Gordon Sondland argues that Washington needs to face reality in Ukraine instead of chasing a perfect but unlikely victory. He says the US and Europe are running low on resources, while Russia shows no sign of collapse. Sondland believes a hard, practical peace deal could protect US interests, give Ukraine security, and lower the nuclear risk.
Europe’s Mixed Signals Helped Russia
Sondland says that when he served as US ambassador to the EU, he saw Europe talk tough while still doing business with Moscow. That told Vladimir Putin the West was divided.
The US Cannot Fund War Forever
He writes that stockpiles are limited and every new escalation raises the risk of nuclear conflict. In his view, leadership means reducing danger while keeping US influence strong.
Why A Negotiated Deal Could Work
He supports a deal with real enforcement. If Russia breaks it, heavy US and NATO support would restart at once. If Ukraine breaks it, US backing would end. He argues this creates discipline on both sides.
Strategic Benefits For The United States
Sondland says a deal could
- secure key resources in Ukraine
- weaken Russian ties to China
- protect US interests in the Western Hemisphere
Not Appeasement, But Control
He rejects claims this would reward aggression. Instead, he says it would lock Russia into limits with clear penalties for cheating.
Endless War Helps No One
Sondland warns that an open-ended conflict only creates more death, risk, and cost. A structured peace deal, he says, delivers stability and leverage.
