Starmer’s offering peacekeepers without a formal agreement with Russia is putting the cart before the horse. Putin’s goals have been clear from the start: he doesn’t just want a negotiated settlement or a frozen conflict; he wants Ukraine under Russian control, whether through military force, political destabilization, or both.

Any peacekeeping force would only be viable if both sides agree to it, and Russia has shown no sign of recognizing any ceasefire that doesn’t serve its strategic interests. Deploying European troops without Russia’s approval could risk escalating the conflict rather than stabilizing it.

The problem is that many Western leaders, including Starmer and Macron, seem to be pushing for a diplomatic “off-ramp” that doesn’t exist. Their hope is that some kind of temporary ceasefire or truce could pave the way for a broader agreement. But as history has shown, Putin only respects force and leverage. Every ceasefire in previous conflicts—whether in Chechnya, Georgia, or even early in the Ukraine war—was simply used by Russia to regroup, rearm, and push forward later.

The core issue is that Putin sees Ukraine as part of Russia’s historical and geopolitical sphere. He’s not after just the Donbas or Crimea—his speeches and actions make it clear that he wants the whole country either directly controlled by Moscow or reduced to a puppet state. That’s why any peace deal, especially one that involves peacekeepers from NATO-aligned countries, is likely to be rejected outright by the Kremlin.

In reality, unless Ukraine decisively wins on the battlefield or Russia collapses internally, any “peace plan” will just be another attempt to buy time. The West has to decide whether it’s truly committed to Ukraine’s full sovereignty or if it’s just looking for a convenient way to end the war without dealing with the real problem—Russia’s expansionist ambitions.

This is why Starmer’s response feels premature at best and naive at worst. Without military leverage, a negotiated settlement with Putin means nothing.

Putin’s Silent War: How His KGB Strategy is Outplaying the West

While the Western world scrambles to react to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin appears to be winning—without lifting a finger beyond his initial military offensive. His background in the KGB has provided him with a mastery of long-term strategy, psychological warfare, and disinformation, allowing him to exploit Western hesitation and division.

The Art of Doing Nothing—And Winning

Putin’s strategy is simple: let the West exhaust itself. While NATO allies debate over sending tanks, fighter jets, or even peacekeeping forces, Russia is steadily grinding forward, targeting Ukraine’s infrastructure, energy supply, and economy. The prolonged political wrangling over military aid in the U.S. and Europe plays right into his hands, delaying crucial support to Ukraine while Russia continues its assault.

Unlike Western leaders who must navigate public opinion, elections, and fragile alliances, Putin is playing the long game. He knows the West has limited patience for prolonged wars, and he is counting on their fatigue to set in. The moment Western governments hesitate, Russia gains ground.

The Psychological Warfare of Disinformation

Putin doesn’t just rely on military force; he’s a master of sowing division. Russian propaganda efforts target Western audiences, spreading narratives that erode public support for aiding Ukraine. From funding political factions that advocate against further intervention to exploiting economic hardships in Europe, Russia ensures that hesitation and division grow within NATO countries.

He also understands the value of Western bureaucracy. Every debate about the scale of aid, every delay in weapons shipments, and every internal disagreement within the EU or U.S. Congress serves to weaken Ukraine’s position.

The False Hope of Negotiation

Many Western leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, have entertained discussions of peacekeeping forces and ceasefires. But history has shown that Putin views diplomacy not as a path to peace, but as a stalling tactic. Every previous ceasefire in conflicts involving Russia—from Georgia to Syria—has been used by the Kremlin to regroup and strengthen its military position.

Without serious military leverage, any proposed ceasefire or peacekeeping force is an illusion. Putin has no interest in negotiating a peace that leaves Ukraine independent—his ultimate goal remains total control.

The West’s Urgent Dilemma

If the West continues to react instead of strategizing, Putin will win by default. Ukraine cannot hold the line indefinitely without consistent military, economic, and logistical support. Western leaders need to recognize that the war is not just about Ukraine—it’s about the future of European security.

Putin is betting that the West will fold before he does. So far, he has had to do nothing but wait while Western allies struggle to maintain unity. The question is: will the West wake up before it’s too late?