Dear Editor,
There is really only one solution to the Russo-Ukraine War.
The leadership of Ukraine needs to propose a non-military, non-violent solution to the four regions that Russia now claims as part of its federation. The Ukrainian leadership does not need to renounce its claims to those regions. It merely should tell the Russian leadership that it will never use force to get back those regions and Crimea as well.
Russia had the responsibility to enforce the Minsk Agreements. Since they were violated, they may have been lawfully justified to enter into, not just the Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic, but also into the entire Donbas itself. When Russia invaded, they initially wanted to force Ukraine to accept the DPR and LPR as independent republics, to acknowledge Crimea as a permanent part of Russia, and to get rid of all NATO’s presence in Ukraine. Ukraine refused to do that as it successfully withstood the siege of its capital, Kyiv.
It is very difficult to criticize Ukraine’s stance either. They did not buckle upon military invasion. However, it is naive to think that Ukraine will ever be able to get back those five regions militarily. The longer this war goes on, the more territory Russia will conquer or liberate. Since those territories are majority Russian-speaking, it will be very difficult for Russia to renounce even newly gained territory considering their loss of lives, equipment, and resources.
If this war continues, Russia will suffer but not nearly as much as Ukraine and even the rest of Europe. Starvation and exposure can significantly affect the lives of tens of millions. The consequences can and will be catastrophic.
Very Truly Yours,
Harsha Sankar
Covington, Virginia 24426
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