I have repeatedly made the argument that V. Putin fears he cannot survive the Ukraine war without a victory. I’ll admit I haven’t made the same claim about V. Zelensky, but perhaps I should have.
Writing at The American Conservative, Ted Snider argues that Zelensky believes being defeated on the battlefield is preferable to losing at the peace table. Honestly, I think he makes a pretty good case for that conclusion.
The gist of Snider’s argument is that Zelensky can blame defeat on the US and Europe, both of which have been less-than-wholehearted in their support of Ukraine’s fight. Whereas, he cannot blame them if he agrees to a peace that gives Russia all of their present ill-gotten gains, getting in return only a cessation of hostilities.
If Snider is correct, as I suspect he is, then neither Putin nor Zelensky can afford to make peace. The meat grinder war will continue, not because that is best for either nation, but because that is best for both leaders.
It is possible the people of both nations would prefer a simple cessation of hostilities in place and an end to the dying and maiming. However, they are not the ones deciding.
