President Donald Trump campaigned on ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict, along with the war between Israel and Hamas. To date, a cease-fire exists in the Israeli conflict.
After the release of American Marc Fogel and an initial phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump and his team, led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, are more motivated than ever to end the Ukrainian war.
Using biblical guidelines, war is sometimes justified, especially in defending humanity and oneself. With the war heading into a third year, peace is necessary. The numbers change frequently, but it is widely believed that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians and Russians have lost their lives to this conflict.
Skeptics might argue that Putin will gain the upper hand if the war ends and Russia keeps occupied territory. We must have faith that should Trump end the war, a viable defense and deterrence strategy will be in place against Russian aggression. We must consider: Was peace between Russia and Ukraine preserved during Trump’s first term?
Russia has been devastated by military loss of life and wounded. Realistically, they are not in any place to continue an aggressive military campaign.
President Ronald Reagan achieved much in his presidency, notably staying out of large-scale combat operations. However, he was firm in military defense and caused his opponents to consider the consequences of testing American forces. This same logic applies to President Trump.
Trump’s policies are not isolationist, and he has proven he’s willing to use force, when necessary. America must avoid a return to pre-World War II isolationism but should pursue peace when warranted.
The last administration failed by refusing to participate in talks with America’s enemies and foes. This is where Trump excels, noting that relations with Russia and North Korea can’t be ignored but need to be addressed by active dialogue.
Trump never conceded to either Putin or Kim Jong Un but instead kept strict sanctions on both Russia and North Korea.
Trump can be a peacemaker, enabling lives to be saved. No terms have been agreed upon, nor have details of any proposed treaties been released. Surely, Trump’s peace through-strength policy will set the tone and ensure Russia does not cross a red line.
In an age with a growing threat of China and Iran, the best thing for the world and the American people is to seek peace. Quoting Reagan, “The greatest desire of the American people is peace. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it; we will not surrender for it, now or ever.”[1]
It’s time to negotiate for peace and save lives without jeopardizing national security. Following Reagan’s example, can we pursue peace talks and better relations with Russia, acknowledging our differences, to address the growing threat of Chinese communism?
[1] Ronald Reagan, Address to the Nation on Defense and National Security, March 23, 1983, The American Presidency Project, https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/262088.
