What the U.S. doesn’t understand about Ukraine elections

When the U.S. once again brings up elections (as in Witkoff’s interview) as a way to stall for time and push the Russian version of Ukraine’s capitulation — or hints at the need to legalize Russia’s occupation of part of Ukrainian territory right now — it shows a deep misunderstanding of the situation.

It’s strange that the U.S. focuses on the "reality principle" (the status quo of occupied territories) but doesn’t want to acknowledge the internal realities of the countries involved.

Ukraine doesn’t attack — it defends itself. And it’s not just about politicians (whether the government or the opposition, especially since representatives of the American embassy have already met with Ukrainian politicians), as both Russia and the U.S. might assume. It’s about society as a whole.

Look at the cemeteries, the rehabilitation centers for Ukrainian soldiers, the streets of Ukrainian cities and villages, where there are both children and the wounded. While Russia continues to talk about "a special military operation," Ukraine doesn’t hide the realities. And when you see them, it becomes obvious — it is simply impossible to legally justify the Russian occupation.

By contrast, in Russia, the obsession with war and delusions of grandeur (which Surkov once again pushed in an interview — talking about expansion and the absence of war boundaries) is an artificial construct. It may have resonated with the deep-seated revanchism in Russian society, but it is still manufactured. Russia has a long way to go before it reaches civilized self-awareness — if that’s even possible.

So no, Ukraine doesn’t need to be forced into surrender (especially since it has already outlined possible compromises). It’s Russia that should be pressured and steered toward changing its current course.

Source

About the author. Olesya Yakhno, Ukrainian journalist, political scientist

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