It’s astonishing to watch how some politicians continue to treat Russia’s full-scale, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine as an opportunity rather than a crisis. The latest chatter around a so-called “peace deal” idea floated by Donald Trump — one that critics argue would reward Vladimir Putin for launching a brutal war — is a perfect example of how dangerous these narratives can become.
Let’s be clear:
Any proposal that forces Ukraine to surrender territory, sovereignty, or security guarantees isn’t a peace plan — it’s capitulation. Calling it a “deal” doesn’t change the reality that it would legitimize aggression and punish the victim of that aggression.
“Peace” achieved by handing Putin what he wanted from day one isn’t peace at all. It’s an invitation for further invasions — not only in Eastern Europe, but anywhere authoritarian leaders think democracies lack the resolve to resist.
Ukraine doesn’t need lectures about compromise. It needs support, solidarity, and a global commitment to the principle that borders cannot be redrawn by force.
Rewarding Putin for invading Ukraine doesn’t end the war.
It only guarantees the next one.
