Day 278+, What will peace for Ukraine look like?
November 29, 2022, Letter 18
Day 278+, What will peace for Ukraine look like?
Dear Friends,
People that know about my involvement with Ukraine often ask me how and when I think the war will end. I always disclaim that my thoughts are no more valid than the next person’s, and, like others, I take pride in learning from history and being able to blend the thoughts of experts and pundits with my own experiences and feedback from friends in Ukraine.
One thing I know for sure is that the eventual cessation of outward hostilities will not equate to lasting peace and will not satisfy either warring faction. The West, China, and other spectators may be satisfied, but neither Ukrainians nor RuZZians will. Only destroying the RuZZian forces on the pre-2014 Ukrainian territories and defeating the RuZZian Federation, followed by reparations and an international tribunal, is the desired outcome of this war.
The RuZZians intentionally use this harsh winter environment to defeat the Ukrainian public by destroying their infrastructure. However, this terrorism only achieves the opposite results. The Ukrainian people are wholly united behind their leaders' goals of restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity and addressing the ten points of President Zelenski. Only one other time in recent history I observed a similar level of National resolve to achieve victory.
During WWII, the German people capitulated after severe bombing campaigns similar to the ones used by the RuZZians today. But drawing a moral equivalence between the actions of the Allied Forces in WWII and what the RuZZians are doing now is unforgivably wrong. In WWII, the Germans were the aggressors. They committed unthinkable crimes against humanity, and the entire world knew it, including the Germans. Now the RuZZians are doing the same thing, and again the entire world and many RuZZians know it.
Negotiating under these conditions is problematic. It has also become clear that negotiations, even if successful, will only bring about temporary peace and kick the proverbial bucket down the road of history to future generations.
So what can we, as individuals, do?
#1 Make sure that our representatives in Congress represent our wishes and stay on the right side of history by supporting Ukrainian efforts to defeat RuZZia.
#2. Make a difference in the life of at least one Ukrainian person in need of help.
Over a billion people live in countries that support Ukraine and its 40+ million citizens. Suppose one out of 25 people, or 25 people, collectively, in any of those countries, help one Ukrainian survive the effects of RuZZian terrorism. In that case, we collectively will minimize the impact of RuZZian atrocities on the Ukrainian people and help them defeat RuZZia.
Throughout this letter, I specifically use the word defeat vs. destroy. The difference between the two words may be subtle but essential nonetheless. The difference is that destroying the enemy removes their mere ability to fight, while defeating them removes their will to fight.
This distinction is essential, and defeat is precisely what we require to accomplish genuine, lasting peace. Ukraine will destroy RuZZian forces in the territory of Ukraine, and we may even be able to negotiate a cease-fire at that point. However, the RuZZian regime, even then, will not be satisfied and will immediately start preparing for a subsequent war. On the other hand, the Ukrainian people will not rest until sufficient reparations are paid and the entire RuZZian regime stands trial for its crimes against Ukraine and humanity.
This Holyday season, please remember to Pray for Ukraine, and when you consider the principles of Giving Tuesday and the spirit of the Holydays, please consider Ukraine!
On behalf of Share Ukraine and the Ukrainian People, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Meaningful Holyday Season!
Sam Rozenberg.
Glory to Ukraine!