On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Comment Editor Rayhan Hussain delivers a forceful argument against appeasement in Ukraine, condemning Western complacency, Trump’s rhetoric and the failure to act decisively in support of Kyiv.
As I write this, President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are engaged in a bitter war of words regarding the future of Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine. Trump, ever the Kremlin’s useful idiot, has attempted to distort reality and undermine the enduring solidarity of the international community.
It is important to set the record straight; President Zelenskyy is not a “dictator” and Ukraine is not responsible for initiating this conflict. Fundamentally, this war of words is not going to prevent the real war from taking place.
Zelenskyy’s offer yesterday to step down in exchange for peace and NATO membership is an act of pure statesmanship. A leader willing to sacrifice power for his country’s survival. What a contrast to Vladimir Putin, who clings to power through fear, murder, and repression.
It’s why Trump’s employment of the word “dictator” is so egregious. It is an insult not just to Zelenskyy, but to every Ukrainian who has fought and died for freedom.
Time To Stand Firm
Today marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion – with the roots of the conflict extending back to 2014 with the illegal annexation of Crimea. Let’s be absolutely clear; Ukraine has been fighting for its independence for over a decade, and it will not stop now.
It is puzzling then, that some in the West still go back to the old playbook of appeasement – the idea that if we just give Putin what he wants, peace will follow. Have we learned nothing?
The Minsk Agreements of 2014 and 2015 were specifically designed to bring peace and implement a long-lasting ceasefire. Russia failed to honour them. Putin does not believe in compromise or negotiation; he is the real dictator in this. And the moment we start giving in, he will simply come back for more.
If Trump gets his way, we will stand by and watch as Ukraine is bullied into a so-called ‘peace deal’ that hands Russia victory. A deal that forces Ukraine to cede its territory and sovereignty – and the prospect of NATO and EU membership looking ever less likely.
This is not peace. It avenges Ukraine by rewarding Russian terror. It is surrender in all but name. We cannot continue to acquiesce to dictators across the globe and send a clear signal that invading your neighbours, committing war crimes, and prolonging the pain will eventually deter Western might.
Confronting The Kremlin’s Propaganda Machine
Mr Trump’s unfounded claims that President Zelenskyy’s approval ratings are at 4% were rubbished by independent polling that demonstrated his ratings among Ukrainians were closer to 63%.
Conducting elections in Ukraine is another, perhaps unsurprising, condition for Zelenskyy to consider before the implementation of any ‘peace deal.’ It is well-known that a change of administration in Kyiv is strongly desired by Russia, more specifically in the form of a pro-Kremlin figure who would tolerate any and all concessions to its Russian counterpart.
This prospect is now being parroted by Trump, who doesn’t seem to understand the historical and strategic significance of martial law. Notwithstanding the fact that approximately 11 million Ukrainians are displaced, current conditions would make elections neither feasible nor representative.
For a historical parallel, Winston Churchill did not hold a general election for six years during World War II as he led Great Britain against the Axis Powers. This did not undermine his democratic legitimacy or lead to accusations of being a ‘dictator.’
In stark contrast, Putin’s regime has been defined by the imprisonment and assassination of political opponents and the persecution of Western journalists – the hallmarks of a true dictatorship.
The West is Just as Much to Blame
Trump’s contempt and blatant aversion towards Ukraine is no surprise. Last year, I warned that a Trump re-election would be absolute fodder for Vladimir Putin. It would lead to concerns about the fracturing of European security and the possible appeasement of the Russian leader.
One year later, it is almost impossible to find any public criticism he has made of Putin since he re-entered the White House. On top of this, he has spent years denigrating the NATO alliance, threatening to unleash Russia onto Europe and allow it to do as it pleases. It was almost always clear that his return to high office would be a gift to the Kremlin.
With American support increasingly waning, it is down to Europe to step up and properly play its part. Now is not the time for short-termism in the measly hope for maximum reward.
Whilst criticisms of Trump’s first month back in office are as a result of his misgivings, this is not the time or place for his second presidency to be torn asunder.
As leader of the free world, he is well within his rights to question the integrity of NATO countries that are not contributing their fair share towards the alliance’s defence budget. A stronger NATO is ultimately a prerequisite for a more peaceful world order.
Fortifying Our Armed Forces
Sir Keir Starmer’s proposal last week to deploy British troops on the ground in Ukraine to maintain a possible ceasefire is a welcome move – but it must be backed by hard commitments. No more hiding behind another Strategic Defence Review, the answers to which I could write at the back of a fag packet.
Britain must lead the way as it has done from the start of this conflict. And we can only lead the way by properly funding and fortifying our Armed Forces. 2.5% of GDP on defence spending is required now, with a clear roadmap to reaching 3% before the end of 2026 at the earliest.
There is a long way to go, with inevitably difficult political and fiscal decisions to be made, but it is irrefutably the case that the number one job of any government is the national security and safety of its people.
And there is no greater threat today than Putin’s Russia. Emboldening the Kremlin means a test of NATO’s staying power and pushing its aggression further. If we fail to meet this moment, we risk inviting that same danger to our own doorstep.
This threat is real and tangible. We cannot forget the tragic death of Dawn Sturgess in 2018, where she was victim to the Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury.
Putin does not have any regard for international norms and human life. His willingness to conduct lethal operations on foreign soil poses a direct threat not just to global security but our national security too.
Ukrainian Resolve
Western leaders love to indulge themselves in talking tough whilst acting timid. Whilst they debate, Ukrainian mercenaries, civilians and families are being isolated by bloodshed and carnage in their fight for freedom. Their resilience is beyond commendable.
I am tremendously proud to live in a country that stood by Ukraine in its darkest hour – opening our homes and offering sanctuary to those fleeing, supplying resources and refusing to be cowed by Russian attrition.
In Britain, we cherish the values of democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law – the very same values that Ukraine is battling to defend against today. As one of Ukraine’s greatest allies, we must not waver now.
Meanwhile, what of the Russian assets incrementally seized since February 2022? They sit frivolously accumulated in frozen accounts at the behest of Western governments, estimated to be worth up to £300 billion.
Why? It is time to sell them and use them to arm Ukraine properly. No more grandstanding, no more eloquently written speeches; delivery is what Ukraine requires.
We face an epoch-defining moment. Three years in, there is only one lesson to be learned; Ukraine cannot and must not give up. The real question is whether the West will find the courage to match its convictions.
