My Op-ed For The TIME
Zelensky’s Former Spokesperson: Ukraine Needs a Cease-Fire Now
I understand that some of you may disagree with me, feel uncomfortable, or even criticize this piece. Speaking out against pervasive propaganda is never easy—and in our case, it is also dangerous. But I feel compelled to share what I know and what millions of Ukrainians want the world to hear. As someone living in Ukraine, I believe it is crucial to shift the conversation to the most pressing issue: the survival of the Ukrainian nation and the devastating toll this war of attrition is taking on it.
“The prospect of a quick peace agreement in Ukraine has become one of the most polarizing issues since Donald Trump’s election as President of the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists that such a deal can be hard to reach, emphasizing the importance of a just peace over a swift one. Justice, of course, is difficult to argue against. Yet, in conversations with my fellow citizens, another sobering truth emerges: this war is draining us to the core.
One survey found that 38% of Ukrainians are willing to accept territorial concessions in exchange for peace. But this feels like an unexpectedly conservative figure to me. At a clinic in Kyiv, a doctor I’d just met was on the verge of tears—her colleagues are leaving, and she’s contemplating it too. In the Western city of Lviv, a masseuse messages me monthly, asking when the war will end. A cleaner from Chernihiv in the North has already begun anew in Spain. Despite my country’s extraordinary resilience, we face a foe that cannot be overcome by military might alone. Western allies have been generous, but even their steadfast support cannot guarantee the future we so deeply desire. A victory by military means only, though inspiring, may no longer be attainable. At what cost, we must ask, does our continued struggle come?”
Unfortunately a peace deal with putin will be impossible, I fear. His demands are absurd and unacceptable, he will not abide by any agreement, and his aim will still be to destroy Ukraine. The only way to peace is to cripple his economy which Ukraine is trying, successfully, to do.
Julia, I read your pieces every week. I said to you at the beginning the reason I like your substack is your ability to embrace subject matter that can be considered 'taboo'. Your leader Zalenskky reminds me of Michael Collins. (Both were / are young men who lifted the spirit of a nation and crucially united people.) We had a cease fire here ourselves with England in 1921 followed by negotiations which 6 months later led to a treaty. We had to 'forgo' the northern six counties of our island. Collins was one of the signatories to the treaty and justifying it he said 'It gives us freedom, not the ultimate freedom that all nations desire but freedom to achieve it.' Your article reminded me of this quote. Take care. J