The Ukrainian War requires just and lasting peace

In Yates’ poem The Second Coming, “When the highest beliefs are lacking, the worst is full of passionate strength.

When looking at the negotiation strategies for a ceasefire and the potential strategies for the end of the war in Ukraine, I cannot help remind myself of Yates’ poem. The end of Ukraine’s peace and suffering is our passionate prayer, but universal law, values ​​and values ​​must guide our foreign policy.

Just to review the bidding, in the past few weeks we have witnessed a disaster meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, cut military assistance (although since restored) and intelligence to Ukrainine, voted against a UN General Assembly Resolution condemning Russia’s aggressiveness against Ukrainine (siding with North Korea and Russia), and cut funding for a Yale research lab program that tracked Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

He voted against Ukraine and Europe in a UN resolution condemning Russian invasion along the third anniversary of the war. Following the end of World War II, it defeated the 80-year predictable US leadership of the Transatlantic Alliance. It is important to remember that Russia has a military alliance with Iran and uses North Korean troops and weapons against Ukraine.

Regardless of the UN vote, Americans know who the invaders are in this war. They watch this unprovoked war unfold and do not support indiscriminate attacks by undisciplined Russian troops targeting civilians and hospitals. And let’s call the children what it is – it’s evil. Ukraine is fighting for their sovereignty and independence, and for their final analysis. They deserve a fair shaking in peace negotiations based on values, not convenience.

Although imperfect, Americans have always stood on the side of freedom and freedom. On the 20th anniversary of D-Day in 1964, former President Eisenhower came to Walter Cronkite “just to maintain his freedom.” Negotiations for peace in Ukraine require long and hard thinking about the meaning of maintaining freedom.

Last year, I saw the ceremony to celebrate D-Day’s 80th anniversary. I sailed through those oceans and visited those beaches. It’s hard to hold back tears when he sees a 100-year-old man struggling to stand while Buggler “tap.” Or the emotional moment when a World War II veteran was accepted by Ukrainian President Zelensky. Zelenskyy said, “You saved Europe.” That embrace was a symbol of all the best we stand for. That’s everything. value. Why should we make sturdy, noble ideals and sacrifices in this challenging political environment?

The fabrics of the post-World War II international order are beginning to fray at the seams, but the fabrics can still be repaired. Our allies and partners (including NATO) led by American leadership are lynchpins to preserve the international system. It is important to stand firmly against Russian invasions and other violent violent people. The United States is the only country that can stand up to Russian invasions in Ukraine.

War is a tragedy and it is right to end the conflict in Ukraine. The estimate is that it already has more than 1 million soldiers, including the total number of casualties. This goes without saying about the enormous human suffering of civilians, the displaced people in Ukraine, and the refugees who are forced to flee the country. The first step is to get a clean ceasefire. As I write this, Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire, Russia has not.

We need to seek just and lasting peace in Ukraine. For this to happen, we must continue to support tentatively and provide post-war security arrangements and guarantees to Ukraine. It is the best way to stop future attacks, and it sends a strong signal to our enemies.

Ultimately, Americans are both idealists and realists. John F. Kennedy said he was an “idealist without fantasy.” Looking for the heart, we know that it is right to help Ukraine achieve peace with dignity. In the 21st century, great powers were unable to engulf the smallest things, allowing America to withstand freedom and values. Let us argue from our leader that peace negotiations will have another equipment and that we are working with all involved in working together for lasting peace. I’m blessed.

William McKilkin is a retired rear admiral of the US Navy and former director of naval strategy and policy (N51) who grew up in the Gulf of Florida. He wrote this column for the Times.