The False Hope of Peace During War: What Conservatives Need to Demand and the Dark Side of Peace Talks

The United States is at a turning point in the history of world politics. The war in Ukraine is more than just a local dispute; it is a test of the West’s will, courage, and leadership. Even though there have been positive news stories and diplomatic talks, retired General Jack Keane tells us the truth: peace is still an illusion when it comes to Russia’s aggressive war. Both Russia and Ukraine have said things that seem to indicate they are willing to talk things out. But, as General Keane made clear in his appearance on The Story with Martha MacCallum, these claims are not backed up by deeds, especially from the Kremlin.

Russia’s refusal to agree to even the most basic terms of a ceasefire shows that they want to do more than just end the war. Putin’s government is full of Soviet nostalgia and imperial delusion, so they don’t plan to just leave without getting big compromises and opening the door for future dominance. Because of this, it is very important for Republicans in the US to look at the situation with clear eyes: pacifying people will not lead to peace. Only power, deterrence, and a clear plan of action will do.

Ukraine’s Compromises and Why Giving Up Is Pointless

Ukraine has shown that it really wants to stop the fighting, but its offers have not been accepted. President Volodymyr Zelensky has already given up a lot in terms of diplomatic ground. He offered to give up joining NATO, which is a key security guarantee, in return for a 30-day ceasefire. This idea did not even come close to making Putin happy; it was flatly turned down. Why? That’s because the Kremlin can smell weakness and chance.

Russia’s response isn’t just a political statement; it’s also a well-thought-out move. The longer the West waits to take action, the more power Moscow has in making a peace deal that basically confirms its victory. For conservatives who remember what happened in the past, like when Chamberlain failed in Munich or when Obama crossed a red line in Syria, this is a scary warning of what happens when free nations don’t want to fight.

Diplomacy or theater in terms of strategy?

Recently, diplomats from Ukraine, the UK, France, and the US got together in London to work on deals. General Keane said that these talks led to a possible plan for negotiations. Moscow, on the other hand, has refused to even accept the ideas, let alone work with them honestly. Some people in the media are calling these talks progress, but the truth is more sobering: they’re mostly just for show without Russia’s involvement.

An outline that doesn’t get feedback isn’t a plan; it’s just a stopgap. And, as Keane said, these kinds of political games usually only make things take longer to solve. This is like the failed attempts to end the Korean War, where a formal peace agreement never came together. Ukraine could turn into a frozen war where Russia holds on to territory gains while it waits for political winds to change in its favor.

Spin in the media and the politics of giving in

Recent news coverage, especially from The Wall Street Journal, has raised concerns about how these talks might end. Based on their research, any deal that is currently being considered could end up being good for Russia. This would let Putin save face, increase his power, and maybe even come back for another attack in the future. This should worry every American who cares about freedom.

Some people would rather blame American conservatism for Russian aggression than deal with it, which is a bad thing in today’s world of manipulated media and progressive appeasement. General Keane completely disagrees with this story and warns that a deal that hurts Ukraine will only make Putin stronger. Conservatives need to stay alert and fight any diplomatic result that threatens Ukraine’s safety or sovereignty.

This isn’t just about Ukraine; it’s also about the future of global security and the reliability of Western threats.

Peace through strength is what conservatives believe in.

When it comes to Republicans, the way forward is clear. We need to go back to the idea of “peace through strength,” which was pushed by President Reagan during the Cold War. Ukraine needs more than just words of support. It needs real help that tips the scales against Russia. Also, the U.S. needs to be firm in its demand for strict terms that protect Ukrainian autonomy and punish Russian aggression.

Now is not the time to take unfinished business. The West needs to be ready to make big, risky moves if Ukraine is to stay alive and for freedom to grow in Eastern Europe. For conservatives, peace only comes when enemies accept your power and don’t take advantage of the things you give up.

Promises of safety and the New European Coalition

The leaders of Ukraine are smart enough to know that any deal with Russia needs to be backed up by promises that can be kept. They want a military alliance of 20 European countries to keep the peace in Ukraine, with a no-fly zone enforced by the West and airspace watched 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Conservatives should support this kind of strong demand because it shows that peace needs to be protected, not just talked about.

