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Referring to a comment by President Trump that Ukraine doesn’t have any “cards” to play in the war against Russia has probably been used too often now, but there does not seem to be much – if any evidence – the White House is getting a full appreciation of the evolving reality of Russia’s war.
First, Russia has no interest in peace – none, never did, period, full stop.
Second, regardless of Russia’s intentions, the war is not going well for the Kremlin. Indeed, Russia is being devastated by a smaller but far more creative and determined Ukraine. (Some reports suggest that Russian citizens are resorting to crowdfunding and charity donations to purchase body bags and transport the bodies of fallen soldiers, indicating shortages within the military's supply chain.)
Third, where Ukraine consistently strikes Russian military and war-making targets, Russia seeks to destroy non-military targets and civilians – think barbaric war crimes.
Fourth, Ukraine’s objective has been to defend its territory, its sovereignty, and its people. Its objective has never been to seize Russian territory; it wants Russia out of its territory.
Fifth, because for the last 11 years Washington and the West have provided Ukraine too little, too late, the war continues, and Ukraine is having to strike Russia’s war-making machine deep inside Russia to minimize Russia’s war-making capabilities. Deterred by Putin’s bluster, the West limited its support of Ukraine and forced Ukraine to expand its targets. Had Washington, through now four Administrations, provided Ukraine what Washington knew Ukraine needed, this war would be over, and there would be no Russians on Ukrainian territory.
Dare I suggest we consider how many lives would not have been lost?
A link is set out below for a video in which General David Petraeus, USA (Ret), a member of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation’s Friends of Ukraine Network (FOUN), introduces a presentation confirming Ukraine’s “cards” – determination, creativity, superior technology, and as General Breedlove also made clear in yesterday’s FOUN circulated interview, Ukraine’s remarkable ability to get new capabilities into the field rapidly changing the dynamics of this war.
Instead of worshiping at the altar of never-to-be-achieved negotiated peace with Russia, it is far past time Washington addresses America’s own national security interests, gets Ukraine everything it needs, and gets itself on the right side of history.
ROBERT MCCONNELL
Co-Founder, U.S.-Ukraine Foundation
Director of External Affairs, Friends of Ukraine Network
The introduction is Mr. McConnell’s and does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation or the Friends of Ukraine Network (FOUN).