The negative consequences of the conflict are global and unsustainable; if anyone benefits from prolonged fighting, it’s Russia.
by Suzanne Loftus, Responsible Statecraft
It lies in our interest — and that of the Ukrainians — to avoid a prolonged war in Ukraine. There is an important line between the West helping Ukraine defend itself, escalating the war to a dangerous level, and merely advancing a war of attrition — the latter of which may end up playing into Russian hands.
Given the catastrophically high cost of Russia’s invasion in human, economic, and political terms, and given that even those who advocate continuing to arm Ukraine say the outcome of the war is unclear, or even unwinnable, the United States should pair its military assistance with concrete steps towards laying the foundations for a peaceful end to the war. The timing may be ripe thanks to the fact that Western aid and Ukrainian successes on the battlefield have placed Ukraine in a favorable position for negotiations.

While some analysts understand the urgency to bring the war to an end, including Condoleezza Rice and Robert Gates, both former national security cabinet officials in the George W. Bush administration, they advocate for doing so by arming Ukraine with longer-range missiles and other offensive weapons in the belief it can prevail against Russia. Others, slightly more conscious of the escalatory risks of a “total defeat” strategy, including Ivo Daalder of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and James Goldgeier of the Brookings Institution, do not seem to view a protracted conflict as something to avoid at all costs. They argue instead, that a prolonged war is the most likely scenario and that the West should do its best to support Ukraine through this. Neither approach would lead to a positive outcome.
Recent Posts
A Letter To Joe Biden
November 28, 2023
Take Action Now “You enable massive death and destruction. Your position and that of the Democratic Party turns my stomach.” By David Barsamian…
If Donald Trump Wins Next Year, Don’t Blame The Voters. Blame Joe Biden.
November 28, 2023
Take Action Now It’s the job of politicians to appeal to voters. Right now what Joe Biden is selling is two wars and an economy that isn’t working…
Trade Unions Fight Against Argentina’s Privatization Under Milei
November 28, 2023
Take Action Now Argentinian President-Elect Milei is moving to privatize energy… and everything else. by Trade Unions for Energy Democracy…
The Labor Movement’s Stalwart Support For Israel Is Shifting
November 28, 2023
Take Action Now The U.S. labor movement has a decades-long history of supporting Israel wholeheartedly, punctuated by moments of pro-Palestine…