Ukraine’s Formula for Peace: Fewer Talks, More Weapons

As diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continue to falter, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to make another trip to the White House. This time, however, he's not looking to engage in lengthy talks, but rather to secure a significant boost to his country's military capabilities. With Russia firmly rebuffing President Trump's recent diplomatic push, Zelensky's visit is expected to focus on securing a shipment of advanced missiles to bolster Ukraine's defenses.The development comes as the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has been raging since 2014, shows little sign of abating. Despite repeated calls for a peaceful resolution, Russia's actions have only served to escalate tensions, with Ukrainian forces facing off against Russian-backed separatists in a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.In a bid to shift the balance of power in Ukraine's favor, President Zelensky is seeking to acquire more advanced military hardware from the United States. The likely focus of his talks at the White House will be on securing a transfer of Javelin anti-tank missiles, which have proven highly effective in the hands of Ukrainian forces. The move is seen as a direct response to Russia's continued military support for separatist groups in eastern Ukraine.While some may view Ukraine's approach as counterintuitive, with the pursuit of more weapons seemingly at odds with the goal of achieving peace, President Zelensky's government believes that a strong military is essential to negotiating a meaningful resolution. By bolstering its defenses, Ukraine aims to demonstrate to Russia that it will not be easily intimidated or defeated, thereby creating a stronger position from which to engage in future diplomatic talks.The dynamics of the conflict are complex, with multiple stakeholders and competing interests at play. However, one thing is clear: President Zelensky is determined to take a more robust approach to securing Ukraine's interests, and he's willing to look to the United States for support. As he heads back to the White House, it's clear that Ukraine's formula for peace involves a potent mix of diplomacy and deterrence – with a greater emphasis on the latter.