The Long Road to a Just Peace: Reflections on Ukraine's Struggle
In the heart of Lviv, a poignant conversation with Adeline illuminated the harsh realities faced by Ukrainians caught in the ongoing war with Russia. Adeline, with tears welling in her eyes, showed me her lost home in Russian-occupied Nova Kakhovka on her phone—a place she had envisioned transforming into a small art gallery. "Why should I give up on my home?" she cried, and her question resonates deeply in the hearts of many displaced Ukrainians.
The current state of occupied territories is staggering. The area is roughly equivalent to the combined sizes of Portugal and Slovenia, and it is estimated that around 5 million people still reside there. An additional 2 million have become refugees, separated from their homes and memories. Inside those territories, Ukrainians face brutal repression and an ongoing campaign of Russification, while those like Adeline cling to old photographs and the keys to homes they can no longer access. The phrase "land for peace" fails to capture the magnitude of the loss and suffering that the war has inflicted.
No one in Ukraine believes that ceding land will lead to a genuine end to the conflict; any such agreement would be a temporary ceasefire at best. The fundamental truth is that this war has stripped not only territorial sovereignty but also the histories, dreams, and livelihoods of countless individuals. The idea of peace cannot be reduced to a mere trade-off for land.
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy navigates international politics, he must contend with the challenge of maintaining support from all sides, including the complicated relationship with the United States. Recent polling indicates that only 29% of Ukrainians would accept a peace plan from former President Donald Trump, while 51% lean towards an alternative proposed by European leaders. Yet, amid shifting political alliances, Ukraine remains steadfast in its resolve to resist ongoing missile attacks, knowing that any sign of weakness might only embolden aggressors.
Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, one of the more uplifting conversations I encountered during my visit to Kyiv was with individuals in the defense sector. Ukraine has become a leader in the innovative development of drone technology, with a reported production of over 2 million drones last year. This capability could significantly increase should more nations follow Denmark's example and place contracts directly with Ukrainian manufacturers. The most pressing need, however, remains manpower—an issue echoed by frontline commanders struggling to maintain sufficient troop strength.
Recent assessments suggest that while Russia may be planning new ground offensives, Western military experts believe Ukraine can defend most of its existing territory. Strategies are evolving, with focus not just on ground warfare but enhancing naval capabilities and establishing aerial defenses. The current European coalition, invigorated by strong leadership, is exploring means to fortify Ukraine's defenses, including the implementation of a comprehensive air shield to protect its skies.
Yet, there are essential resources that remain largely dependent on the United States: intelligence capabilities, US-made Patriot air defense systems, and significant quantities of artillery ammunition. The hope is that, if Trump can be persuaded to allow these supplies, Ukraine will be able to endure with bolstered European support. Sharper sanctions on Russia could also exert additional pressure on Putin's regime, potentially pushing it to the bargaining table.
However, the prospect of peace brings with it daunting new challenges. Questions about maintaining national unity, integrating millions of veterans, and conducting free and fair elections will loom large once fighting ceases. The lessons of history remind us that resolution does not guarantee stability; as seen in prior conflicts, European attention can wane, leading to abandoned promises.
This moment in history demands foresight, resilience, and unwavering unity from both Ukraine and its European allies to ensure that any semblance of peace achieved is lasting and meaningful. A hasty solution will not suffice, as genuine peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, security, and support for a nation determined to heal from incredible loss. Ultimately, as Ukraine continues to grapple with its identity and sovereignty, the world must critically assess how to contribute to a durable peace that reflects the sacrifices endured along this protracted struggle.
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