Source: The American Conservative
by Doug Bandow
“In most conflicts negotiating peace takes time. There are almost always neutral powers and special envoys visiting combatants and promoting peace. However, governments which went to war demonstrated that they believe their interests to be important, if not vital. Moreover, as the human and material carnage rise those who chose war and managed the conflict feel increasing pressure to justify their decisions. Which explains the reluctance of both sides in the Russo-Ukraine conflict to choose peace. Had Zelensky negotiated before Putin attempted his coup de main, Ukrainians likely would have avoided hundreds of thousands of casualties and multiple billions worth of destruction, while losing little additional territory. Now, if Zelensky is forced to yield even more land to win peace, his people will likely ask, why did he wait? The Russian president faces a similar dilemma.” (05/15/25)
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/russia-isnt-asking-for-too-much-in-ukraine/