War in Ukraine: peace-talking versus peace-making

There has been no dearth of peacemaking proposals since the very beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian war. All, however, reflect a profound misunderstanding of what the conflict is about. The war is not about Russia’s alleged (in)security or “disputed” territories. It is primarily about Russia’s coveted great power status and antiquated imperial identity, of which Ukraine, as a direct successor to Kyivan Rus, is a key part. The only way to a stable peace in Ukraine and Europe is to help Ukraine win. This might be costly and risky, but all other solutions are strategically far worse.