In 1994, the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances tied to Ukraine’s commitment to give up its nuclear weapons was signed by Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The Memorandum’s first obligation is “ to respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine .” In 2014, Russia began militarily occupying and annexing vast areas of Ukraine. It is clear that Russia has now reviolated its commitment.

President Donald Trump, in the name of peacekeeper, has been floating whether a cease-fire could be achieved by offering a “land swap” deal to Russia and Ukraine.

Yet wouldn’t that also put the United States in violation of its 1994 treaty obligations?

Ken Freeze,

Shaker Heights

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