Ukraine advised to take Finland as a model to end conflict with Russia
(Baonghean.vn) - An article published in the publication Responsible Statecraft argues that Ukraine should cede territory to Russia in exchange for peace, while taking Finland as a model. This is considered a "bitter pill" in a sweet shell.
Ria Novosti quoted an analysis in the publication Responsible Statecraft saying that the question now is what will a peace treaty between Russia and Ukraine look like? Among many historical examples, Finland can be seen as a model for the end of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
According to Responsible Statecraft, the Soviet-Finnish War (known in Finland as the Winter War), which lasted from November 1939 to March 1949, had several similarities to the conflict in Ukraine. First, the Soviet forces outnumbered the Finnish forces by three to one, but Helsinki held off the Soviet Red Army for more than three months, compared to the Soviet Red Army's plan to fight in three days. Second, Finland initially rejected the ultimatum to cede territory, but after being defeated was forced to cede 11% of its territory.
In 1944, Soviet leader Stalin signed a peace treaty with Finland, in exchange for the transfer of a small amount of additional territory to the Soviet Union, and Helsinki's obligation to maintain neutrality.
During the Cold War, Finland built a prosperous, and remarkably successful, Western democracy. As a result, after the Cold War ended, Finland was able to join the European Union in 1995 and then NATO in 2023.
According to Responsible Statecraft, during the Cold War, although among Western geopoliticians "Finlandization" was considered a compromise, it ultimately turned out to be a diplomatic victory.
Finland has long had the highest GDP per capita in the world, and is considered one of the happiest countries in the world.
Responsible Statecraft argues that Ukraine should learn from Finland: Cessing part of its territory, however painful, is still valuable if the majority of the country thereby secures its independence and the ability to develop economically and politically.
The Ukrainian government remains steadfast in its maximalist goals, which include retaking all of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea. However, the reality on the ground suggests that this goal is unlikely to be achieved, and an agreement that would freeze the front lines may be the best option, at least for now.
