How should the Ukraine war end? A historian, an ex-CIA officer and politicians disagree
Serhii Plokhy frames the war as the last act of a collapsing Russian empire, while Mike Baker, Lex Fridman and Vivek Ramaswamy weigh peace talks, Zelensky's position and whether America should push for a quick settlement. Laying their views side by side shows what each path to peace assumes and what it risks.
Why do the four voices give different answers on ending the Ukraine war? Show answer
They disagree about what the war is. If it is about security, assurances could end it. If it is about empire, they might only pause it.
How does Serhii Plokhy frame the war? Show answer
As a war of imperial succession, the latest stage in the long collapse of the Russian Empire, and not mainly about NATO.
What evidence does Plokhy give that NATO was not the real driver? Show answer
Ukraine's membership was effectively blocked in 2008, and Russia did not redeploy forces when Finland joined and doubled the border.
What historical model does Plokhy use for how the fighting might stop? Show answer
The Korean War, where an armistice came only after political change and after both sides stopped believing in battlefield gains.
What two legal facts block a return to the 2022 borders, per Plokhy? Show answer
Russia wrote five Ukrainian regions into its constitution, and Zelensky issued a decree ruling out negotiations with Russia.
Why does Mike Baker welcome fast US-Russia talks without Ukraine at the table? Show answer
The speed forced Europe to engage, and he expects Ukraine to be included soon because a deal without it goes nowhere.
What does Baker say about European and US aid? Show answer
EU institutions and countries allocated about $130 billion, more than the roughly $119 to $120 billion from the US, though allocated is not the same as paid.
What is Lex Fridman's core argument about peace? Show answer
It should be negotiated from strength, after battlefield success, and with respect for every leader at the table.
What worry does Fridman have about Zelensky? Show answer
That a leader so emotionally close to the suffering wants justice more than peace.
What deal does Vivek Ramaswamy propose? Show answer
NATO assurances, some territorial resolution and trade for Russia, in exchange for verifiable steps such as leaving its military alliance with China.
How do Ramaswamy and Plokhy differ on the 2022 talks? Show answer
Ramaswamy says Boris Johnson persuaded Zelensky to keep fighting. Plokhy says Russia's terms were unacceptable and atrocities ended the talks.
What larger danger does Plokhy raise? Show answer
That the fear of nuclear war which restrained leaders for 70 years is fading with new generations.