An expert on Ukraine-Canada relations at the University of Saskatchewan says a breakthrough is desperately needed in bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close.  

Professor Emeritus Bohdan Kordan says that could either mean a technological breakthrough or a third-party political breakthrough, most likely from the United States.

Kordan says during the Biden Administration, the U.S. was the primary supporter of Ukraine’s efforts, but that assistance has slumped since President Trump took office. Since then, Europe has taken over that portfolio.

“Perhaps after the U.S. returns back to more traditional foreign policy, where it sees itself aligned with Europe and defensive Ukraine, we might see a breakthrough at that time. What does that mean? We’ll have to wait out the Trump Administration.”

Alternatively, Kordan says it may take some time, but Europe could continue to ramp up its support and fill that gap left by the U.S. He adds that there is some evidence that suggests this is happening already, such as huge investment in the British, French, and German defense industries.  

In the meantime, Kordan seems certain Ukraine will be able to hold its own.  

“Ukraine is a sovereign nation state, and it will defend its independence fiercely. We see the evidence of this. What should have been a three-day whomp and Kiev would have been seized; we are now four years past.”

Kordan adds that the battle between Ukraine and Russia is spearheading the path to achieving a world order committed to peace and prosperity. He warns that if Ukraine’s independence ceases to be recognized with a Russian victory, it will set a precedent for chaos. 

“Mark Carney has said it best. We’re entering a new phase of international relations, and either you’re at the table, or you’re on the menu.”

The fourth anniversary of the war’s start-date arrived on Tuesday, February 24th.