Soon there will be neither the first nor the second. After all, this was clear from the start of the invasion. Or perhaps, since the current president’s victory in the U.S. elections.
Negotiations will not yield results because the aggressor seeks its own victory and feels it can leave Ukraine without allies.
We stopped the enemy, partly because Joe Biden unexpectedly managed to unite the U.S. and the EU. Some provided weapons and money, others — sanctions and also money. Putin did not believe in such unity. Another reason is the unity of Ukrainians in fighting the aggressor and their willingness to defend the country.
This very unity is what Putin battles in the war of attrition.
The MAGA policy effectively aids Putin. Instead of “making America great again” we risk “making America lonely,” and Europe — divided and weak.
Why would Putin end the war in such a situation?
There is only one reason — the weakness of the Russian economy. Even rising oil prices don’t save it, just prolong its agony. But Putin hopes: Ukraine won’t endure longer, Europe will quarrel, and with Trump, the Russians will negotiate — for money. And likewise, that Zelensky will remain focused on internal political conflicts.
So much happens according to Putin’s plan. But Europe turned out to be stronger than he thought, and his economy — weaker.
Therefore, Russia will need a new mobilization. That’s why they are tightening control over the internet, because who wants mobilization?
But Zelensky fears it too. Hence, instead of an open call for broad mobilization, we hear about fighting — at least verbally — against “busification.” And here the authorities even find allies among the pseudo-opposition.
Instead of creating a government of national unity, they talk about “parliament mobilization.” Instead of focusing resources on the Armed Forces, they initiate populist “cashbacks.”
Why does everyone serve in Israel? There’s even an excess of people in the army, so there’s constant rotation with six-month changes and no “busification.” Because the process is organized properly. Children of ministers and oligarchs serve together with children of carpenters and plumbers.
It seems we’ve already forgotten about this fairness.
Thus, peace can only be brought closer by government efficiency — its willingness to stop internal confrontation. A coordinated foreign policy directed at European unity and integration is needed. An effective mobilization system is needed. And special services that combat not the opposition, but Russian informational and political influences.
In the morning, a friend, a former politician who has been serving for the fourth year, called. Both he and his son are directly on the front line. He says: the biggest problem is the people. Units are only half staffed. And there’s lying in reports. When territories lost out of fear from superiors are called “gray zones.”
Without changing approaches and honestly, objectively perceiving reality, it will not be easy for us.
Collage: Opora
