As wars in Ukraine and Gaza persist, hopes for peace remain distant illusions. Despite occasional declarations of ceasefires or humanitarian pauses, recent actions by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscore a stark reality: truces without accountability are quickly rendered meaningless.
Ceasefires in Name Only
In Ukraine, Russia struck key energy infrastructure just twelve hours after reportedly agreeing not to do so. In Gaza, Netanyahu ordered renewed bombardments that killed hundreds of Palestinians, despite earlier commitments to restraint. The number of casualties varies by source, but the violence is undeniable. In both cases, the so-called ceasefires were swiftly disregarded.
Such actions highlight a troubling pattern in modern conflict: ceasefires are often tactical pauses, not genuine steps toward resolution. When agreements are broken with impunity, the concept of a truce loses all meaning.
A Geopolitical Shield for Aggression
Both leaders appear emboldened by the lack of consistent international pushback. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, still a looming figure in global politics, has taken contradictory stances—alternately sidelining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and pressuring European allies through economic measures like tariffs.
This erratic support undermines diplomatic leverage and signals to aggressors that consequences are negotiable. With major powers divided or disengaged, authoritarian leaders find space to maneuver unchecked.
Global Paralysis and Local Devastation
Meanwhile, civilians continue to bear the brunt. In Gaza, indiscriminate airstrikes devastate already fragile communities. In Ukraine, strikes on power plants and infrastructure deepen the humanitarian crisis, especially as winter lingers.
The lack of enforcement mechanisms or coordinated responses from the international community leaves populations trapped in cycles of violence.
As noted by 20minutos, these developments are not isolated lapses, but emblematic of a broader collapse in diplomatic credibility.
In a world where truces are routinely broken without repercussion, peace remains a political slogan, not a plan.
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