Ukraine needs support now

Ceasefire and peace talks are now daily occurrences. A solution is certainly desirable: But on what terms, and at what price?

It can be seen − after many summits and talks − that Russia does not intend to make any compromises on its position, which is disastrous for Ukraine first and foremost, but also for Europe.

United States President Donald Trump has made significant efforts to reach a solution, though the steps have unfortunately been frustrated by the Kremlin. In order to enforce its position, Russia is increasing its advance on the front and the terror it is causing in the Ukrainian hinterland.

Ukraine needs support now. Waiting until after a ceasefire might be too late.

 

And so Washington is resuming its support for Kyiv and reenforcing sanctions. Last week a “coalition of the willing” – primarily a European effort supported by Japan and Australia and led by French President Emmanuel Macron − met in Paris. They discussed support for Ukraine, but only after a ceasefire.

The coalition’s 26 participant states envisage the following steps should an end to the conflict be reached:

• Troops will be deployed as a reassurance to maintain post-conflict security. (It is to be hoped that “reassurance” does not purely mean a peacekeeping force but rather troops which will, in case of a military attack, hold the line with the Ukrainians.)
• They will provide equipment, intelligence and other necessary items to back the mission.
• The coalition will offer security guarantees in the form of long-term military support, and will deploy forces on the first day of ceasefire.

It is certainly laudable that such support is being discussed. However, Ukraine needs support now. Waiting until after a ceasefire might be too late. And for the sake of its security, Europe needs it as well.

Russia will seek to enforce its own terms through pure pressure. These terms will exclude the nice intentions of Paris.

The immediate necessity is that now, in cooperation with President Trump, Europeans do their utmost to support Ukraine. Unfortunately this support would already be late, but it is the only way to achieve an acceptable ceasefire.

This comment was originally published here: https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/ukraine-needs-support-now/