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Qabil Ashirov

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Amid the chaos which the world faced ensuing the harsh argument between the leaders of Ukraine and the USA in the Oval Office, Macron’s proffer of a one-month truce 'in the air, at sea, and on energy infrastructure' left many scratching their heads in confusion.

It is no secret that Ukraine could hardly cope with the Russian aggression alone, devoid of the assistance provided by the USA and the EU. On the other hand, the decisions made by the USA and the EU have sparked ambiguities and resulted in significant destruction, embodying the proverbial saying: neither killing nor recovering, but letting to breathe.

Initially, jointly with Russia, they conned Ukraine into handing over its over 1,800 nuclear weapons, along with heavy bombers and long-range missiles inherited from the USSR, to Russia in exchange for security guarantees. However, when Russia annexed Crimea and invaded Donbas, they did little more than impose mild sanctions. Obsessed with Russian lies, the USA and the EU believed that Russia would invade Kyiv within a week and thus provide Ukraine with weapons like short-range anti-tank missiles, which were suitable for conducting a partisan war. Against all odds, Ukraine bravely withstood the Russian incursion for months alone, devoid of any external assistance.

Only after that did the USA and the EU start providing partial help. They gave Ukraine tanks, howitzers, MLRS, and all that but did not supply the hardware that Ukraine desperately needed. For example, when the Russian navy attacked and invaded the southeast of the country, Kyiv requested anti-ship missiles, but the USA and the EU declined. Ukrainians demonstrated extraordinary bravery by fighting the Russian navy with old MLRS, drones, and other equipment that was not designed for naval combat. Eventually, Ukraine was forced to use Neptune missiles, which were domestically developed but still in the testing phase. After sinking up to 20 ships. Later, the USA and the EU provided Ukraine with Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The Russian navy withdrew from the southwest of Ukraine, citing a 'gesture of goodwill.' However, it was too late, as Russia had already invaded the southeast of the country.

Unfortunately, the Russo-Ukrainian war is rife with examples like the ones mentioned above. Take air defence systems, for instance. The Russian air force bombed all corners of Ukraine, causing significant damage to the country. Once again, the resilient Ukrainians performed miracles by downing over 300 military aircraft, thanks to MANPADS and outdated aircraft. Only after that did Western partners supply air defence systems. However, during this period, Russia managed to destroy much of the country's infrastructure.

To give credit where it's due, supplying anti-ship missiles and air defence systems was not as ridiculous as supplying short-range missiles. They provided Ukraine with the said missiles and boxed their usage in Ukrainian territories. However, Russia struck Ukraine from its own territories but Ukraine could not respond.

Against all odds, Ukraine strives to develop its own defence industry and has achieved significant progress. The country has produced its own short-range missiles, developed air defence systems, and become one of the leading UAV-producing nations globally. Since mid-2024, Ukraine has showcased newly developed drone missiles such as Palianytsia and Peklo, enhancing its military capabilities. Over the past two months, Ukraine has actively deployed these drones and drone missiles, reportedly conducting strikes approximately every two days on oil refineries, oil depots, and other critical infrastructure deep within Russia. These operations have disrupted Russian supply lines, providing a strategic advantage to Ukrainian armed forces on the battlefield.

In light of this development, France has suddenly proposed a one-month truce 'in the air, at sea, and on energy infrastructure.' Perhaps President Macron has good intentions, but the timing raises questions. Why did they not offer such a truce earlier when Russia indiscriminately bombed Ukrainian civilian infrastructure? Considering that Russia has damaged significant portions of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, who would benefit from this truce? Of course, Russia. So, why should Ukraine accept it?