FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 25, 2025
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, the U.S. announced that Russia and Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire in the Black Sea. Defense Priorities Policy Director Benjamin H. Friedman issued the following statement in response:
“If a partial ceasefire in Ukraine covering energy infrastructure and the Black Sea can take hold, it would be welcome news. By aiding power supply and shipping, the deal would deliver immediate, though small, improvements for the well-being of those harmed by the war. More importantly, a partial ceasefire could hasten talks towards a permanent end to the war, which would be in the interests not only of the combatants, but the United States.
“The United States’ approach to peace talks should reflect the narrow U.S. security interests there. Of course, we want to see Russia and other powers discouraged from aggression, but that has been well-accomplished by the war—Russian losses and failures to achieve their goals—plus sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Meanwhile, as long as the war continues with Washington backing Ukraine, the U.S. risks escalation and bears a big fiscal burden.
“This interest makes it sensible for the United States to pursue peace, but only at moderate price. Rebuilding and arming Ukraine after the war ends would incur bills that European nations have better reasons to pay. Promising to fight a war for Ukraine by giving it security guarantees would preserve a danger of war with Russia, which Washington should instead be laboring to reduce. In addition, security guarantees are basically unbelievable after years of the U.S. showing a sensible disinclination to risk nuclear war for Ukraine. Ukraine ultimately must secure itself by making tough compromises with Russia and arming itself.”
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