Surrendering Ukraine is Not an Act of Peace—It Enables Putin to Continue

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, my mother used to work for the U.N. in New York, specifically UNICEF. I am firmly against war, and have been in public service as a volunteer since 2015 when Trump was first running. Friends are saying all over social media the Ukraine should surrender so we can have peace. Please consider some of these concerns.

If a powerful leader like Donald Trump, declared that the U.S. should “take over Canada” as he has suggested, simply because it is “bigger,” would it be an act of peace for Canadians to hand over their country? The idea that Ukraine surrendering equals peace may come from a well-intentioned desire to stop the war, but it is historically uninformed, dangerously naive, and enables dictatorships.

Surrendering to an aggressor is not a peaceful resolution—it is an invitation for further conquest. This logic ignores centuries of Russian imperialist history and the reality of Putin’s ambitions. He has openly stated that he resents the dissolution of the Soviet Union and has threatened to “wipe Ukraine off the map.” His goals extend far beyond Ukraine, and conceding territory would only embolden him to continue his expansionist agenda.

This is not about warmongering; it is about the right of sovereign nations to defend themselves against imperialism and genocide. Suggesting that Ukraine should surrender is no more “peaceful” than telling a homeowner to hand over their house to an armed gang rather than resisting and protecting your life, home, children and family.

With all due respect, taking the side of violent bullies and dictators is not Buddhist, spiritual, or pacifist—it is an abdication of moral responsibility and a cruel case of victim-blaming.

Please reconsider adopting this “peace is surrender” propaganda, it’s exactly what Trump yelled to Zelenskyy and not the best person to side with.

The EU summit has made its stance clear: standing against Russia’s aggression is the only path to true peace. Surrendering to an authoritarian dictator does not stop bloodshed—it accelerates it. History has shown us that appeasement does not satisfy expansionist regimes; it only fuels their hunger for more.

Historical Lessons on Appeasement

History provides stark lessons on the dangers of appeasement. The Munich Agreement of 1938, where Britain and France allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland, is a prime example. This concession failed to prevent war; instead, it emboldened Hitler, leading to World War II. As noted by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, appeasement was a diplomatic strategy aimed at pacifying an aggrieved country through negotiation to prevent war, but in this case, it led to catastrophic consequences.
encyclopedia.ushmm.org

Global Security Implications

Allowing Ukraine to fall would have far-reaching implications. It would signal to authoritarian regimes worldwide that territorial aggression is tolerated, undermining international law and global security. The Royal United Services Institute emphasizes that Russia’s war in Ukraine has become protracted, with the Kremlin focusing on degrading the enemy’s will to continue the struggle, highlighting the broader stakes involved.
rusi.org

Today’s Suspension of US Aid to Ukraine

Recent developments underscore the risks of reducing support for Ukraine. The U.S. suspension of military aid following tensions between President Trump and President Zelenskyy has raised concerns about emboldening Russia. U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen criticized the decision, suggesting it empowers Putin and harms Ukraine, while Oleksandr Merezhko from Ukraine’s Parliament viewed it as pushing Ukraine towards capitulation to Russia.
Reuters

Moral Responsibility

Advocating for Ukraine’s surrender is tantamount to endorsing the subjugation of a sovereign nation. It disregards the rights of Ukrainians to self-determination and freedom. As highlighted in Foreign Affairs, Ukrainians are determined to resist Russian aggression, and any imposed settlement would not lead to lasting peace.
foreignaffairs.com

Peace achieved through the surrender of Ukraine is an illusion that would lead to greater conflict and instability. We must learn from history and stand firm against aggression, supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and democracy.

The Most Powerful Man in the World

For a deeper understanding of how Putin rose to power and his long-term objectives, I encourage you to watch this older but powerful documentary by Fareed Zakaria : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=052NHa39opk. Additionally, the Danish Prime Minister’s speech at the EU convention explains why global leaders recognize the urgent need to stop Russian aggression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExBbvWvHne4.

Once again, I urge everyone to reconsider promoting narratives that serve as propaganda for authoritarian regimes. Ukraine’s surrender would not bring peace—it would only guarantee more violence. I am a strong advocate of Non-Violent Resistance, and have been a Green/Buddhist pacifist and activist for human rights all of my life, but to let this regime take over lives and countries is not peace. This false notion that Ukraine’s surrender would lead to peace is not only misguided but also perilous. It is Russia that should back down stop this war, and nations need to be united in solidarity and isolate them to pressure them to do so. If Ukraine surrenders, such and action would likely embolden aggressors like Vladimir Putin and others, leading to further instability in Europe and beyond.

Opinion Piece published on RockyMountainSomatics.com March 4, 2025 written by Dawn Boiani-Sandberg

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https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/what-ukraines-defeat-would-mean-us-europe-and-world