Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash
The war is not over yet; it is simply entering a new phase. A ceasefire is not even on the horizon, and some international players are still trying to trap Ukraine into a quick peace which in reality would mean a temporary respite for Russia and a strategic loss for Ukraine. In his interview with the BBC, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba clearly outlined the situation: those who are now promoting peace on Putin’s terms do not want Ukraine to win, as they are only focused on ending the war at any cost, even if it means making concessions to the aggressor.
One example of this approach is the so-called trilateral peace plan which according to Fox News was discussed by the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia. The peace plan includes three stages: a ceasefire, elections in Ukraine, and the signing of a final agreement. These points seem to benefit only the United States and Russia, rather than Ukraine itself. Why?
Firstly, a ceasefire without guarantees for the liberation of the occupied territories would only freeze the conflict, not bring peace. This would allow Russia to regroup, build up its military capabilities, and launch a new phase of the war at a later time. Is this beneficial for Putin? Yes, it is. Is it beneficial for Ukraine? Definitely not.
Secondly, wartime elections are not just a threat to democracy, but an outright provocation. Holding elections, particularly in the occupied territories of Ukraine, would mean a loss of control over the process. Russia and its agents of influence would immediately exploit this chaos to destabilise the situation, and the results would be declared illegitimate by both Ukrainians and the international community.
Thirdly, the final agreement is a no-brainer. While the first two steps work to the Kremlin’s advantage, the third step would formally consolidate its political and territorial gains. Instead of full de-occupation, Ukraine would find itself trapped in a Minsk-like scenario, forcing it to accept compromises that will only prolong the agony of the war.
This so-called peace plan is not a genuine attempt to end the war, but rather a trap for Ukraine. It is designed to create the illusion of a peace process while, in reality, it allows the Kremlin to buy time and preserve its illegal territorial gains. It is also worth noting that there are suggestions that President Zelenskyy has low chances of being re-elected. This gives grounds to believe that certain political forces in Washington are seeking to change the government in Ukraine, hoping to find a leader more willing to compromise.
In parallel, the United States and Russia, according to Fox News, are already negotiating economic opportunities after the war. This raises serious concerns, as the question is not how to rebuild Ukraine, but who will control this process. Western powers must avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, when the aggressor was not only left unpunished for its crimes but was also given the opportunity to restore its influence through economic leverage.
Ukraine’s strategy must be clear and unwavering: no compromises that consolidate Russia’s territorial gains or weaken Ukrainian statehood. Kyiv has an opportunity to play its own long-term game, engaging with the new US administration not to rush into a deal, but to support a real, sustainable peace that guarantees security not only for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe.
This strategy includes several key elements. Firstly, no ceasefire without a real plan for the liberation of the occupied territories. Secondly, no elections during wartime. Democracy cannot function under Russian gunpoint. Thirdly, any peace talks should address Russia’s responsibility for aggression, war crimes, and reparations for Ukraine. Finally, Ukraine and its allies must understand that any compromise with the Kremlin now is merely a delay for the next, potentially larger conflict.
The civilised world is facing a choice: to make concessions that would allow Russia to regain its strength, or to continue the struggle for a real victory. Ukraine did not pay a high price for its freedom to allow anyone to impose peace on the aggressor’s terms. The world must understand that if Ukraine loses, it will not just be its tragedy, but a prologue to a new global conflict in which no one will remain on the sidelines.
