General Keith Kellogg, the US envoy to Ukraine, has made alarming proposals regarding the future of Ukraine, suggesting a potential division of the country reminiscent of the partition of Berlin after World War Two. This framework, where Western forces are expected to establish zones of control while Russian troops are allowed to fortify their grip in eastern territories, highlights a dangerously naïve approach to the ongoing conflict. The suggestion of a demilitarised zone stretching 18 miles between Ukrainian forces and the aggressors is little more than a perilous gamble that undermines Ukraine's sovereignty.
Kellogg’s assurance that American troops will not be deployed on the ground in Ukraine is a worrying admission of a lack of commitment to ensuring lasting stability for a nation under siege. Furthermore, the idea of British and French-led troops being stationed solely west of the Dnipro River is grossly miscalculated and reflects a dismissive attitude towards the Kremlin’s consequences, as he blandly states it’s “not provocative at all.”
This precarious scenario unfolds amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions, marked by a recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff. The Kremlin's dismissive response to such discussions signals a grim reality: any expectation of concessions from Russia is futile. Even President Trump, while highlighting the necessity of averting further casualties, seems to underestimate the Kremlin's hardline stance.
With Russia having already rejected America’s suggestions for an unconditional truce, the call for a ceasefire seems improbable at best. Overshadowed by the blind support from Western allies, which has vaulted beyond 21 billion euros (£18.2 billion) in military assistance—including a fresh £450 million from Britain and Norway for various military provisions—Ukraine's fighting spirit is met with a confused and overly cautious Western strategy.
As officials express their doubt regarding the prospects for peace, it is painfully evident that the aggressive military tactics from Russia continue unabated. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius aptly points out the “ongoing aggression” from Moscow, underscoring the tragic reality: without a firm, united front against clear threats, aspirations for peace in Ukraine are nothing but a distant mirage. The new Labour government, overwhelmed by its domestic concerns and ideological commitments, should focus on a robust strategy that acknowledges the serious implications of capitulating to aggressive tactics in Eastern Europe—failures that would undoubtedly embolden other adversaries.
Source: Noah Wire Services