The easy shortcut is to punish Ukraine, but we must avoid that to prevent rewarding aggressors and punishing victims.

There has to be frustration about why leaders like Putin, Zelensky, and Trump can't just meet in a room together without signing anything.

Both Trump and Putin seem to want peace, which could lead to an end to the war in Ukraine if they can find common ground.

The war in Ukraine could continue indefinitely, with any ceasefire likely being a temporary pause before Putin seeks further expansion.

A potential peace deal may involve Ukraine ceding some territory in the east while ensuring they re-arm during any subsequent peace period. The ease with which non-Ukrainians discuss the idea of Ukraine ceding territory is concerning, as these areas contain many Ukrainian citizens who do not wish to live under Putin's rule.

America can exert significant pressure on Ukraine and Putin, but it's much easier to pressure Zelensky, complicating the peace process.

The Ukrainians have a right to fight and protect their land against the aggressor, Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine.

In conflicts like Ukraine and Taiwan, the U.S. must recognize its limitations and avoid aggressive posturing that could lead to war.

Zelensky deserves respect for unifying Ukraine and galvanizing support during the war, but whether he can negotiate peace remains to be seen, especially given the suffering his people have endured.