Of course, Russia is strongly against such a plan. That alone shows that it’s a good idea. Moscow knows that a well-organized, well-armed coalition would make it impossible for them to start another surprise invasion. Instead of giving in to Kremlin tantrums, conservatives should push Western governments to back these plans.

What’s Really Going On: Russia’s Long-Term Plan

Russian military forces are still hitting Ukrainian infrastructure hard while officials trade talking points. Not only are their strikes on civilian water systems, power grids, and apartment buildings brutal, they’re also planned. Putin is trying to wear down Ukraine’s resources and spirit until they are so desperate that they will agree to any deal.

The bigger picture is shown by General Keane’s analysis: Russia is fighting this war in more places than one. They are fighting a mental and political war, hoping that the rest of the world will get tired and stop caring. This is where American leadership is very important.

Putin has a lot of power because the Biden administration is slow to move and hesitate. Conservatives need to push for a stronger foreign policy—one that knows how important this war is and takes strong action against Russian empire.

The Trump factor and unfair criticism

Some people on the left have tried to say that Donald Trump’s “America First” foreign policy is in some way friendly with Russia. This makes no sense. President Trump has never been tried by a full-scale Russian invasion like Vice President Biden did. Why? Because Putin was scared of him. The United States spent more on its military under Trump, NATO countries were held responsible, and diplomatic pressure never stopped. Putin knew that Trump would actually stick to a red line he set.

To tell you the truth, peace talks that benefit Russia are caused by bad leadership in the White House, not by conservatives wanting to stay out of the world. President Trump’s plans to make the United States strong again are exactly what is needed right now. Conservatives need to push for a return to this way of thinking: strong, bold diplomacy.

Pressure and Sanctions: The Economics of It

If talks don’t work out, General Keane makes it clear: the US will put more economic pressure on the other side. This means that Russian banks, energy companies, and shipping networks should be hit with real measures that hurt them. Conservatives know that when used properly, economic tools can be just as useful as military ones.

Biden’s current sanctions plan is weak and full of holes. Russian billionaires are still able to freely trade on world markets, and Moscow can legally sell oil to countries like China and India. Conservatives need to push for the Russian government to be cut off from all financial aid and for limits on energy exports to be strictly enforced.

Help for the military: No more half-measures

If talks between the two sides fail and Russia keeps attacking, Ukraine needs more military help. This means that Ukraine will get more long-range weapons, more air defense systems, and more training for its military. Conservatives should not believe that arming Ukraine is “escalatory.” Only Putin’s war crimes matter when it comes to escalation.

As General Keane points out, military pressure does work. It makes Russia pay more for going to war and forces them back to the negotiating table under stress. More lives will be lost and our situation in negotiations will get worse the longer we wait to give decisive support.

How to Learn from the Past: Lessons from the Cold War for Today

This fight makes me think of the early days of the Cold War. The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan were used to stop Soviet expansionism, and the same thing needs to be done to stop Russian violence now. Conservatives know that free nations don’t stay free by accident; they stay free because brave people do brave things to protect liberty.

It looks like the left is happy to make rulers happy by giving them vague “frameworks” and hoping for the best. But we know from past that hope is not a plan. Peace can only be kept safe by being ready, determined, and strong. This should be led by conservatives.

What the Conservative Movement Needs to Ask for

The conservative movement can’t afford to stay out of the way at this very important time. The people in charge of Congress and the White House need to take a stronger stand. It’s clear from what General Jack Keane said that Russia won’t stop until it has to. Peace is not something that can be negotiated when we are weak.

Russia must be completely cut off from the rest of the world’s economy. We need to give Ukraine the weapons they need to protect their country. We need to help international groups that work together to stop future aggression. Most importantly, we need to be ready to hold our leaders responsible if they don’t step up.

All eyes are on you. Will the US take the lead, or will it fail? The answer is clear to conservatives. We need to lead, not by saying sorry, but by having a plan. Not out of fear, but because they can. Tyrants only know how to be strong. And it’s time to show the rest of the world how strong the American spirit still is.