The US can and should continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. But there are limits to how far the US should be willing to go.
I agree America & Ukraine's interest will not always diverge, but I do question how similar this situation is compared to the Yom Kippur War in 1973 & the Yugoslav Wars. Russia is not really comparable to Egypt or Serbia, and in many ways acts (or attempts to act) as a hegemon itself. Now, Russia's sphere of influence is far smaller than America's, and its grasp is weaker, but it remains quite powerful. Serbia & Egypt, in contrast, are more akin to middle powers. How can Russia save face at this point if, after over 6 months of fighting it could not even secure the conquest of the Donbas against Ukraine? Sure, the US & Ukraine could recognize Russia's annexation of the Crimea, but this is basically a consolation prize.
In short: this diplomatic strategy on America's part only works if Russia is prepared to play ball. It is unclear what kind of deal Russia would accept, at this point. Would a deal (like Elon Musk, of all people, suggested) where Russia keeps Crimea, and Ukraine refrains from joining NATO, be acceptable to Russia? Right now I think now. We should also consider what Ukraine would accept. Would Ukraine accept a deal where they do not get all of their territory back, and decline NATO membership? It is difficult to say for certain.
I agree America & Ukraine's interest will not always diverge, but I do question how similar this situation is compared to the Yom Kippur War in 1973 & the Yugoslav Wars. Russia is not really comparable to Egypt or Serbia, and in many ways acts (or attempts to act) as a hegemon itself. Now, Russia's sphere of influence is far smaller than America's, and its grasp is weaker, but it remains quite powerful. Serbia & Egypt, in contrast, are more akin to middle powers. How can Russia save face at this point if, after over 6 months of fighting it could not even secure the conquest of the Donbas against Ukraine? Sure, the US & Ukraine could recognize Russia's annexation of the Crimea, but this is basically a consolation prize.
In short: this diplomatic strategy on America's part only works if Russia is prepared to play ball. It is unclear what kind of deal Russia would accept, at this point. Would a deal (like Elon Musk, of all people, suggested) where Russia keeps Crimea, and Ukraine refrains from joining NATO, be acceptable to Russia? Right now I think now. We should also consider what Ukraine would accept. Would Ukraine accept a deal where they do not get all of their territory back, and decline NATO membership? It is difficult to say for certain.