As the war in Ukraine rages on, the leaders of the West continue to feign support for peace while actively undermining it. The war machine grinds forward, fuelled by a toxic mix of geopolitical brinkmanship, arms industry profits, and the sheer recklessness of politicians unwilling to face the truth: there is no military solution to this conflict.
Europe, in particular, has failed miserably. Instead of acting as a force for de-escalation, it has become an enabler of endless war.
Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants the war to stop. However, his approach is set to come at Ukraine’s expense. Trump and his allies have explored deals that would grant US companies significant control over Ukraine’s vast natural resources, including lithium, rare earth metals, and agricultural exports. These crucial resources have made Ukraine a lucrative prize in the eyes of the US, rather than a nation in need of solidarity.
Instead of prioritising the well-being of Ukrainians, Trump’s rhetoric of “peace” appears to be more about ensuring American economic dominance in the region. This blatant economic opportunism exposes the broader hypocrisy at play, in that the US and its allies claim to stand for Ukraine’s sovereignty, yet they are just as willing to carve up its wealth for their own benefit.
But Trump’s stated desire for peace also exposes the sheer hypocrisy of European leaders who, rather than seizing this moment to push for a serious peace process, appear hellbent on prolonging the conflict under the guise of “supporting” Ukraine.
Let’s be clear: Vladimir Putin is a dictator whose aggressive invasion of Ukraine is an affront to international law. His regime must be held accountable for its crimes.
But justice will not come from the continuation of war – it will come from a negotiated peace that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty while preventing further devastation.
Yet European leaders, instead of leading, are escalating. Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, has taken an uncompromising hardline stance, advocating for policies that only deepen the suffering of ordinary Ukrainians.
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer has irresponsibly suggested that British troops could be sent to Ukraine, an idea so reckless that it risks bringing NATO into direct conflict with Russia. This is not leadership. It is dangerous posturing that endangers lives and prolongs the bloodshed.
DiEM25 has consistently advocated for a balanced and principled resolution to the Ukraine crisis. Our five-point peace proposal emphasises:
- Immediate ceasefire: A halt to all hostilities, followed by the withdrawal of Russian troops to pre-invasion positions.
- Demilitarised zones: Establishment of zones free from military presence, monitored through mutually agreed mechanisms.
- Neutral sovereignty: Recognition of Ukraine as a sovereign, neutral state, prohibiting the presence of nuclear weapons on its territory.
- Inclusive governance: Implementation of governance structures in Eastern and Southern Ukraine that ensure political equality for both Russian and Ukrainian-speaking communities, drawing inspiration from the Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement.
- UN-led negotiations: Addressing outstanding disputes predating the 2022 invasion through United Nations-mediated discussions.
This framework aims to secure a just and lasting peace, upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty while fostering regional stability.
It is crucial that all parties involved prioritise diplomatic engagement over military escalation, ensuring that the path to peace does not compromise the rights and aspirations of the Ukrainian people.
If Europe truly wishes to support Ukraine, it must stop acting as an agent of perpetual war and start pushing for a meaningful resolution. The time for posturing is over. The time for peace is now.
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