Letters | On the Ukraine war, Trump has a point
Readers discuss why Ukraine would be better off coming to a settlement with Russia, and the proposal for a new kind of internationalism
While US President Donald Trump described his confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office as “great television”, the gravity of the situation made it anything but entertaining.
In the field of law, we often say “a bad settlement is better than a good action”. It pains me to consider a settlement when the facts are clear: Russia is the aggressor, and the Ukrainian people are the victims of a grave injustice. However, as the conflict continues, we must ask ourselves how much more suffering the people can endure. Each day that passes brings more devastation.
Zelensky’s concerns regarding security guarantees are valid and must be addressed. Yet, having a businessman like Trump invested in Ukraine’s economic future might be a pragmatic means to ensure security, which coupled with a commitment from Europe to deploy troops, could create a stronger safety net for Ukraine. Much depends on what Russian President Vladimir Putin will accept as well, but it’s worth remembering that Trump has also been pressuring Putin to end the war by threatening further economic sanctions.
In this complex situation, we must prioritise dialogue and seek a realistic path to peace. Acknowledging the painful realities on the ground does not mean we abandon the principles of justice. Instead, it may offer the best chance for stability in a region that has suffered too long.
Jose Alvares, Macau