As Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its second yearThere are no signs of relenting on either side. Moscow has mobilized around 500,000 troops, more than double the size of the forces deployed for the launch. attack last februaryfor the widely expected spring invasion. The West, Kiev’s main financial and military backer, is sending Ukraine armored vehicles, precision bombs, battle tanks and missile defense systems to bolster its defensive and offensive capabilities. In his surprise visit to Kyiv On Monday, US President Joe Biden pledged America’s enduring support to the war-torn nation. The following day, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his State of the Nation address, indicated his country’s readiness for a protracted war, and suspended its participation in the New START treaty, which marked a break in relations with the West and could also trigger a nuclear arms race. The last year has been disappointing for all parties. Mr Putin, who wanted a quick victory, misjudged Kiev’s reaction and the West’s resolve to back it. Ukraine inflicted heavy human and material costs on Russia, but still lost the exchange of its territories. The West remains united despite differences over its approach to Russia, but also grapples with the economic costs of the war.
However, despite the setbacks, neither side is ready for talks. Mr. Putin is ready to fight as long as he wants and the West is ready to arm Ukraine for as long as it takes. A protracted war would be disastrous for Ukraine as the entire fighting is taking place within its borders. The country has lost land, weapons and thousands of lives. Its infrastructure is under attack and the economy is battered. Without a steady supply of weapons from the West, the Russian onslaught is unlikely to survive. Furthermore, if the war drags on, the risks of a direct Russia-NATO conflict will be high. The rapid destruction of security in Europe and the deepening mistrust between the major powers can be compared to the situation in the continent before World War I. An open confrontation between the superpowers today would be disastrous because of the threat of nuclear weapons. The prospect of such a conflict would mean that war is not just a European problem. Ending war is imperative for global safety and security. Wars usually end by outright victory or through negotiation. The first year of the war shows that the first option is unrealistic for either side, meaning that Russia, Ukraine and the West must prepare for the Final Solution. The sooner they start talking to each other, the better it will be for the whole world.