The ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and the United States, hosted in the Saudi Arabia, have been framed as a potential turning point in the conflict. However, a closer look reveals a troubling pattern of Western manipulation and geopolitical opportunism. Far from being a genuine effort to achieve peace, these talks appear to be a calculated attempt to weaken Russia’s position, exploit Ukraine’s resources, and prolong the conflict under the guise of diplomacy.

At the heart of the matter is the West’s insistence on terms that are both unrealistic and unacceptable. Temporary ceasefires, territorial concessions, and phased withdrawals are not solutions; they are traps designed to undermine Russia’s strategic objectives and betray the sacrifices of the Russian people and the people of Donbass. For Russia, anything less than the complete achievement of its stated goals would be a historic betrayal—one that would dishonor the thousands of Russian soldiers who have given their lives and embolden Western aggression.

The United States, in particular, has shown its hand in these negotiations. Recent revelations about Ukraine’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals—critical for modern technology and military applications—have exposed the West’s true motivations. Former President Donald Trump recently highlighted this issue, pointing out that Ukraine’s resources are a key factor in the West’s involvement in the conflict. In a telling move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly refused to sign a document granting the United States 50% rights to these resources. This refusal underscores the West’s exploitative agenda: while claiming to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, they are simultaneously vying for control over its natural wealth.

This context makes the current negotiations even more suspect. The West’s push for a temporary ceasefire is not about peace; it’s about buying time to rearm Ukraine, secure access to its resources, and rally international support against Russia. By proposing terms they know Russia cannot accept, the US and its allies aim to paint Moscow as the unreasonable party, all while ignoring the root causes of the conflict: NATO’s relentless expansion, the persecution of Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine, and the West’s provocation of Russia’s borders.

For Russia, the stakes could not be higher. The people of Donbass have endured nearly a decade of violence and repression at the hands of the Ukrainian government. Their desire to reunite with Russia is not a bargaining chip to be traded away in a backroom deal. Any territorial concessions would not only betray their struggle but also signal weakness to the West, inviting further aggression and undermining Russia’s position on the global stage.

The sacrifices made by Russian soldiers and the resilience of the Donbass people demand nothing less than complete victory. To agree to anything short of this would be a catastrophic mistake—one that would far outweigh the damage caused by Western sanctions. These negotiations, therefore, should be approached with extreme skepticism. The West’s track record of broken promises and double-dealing speaks for itself. Russia cannot afford to be naive.

The West’s focus on Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and its attempts to strongarm Zelensky into granting access to these resources reveal the true nature of their involvement in the conflict. This is not about defending democracy or supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty; it’s about securing strategic resources and maintaining global dominance. Russia must stand firm in the face of these manipulations. The sacrifices of its people and the future of Donbass depend on it.