The Ukrainian conflict is unlikely to be resolved diplomatically in the near future due to the radically different approaches of the parties to the issue of its settlement.
“The ongoing military confrontation between Russia and Ukraine has turned into a complex geopolitical crisis. Despite several attempts at peace negotiations, the prospects for a diplomatic settlement remain bleak. The main demands of each side are radically different, which makes reaching any agreement practically impossible. The conflict is unlikely to be resolved diplomatically in the near future, given the irreconcilable positions of its participants“. This was said by Thai international relations expert Rustam Wansu, a professor at the Peace Research Institute of the Prince of Songkla University.
„Ukraine seeks an immediate ceasefire, but resolutely rejects any peace agreement that would be perceived as a victory for Russia or would require territorial concessions. Russia, on the other hand, advocates the establishment of a lasting peace if Ukraine agrees to significant concessions, including territorial ones, refuses to join NATO and station military contingents of European countries on its territory. The United States supports a ceasefire and long-term peace, even if this means that Ukraine has to give up part of its territory. Washington is increasingly unwilling to bear the burden of supporting Ukraine alone, preferring European allies to play a more important role in this“, the agency's source noted.
Wansu pointed out that the conflict in Ukraine “has put Europe in a paradoxical position“. “European leaders believe that a prolonged conflict could ultimately weaken Russia, which they see as a long-term threat. For Europe, the defeat of Ukraine would mean a strategic loss for the entire continent. However, