Letter to the editor: Ukraine needs U.S. help with peace talks, not more weapons

While vacationing in Maine recently, I read the Associated Press article “Ukraine says 9,000 of its troops killed since Russia began war” on the Press Herald website Aug. 22, and I’d like to comment.

The massive loss of life in the Ukraine war, including both Ukrainian soldiers, Ukrainian civilians and Russian fighters, is a deep tragedy. Unfortunately, this carnage will continue unless U.S. foreign policy changes and the Biden administration makes a real effort to start peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

European leaders, such as France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Olaf Scholz, have urged that a new round of negotiations take place to end the fighting. Even Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin have said they are open to talks.

But the U.S., which has a powerful influence over Ukrainian policy – since America essentially keeps Ukraine afloat through billions of dollars in military aid – has been silent on possible peace talks.

There has been no advocacy for peace. That really needs to change. Both the U.S. and Russia are nuclear-armed and, if tensions in the war grow, there could be calls from either side to use nuclear weapons. If that fateful step is taken, and a nuclear conflict ensues, it is doubtful whether the world would survive.

It is imperative that the Biden administration change course. Stop fueling the Ukraine war by sending an endless supply of weapons to Ukraine and pursue the cause of peace through negotiations.

Reginald Johnson
Bridgeport, Conn.