hamas in Palestine are deifying Putin.

Ukraine is not doing well right now. The solution? Negotiations as quickly as possible, but now under altered power relations. If Ukraine concluded a favorable agreement in April 2022, months after the Russian attack, it no longer exists.

Glory comes before a fall

Conclusion: The US-led West fancied itself the victor. No foresight and no sense of reality. Sometimes proverbs have a literal meaning: Pride comes before a fall. Let us not forget the price paid by the opposition forces in Russia, the victims of the Ukrainian people dragged into an unwinnable war.

When will we stop participating in US military adventures in Europe? Finally, the only real winner is the arms industry.

Joost Smears, Amsterdam