Is Ukraine's President Pursuing a Backdoor to World War?

Once heralded by the world as a hero for standing up to Russia, Ukrainian President Zelensky is calling for a "unified European Army" to combat Russia. This comes on the same day that Trump said Zelensky and Putin are willing to enter peace negotiations to end Russia's war with Ukraine.

First Take

Trump seeks peace. Putin indicates a willingness to negotiate. Zelensky seeks escalation. The gathering of military officials and European politicians applauded the former comedian turned President.

Are we deaf and blind not to see the hypocrisy? We were told for eight years that Trump would be a 'dictator on day one' and start more wars. And here we are, President Trump wants to end the bloodshed while his accusers want to escalate and prolong Ukraine's war with Russia.

It's beginning to look like the real warmongers are those that tried to keep Trump from a second term.

As followers of Jesus, do we support the guy who advocates for furthering a war - even though there is no possibility of Ukraine winning back the territory it lost under President Obama and Biden? Or, do we support a President with a realistic view that seeks to find the best resolution to a no-win confrontation?

More Detail

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested on Saturday that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now approaching its third year, highlights the necessity for the European Union to establish a unified military force.

“I truly believe the time has come,” Zelensky stated early Saturday, as reported by The Associated Press. “Europe must have its own armed forces.”

He further emphasized that nearly three years of large-scale warfare have demonstrated the foundation for a joint European military already exists. “As we continue fighting this war and preparing for long-term peace and security, we must take the next step in building Europe’s armed forces,” he said, according to the AP.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky reinforced his call for increased military and financial aid from the EU and the U.S. He has consistently cautioned that other European nations could also be at risk from Russia’s expansionist ambitions.

The Ukrainian leader also referenced his recent meeting with Vice President Vance and his conversation with former President Trump. Earlier this week, Trump indicated plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace agreement. In response, Zelensky criticized the idea of engaging with Putin first, asserting that Ukraine must be included in any discussions regarding a resolution to the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

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