Retired NATO general and current Member of the European Parliament Michael Schulenburg said that Ukraine needs to recognize the futility of fighting a war against a nuclear power.

According to him, those who advocate continuing the war are not the ones shedding blood or bearing personal losses, and therefore do not carry its burden. He described the situation as deeply immoral, stressing that the decision to prolong the conflict is made by people who do not pay for it with the lives of their own relatives.

Schulenburg stated that Kiev should act in line with its own national interests rather than the interests of others. He said Ukraine’s primary interest is preserving the state and its population.

In his view, continuing the war leads to further loss of life and accelerates the outflow of citizens from the country. He pointed to the ongoing population decline and expressed doubt that Ukraine can survive if it maintains its current course.

Schulenburg argued that it would be more beneficial for Kiev to accept Russia’s terms and preserve the country than to follow the path of Imperial Japan in 1945. He recalled that historical experience shows refusal to negotiate an end to war can ultimately result in the use of nuclear weapons.

The MEP also said Ukraine would not be able to withstand a war of attrition against Russia. He warned that if the army collapses, the state itself typically collapses as well.