The war in Ukraine stands as an egregious testament to mankind's capacity for destruction. The conflict, imposed on Ukraine by Russia, savage in its execution, has unleashed a torrent of senseless bloodshed. Ukrainians will sadly bear the scars of this unwarranted devastation for generations to come. The unimaginable human tragedy there precipitated a knock-on effect on the global economy, with the war's hardships now echoing far beyond the battlefields in Ukraine.
This conflict must now end. Its prolongation has yielded no decisive victories — only the seemingly endless loss of precious human lives – 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers, 120,000 Russian soldiers, and 12,000 civilians. Continuing the fight would only ensure that more innocent lives are sacrificed on an altar of futile persistence. Hence, the need for a resolution has become undeniable. After nearly three years of devastation, a satisfactory and durable peace must be brokered that allows Ukraine to rebuild, restore, and embrace the blessings of peace.
In negotiating that peace, President Putin must depart from the talks with no notion that he has benefitted from his aggression, for such a perception would not just embolden his tyranny, but others of a similar ilk; and what’s more it should go without saying that Ukraine must also be at the heart of any discussions moving forward. Yet, it seems that President Trump is neglecting these two crucial necessities. The effects of doing so would be deeply disturbing.
In an earlier age, former American president Theodore Roosevelt wisely advised, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." His timeless wisdom underscores the importance of negotiating from a position of undeniable strength. To truly empower Ukraine to defend its sovereignty and counter aggression, we must ensure it is equipped with the necessary tools for such strategic prowess.
The history of the 20th century shows where appeasement leads. Often veiled as diplomacy, it delays inevitable confrontation, allowing aggressors to grow stronger while others - made impotent by inaction - watch in vain hope. It is a tragic fact that the alluring fiction of appeasement – to opt for compromise without resolve, ends in regret. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 was met with little more than words, emboldening the Russian regime rather than curbing its expansionist ambitions, evident in his subsequent invasion of Ukraine. If only those who championed such inaction had heeded Teddy Roosevelt's words; for their feebleness then explains where we are now.
The lesson to be learned from the first major European conflict since the Second World War is that it is strong defences, not appeasement, that yield peace. Whatever its eventual resolution, the conflict in Ukraine has emphasised that need. Historically, as a kingdom, we have prided ourselves on being small but mighty and our military heritage remains a source of immense national pride. Recognising that Europe has grown weaker and more dangerous and that we can no longer rely solely on the United States for security, we must change course.
Our army, Air Force, and Navy must be bolstered — not only with technological wizardry, for this war has shown that this can never be a substitute for boots on the ground. Let us remember that military strength lies not only in gadgets and devices, but in the unyielding courage of our soldiers and the spirit of our nation.
Just as Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among the first to stand firm in shaping the global response to the Russian invasion, the United Kingdom must seize this moment to again assert its role as a key player. The Prime Minister should emulate the indefatigable spirit that Boris personified. Only then can we be genuinely instrumental in defining a cohesive Western response to the myriad foreign threats that foreshadow all our futures.
It appears that, at least notionally, Sir Keir Starmer has taken heed of my call, along with those of others to “step up” to put Britain at the centre of such discussions. However, his credibility is undermined by the Government's evident reluctance to commit to a substantial increase in defence spending. Despite vocal support for such a financial commitment from Conservatives and many in his own party, The Prime Minister’s hesitance to pledge the necessary resources irrefutably compromises our negotiating position. In an era where military strength backed by fiscal commitment are key indicators of global influence, this shortfall dramatically diminishes our nation's status in pivotal geopolitical debates.
To end the suffering of the people of Ukraine and secure a peace that truly honours the sacrifice of those lost, we must unite and find strength in resolve. With threats that are numerous and ever evolving, we should restore our inadequate defences to the high standard demanded by our nation's significance. Only then can we hope to stand with, and for, friends like Ukraine in securing a peaceful future in an increasingly perilous global climate.