"Confronting the Harsh Truths of War and Peace in Ukraine"
The article from Novaya Gazeta Europe suggests that the West's perception of Russia as either a villain or a weak state has been misguided, especially in the context of the Ukraine war. While the West expected Russia to quickly succumb to sanctions and military setbacks, Russia has instead adapted, showing resilience and maintaining public support. Western backing for Ukraine is waning, with the EU and US struggling to provide promised financial and military aid. The author proposes three scenarios for the future: the West could increase its support for Ukraine, NATO could intervene directly, or the West could seek realistic diplomatic engagement with Russia. The article argues for bolstering Ukraine's defenses while being open to negotiations, acknowledging that Ukraine may not recover all its territory and that Russia, under Putin, is not close to collapse.