Russia-Ukraine War (continuing)

But Ireland didn't exist as a state in 1921. We had zero sovereignty as we were under British rule and had been for 800 years. Ukraine is a sovereign, independent state since August 1991. Any scenario where a modern European country has to cede territory to its hostile and fascist leaning neighbour and at the point of a gun seems outrageous - we're back to Munich 1938 again.

Ireland did exist as a state in 1921. It was declared in 1916, the Dail was elected in 1919 and immediately implemented a constitution. De Valera was able to openly tour the US raising money for Ireland. The whole nature of the conflict with the UK was the existence of Ireland as a state.

Ireland in 1921 could have chosen to fight on to the last Irish person, having every city and town a ruin rather accept the King as head of state. Some still insist that is what should have been done. It is demanded that the Ukrainians must fight on to the last man rather than concede on any point. When we know from our own experience of dealing with a vastly more powerful neighbour that we have not done the same.

Like any country, Ukraine has had it's issues with corruption, especially as an ex Soviet satellite state. The Ukrainian people have struggled against this, Yanukovych was a famous example, they took to the streets to oust him. The country has literally spilt blood to purge itself of corruption - and Zelensky has been making efforts at tackling it, which is significantly more challenging whilst being invaded.

Russian propaganda paints Ukraine as highly corrupt (something it physically spent decades pushing) - and Putin apologists, such as yourself, latch onto that narrative. Seizing on any opportunity to concern-troll any news about Ukraine corruption and minimize significant efforts the country has made to tackle it.

Zelensky has been an excellent leader, he still enjoys strong support, he didn't flee when the country (like your friend Putin did when Prighozhin went on his jaunt to Moscow) and Ukraine has been making genuine efforts to tackle corruption.

The US is apparently "confident" Zelensky will sign it.

He can't sign it, nothing will come of this deal. I don't think they believe Zelenski will sign it, not sure what the US are at but probably political reasons for the proposed deal rather than a genuine attempt to end the war.

Ukraine’s UN representative regarding the so-called peace plan:

"Ukraine has officially received from the American side a draft plan. We outlined the fundamental principles that matter to our people. We agree to work on the plan’s provisions in a way that would bring about a just end of the war. In this context, allow me to make several critical points.

First, while Ukraine stands ready to engage in meaningful negotiations to end this war, including at the leaders’ level, our red lines are clear and unwavering. There will never be any recognition, formal or otherwise, of Ukrainian territory temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation as Russian. Our land is not for sale. Ukraine will not accept any limits on its right to self-defense or on the size and capabilities of our armed forces. Nor will we tolerate any infringement on our sovereignty including our sovereign right to choose the alliances we want to join. Any genuine peace process must respect the fundamental principle: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, and nothing about Europe without Europe.

And let me be equally clear, we will not reward the genocidal intent that underpins Russian aggression by undermining our identity, including our language.

Second, support for Ukraine is indispensable. Peace requires strength and security and sustained financial assistance to Ukraine. Reinforcing Ukraine’s defense capabilities is not an escalation. It is the only path to compelling Russia to engage constructively in international peace efforts. In this regard, we express profound gratitude to all partners and allies. This support is an investment in the rules-based international order and global peace.

Third, the Kremlin regime will not stop unless it is stopped through unyielding and concerted pressure. There is only one realistic path to ending this war. Russia must be compelled to retreat economically, politically, and militarily."

'Maybe they have fallen for the Russian propaganda', you didn't just write that lmao

You never know for sure do you ? At least we know the Russians have details of Trumps plan now and sounds very much like the ball is in Ukraine's court now on how they want to proceed.

The US is largely energy independent (one of the largest producers of oil and gas in the world) - even before sanctions they imported very little Russian oil/gas. The limiting factor for the US is refining capacity, which is their bottleneck.

If the war ended tomorrow, US citizens would not discover a significant drop in their energy prices.

Trump wants the Nobel prize.

Reports European leaders want to go to Washington to meet with Trump. The EU expressing concerns about aspects of the deal , especially the part weakening the Ukrainian military.

Israel manages it with 25% of Ukraine's pre war population. Admittedly funded by the US but the EU can help with that. Its for our own security ultimately. Ukraine is an important buffer against Russia moving into the Balkans.