Thank you for your question, David. Unfortunately, the problem of peace in Ukraine does not depend on Ukrainians alone. The conflict has gone too far and cannot be frozen at the current line of confrontation. If the Russian oligarchy has a way out, Putin and his regime haven’t, they will not agree to a temporary cease-fire. They want a “victorious” end to the war.
Ukrainians cannot settle “for what is left of their country” under fear of missile and artillery strikes, within direct reach of Russian weapons. Ukraine's most fertile lands are in the south, the partially occupied Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. The ports on the Sea of Azov, including the completely destroyed and occupied Mariupol, were critical to the Ukrainian economy. Donbass coal has always been crucial to the Ukrainian energy system. This war can only end with the just peace that Ukraine and its people are waiting for. That, however, will not happen in the coming months. I am sorry to say that Ukrainian refugees in Europe will not be able to return home soon.