Mexico has a better claim to large sections of the southeastern states of the U. S. than Russia has to 20% of Ukraine. Mexico’s claim stems from a historical period of territorial expansion when Mexico was forced, under duress, to sign the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo after the Mexican American War. In that treaty, Mexico was forced to give up its possession of what are now all or parts of present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. The United States paid Mexico $15 million for these lands, a sum that many historians argue was a token payment for territory acquired through military force.

Russia’s claim to 20% of Ukraine is based on its military annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its ongoing occupation and attempted annexation of parts of eastern and southern Ukraine following the full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukraine is now being asked to give up 20% of its land it for security promises from Europe and the United States which promised security to Ukraine security when it voluntarily gave up it nuclear bomb capability and Russia promised to recognize Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

To me , forcing Ukraine to give up 20% of the land Russia has taken without cause is far worse than demanding United States being forced to give Mexico 20% of the land taken away from them in 1848. Colorado, for example is 20% of the size of the land Mexico once owned. Can you imagine how those Americans who don’t think giving Russia a part of Ukraine as a reward for its aggression is a big deal would react if the United States were asked to give Mexico land equivalent in size to Florida or Pennsylvania?

TIM MANNELLO

Williamsport

Submitted by email