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world17h ago
The Russia-Ukraine peace deal is not a loss. Nor is it a victory | Stephen Wertheim
- Ukraine has shown resilience and holds the ground after nearly four years of war, complicating any simple victory or defeat framing.
- A so-called 'dirty deal' may be the least bad option if it secures Ukraine's security with acceptable concessions to Russia.
- The article argues that total security or absolute victory for Ukraine is unlikely, urging realism in expectations.
- American political discourse is criticized for demanding moral absolutes and delaying practical settlement.
- Historical echoes from Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Kuwait are used to illustrate the consequences of resisting losses or wins.
- Ukraine’s allied partners cannot guarantee total safety, even with hypothetical NATO-style commitments.
- The author warns against American ‘decisive’ triumphalism and urges recognition of achievements already made by Ukraine.
- Russia has suffered heavy costs and limited gains, influencing the calculus of any peace negotiations.
- The piece frames peace as a strategic compromise that preserves Ukraine’s autonomy with Western support.
- The article links current proposals to longer-term strategic outcomes, including deterrence against future aggression.
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