Main points
- Volodymyr Ohryzko noted that Ukraine could have ended the war earlier, but that would have meant surrender.
- Ogryzko emphasizes that the war is ongoing for the identity of Ukrainians and it would be unrealistic to end it in defeat.
The Russian-Ukrainian war has been going on for over 10 years, the full-scale invasion – 4. In recent years, Ukraine could have initiated its end, but then we would simply have “raised our hands in the air.”
This opinion was expressed to Channel 24 by former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko, noting that when thinking about the end of the war, it is important to talk about the conditions. Ukraine cannot give in, having fought with dignity for so long.
Was there a chance to end the war within 4 years?
The former head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry noted that the war could have been stopped the day after a full-scale invasion. However, then we would not have been able to defend our national interests – it would have been a complete surrender.
Note! American Studies Professor Scott Lucas noted that Ukraine theoretically has the opportunity to surrender even now. However, the Ukrainians continue to fight, despite the lack of light, constant attacks, and a difficult situation on the front.
According to Ohryzko, the current war is a war for the identity of Ukrainians, for the fact that we can be a civilized country. Otherwise, we can simply surrender.
4 years of heroic resistance have passed. Russia is entering its home stretch. Therefore, to say that now we must under any circumstances sign what it wants would be unrealistic,
– he emphasized.
Is it possible to end the war now?
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Politico suggested that there is a chance to end the war this spring. This is facilitated by Russia's change in position in the negotiations, which could be quite promising.
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Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the talks have reached an impasse due to Russia's demands to officially recognize its control over the occupied territories of Ukraine. In addition, Putin himself believes that peace will bring him many problems.
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The President of Ukraine also noted that stable peace is possible only when Vladimir Putin agrees to a ceasefire and constructive dialogue.