On Russians tanks and a peace that resembles suicide – The Economist:
‘Perhaps a third of the 4.3m Ukrainians who fled to Europe are under 18; many of them will never return. A deal without long-term security will push more parents to send their children abroad, exacerbating Ukraine’s already pronounced demographic malaise. “Peace is needed,” says a senior Ukrainian official. “We need peace. The question is—a peace that doesn’t finish us off at the same time.”’
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‘“Mr Trump appears to want to get rid of Mr Zelensky, whom he has never liked and who he thinks is difficult,” says a former diplomat. “This is not about elections, it’s about getting rid of Zelensky.”’
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‘As one senior American official says: “If Zelensky can mobilise 18- and 20-year-old men, it might be worth fighting. If he can’t, he should take the best deal he can.” With Europe cut out of Mr Trump’s dealmaking, much now rides on Mr Zelensky and his will to fight. He has good reason to push back against harsh demands: his job and his place in history depend on it. But standing up to an American leader who thrives on using enemies to define himself will be dangerous, and psychologically tough. Insiders worry Mr Zelensky is retreating into an ever narrower circle—right at a time he needs the broadest support. “There is no one who is ready to say no to him,” complains one, “and he is making mistakes.” Many Ukrainians are clearly frustrated with their war leader too. Internal polling revealed to The Economist shows that while Mr Zelensky remains Ukraine’s most popular current politician, he would lose a future election by 30% to 65% to Valery Zaluzhny, his former top general, who has yet to enter politics. In January, a public poll showed trust in Mr Zelensky had fallen to 52%, the lowest of the war, well below the 90% who trusted him at the invasion’s start—although well above the 4% suggested by Mr Trump on February 18th.’
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‘“Remember there are millions of weapons in the country. You can even buy a captured Russian tank on the frontlines for 100,000 hryvnia [$2,400].”’
Read the article here.
A Russian tank in Ukraine is less expensive than a month rent in Manhattan.
I would be interested in buying one, turning the tank into a mobil home.