Ukrainian soldiers of the 117th Brigade fire D-30 artillery, in the direction of Pokrovsk, Ukraine (Image: Anadolu)
The war in Ukraine stands as an egregious testament to mankind’s capacity for destruction. The conflict, imposed on by , savage in its execution, has unleashed a torrent of senseless bloodshed.
Ukrainians will sadly bear the scars of this unwarranted devastation for generations to come. The unimaginable human tragedy there precipitated a knock-on effect on the global economy, with the war’s hardships now echoing far beyond the battlefields in .
This conflict must now end.
Its prolongation has yielded no decisive victories – only the seemingly endless loss of precious human lives. The horrific deathtoll stands at 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers, 120,000 Russian soldiers and 12,000 civilians.
Continuing the fight would only ensure that more innocent lives are sacrificed on an altar of futile persistence. Hence, the need for a resolution has become undeniable.
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FRANCE-EU-UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CONFLICT-DIPLOMACY (Image: Getty)
After three years of devastation, a satisfactory and durable peace must be brokered that allows to rebuild, restore and embrace the future.
In negotiating that peace, must depart from the talks with no notion that he has benefitted from his aggression.
Such a perception would not just embolden his tyranny, but others of a similar ilk.
And it should go without saying that must also be at the heart of any discussions moving forward. Yet, it seems US President is neglecting these two crucial necessities.
The effects of doing so would be deeply disturbing.
In an earlier age, US president Theodore Roosevelt wisely advised: “Speak softly and carry a big stick – you will go far.”
His timeless wisdom underscores the importance of negotiating from a position of undeniable strength.
To truly empower to defend its sovereignty and counter aggression, we must ensure it is equipped with the necessary tools for such strategic prowess.
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The history of the 20th century shows where appeasement leads. Often veiled as diplomacy, it delays inevitable confrontation, allowing aggressors to grow stronger while others – made impotent by inaction – watch in vain hope.
It is a tragic fact that the alluring fiction of appeasement – to opt for compromise without resolve – ends in regret.
The annexation of Crimea in 2014 was met with little more than words, emboldening the Russian regime rather than curbing its expansionist ambitions.
If only those who championed such inaction had heeded Teddy Roosevelt’s words – their feebleness then explains where we are now.
The lesson to be learned from the first major European conflict since World War Two is that it is strong defences, not appeasement, that yield peace.
Whatever its eventual resolution, the conflict in has emphasised that need.
Historically, as a kingdom, we have prided ourselves on being small but mighty and our military heritage remains a source of immense national pride.
Recognising that Europe has grown weaker and more dangerous, and that we can no longerrely solely on the US for security, we must change course.
Our Army, Air Force and Navy must be bolstered – and not only with technological wizardry, for this war has shown that this can never be a substitute for boots on the ground.
Let us remember that military strength lies not only in gadgets and devices, but in the unyielding courage of our soldiers and the spirit of our nation.
Just as former Prime Minister was among the first to stand firm in shaping the global response to the Russian invasion, the UK must seize this moment to again assert its role as a key player.
The current PM should emulate the indefatigable spirit that Boris personified. Only then can we be genuinely instrumental in defining a cohesive Western response to the myriad foreign threats that foreshadow all our futures.
It appears, at least notionally, Sir has taken heed of my call, along with those of others to “step up” and put Britain at the centre of such discussions. However, his credibility is undermined by his Government’s evident reluctance to commit to a substantial increase in defence spending.
Despite vocal support from Conservatives and many in his own party, the PM’s hesitance to pledge the resources required compromises our negotiating position.
To end the suffering of the people of and secure a peace that truly honours the sacrifice of those lost, we must unite and find strength in resolve.
With numerous and ever-evolving threats, we should restore our inadequate defences to the high standard demanded by our nation’s significance. Only then can we hope to stand with, and for, friends like in securing a peaceful future in an perilous global climate.