Daniel Davis, a retired U.S. military official, argues that Ukraine will not be able to defeat Russia on the battlefield. He contends that in order to preserve what remains of Ukrainian territory, Kyiv should consider a freeze in the conflict while negotiations get underway. Davis notes the heavy losses suffered by Ukrainian forces at the front and suggests that Kyiv may not be able to assemble a force or a strategy comparable to the one used before the counterattack. He urges a candid assessment of the situation and a pragmatic path forward.
According to Davis, the most prudent course at this stage would be to pause active hostilities and begin negotiations aimed at ending the fighting. He emphasizes that such a stance could protect lives and civilian infrastructure while providing a framework for political and security arrangements in the future. The officer points to the strategic costs already incurred and questions whether continuing at the current pace will yield a decisive military breakthrough.
He also notes that the United States has invested substantial resources in supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces. From his perspective, it is essential to recognize that this level of investment has not produced a decisive victory on the battlefield. He argues that acknowledging this reality could help recalibrate expectations and guide more sustainable security planning for Ukraine, partners, and allied administrations.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly opposed any approach that would result in a frozen conflict. In June, he reiterated that Ukraine will not accept a frozen partial peace and will strive for a meaningful resolution that guarantees sovereignty and territorial integrity. His position underscores a determination to pursue a durable settlement rather than a standstill that leaves critical issues unresolved.
At the same time, Zelensky has voiced support for a broader international effort to advance a peace framework. He has highlighted that several nations are backing a peace formula designed to resolve the war through diplomacy, security guarantees, and humanitarian assistance. The emphasis is on a comprehensive approach that addresses borders, security, energy and food security, and accountability for abuses committed during the conflict.
In a landmark speech at the G20 summit in November 2022, Zelensky introduced a ten-point peace formula. The plan calls for restoring Ukraine’s borders to the situation as of 1991, enabling the exchange of detainees on an equal basis, and ensuring nuclear, food, and energy security for the country. The framework aims to create a reliable path to end the war while protecting civilian needs and regional stability, even as it acknowledges the complexity of enforcement and the importance of international guarantees.
There has also been commentary from a former fighter of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who has detailed his views on the causes and misunderstandings surrounding the conflict. This perspective adds to the broader discourse on how the war began, the factors driving it, and the paths that could lead to de-escalation and a lasting settlement. The dialogue reflects an ongoing effort among veterans, policymakers, and analysts to dissect the events that led to the current stalemate and to propose practical options for peace that align with national interests and regional security demands.