Steve Forbes: Why a 'Peace at Any Price' Deal in Ukraine is a Global Disaster

The Dangers of a Flawed Peace Deal

• ⚠️ A "peace at any price" deal in Ukraine would be a catastrophe for the US and the free world, leading to the subjugation of Ukraine by Putin.
• 🌍 Such a deal would have horrific consequences not only in Europe but also in Asia and elsewhere, signaling a lack of US strategic vision.
• 📉 Allies would conclude that the US lacks the steadfastness shown during the Cold War, leading to a less stable and less prosperous world.

Geopolitical Repercussions

• 🇨🇳 Beijing would be emboldened to establish de facto control of the South China Sea and institute a tribute system, as countries could no longer count on the US as a reliable counterweight.
• 🇷🇺 Putin's goal is to subjugate Ukraine, after which he could credibly threaten former Soviet states like Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, turning them into vassal states.
• 💥 Putin aims to shatter NATO, the bulwark that maintained peace in Europe, by dragging his feet until the US forces a virtual Ukrainian capitulation.

Flawed Peace Proposals and Alternatives

• 📝 The original Trump administration's 28-point Ukraine peace plan is criticized for resembling Putin's demands, requiring Ukraine to give up territory and cap its armed forces, with security guarantees deemed worthless without adequate defense.
• 🤝 Britain, Germany, and France have drafted a 24-point proposal calling for an immediate ceasefire before territorial negotiations, tightening security guarantees, and using $300 billion of frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine.
• 📉 Despite ongoing talks, the likelihood of a plan guaranteeing a truly independent Ukraine is considered nil, as Putin believes he can achieve his goals.

Countering Russian Narratives

• 🗣️ Putin's minions push narratives of Ukrainian corruption and inevitable defeat, aiming to make gullible Americans overlook Russia's significant losses and Ukraine's potential to push back if properly armed.
• 🛑 President Trump must avoid falling into the trap of a phony peace plan that would ultimately harm US interests and global stability.