Putin won’t relent

SIR – Juliet Samuel is correct that this is no time for Britain, America, and their European allies to go wobbly (“The West shouldn’t fear ‘humiliating’ Russia. Vladimir Putin has done that all on his own”, Comment, June 4).

Calls from President Macron, Chancellor Scholz and others in the West mistakenly rely on magical thinking about Russian willingness to negotiate an end to the conflict. With the war past its 100th day, Russia shows no serious desire to compromise its original strategic objectives.

Instead, Mr Putin is betting that time is on his side and doubling down. Russia seeks battlefield victory to solidify control over eastern and southern Ukraine. It is removing civilians to relocation camps, and incorporating areas it controls into Russia. This is hardly a basis for Ukraine to trade land for an illusory peace or ceasefire, creating a frozen conflict or temporary pause before Mr Putin resumes his expansionist ambitions. Finland and Sweden recognise this reality by seeking Nato membership.

The painful truth is that a negotiated settlement is only going to happen based on battlefield results. Either Mr Putin wins and dictates the terms, or defeat of the Russian military opens the door to serious diplomacy, producing long-term stability for Ukraine and Europe.

Professor James L Regens

Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, United States