Tyranny of Time in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: THREE POINTS

President Zelensky aims to negotiate from a position of strength, while President Putin is likely to engage only when his position weakens. This creates a tricky situation for any meaningful talks.

Ukraine desperately seeks American support and Western weaponry to increase strikes inside Russia—a dangerous move that could prolong the war but could lead to a position of neither party getting into a position of strength.

In such a case, a cessation of hostilities might be mistaken for lasting peace, leading Europe to accept a persistent state of conflict with Russia. This would usher in a "hot- war" era.