When it comes to debate and public discourse in the West and particularly in America over the war in Ukraine, it seems any high profile figure who advocates for de-escalation and negotiations immediately gets branded a "pro-Kremlin" stooge. This was of course on full display last week when Elon Musk dared to explore theoretical paths to a ceasefire with his "Ukraine-Russia Peace Poll" on Twitter. He had emphasized in follow-up comments to detractors that he isn't interested in winning a popularity contest, but hopes the world can avoid nuclear war at all costs.

Simultaneously, it seems anyone who stands staunchly against a negotiated settlement to the war is celebrated and lauded in the public sphere. Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marine days ago was widely praised for her response to a reporter's question which centered on finding an "off-ramp" amid all the heightening nuclear rhetoric. The head of the newest applicant country to NATO was seen as "tough" and heroic for essentially saying no negotiations are possible so long as Russian forces are in Ukraine...