To the editor:

If after Trump’s inauguration: 1. Putin pulls back to Feb. 1, 2022 lines; 2. Zelenskyy and his cabinet resign; 3. Ukraine agrees not to join NATO for 10 years; and 4. The West uses the seized Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine, then the war might end to the Ukraine’s long-term advantage. Here is why:

Putin needs an off-ramp, can package this as an olive branch to Trump.

Putin can boast “mission accomplished” and how he “kicked out the Nazis” to his captive Russian audience.

Putin can also crow he saved Russia by stopping Ukraine from joining NATO. In reality NATO is irrelevant in this war.

Zelenskyy/Ukraine need a break. The Ukraine could rebuild, re-arm, grow economically with breathing room. The resigned cabinet could be re-hired by the next president.

Trump can claim he stopped a war started during the prior administration. A satisfied Trump might be more willing to help the Ukraine.

Some of Russia’s oil back on the market will push down prices and compete (again) with Iran’s oil (Good for us too.)

Crimea, Donbass, etc. can be address later from a Ukrainian position of strength.

A big wild card: How the people of the Ukraine perceive this. Betrayal? Surrender? Relief? Joy? Slap-in-the-face?

If this happens, Ukraine will have a different president but the war will stop. One step back could lead to two forward. Many unknowns. After Jan. 20 it might happen?

Just a thought …

Ira Weinberg

Saranac Lake