The upcoming U.S.-Russia peace talks in Saudi Arabia mark a dramatic shift in America’s approach to the war in Ukraine. For the first time since Moscow’s full-scale invasion nearly three years ago, senior American and Russian officials will sit down for direct negotiations on ending the conflict. Yet, Ukraine has not been invited, and many of our closest allies in Europe are deeply concerned about what these talks might mean for the future of the war and the broader global order.

As a Christian conservative, I believe that peace is always preferable to war—provided it is built on justice, not surrender. The Bible tells us, “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Peace is not simply the absence of conflict; it is the presence of righteousness. And any peace agreement that rewards aggression, abandons allies, or ignores moral truth is no peace at all.

The hard reality is this: Russia should remain isolated until it ends its invasion and occupation of Ukraine. Any negotiations that give Moscow the rewards of its aggression without consequences will only encourage more violence in the future.

The Moral Case for Standing Firm Against Russia

Russia’s war in Ukraine is not a regional border dispute—it is an unprovoked act of aggression by a powerful nation against a weaker neighbor. Ukraine is a sovereign nation, and Russia’s attempt to seize its territory by force violates fundamental principles of justice.

Furthermore, we must remember what true peacemaking looks like in the biblical sense. Peacemaking is not the same as appeasement. When Israel was oppressed, God did not tell His people to accept injustice—He sent deliverers like Moses, Joshua, and David to fight for righteousness. Similarly, the world cannot reward Russia’s aggression by allowing it to keep conquered land while Ukraine is pressured to accept an unfair settlement. That would send a dangerous message: that brute force wins, and the rule of law does not matter.

Why Russia Must Remain Isolated

For nearly three years, the U.S. and its allies have rightly worked to isolate Moscow—economically, diplomatically, and militarily. While the war has been devastating, this pressure has helped weaken Russia’s war machine and prevented Putin from expanding his ambitions beyond Ukraine. The moment we lift that pressure, we risk undoing everything that has been accomplished.

If the U.S. and Russia make a deal without Ukraine at the table, it will be perceived as legitimizing Moscow’s occupation of Ukrainian land. Worse, it would undermine the system of international law that has prevented wars of conquest in Europe since World War II.

We cannot reward bad behavior. History teaches us that dictators and aggressors interpret compromise as weakness. When Hitler was allowed to seize Czechoslovakia in 1938, it only emboldened him to take more. The same principle applies here. If Putin gets away with taking Ukrainian territory, why wouldn’t he set his sights on the Baltics, Poland, or other former Soviet states? And if he succeeds, what message does that send to China about Taiwan?

Until Russia fully withdraws from Ukraine and commits to respecting international borders, it must remain isolated. That means maintaining sanctions, continuing diplomatic pressure, and ensuring that any negotiations involve Ukraine as an equal partner—not an afterthought.

The Value of International Alliances

One of the most alarming aspects of these negotiations is how they are being conducted without our closest European allies. This is a mistake. The United States is strongest when it stands with its allies, and our partnerships with NATO and the European Union have been essential in pushing back against Russian aggression.

The idea that America can negotiate a peace deal alone, without European involvement, is both unrealistic and strategically unwise. Europe has been directly affected by this war—millions of Ukrainian refugees have fled to their borders, their economies have suffered from the energy crisis caused by Russian aggression, and they are on the front lines of the geopolitical battle against Putin. If peace is to be lasting, it must be built on a coalition of nations committed to defending justice, not backroom deals between Washington and Moscow.

Moreover, abandoning our allies would have long-term consequences. If European nations feel that the U.S. is willing to negotiate behind their backs, they may begin to pursue their own independent strategies, potentially weakening NATO. That would be a victory for Russia and China, who have long sought to divide the West. A strong network of alliances is not a burden—it is a strategic advantage, and we should not take it for granted.

What Should a Just Peace Look Like?

While it is good to pursue peace, it must be done the right way. Any agreement must be based on principles of justice and security, not simply expediency. A just peace should include the following:

1. Ukraine’s Full Participation – No negotiations should take place without Ukraine at the table. Their sovereignty and future cannot be decided by outsiders.
2. Territorial Integrity – Any settlement must respect Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. Russia should not be rewarded with land for its aggression.
3. Security Guarantees – Ukraine must receive strong, enforceable guarantees that Russia will not invade again. This could include military assistance, defense agreements, and integration into Western security structures.
4. Continued Isolation of Russia Until Compliance – Moscow must demonstrate a clear commitment to ending its occupation before sanctions and diplomatic isolation are lifted.

Until these conditions are met, the U.S. should not rush into a deal that legitimizes Russian control over Ukrainian land or weakens our alliances.

A Call for Wisdom and Strength

As Christians, we must pray for wisdom for our leaders. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). We must also pray for peace—but peace that is rooted in righteousness and justice.

The right path forward is not one of easy compromises but of steadfast commitment to truth. The war in Ukraine is not just about one country’s fate—it is about whether the world will continue to be governed by the rule of law or by brute force. It is about whether the U.S. and its allies will stand firm in defense of sovereignty or retreat in the face of aggression.

Moscow should not be welcomed back to the table until it fully reverses its invasion and respects the borders of its neighbors. Anything less would be a betrayal of Ukraine, a danger to Europe, and a failure of moral leadership.

Let us continue to pray for peace—but let us also stand firm for what is right.