In pursuit of peace, Ukraine is completely alone

Given the world’s cynicism, and the fact that we continue to follow the same cynical behavior patterns of most geopolitical players, we’re left with conclusions that are disappointing, though unsurprising:

1. Europe isn’t ready to face war at home, so it prefers to see Russia stuck in Ukraine. At the same time, most European leaders understand that a Russian victory would mean a direct threat to them, and a return to the Warsaw Pact, which is exactly what Putin is strategically aiming for.

But as long as the war drags on in Ukraine, Europeans can keep drinking beer in Brussels and eating sausages in Munich. Meanwhile, their generals are "warming up," spending a fourth year digging through their stockpiles.

2. China doesn’t want the war to end right now either. It’s profiting while Russia is forced to sell energy resources at a discount. Why would they want the war to stop? Let it go on.

3. The U.S. isn’t particularly eager for the war to end, either. If it does, NATO countries will relax and stop thinking about raising their defense budgets. That means fewer purchases, including from the U.S. arms industry. The military-industrial complex, instead, is likely pushing the White House to keep the militarization going for as long as possible.

4. Russia. On one side — the risk of economic collapse. On the other — the possibility not only to swallow Ukraine but also to join the global power reshuffle. Against that backdrop, ending the war makes little sense for the Kremlin.

In the end, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is absolutely right when he says Ukrainians are the only ones who genuinely want this war to stop. The question now is: what do we do in this total loneliness?

Many nations in history have survived for decades while surrounded by enemies. But their main strength came from within — through internal unity and a shared will to survive. Maybe it’s time we focused on that too: another wave of social mobilization, instead of believing that someone else cares more about us living than dying?

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About the author. Viktor Shlinchak, Chairman of the Board of the Institute of World Policy

The editorial staff does not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.