The simple fact is that every Ukrainian hates the Russians with a passion, even the small minority in the east who were sympathetic toward the country before the current conflict. The brutality and distain for human life continuously displayed by the aggressors has hardened the heart of even the most sympathetic resident.

China’s peace plan proposes that the current geographic control be frozen. This is unacceptable to Ukraine. They not only desire, they have the right to get all of their territory back, including that which was illegally annexed in 2014, contrary to the promises that Russia made in the Budapest Accord of 1994 to assure the security of Ukraine, along with the US and UK in return for giving up their nuclear weapons. Your suggestion that third parties should resolve the conflict ignores the simple reality of the desires of the Ukrainian people who will accept no compromise.

The simple fact is that Russia invaded Ukraine, not once, but twice. Ukraine never threatened Russia. This is not a question of nuance or relativity. The facts are black and white. Why don’t you ask a Ukrainian what they think of your idea? The answer is pretty obvious.