If you listened to my recent conversation with journalist Nikola Mikovic, you know we took a deep dive into Russia's foreign policy — what's really driving the war in Ukraine, and what might bring it to an end. That conversation got me thinking what a solution could look like:

First — Russia - Withdraw from Ukraine and pivot from a war economy back to what it does best: energy. Oil, gas, coal, lithium. Russia could rebuild its economy through energy exports instead of destruction.

Next — Europe - Europe could resume buying affordable energy from Russia, instead of paying inflated prices for imported U.S. gas. Rebuild trade to serve mutual stability rather than escalation.

The United States — Washington could lift sanctions once Russia withdraws and commits to peace. That would lower global inflation, restore trade balance, and reduce the risk of a larger conflict that nobody actually wants.

The Kremlin would prefer this outcome. Russia is already looking for a way out that lets Putin save face.

China is quietly helping sustain Russia's war economy — buying cheap oil and gas — while the U.S. profits by selling weapons and energy to Europe.

The major winners in this war have been America and China. The major losers are Ukraine and Russia.

I'm taking sides. I'm using reason and empathy to find a solution out of this madness.

If you haven't heard my full conversation with Nikola Mikovic, listen — it sets the stage.

Links can be found here.