As someone deeply invested in America’s national security and global leadership, I strongly believe this prolonged war in Ukraine must end—swiftly, decisively, and through diplomatic means.
President Donald Trump has made it clear he would prioritize negotiations, and I share his view that continuing the conflict merely serves our adversaries while draining our resources.
First, we must acknowledge that this war is giving Russia—and by extension, North Korea, and Iran—a unique opportunity to study Western military tactics in real time.
Every new weapons system deployed in Ukraine, every battlefield manoeuvre, and every logistical effort is providing valuable insight to regimes actively seeking to undermine the United States.
Trump said that before sharing intelligence again, he needs to know that Ukraine is ready to “settle”REUTERSI have seen how adversaries analyse our defence technology and tactics, reverse-engineering our approaches to gain an edge.
The longer this conflict continues, the more time hostile powers must adapt, prepare, and potentially replicate or counter our strengths.
Second, open-ended war in Ukraine is not in America’s best strategic interest. Our nation has already poured billions of dollars into supporting Kyiv, at a time when our own domestic and global challenges loom large.
Our military stockpiles are being drawn down, and our capacity to respond to other threats—particularly in the Indo-Pacific—could be compromised.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and US Middle East envoy Steve WitkoffReutersWe risk emboldening nations like China if they sense our resources and political will are stretched thin. In other words, no matter how noble our intentions, a grinding war of attrition serves to weaken Western unity and strength over the long haul.
History shows most wars eventually end at the negotiating table. President Trump, with his background as a dealmaker, understands that principle intimately.
He has stated he could end this war in a short time, underscoring his willingness to use America’s influence to bring both sides to the table.
The specifics of such negotiations will be complex, but the alternative—watching more cities reduced to rubble, more families torn apart, and more American resources consumed—should not be our default policy.
Critics argue that seeking diplomacy might reward Russian aggression. In truth, continued warfare does not guarantee Ukraine’s victory; it only prolongs destruction.
A swift diplomatic push now could preserve Ukrainian sovereignty while preventing further escalation. We cannot ignore the risk of a catastrophic spillover, whether in the form of a NATO-Russia clash or a nuclear threat. Ensuring U.S. security interests and avoiding a broader calamity must remain paramount.
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Keir Starmer has been walking a diplomatic tightrope, rallying behind Ukraine whilst trying to keep on side with Donald TrumpGettySome will say it is unrealistic to believe a diplomatic resolution can be reached quickly. Yet Trump’s record—the Abraham Accords in the Middle East, the direct engagement with North Korea—shows a willingness to break with conventional thinking and seize opportunities.
We need a similar mindset for Ukraine: a firm but innovative approach that halts the bloodshed and protects American interests.
As an American abroad and a defender professional, I see the path forward as clear: we need vigorous diplomacy to end the war on terms that uphold Ukraine’s independence, safeguard regional stability, and protect U.S. strategic interests.
The time for simply shipping more arms without a solid exit strategy is over. Our global adversaries are watching, learning, and adjusting.
We owe it to ourselves—and to the principles we stand for—to end this conflict with strength, foresight, and unwavering commitment to peace.
