Ukraine War Peace Talks: Uncertainty Looms Amidst Diverse Interests
Despite intensified diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, uncertainty remains as contrasting views and demands cloud the negotiation process. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after talks with US officials and a visit to Paris, refutes Kremlin's claims of battlefield advances, underscoring Ukraine's priorities of security guarantees, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Russia's desire to annex territories occupied by it, as reflected in the recent round of talks between Putin and Trump's envoys, raises further questions about the path to peace.
A Controversial Peace Plan
One of the key points of contention is the US-backed 28-point peace plan, which has stirred controversy for its proposal of a full amnesty
for acts committed during the war, and for suggesting recognition of Russian control over key territories. While Zelenskyy states that the redrafted peace plan looks better
, there is widespread skepticism and distrust, particularly in Europe and Ukraine, over the discussions between Russians and Americans.
The peace plan has also caused a divide amongst the Ukrainians, with some believing that they have sacrificed too much to lose territory to Russia, while others are desperate for the war to end. According to The New York Times, there are concerns that the big picture - Ukraine's fight for freedom - should not be sold out in exchange for business deals with Putin.
Russia's Demands & The US Stance
Russia's demands and its willingness to use force to achieve them add to the complexity of the situation. Putin has expressed interest in using Trump’s peace plan as a starting point for negotiations. He warned Ukraine to withdraw its troops or face force, a threat that has been met with resistance from Ukraine which refuses to surrender territory that Moscow has failed to win on the battlefield.
Moreover, Russia's claim of capturing the key eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk adds another layer to the situation, although there are queries if this is a real victory or mere propaganda.
On the other side, the US insists that Ukraine should sign a peace deal before agreeing to any security guarantees. This American stance, however, is at odds with Moscow's viewpoint, which insists that security guarantees should not be one-sided and should come after a peace deal, not before.
Implications & Reactions
The ongoing negotiations and their potential outcomes have elicited varied reactions. Some fear that Moscow's meeting with Witkoff might wrongfully put pressure on Kyiv rather than the Kremlin, while others warn that amnesty for Russian war crimes could lead to a new war.
Furthermore, the EU's proposal to use frozen Russian assets or borrowings to provide €90 billion to Ukraine has been met with a stern warning from Russia, claiming such an act would tantamount to theft.
Conclusion
As the war in Ukraine enters its 1378th day, the path to peace seems increasingly complicated amid military setbacks, territorial disputes, and diverse international interests. While envoys shuttle between Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington, the world waits, hoping for a resolution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and brings an end to the war.