Why President Zelensky should accept talks over war

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OPINION

By Justin Ojangole

War is the greatest failure of humanity, proving that disputes, which could be solved through dialogue, are instead settled with violence. Armed force is a poor way to measure the depth of our disagreements or the worth of human life. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a tragic example of how diplomacy has been ignored in favour of war.

On February 28, US President Donald Trump had an important conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Expecting a discussion on more financial and military aid, Zelensky was instead urged by Trump to negotiate peace. This conversation highlights the complexity of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has deep historical and political roots.

This war began after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, which led to Ukraine becoming independent. Over time, tensions grew, especially after Russia took control of Crimea in 2014 following a disputed referendum. Russia sees Ukraine as part of its historical and strategic zone and opposes Ukraine’s efforts to join NATO, arguing that the alliance’s expansion is a direct threat to its security.

From Russia’s perspective, the war is about more than just Ukraine. Moscow views it as a fight against NATO’s influence and a way to protect Russian-speaking citizens in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine’s moves toward NATO membership are dangerous provocations. Russia also claims that Russian-speaking Ukrainians have been treated unfairly, using this as a reason for its military intervention.

The consequences of the war have been severe. Politically, it has created global instability, worsened diplomatic tensions, and divided nations. Economically, it has disrupted global trade, especially in energy and agriculture, leading to inflation and economic struggles worldwide. Socially, millions have suffered, with many lives lost, families displaced and an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

This war has been prolonged by foreign involvement. Since 2022, the United States has provided billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, including advanced weapons. Yet, Ukraine has not achieved a decisive victory, and the war continues to cause immense destruction. During his discussion with Zelensky, Trump reportedly said, "This war should have never happened. Biden gave you weapons; I will give you peace." His words suggest a shift towards diplomacy instead of further military conflict.

The media’s coverage of the war has also been debated. Some people view the Western media as biased and portrays Russia unfairly. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, "Western media chooses stories carefully to paint Russia in a bad light." She argued that, unlike Western audiences, Russian citizens have access to different perspectives about world events.

Despite the competing narratives, world leaders have expressed their desire for peace. After speaking with both Putin and Zelensky, Trump said, "I believe President Putin wants peace, President Zelensky wants peace, and I want peace." He stressed the need to end what he called a "ridiculous war" that has caused "massive and unnecessary death and destruction."

Russian President Vladimir Putin, has always indicated that he is open to peace talks. After a conversation with Trump, Putin agreed to temporarily stop attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, he demanded that Western countries stop sending weapons to Kyiv before considering a full ceasefire. The Kremlin emphasised the importance of addressing the root causes of the war and ensuring Russia’s security interests are respected in any peace deal.

Achieving peace will require commitment from all sides. President Zelensky faces a difficult choice—continuing the war with uncertain results or seeking a diplomatic solution that ensures Ukraine’s future stability. International organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and BRICS should support dialogue over continued fighting. History has shown that military conflicts only increase suffering, while negotiations create lasting solutions.

Ukraine must recognize that ongoing military aid from the West may not bring victory. Instead, serious peace talks should be prioritised to protect its citizens and rebuild the nation. The world cannot afford another year of violence and economic hardship. As Trump has pointed out, war is not the answer—peace must be reached through negotiations. The longer diplomacy is ignored, the more innocent people will suffer. It is time for global leaders to unite and push for a peaceful resolution—for Ukraine, for Russia and for the stability of the world.

The Author is the publisher