Donald Trump wants the Russia-Ukraine war to end as soon as possible. However, the President of Ukraine, along with the European Union and the UK, is unwilling to conclude the war, especially at this critical juncture, when the combined power of NATO member countries has successfully countered Russian advances into Ukraine and prevented the forced occupation of Ukrainian territory since the war began in 2022.

The war might not have started if NATO had not encouraged Ukraine to join the alliance. It could have also ended within three days had NATO not intervened in Ukraine’s defence under various pretexts. Resolving the war under the current circumstances would imply that Russia’s narrative has prevailed, exposing Ukraine and European countries as unjustified in plunging into the conflict.

This would be a humiliating retreat for the European leadership, who would face severe public backlash. Russia, in such a scenario, would hold a strong negotiating position.

The ensuing negotiations would determine the aggressor and quantify the cost of the war, which the responsible party—Ukraine and the European Union—might be required to pay.

The war (2022–2025) has imposed a heavy toll on both countries, with significant global ramifications. Russian military casualties range between 160,000 and 250,000 dead, with total losses, including wounded, exceeding 700,000, while Ukraine has suffered between 60,000 and 70,000 killed and around 400,000 total casualties.

Civilian deaths include approximately 12,500 in Ukraine and 388 in Russia. Economically, Ukraine has........

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