In Ukraine, the ‘Buts’ Win in the End

American Thinker ^ | 20 Aug, 2025 | J.B. Shurk

[MtnClimber]

I love you, BUT I’m not “in love” with you. You don’t have to go home, BUT you can’t stay here. You may continue fighting, Martial Law President Zelensky, BUT the American people won’t be following you into World War III.

No matter how agreeable the first half of a sentence might sound, the “buts” change everything on a dime.

President Trump has been clear that he wants the Russia-Ukraine War to end, but he says Zelensky must choose to end the conflict. When the war began, 73% of Ukrainians wanted to fight Russia until Ukraine secured victory, but 69% now want the war to end as soon as possible through negotiations! Perhaps that is why Z-Man agreed to meet President Trump in D.C. It was widely rumored that U.S. officials encouraged the battledress-wearing comedian to don a real suit for the occasion, but the holdover-president wore a military-style jacket in all black. The guy who plays piano with his penis still looks out of his element at the White House, but he does dress like someone attending his own funeral.

With the titular head of the Ukrainian government back at the White House — surrounded by an entourage of European honchos eager to butt in — we will finally discover whether some kind of peace between Russia and Ukraine is tenable. To be sure, there are many powerful people in the United States and across Europe who would prefer to keep Ukraine a battlefield for years to come.

Why?

As a man holding onto the presidency eighteen months beyond his elected term, Zelensky might finally bring peace to his war-torn country, but he will likely be voted out of office once the exigencies of martial law disappear.

[Uncle Miltie]

From 2010 to 2022, U.S. military aid (grants and equipment) accounted for approximately 16–20% of Israel’s total defense spending, with an average of about 18% across the period. The proportion was highest in 2016 (~20.6%) and lowest in 2021 (~15.6%), reflecting changes in Israel’s military budget.

[Uncle Miltie]

So, for 2021, 5.2% spending less 15.6% American money yields a 4.4% indigenous spend.

Ukraine especially, and Israel to a lesser extent, demonstrate that countries should spend enough on their own defense to counter threats they may face.

NOBODY should rely on Uncle Sugar to come to their defense.

[Kazan]

This point can't be emphasized enough:

 Serious people may be warning about a looming civil war in the United Kingdom, but Ukraine’s territorial integrity is all that matters.  Churches in France may be burning down for unexplained reasons, but Russians are the real threat.  The German economy may be fundamentally unsound, but military spending will create jobs.  

Zeeper USA_France is a name that comes to mind when I read this.

This war is being fought for money and to enrich the globalist elite, who couldn't give a damn how much the populations of their own countries are suffering.

[BDParrish]

Thank you for your engagement here!
It is in their constitution. That is how my Ukrainian friends explained it to me.
Parliament extended martial law.
Poroshenko’s party overwhelmingly supported martial law .back in April and still do now.
He and all the leaders of his party said it was “both illegal and immoral to suspend martial law, while Russia, etc.”
I really do not know to what you are referring when you suggest Zelenskyy could hold elections. Even so Poroshenko still complains that Zelenskyy is “using martial law” to aggrandize more power for himself. Are you suggesting that Zelensky could suspend martial law and hold elections on his own authority? You must mean by resigning? Why even talk about such a thing as if it was even in the realm of remotest possibility?
If he had wheels he could be a bicycle.

[SaxxonWoods]

I’m looking forward to all the angst, excuses and fantasies when this is over.

[ANKE69]

>> "Are you suggesting that Zelensky could suspend martial law and hold elections on his own authority? You must mean by resigning?" <<

No, I'm not suggesting that at all.
The martial law and general mobilization expires every 90 days.
The next extension of martial law and mobilization will expire November 5, 2025

Only during martial law, do the following prohibitions and restrictions apply in the country:

*movement (border crossing, document checks, curfew);
*the right to work and entrepreneurial activity;
*the right to secrecy of correspondence and phone conversations;
*the right to freedom of speech, the activity of the media, and political parties;
* holding elections and referendums

IOW, if Zelensky did not sign another extension, elections could be held, and all other restrictions would be null & void as well.
(I do agree that during the 90 days, he could not suspense the martial law)

[BDParrish]

Again thanks for your engagement. I think these discussions are helpful.
So if I grant your point on those technicalities, you are still saying that Zelenskiy should or would veto any extension of martial law?
Brother there is NOBODY in the country who thinks that.
The people did vote for a government and president conciliatory to Russia.
The stupid Americans overthrew that government and we got Zelenskyy etc.
Now you suggest that the people would replace Zelensky while Russians are on Ukrainian soil!?
That Zelensky would or could sign something that surrenders Ukrainian soil?
That Parliament would go along and make that legally binding?
You are asking me to set aside what I know about the Slavic mind.
They do not think like we do.
They might say or write words that sound like something we want to hear, but the generational war goes on.
Freegards!
Yours is the last word if you wish..
BrianD

[ANKE69]

Typical zeeper reaction.
Tell them the facts, and ga-ga they go. 🤪🤡

Not sure what you're smoking for you to come up with all the crap, that I "supposedly" have "said, claimed, suggested" or was "asking for."
Don't put words in my mouth, sister!
I gave you the facts on the Ukie law about martial law & elections in Ukraine.
Sorry, if their law hurts your little feelings. That is your problem, not mine.
Btw, I was very respectful in our conversations, but as usual, zeepers are just vile, lying individuals when they're confronted with facts.

Pfüat di