Douglas Murray: “Best” Way Ukraine War Ends May Be Most Dangerous

The war in Ukraine appears to be moving to the next level. One sign came in the form of a passing mention about tea this week. In a speech before the UK Parliament on Wednesday, President Zelensky talked about his recent visit to Westminster in 2020. He recalled the hospitality that his hosts had shown him. “delicious English tea.” He continued, “I will be leaving Parliament today, thanking you all in advance for powerful English planes.”

Although it was a playful way to request the service, Zelensky was very aware of what he was doing. His statement was strongly applauded by the assembled Parliamentarians. Yesterday Zelensky A similar request was made to the European Parliament in Brussels. He was also given a standing ovation by MEPs.

But here’s the thing. Only weeks — if not days — ago, providing Ukraine with fighter jets was still one of the no-go’s of the conflict. From the start of the Russian invasion NATO chose — rightly in my view — to help arm Ukraine.

Other options included allowing Russia to win, destabilize Europe and swallow up a country. The Ukrainians are determined to be free, and they don’t need any assistance, unlike previous conflicts that America was involved in. This doesn’t require any American lives to be risked.

There are still some red lines for NATO. Notable is the way they have changed. It was not possible for the Europeans to supply tanks to Ukraine just a few short months ago. The German government and others finally agreed to supply Leopard tanks to Ukraine last month.

Similar to the situation in Ukraine, providing planes for travel was considered a far-fetched idea days ago. The idea was only approved by lawmakers in London, Brussels and Brussels.

Even casual observers can see the escalation. It is not in the conflict, which has been bloody since its inception. But in NATO’s commitment to Ukraine.

Everybody, from Joe Biden all the way to a Pink Floyd fanatic, has their own views on how to end this conflict. But this week’s event should remind us there are only four possible end-games.

First, a slow Russian victory. If you are looking for men, this is the best. Russia is able to bring this war to an end.. The Kremlin is totally unbothered about loss of human life and will show — as Russian regimes have throughout history — that its own men, let alone their opponents, are just cannon fodder. They are almost inexhaustible and easily replaceable. If Ukraine does not have a weapons advantage then time and numbers will be on Russia’s side for Putin to achieve his hollow victory.

The second is Russian victory in a hurry, most likely caused by Putin doing something so appalling — such as using a non-conventional weapon — that the war is terrorized to a stop.

Option three is a quick victory for Ukraine. This is something you should do. Zelensky and other dreamers clearly. They want Russia to return to Ukraine’s borders, which they invaded last January. Perhaps also they would like Crimea to be retaken by the Russians in 2014. People sometimes say these things. “Well why don’t we just give the Ukrainians everything they need now.” There is an answer. It is the fourth option, a slow to moderate victory for Ukraine. This seems to be what NATO is aiming at.

NATO does not want to prolong the conflict or cause more suffering for the Ukrainian people. A quick victory by Ukraine could prove to be extremely dangerous for the region in many ways. It is because it is the most likely to cause Putin to seek a second, faster victory.

Vladimir Putin will probably have to withdraw at some point, as I mentioned last year. Russia cannot digest Ukraine like a snake who tries to eat an animal. It is more of a country — with more of an army — than the Kremlin imagined. Putin may have been able to lie in the sun for eight years digesting Crimea, but everyone can now see that with last year’s invasion he over-ate. Putin will need some sort of an escape route and a way of claiming his rights. “mission accomplished” to his own people.

Putin may do something terrible if his forces are not dealt with quickly. In conversations with world leaders, Putin has implied such things and everyone has their opinion on the degree to which he is lying or serious. We must treat him with respect. The world cannot be coerced into doing nothing by a man hinting that he might do something.

Nobody wants to know. NATO is doing this step by step game because it is what everyone wants to know. Perhaps Ukraine would have won if we had given Ukraine all the help they needed one year ago. But it is also possible this would have triggered Putin’s own red-lines. It is likely that this will be the last time that cool heads and a steady nerve are required. Let’s hope the supplies of these aren’t as depleted as they sometimes seem.

The ‘Last’ For me

I’m sure it´s on everyone´s lips, and every billboard in town, but I’ve had enough of “The Last of Us.”

I love a zombie apocalypse film as much as anyone else, but I don’t want to be forced into morally improving lessons through an adaptation of a videogame.

A surprising number of post-apocalypse societies are led by women was the first sign.  Because strong women need to be featured in every film.

But I just watched episode 3 of HBO’s blockbuster new series and I give up.  Suddenly the whole plot (such as it is) stops and there’s a full hour-long gay love story that has nothing to do with anything.  I know the maker’s thinking.  “We know you horror fans and we think watching this interminable gay love story will be good for you.”  But I don´t think anyone is shocked, or improved.  We´re just bored.