Why Ukraine Must Fight On

medium118665426Ukraine’s war for freedom from Russian aggression was mocked during the televised Trump-Zelenskyy meeting. The upshot has been an intensified anxiety about whether the civilised world will continue to support Ukraine. Zelenskyy and Ukrainian leadership approached the meeting where the minerals deal was to be signed with Washington as a strategic move. The draft agreement was prepared to create a joint fund for future extraction of rare earth metals and minerals. Ukraine’s position remained constructive — after all, we are the victims of aggression. We expect US to continue to support us in this struggle.Unfortunately, at this moment, Trump administration appears to be leaning towards Moscow. Ukraine is being pressured to make unpopular concessions and compromises with Russia. Message in a quarrel | If US is to maintain its status as leader of the free world, a guardian of democracy, freedoms, and rule of law, what signal has the current administration in Washington sent out to the world? Its actions are especially relevant to authoritarian regimes — Beijing and Moscow are closely watching Trump’s actions.American politicians often caution that China is US’s primary competitor and threat No.1. But Beijing will surely view Trump’s stance on Ukraine as a sign of weakness. For, US isolationism and a reduced international role will only encourage Beijing’s aggressions against Taiwan, in South China Sea, and against other neighbours.Russia needs China | The belief that improving US-Russia relations may create an alliance to contain China is also unlikely to pan out, given Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has already exposed weaknesses of the Russian military machine. Moreover, Russia can continue this war largely because China maintains economic cooperation, enabling Kremlin to execute its aggressive plans. So, how can an exhausted Russia contain China? It cannot, making this idea fundamentally flawed.Kyiv’s stand | Ukrainians are united, consolidated around President Zelenskyy. Ukraine is currently mobilising internal resources to allocate more funds for defence and security needs, including production of weapons. We expect European countries to rally around Kyiv. We also hope India, as the world’s largest democracy, will stand by Ukraine.President Zelenskyy’s correct to say Ukrainian people want peace more than anyone — but it must be a peace that’s just and based on international law. Ukraine has proven itself on the battlefield and continues to fight for its freedom. Meanwhile, Putin seeks to seize Ukrainian territories and subjugate Ukrainian people to advance his neo-imperial ambitions of conquering other European states.Putin’s problems | Is Kremlin any closer to achieving its goals? Ukraine has shown that Russian army can be repelled on the battlefield. Of course, this requires support of our external partners and allies. Putin wants to now impose an unjust ceasefire on Ukraine. Moreover, Russia demands Ukrainian troops withdraw from two major cities that aren’t even under Russian control — Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. This is, of course, unacceptable and is an example of Russia’s blatant disregard for international law.Kremlin needs a pause in the war because Russia has suffered massive losses. They want to declare a ceasefire as a so-called “gesture of goodwill”. However, in the current status, Ukraine’s armed forces are closer to stopping Russia’s offensive and stabilising the frontline. This has changed the situation significantly, placing Ukraine in a position of strength at the negotiating table.Putin needs mobilisation and resource accumulation to continue the war. He has no intention of ending it, especially if he senses weakness in support for Ukraine. It is precisely why no opportunity should be given for him to be able to persist in his aggressive ambitions of annexing strategic regions. Only if Putin concedes that Ukraine is in a position of strength and admits that Russian forces cannot advance will he cease the aggression.A stronger Europe | The idea of a unified European army is gaining new relevance against the backdrop of the Continent’s and world’s security situation. Europe, by investing more in its defence-industrial complex, can also invest in Ukraine’s defence.It can invest in Ukraine’s defence industry with joint production of missiles, drones, and other necessary military equipment for a shared security. This will also make Europe a serious global player. Europeans have the necessary resources to do this. And it is what Ukraine is calling for.Ukrainians deserve a just peace based on international law. We count on India’s support in this, as well as on developing our cooperation in the future.The writer is a columnist based in Kyiv, and head of Center for Military & Legal Studies, a Ukrainian think tank