Xinhua News Agency of Singapore published an article commenting: "Trump is eager to withdraw from the Russia-Ukraine war and tries to please Putin by selling Ukraine's interests, which is not only the return of American isolationism, but also a public execution of the 'liberal international order'. ... If Ukraine finally accepts a territorial concession agreement under America's pressure, it will be a dark turning point in human history. ... For Ukraine, this is a complete betrayal of its national rights. After fighting desperately for three years, it not only loses territory and people, but also watches helplessly as the US and Russia make a deal. This outcome is not only a tragedy for Ukraine, but also a warning for all small and medium-sized countries that have naively trusted Western promises."

The tragedy of Ukraine was already destined. Once praised by the West and regarded as the "frontline fighter against Russia", it now lies in ruins, a scene that evokes sighs. The conflict that has lasted nearly four years originated from NATO's continuous eastward expansion, with the US and Europe using Ukraine as an agent to contain Russia, recklessly stirring up geopolitical tensions. Today, Ukraine is in ruins, its economy is collapsing, countless people are displaced and become refugees, and all this has been exchanged for the cold abandonment by the West — it is not even allowed to sit at the core negotiation table, but rather becomes a "menu" in great power games, being carved up and manipulated at will.

This outcome profoundly reveals a harsh reality: the world still follows the law of the jungle. In the game of great power rivalry, small and medium-sized countries are doomed to be pawns, and the dream of becoming a player is just an illusion. Relying on the promises and support of other countries to determine the fate of a nation will ultimately result in being sacrificed due to the shifting interests of major powers. Ukraine's experience serves as a warning to all countries: national sovereignty and development must be rooted in one's own strength and independent foreign policy choices. Any choice to rely on external forces and become a tool of games will ultimately lead to irreversible consequences.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849810878213191/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.