3 Claves para Evitar el Fracaso en la Paz: Lecciones del Último Alto al Fuego entre Ucrania y Rusia

# How Not to End a War: 3 Crucial Lessons from the Last Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire

The relationship between Ukraine and Russia has been marked by decades of tension, conflict, and fragile truces. The last time the two nations reached a ceasefire agreement, it was hailed as a potential turning point. Yet, the peace was short-lived, and the lessons from that failure remain critical for understanding how not to end a war. Here are three key takeaways from the last Ukraine-Russia ceasefire and what they mean for future negotiations.

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## 1. **Ceasefires Without Enforcement Are Doomed to Fail**
A ceasefire is only as strong as the mechanisms in place to enforce it. In the past, agreements between Ukraine and Russia lacked robust international oversight or consequences for violations. Without a neutral third party ensuring compliance, both sides continued to engage in low-level skirmishes, undermining trust and perpetuating the conflict.

- **Lesson Learned:** Any future agreement must include clear enforcement measures, such as international peacekeeping forces or real-time monitoring systems, to hold both parties accountable.

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## 2. **Mistrust Breeds Collapse**
One of the biggest hurdles in the last ceasefire was the deep-seated mistrust between Ukraine and Russia. Historical grievances, territorial disputes, and conflicting narratives about the conflict’s origins made it nearly impossible for either side to fully commit to peace.

- **Lesson Learned:** Building trust requires more than just a signed document. Confidence-building measures, such as prisoner exchanges, humanitarian aid corridors, and transparency in military movements, are essential to fostering goodwill.

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## 3. **Addressing Root Causes Is Non-Negotiable**
The last ceasefire failed largely because it didn’t address the underlying issues driving the conflict. Territorial disputes, ethnic divisions, and geopolitical ambitions were swept under the rug in favor of a temporary truce.

- **Lesson Learned:** Lasting peace requires tackling the root causes of the conflict head-on. This means addressing grievances, negotiating territorial boundaries, and involving all stakeholders in the process.

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## Why These Lessons Matter Today
As the world watches the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, these lessons serve as a stark reminder of what not to do. A ceasefire that ignores enforcement, fails to build trust, or sidesteps root causes is destined to collapse. For any future negotiations to succeed, these critical missteps must be avoided.

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### What Do You Think?
- Do you believe international oversight is the key to enforcing a ceasefire, or does it risk escalating tensions further?
- Can trust ever be fully restored between Ukraine and Russia, or is the relationship too damaged?
- Should territorial disputes take precedence over immediate humanitarian concerns in peace talks?
- Is it possible to achieve a lasting ceasefire without addressing the root causes of the conflict?
- Do you think external powers, like the U.S. or EU, should play a larger role in mediating the conflict, or does their involvement complicate matters?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!