Putin proves again he cannot be trusted — he’s out for domination

Diplomatic Efforts to Resolve Ukraine Conflict Appear Increasingly Unlikely to Succeed

The current administration’s attempts to broker an end to the conflict in Ukraine through a negotiated settlement, reminiscent of a real estate transaction exchanging territory for de-escalation, are facing growing skepticism as prospects for success diminish daily. This approach to the Ukraine war, championed by some, seems increasingly detached from the reality on the ground.

Putin’s Aims Extend Beyond Territorial Gains

No amount of appeasement or compromises offered to Russia can alter the fundamental reality: Vladimir Putin‘s ambitions are not limited to establishing authority over certain disputed regions with Russian-speaking populations. His overarching objective is the dissolution of Ukraine as a sovereign nation, free to determine its own path without coercion from the Kremlin.

Escalation and Disregard for Ceasefire Agreements

Recent events underscore Russia’s intransigence. Earlier this week, despite a supposed partial cessation of hostilities targeting energy infrastructure, Russia launched attacks on energy facilities in Kherson, demonstrating a blatant disregard for de-escalation efforts. Putin’s subsequent declaration further solidified this aggressive stance.

Putin’s Threatening Rhetoric

“Not long ago I indicated we would diminish [Ukraine] gradually,” Putin stated recently, “now it appears we are poised to eliminate them entirely.” This pronouncement, coupled with the ongoing bombardment of Ukrainian cities, should clearly illustrate to policymakers that they are engaging with an unreliable actor who operates in bad faith. Such an actor, experts argue, requires deterrence and resolute opposition, not appeasement or attempts at fostering amicable relations.

Administration’s Appeasement Strategy Under Scrutiny

Despite the clear evidence of Russia’s intentions, a policy of accommodation appears to be favored by elements within the current administration. This purportedly includes the special envoy to the Middle East, now also tasked with negotiations with Russia.

Questionable Diplomatic Approaches

During a recent interview, this envoy spoke at length, seemingly praising the purported positive sentiments held by Putin, a figure widely recognized as a manipulative strategist and former intelligence operative, towards a leading US figure. Anecdotes were shared about Putin’s supposed displays of sympathy, including visiting a church and commissioning artwork, following a past event involving the US figure.

Concerns Over US Concessions

Furthermore, any perceived advancements in diplomatic discussions seem to be contingent upon substantial concessions from the United States to the Kremlin. While Ukraine consented to a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea with minimal preconditions, US negotiators reportedly needed to incentivize Russia by offering to reinstate Russian access to international grain and fertilizer markets. This included proposals to reconnect Russian financial institutions to the US dollar-dominated global financial system.

Underlying Unsustainability of Russia’s Position

Although the conflict in Ukraine may at times appear stalemated and without clear purpose, the surface-level view obscures the fundamental economic vulnerabilities Russia faces as a result of prolonged engagement.

Russia’s Economic Strain

With reduced revenues from energy exports, a shortage of available workforce, and elevated interest rates, the Russian economy and its military production capabilities are projected to reach critical limitations within the next one to two years. Providing relief at this juncture, whether in the form of a temporary ceasefire or a negotiated settlement that Russia is likely to violate, is considered by many to be a flawed and detrimental policy.

Misguided Comparisons and Grave Actions

Recent assertions that Putin’s actions are simply “what anyone else would do” are demonstrably inaccurate and fail to acknowledge the severity of Russia’s conduct.

Abduction of Ukrainian Children

Reports indicate that Russian authorities have forcibly removed between 20,000 and 35,000 Ukrainian children to Russia, altering their identities, subjecting them to indoctrination, and conscripting teenage males into military service. These actions highlight that Putin’s objectives extend far beyond territorial acquisition.

Putin’s Ultimate Objective: Subjugation of Ukraine

Putin’s true aim is the complete assimilation of Ukraine into Russia, or its transformation into a subservient entity –akin to Belarus – under a pro-Kremlin authoritarian regime. This ambition is reflected in the insistence—regrettably shared by some within the US administration—on facilitating early elections or replacing the current Ukrainian leadership with a “transitional administration,” as Putin himself articulated.

Time for a Shift in Approach

Despite appearances, Russia’s position is less robust than it might seem, and there remains an opportunity for the current administration to recalibrate its strategy.

The Need for a New Strategy

To persist with the same approach and anticipate different outcomes is, as commonly stated, illogical. Conversely, continuing with the current trajectory— suggesting normalization of relations with Russia or acceding to the Kremlin’s increasingly audacious demands, such as the cessation of Western military aid to Ukraine and the exclusion of a NATO peacekeeping operation—only projects an image of US weakness and ineffectiveness in addressing this critical international crisis.