This has been a chaotic and unpredictable week in global politics.
The war in Ukraine, the role of the United States, and President Trump’s approach to ending the conflict have been at the center of debate.
The suffering in Ukraine has been immense. The war has dragged on with no clear resolution.
Trump wants to bring peace, and while that is a worthy goal, the facts of this war cannot be ignored. Any deal must be based on truth, not illusions.
On February 20, Douglas Murray wrote an article for the New York Post, a newspaper typically supportive of Trump, listing key truths about the war in Ukraine while countering misinformation spread by Putin and Trump.
The truth according to the New York Post
Truth No. 1: Vladimir Putin started this war. In February 2022, after building up troops on Ukraine’s borders, Russia launched a full-scale invasion,
There is no justification for this attack. Some try to blame NATO or Ukraine’s actions, but those arguments do not hold up.
Putin had already seized Crimea in 2014 and supported war in eastern Ukraine for years. His invasion was an act of conquest, not self-defense.
Truth No. 2: Russia wants to take Ukrainian land. Ukraine is a sovereign nation. It is internationally recognized. Putin’s goal is clear—he wants control over Ukraine.
Unlike Russia, Ukraine has no interest in taking Russian territory. The Russian military has committed horrific acts, including the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children. The world cannot ignore these crimes.
Truth No. 3: Ukraine is fighting for its survival. Most Ukrainians do not want to be ruled by Moscow.
They want independence and the ability to decide their own future. Putin claims Ukrainians and Russians are one people, but that is not true. They have different languages, histories, and identities.
Truth No. 4: Putin is a dictator. He has been in power for decades, silencing opposition and crushing dissent.
In Russia, people who protest the war are arrested. Political opponents are jailed or killed. Ukraine, by contrast, has a functioning democracy.
Its people can criticize their leaders, something that is impossible in Russia.
Truth No. 5: Russia is not a friend of the U.S. It works against American interests and aligns itself with China, Iran, and North Korea.
Ukraine, on the other hand, seeks partnership with the West. Its people support democracy and freedom.
They fight not only for themselves but to prevent Russia from threatening other nations.
Truth No. 6: Putin cannot be trusted. He has a long record of breaking agreements and lying to world leaders.
Even in recent months, he promised not to target Ukraine’s energy system. Then he ordered massive attacks on power plants. Trusting him without strong guarantees would be a mistake.
Truth No. 7: American aid to Ukraine is not wasted. While corruption exists, as it does in many countries, the majority of aid is used effectively.
Much of the money spent on military assistance goes to American industries, supporting jobs in the U.S.
The war has also weakened Russia’s military without costing American lives. This benefits U.S. security.
Trump wants to end the war, and if he can do it in a way that ensures lasting peace, he could be remembered as a great statesman.
But if peace comes at the cost of Ukraine’s freedom, it will be a failure. The world has seen what happens when aggressors are appeased.
If Putin is rewarded for invading Ukraine, he will not stop. Other countries will be at risk. The consequences will last for generations.
The truth is clear. This war is not just about Ukraine. It is about whether the world allows dictators to seize land by force. A strong and just peace is the only way forward.
