A Time for Prudence in Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine approaches its third year, the situation is reaching a critical juncture. The recent use of advanced hypersonic missiles by Russia in response to Western-backed Ukrainian strikes has escalated tensions, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to call for international condemnation of Moscow’s actions. However, with the U.S. political landscape shifting as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in January, a recalibration of strategies may be in Ukraine’s best interest.
Zelenskyy must weigh the long-term consequences of continuing an escalation driven in part by the outgoing Biden administration’s support. The political winds in Washington are shifting, and it would be unwise for Kyiv to rely on indefinite U.S. military backing. A recent Gallup poll indicates that war fatigue is growing among Ukrainians. Over half of those surveyed (52%) now favor negotiating an end to the conflict as soon as possible, a marked shift from the defiance seen early in the war when 73% wanted to fight until victory. This shift reflects the weariness of a population that has endured immense suffering and upheaval.
For Zelenskyy, pursuing a path of negotiation would not only align with the sentiments of a significant portion of his people but also reduce the risks associated with deepening involvement in a conflict that is increasingly taking on global dimensions. The continuation of such a trajectory, incentivized by external powers, risks further devastation for Ukraine, while undermining its capacity for long-term recovery.
At the same time, the international community must recognise that a lack of strong and unified responses to escalatory actions from any side only perpetuates the cycle of violence. Global stakeholders should prioritize diplomatic efforts to bring both Kyiv and Moscow to the table. This conflict, which began as a regional crisis, has morphed into a broader geopolitical flashpoint, and the world cannot afford for it to spiral further out of control.
As Trump prepares to assume office, his administration will likely adopt a different approach to the war, focusing on de-escalation and burden-sharing among allies. Ukraine’s leadership must adapt to this changing context, taking pragmatic steps to explore peace while preserving its sovereignty and long-term security. The time for posturing is over; prudence and negotiation are the need of the hour.
