Ukraine Envoy Warns Against ‘Appeasement’ of Putin as War Drags On
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its second year, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, has issued a stark warning against any efforts to appease Russian President Vladimir Putin amid growing international concerns about the long-term costs of the war. In a speech before a bipartisan gathering in Washington, Markarova stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine and resistance to any compromises that might embolden Russia or offer concessions to the Kremlin.
Her remarks come at a time when some global leaders and diplomatic voices have raised the prospect of negotiations or a ceasefire, suggesting that a prolonged conflict could have serious repercussions for global stability, security, and economic health. However, Markarova has firmly rejected the idea that Ukraine should make territorial concessions or seek to negotiate under duress, framing it as a dangerous path that would ultimately empower Putin and jeopardize Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Appeasement as a Dangerous Precedent
Markarova’s warning echoes the broader sentiment of Ukrainian leadership, who have repeatedly stated that any peace talks with Russia must be predicated on full Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and the Donbas region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated that peace cannot come at the expense of Ukrainian land or its people, and that any attempt to appease Russia could set a dangerous precedent for future international conflicts.
“Appeasing Russia—whether it’s through ceasefires that freeze the conflict or by making unjust concessions—is not the solution,” Markarova told the audience. “Every inch of Ukrainian land is sacred. To allow Russia to claim any of it as their own would be an invitation for future aggression, not just in Ukraine but for other countries in Europe as well.”
Her words come as international discussions about a negotiated settlement grow louder, particularly in Europe, where the war has led to mounting economic hardships and energy crises. Some countries, notably in the Global South, have also called for a halt to hostilities and the resumption of diplomacy, citing the humanitarian toll and the broader global consequences of a war that has disrupted food supplies, energy markets, and geopolitical stability.
The Global Context: Economic and Geopolitical Pressures
While the United States, the European Union, and other allies have strongly supported Ukraine with military aid, humanitarian relief, and sanctions against Russia, there are increasing signs of fatigue in some parts of the world. The war has caused global food shortages, rising energy prices, and supply chain disruptions, leading to economic challenges that some governments are eager to resolve. The U.S. and European allies have also seen growing domestic pressure to curb the economic and human costs of continued support for Ukraine.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed interest in exploring ways to de-escalate the conflict in talks with Russia, though they have made it clear that any talks must involve Ukraine’s consent and the restoration of its territorial integrity. Nevertheless, there are concerns that without a clear path to victory, some Western leaders might be inclined to push for a diplomatic solution, even if it means making uncomfortable compromises.
On the other hand, U.S. President Joe Biden and other key Western leaders have continued to emphasize that Putin’s actions must not go unpunished, particularly after the horrific atrocities committed by Russian forces, including targeted attacks on civilians, war crimes, and forced deportations of Ukrainian citizens. Biden has reaffirmed that Ukrainian sovereignty remains non-negotiable, and U.S. military assistance to Ukraine will continue, signaling a long-term commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
Ukraine’s Strategic Position: Full Liberation or Nothing
For Ukraine, the situation is existential. Ukraine’s leadership maintains that the only acceptable outcome is the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian soil, which would include the restoration of borders recognized by the international community. Ukraine also insists that Russia be held accountable for its actions, particularly regarding war crimes, and that any peace process must involve Russia’s full retreat from areas seized since 2014, including Crimea.
Zelensky has made it clear that a frozen conflict or any settlement that leaves Russian forces in occupied territories is not a viable option. “We have experienced this before,” Zelensky said in a recent speech. “In 2014, Russia invaded Crimea and Donbas. The world did nothing. They let Putin expand, and now he’s here. A compromise is not peace—it’s an invitation to war again.”
The U.S. and NATO’s Role: Strong Support for Ukraine’s Right to Defend Itself
The U.S. has played a pivotal role in providing Ukraine with critical military aid, including advanced weapons systems, intelligence support, and economic assistance. The Biden administration has also rallied NATO allies to expand their assistance to Ukraine, while also imposing the most comprehensive sanctions ever levied on a major power. These sanctions have targeted Russia’s banking sector, its energy exports, and its military-industrial complex, significantly weakening its economy.
The U.S. Congress has been largely supportive of Ukraine, though there is increasing pressure from some Republicans and conservative factions who are calling for a reduction in aid, questioning the long-term costs of U.S. involvement in the war. These political dynamics in the U.S. are compounded by midterm elections and growing public weariness over the prolonged conflict.
However, U.S. leaders continue to emphasize the strategic necessity of Ukraine’s victory, not just for the sake of Ukrainian sovereignty but also for the broader security of Europe and the global rules-based order. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently stated that “defeating Russia is critical for the defense of the international order, which has been the foundation of peace and stability for the last 75 years.”
A Shifting Landscape: The Challenge of Long-Term Conflict
Despite international calls for peace talks, it’s clear that Ukraine’s resolve remains strong. As long as Putin’s forces continue to occupy Ukrainian land and engage in brutal tactics, Markarova and other Ukrainian officials are steadfast in their commitment to resistance. For Ukraine, the choice is clear: they will not accept any settlement that involves giving in to Russia’s territorial demands or allowing Russia to maintain any military presence on Ukrainian soil.
As the war stretches into its second year, there is growing concern over the humanitarian crisis, with millions of Ukrainians displaced, tens of thousands killed or injured, and cities reduced to rubble. The long-term economic impact on Ukraine, and indeed the entire European continent, is also becoming more apparent.
The question now is not whether the world can afford a continued conflict, but whether it is willing to accept a world where aggression is rewarded and national borders are dictated by the will of autocrats like Putin. For Ukraine, the answer is clear: there can be no peace without justice.
