Russia's Renewed Aggression in Ukraine Raises Age-Old Question of Appeasement

Tue Oct 28 2025 01:07:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the face of intensified Russian bombardment and the complexity of ongoing political negotiations, the spirit of resilience among Ukrainians and the historical parallels with past geopolitical conflicts resurface.

As Ukraine endures a ramping up of Russian attacks, many citizens display resilience reminiscent of wartime Britain. Amidst a backdrop of fears and uncertainties, the debate on whether to resist or negotiate with aggressors arises again, highlighting the complexities of modern warfare and diplomacy.

Following another week of intensive and lethal Russian bombardment of Ukraine's cities, a composite image circulating on Ukrainian social media depicts the enduring spirit of its people. Underneath a historic photo of Londoners queuing in bombed-out rubble during the Blitz, a modern color image shows shoppers bustling in a Kyiv suburb, with ominous smoke rising in the background.

Despite the terror from missile and drone strikes, which have led to casualties among civilians, the caption ‘Bombs can’t stop markets’ serves as a testament to Ukrainian resilience. This juxtaposition manifests the unyielding attitude of many Ukrainians who, like their predecessors in wartime Britain, refuse to let fear dictate their lives.

Yet, alongside their resilience lies a palpable fear. Ukrainian citizens express apprehension about the future, echoing sentiments shared by war survivors throughout history. Halyna, a market vendor, candidly stated, In my opinion, according to the scriptures of the saints, this war hasn't even started yet. It will get worse.

The current phase of warfare sees Russia increasingly targeting civilian infrastructure away from the immediate battlefield, with casualties steadily rising. Recent UN figures suggest almost 2,000 civilian deaths this year alone, with concerns that the financial toll of war is escalating further, especially against the context of Western military aid.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent diplomatic efforts in Washington and meetings with European leaders signify a stark shift in negotiating strategies as discussions of appeasement echo the historical mistakes of the 1930s. The conversation surrounding whether to fight against or negotiate with aggressors translates past lessons into modern geopolitical strategies, especially in light of Trump’s push for peace talks amidst a backdrop of ongoing hostility from Russia.

With fears of escalation and nuclear threats looming, many Ukrainians remain skeptical of diplomatic engagements that prioritize appeasement. The consensus seems to lean towards asserting military strength against an aggressor who historically only respects force, as articulated by citizens on the ground like Yevhen Mahda, who asserted, “Russia only stops when it’s washed in its own blood.”

The question now stands before the global community: how to respond effectively to a regime that sees the world through the lens of historical aggression and authoritarian ambition.