Peace in Ukraine

As the war enters its fifth year, the idea of negotiation is becoming increasingly appealing. Will Russia and Ukraine reach an agreement in 2026? Will the United States be able to impose its diplomatic agenda on a divided Europe? What factors will determine a political solution?

Peace in Ukraine offers a factual analysis of the diplomatic and political dynamics of the Ukrainian conflict. In particular, it examines the evolution of the negotiation process between Ukraine and Russia since 2014. It reviews the various peace initiatives proposed by the parties to the conflict, analyzes the reasons why they have not been successful, and identifies elements that could be included in a future treaty. It deciphers the sometimes tense relations between Western countries, the role of the United States, the position of the protagonists, and their stakes in this conflict.

Jacques Baud, a former member of Swiss strategic intelligence, has devoted his life to the pursuit of peace with the United Nations, the African Union, and then NATO, in the areas of civilian protection, mediation in armed conflicts, the fight against anti-personnel mines and arms trafficking, and respect for the rule of law.

A globally recognized geopolitical analyst, he has written several major books on intelligence, war, and terrorism, including Putin: Master of the Game?, The Art of Russian Warfare, Secret War in Ukraine, Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and Governing by Fake News, published by Max Milo.

Editor's note:

On December 15, 2025, Jacques Baud was added to the European Union's list of “spokespersons for pro-Russian propaganda and disseminators of conspiracy theories.” His assets were frozen and he was banned from traveling. He still has not received approval from a European regulator to buy food, pay his bills, or cover his medical expenses.

This sanction is surprising because it is not based on any court decision. Jacques Baud proclaims his innocence and, alongside his lawyers, explains that he has no ties to Russia. No family, no friends, no diplomatic or financial ties: no ties whatsoever. Not even email exchanges!

Admittedly, his work is a unique analysis of geopolitical issues, particularly the war in Ukraine, but his expertise cannot be equated with unambiguous praise for any government whatsoever. Admittedly, his books, his analyses based on indisputable sources, and the vitality of his writing lead him to challenge certain beliefs or narratives that are popular with many French and even European politicians and media outlets. Admittedly, Jacques Baud likes to confront very confident statements with facts that contradict them. 

Nevertheless, has denouncing lies and unfounded official statements that are likely to mislead citizens—in other words, encouraging reflection—become a “thought crime” as described by George Orwell in 1984?

A week after the European Union's decision, a leading bookstore chain in France, known for its support of freedom of expression, removed Jacques Baud's name and works from its website and bookstores. What is the basis for such a measure, given that since 1945, fewer than ten books have been banned from sale by court order? Even Mein Kampf is freely available on this retailer's website! 

It has been a quarter of a century since I founded Max Milo. A quarter of a century during which I have fought tirelessly to ensure that every book published by this company lives up to its motto: “Provoke with good reason.” For 26 years, it has been extremely rare, if not impossible, to ban the publication of a book in France. Today, an author, his work, and his freedom of expression are condemned in the blink of an eye, without any court decision imposing it.

These sanctions are all the more dangerous for our democracies given that Jacques Baud fought for peace his entire life. He served as an advisor to the Zairean Contingent for the Security of Refugee Camps in Rwanda for the UNHCR in Zaire (Congo). At the United Nations headquarters in New York, he designed and created the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA), now deployed in more than sixty countries. He has set up demining programs in Chad, Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. He helped establish the concept of intelligence for United Nations peacekeeping operations. He headed the first United Nations joint intelligence center, the UN Joint Mission Analysis Center (JMAC) in Sudan. He has also been Head of Doctrine for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in New York, Director of the Research Department of the International Peace Support Training Center (IPSTC) in Nairobi for the African Union, and Head of Small Arms Proliferation Control at NATO in Brussels.

A straightforward, exposed career, rich in experience, which cannot be accused without evidence of compromise, either yesterday or today.

Fortunately, Switzerland has officially reacted, “demanding the right to a fair trial and reiterating respect for freedom of expression.” Bern criticizes the fact that Jacques Baud was not heard and did not have the opportunity to defend himself before the sanctions were imposed.

Fortunately, dozens of petitions have been launched around the world to denounce the sanctions imposed on our author, to the point of depriving him of his fundamental rights. Jacques Baud has received thousands of letters of support.

Fortunately, Jacques Baud's books have been translated into some 20 languages (German, English, Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Finnish, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Czechoslovakian, Turkish, etc.) and have become bestsellers in many countries.

Nevertheless, the situation is serious. It concerns us all. In a world tempted by arbitrariness, Jacques Baud is the victim of the moment. Who will be next?