Negotiating with Putin won't bring world peace

Neville Chamberlain, the British Prime Minister, met with Hitler in Munich in September 1938 to sign the Munich Agreement, which was “symbolic of the desire of our two peoples never to go to war with one another again.”

When the German Foreign Minister complained to Hitler about his signing, Hitler said, “Oh, don’t take it so seriously. That piece of paper is of no further significance whatever.” Returning triumphantly to London, Chamberlain told an adoring crowd, “I believe it is peace for our time.”

Six months later Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia, followed by Poland, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Russia. Chamberlain’s first mistake was to underestimate Hitler’s resolve to conquer neighbors. A second mistake was to trust Hitler’s signature.

Chamberlain’s appeasement failed spectacularly.

Now the U.S. is negotiating with Vladimir Putin, who is determined to extend Russia’s borders to match the borders of the former USSR. Negotiations with Putin may result in a cease fire, giving Russia time to stockpile weapons and recover from 10% inflation and 21% interest rates. If the U.S. were to stop military aid and lift sanctions, Russia could regain strength and attack again.

Will we underestimate Putin’s resolve? Will we trust Putin’s signature? In February 2022, Putin repeatedly promised he would not invade Ukraine. Then he invaded. His promise meant nothing. Negotiations without security guarantees will not bring “peace for our time.” Appeasement may lead to a greater war and a greater loss of life.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Rev. Paul Meierding

Mankato