THE MASK HAS FALLEN
The rules-based order is gone. The age of empires has returned. Time to resist.
(Foto: Moscow Times)
Russia is a brutal dictatorship. But America’s betrayal of Ukraine has ended any illusion that Europe can afford more analysis or debate. Now, only action matters.
Europe must provide Ukraine with enough support to win the war - or prepare to face Russia itself. Our survival as independent, democratic nations is at stake.
Ukraine Is Sacrificed
In 1994, the United States guaranteed Ukraine’s security by signing the Budapest Memorandum. In return, Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons. But recent events have made it clear: America no longer intends to honor its commitment.
Donald Trump, far from criticizing Russia’s war crimes or genocide, has made repeated concessions to Putin without demanding anything in return. The Trump administration’s “final proposal” to Ukraine, delivered on April 22 under threat of a complete withdrawal if rejected, makes this betrayal explicit. On April 25, Ukraine and Europe responded with a counterproposal.
Key Points of the Proposals
The United States insists Ukraine must begin talks with Russia. While Ukraine has long been open to negotiations, the US has excluded Ukraine from direct dialogue, and Russia refuses to recognize Ukraine or President Zelensky as legitimate. Any agreement requires Russia to recognize Ukraine and its leadership.
Security Guarantees:
US position: Ukraine cannot join NATO, violating both NATO’s own commitments and the Budapest Memorandum, which affirms Ukraine’s right to choose its alliances. The US offers no support for a European security force in Ukraine.
Ukraine/Europe: NATO membership must remain possible, but security guarantees are essential. This includes European troops in Ukraine, with US support. There must be no restrictions on Ukraine’s military-a position the US also supports.
Control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant:
If Russia relinquishes control, that is positive. However, the US proposal does not ensure Ukraine regains control, making the plant a bargaining chip for future negotiations.
Mineral Agreement:
US: The agreement must be signed immediately.
Ukraine/Europe: The so-called “mineral agreement,” described as worse than the Treaty of Versailles, exploits Ukraine as a war victim. Ukraine refuses to sign until a comprehensive agreement is reached.
Territory:
US: Recognizes Crimea as Russian, and other occupied regions as de facto Russian. Ukraine would be granted a lease on the Dnipro, and Russia would withdraw from parts of Kharkiv Oblast.
Ukraine/Europe: This violates the UN Charter, international law, America’s own official position, and Ukraine’s Constitution. Ukraine will not negotiate over territory until Russia agrees to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Neither Ukraine nor Europe will recognize any occupied territory as Russian, as this rewards aggression and sets a dangerous precedent.
Sanctions:
US: Proposes lifting all sanctions against Russia.
Ukraine/Europe: Sanctions should only be lifted gradually after a sustainable peace is achieved, with provisions for rapid reimposition if Russia violates the agreement.
Sanctions are meant to impose a cost on Russia for its illegal war. Lifting them prematurely would allow Russia to rebuild its military and attack again.
A Bad Deal for Ukraine and Europe
The American proposal rewards Russia’s crimes with concessions at Ukraine’s expense, without demanding anything from the aggressor. There is no mention of reparations, or the tens of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
According to Plan?
If Ukraine intended to capitulate, it would not need American “help”-it could negotiate directly with Russia. The gulf between the US and Ukraine/Europe is vast, and Russia has not conceded anything.
This “agreement” cannot be accepted. It fails to address the root causes of the war-Russia’s imperial ambitions and disregard for international rules. Now, the US is helping Russia dismantle those very rules.
This is likely America’s plan. When Ukraine rejects the “peace proposal,” Trump will claim he tried to make peace but Ukraine refused, using this as a pretext to end all economic and military support, including intelligence sharing.
A new era. Hope.
The US is abandoning not only Ukraine, but Europe. For 80 years, America guaranteed European security. That era is over.
Russia’s goal is not just control of Ukraine but restoration of its empire. The risk of war elsewhere in Europe is rising sharply. Polish, Estonian, and Danish intelligence all warn that Russia plans further attacks within three years.
The situation is stark:
Europe stands alone. Ukraine must win, or Europeans will have to fight the next war themselves.
Yet there is hope. Europe can prove it remains the cradle of democracy, willing to fight for freedom. Our economies are 10–15 times larger than Russia’s. Norway alone could fund the war with its oil wealth. Europe has the industrial capacity and the resources.
What is missing is will. Europe’s firm response to the US “peace proposal” is promising. The hope is that we now see a genuine willingness to take responsibility.
Taking responsibility means defending freedom and democracy, upholding a rules-based order, and rejecting the theft of land and resources, terrorism, and genocide. Europe must reject the US–Russia proposal and ensure Russia is defeated, so that aggression is not rewarded.
Ukraine has shed blood to give Europe one last chance. Now is the time to repay that debt, by proving ourselves worthy of their sacrifice.