End of the War or a New Escalation?
Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated on Wednesday that the conflict in Ukraine might still be settled by negotiations although he threatened Moscow was ready to seek victory in combat if negotiations do not work out. Addressing Beijing at the end of his visit to China, Putin was cautious but firm in his comments, stating there was “a certain light at the end of the tunnel” due to what he defined as sincere US attempts under President Donald Trump to negotiate peace.
Putin’s Conditions Remain Firm
Though suggesting diplomacy, Putin offered no indication of backing away from his long-standing demands. He reiterated that Ukraine needs to drop NATO aspirations, end what Moscow describes as discrimination against speakers of Russian, and relinquish complete control of the Donbas area. He also questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose term ended but continues in office under martial law. Kyiv rejects Moscow’s position, refusing that elections are not possible in times of war.
Putin indicated he would be willing to talk to Zelenskyy if the Ukrainian president came to Moscow, but expressed doubt as to the value of the conversation. “I have never excluded the possibility of such a meeting. But is there any sense? Let’s wait and see,” he said.
Zelenskyy Demands Sanctions and Negotiations
For his own part, Zelenskyy has summoned Putin for direct negotiations to discuss a possible agreement, despite Kyiv and Moscow’s deep divides. He has also called on Washington to place additional sanctions on Russia if the latter declines to negotiate. President Trump, who has openly attempted to broker a peace, has called on both sides to sit down, although secondary sanctions on Moscow have not yet been implemented.
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Between Diplomacy and Force
Putin’s words highlight the delicate dance between war and diplomacy in Europe’s biggest conflict since the Second World War. “If common sense prevails, it will be possible to agree on an acceptable solution,” he said. “If not, then we will have to solve all the tasks before us by force of arms.
As the conflict continues, with no apparent breakthrough in the offing, the world looks anxiously to see if the Kremlin’s suggestion of negotiation is real or merely a precursor to more escalation.
