Negotiations to end the war in Ukraine are at risk of collapse: reasons given
фото з відкритих джерел
The peace process to end the war between Ukraine and Russia is in danger of collapse, diplomats say, as US President Donald Trump’s interest in the talks wanes and the escalating Middle East situation distracts Washington.
This is reported by the Financial Times .
European diplomats involved in consultations with the Ukrainian side noted that the escalation in the Middle East has effectively pushed the Ukraine issue to the back burner on the US political agenda. One senior European official said that the US-brokered talks between Ukraine and Russia are in a difficult situation.
“Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are now in a danger zone,” said one European official.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that there has been a pause in the negotiation process.
“A pause in the negotiations has indeed appeared. The Americans have other priorities, and this is understandable,” Dmitry Peskov said.
The latest round of trilateral talks between representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States took place in Geneva on February 17-18. The next meeting, scheduled for March 5 in Abu Dhabi, was postponed after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. A new date and location for the talks have not yet been set.
European diplomats said that the conflict in the Middle East has significantly changed the political priorities of the international community.
“The Middle East has seriously refocused political attention. For us and for Ukraine, this is a disaster,” said one of the diplomats.
According to the newspaper’s sources, the war in the Middle East has also created additional economic benefits for Russia. Due to the rise in world oil prices, the Kremlin may receive up to $150 million per day in additional revenue.
The US also temporarily eased pressure on India to purchase Russian oil, which led to an increase in the number of tankers heading to the Indian Ocean. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on this situation.
“Such decisions definitely do not help peace,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In addition, according to diplomats, the supply of American weapons to Ukraine, in particular air defense systems, may be delayed due to US priorities in the Middle East. The head of European diplomacy, Kai Kallas, confirmed that this is a matter of competition for the same military resources.
“This is really a problem because the same resources are needed in the Middle East and in Ukraine. It is clear that the US’s attention is now focused there,” said Kaia Kallas.
At the same time, according to the negotiators, Russia is currently not demonstrating a willingness to compromise.
“The negotiations are losing momentum. We need to breathe new life into this format,” said a source involved in the behind-the-scenes consultations.
Dmitry Peskov also said that Russian troops continue to advance and are approaching their objectives, adding that Russia remains open to a diplomatic settlement.
At the same time, the Ukrainian side believes that Russia is not demonstrating readiness for a real end to the war, as it insists on demands that Kyiv cannot accept.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the next trilateral meeting of the negotiating teams of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia could take place in the middle of next week , but there is currently no clear position.
As reported, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War said that Russia could use the conflict in the Middle East to discredit peace talks on Ukraine . In their opinion, the Kremlin may be trying to shift responsibility for the possible failure of the talks to the United States.
By the way, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War said that Russia could use the conflict in the Middle East to discredit peace talks on Ukraine . In their opinion, the Kremlin may be trying to shift responsibility for the possible failure of the talks to the United States.
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