cestturko :
Political leadership also means admitting mistakes. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Western countries have followed a problematic strategy. During the peace talks in Istanbul in 2022, Ukraine and Russia were close to reaching an agreement. However, this process was undermined when British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, acting on behalf of the United States, traveled to Kyiv to pressure Ukraine to withdraw from the talks and continue fighting. Grand promises were made, but none were kept.
The result? Ukraine has lost more territory than at the start of the invasion, millions have been displaced, and the economy lies in ruins. Europe is also paying the price: skyrocketing energy prices, rising inflation, increasing food costs, and a weakened German economy. The social consequences are enormous—poverty and unemployment are on the rise, while cuts are being made to education, healthcare, and social services. Yet, there’s still plenty of money for defense.
Ukraine is now entirely dependent on billions in loans, while the only ones profiting from this war are those in the military-industrial complex. Instead of pushing for peace, European countries continue to insist on prolonging the war. A true ally would have advised Ukraine to sign a peace agreement long ago, considering the geopolitical reality: Russia will always be Ukraine's neighbor.
Anyone who truly cares about Ukraine and its people would have made different choices. The current Western strategy is destructive and self-destructive. While many may not sympathize with leaders like Putin or Trump, it is striking that Trump is the one pushing to end this war, while European leaders are blocking it.
It’s no surprise that dissatisfaction is growing and far-right parties are gaining ground. When people see their economic prosperity evaporate and social services erode, it creates fertile ground for discontent and polarization. We must seriously ask ourselves what we are doing and why we continue to follow leaders who are steering us toward disaster.
2025-02-25 11:57:34