OPINION:
The Washington Times recently ran a story outlining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s refusal to “accept the surrender of Donbas” (“Zelenskyy says his negotiators wrestling with U.S. plan to swap land for peace,” Web, Dec. 11).
This war of several years was initiated by Russia for Russian reasons, which appear to include wanting to seize control of Ukraine’s “valuable Donbas industrial region.” I have not read or heard anyone in the print or broadcast media voice the opinion that Russian President Vladimir Putin will keep his word in any peace agreement.
What Mr. Putin wants from Ukraine is akin to Canada telling the United States it wants the northeastern part of America, so the U.S. should sign it over and vacate it militarily. I don’t see that ever happening.
If Mr. Putin wants something so integral to Ukraine’s identity as a nation, he must give up an equally large and difficult bargaining position. He must agree, without reservation (and the United States and NATO must agree) to the immediate inclusion of Ukraine in NATO.
After President Trump leaves office, NATO can keep Mr. Putin from turning around and again invading Ukraine, as he has done before.
Fulfilling President Reagan’s “Trust but verify” policy will help NATO ensure Ukraine’s future safety.
If Mr. Putin does not want Ukraine in NATO, he needs to get out of Ukraine unilaterally. If not, he must pay as high a price as he wants Ukraine to pay.
JAMES KOUT
Bowie, Maryland
Please read our comment policy before commenting.