Focus shifts back onto the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia after the tentative news of Gaza and Israel’s ceasefire holding for more than a month.
The Russian invasion of the Ukrainian nation has hung its head for over three years. The conflict officially began in February of 2022 and has been ongoing since. This, of course, being a product of rising tensions from what the Russian government believed to be ever more Russian territory, and the Ukrainian government, in turn, adhering to their sovereignty.
The United States and both Presidents Biden and Trump have tried to soothe relations and come to a meaningful understanding that would reduce the overall direness of the conflict.
Though a degree of hope has been somewhat foreseeable as European leaders of France, Germany and England are currently meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer invited President Zelenskyy, along with France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz in order to discuss what future aid they can deliver to Ukraine’s borders to prolong its sovereignty.
“Ukraine is not on the brink of collapse,” the statement that was released stated. “While we may not be able to immediately reach a peace agreement with Russia, it is essential that we give Ukraine all the support it needs.”
While these discussions have continued to take place, the other side of the Atlantic holds a key player that has held a complicated relationship with the leaders of President Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky and their respective countries.
“I have to say that I’m a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasn’t yet read the proposal,” Trump said. “His people love it, but he hasn’t.”
Though the plans Trump has formally constructed with Russian representatives have famously been rejected in Kyiv, as it would be forced to reduce its country’s size and military and power by a significant amount.
President Trump has been acting as a public bridge for the two leaders for some time since his return to office. He and his administration have reported about many lengthy conversations with Putin and have reached some plans that will abide by President Putin, but will likely not satisfy the President. Zelensky.
“Russia, I guess, would rather have the whole country, when you think of it, but Russia is, I believe, fine with it,” Trump said. “But I’m not sure that Zelensky is fine with it.”
However, this very plan has been rejected by the people and constructed by the ally that is the US, with Putin and the Russian administration. Both decidedly left Zelensky and his European allies distinctly excluded from the conversation.
The accords would have Ukraine relinquish its wishes to join NATO, give up military independence and actively choose to indict itself with war crimes that Russia has accused it of. Though citizens and soldiers alike are all tired of the war, they have come to the conclusion that Russia is an unreliable partner for any sort of agreement, as their end will likely remain ignored.
“For Ukraine, this is a question of ‘to be or not to be.’ It is better to die standing than to die later as a slave,” Leonid Komsky, a Ukrainian citizen, said.
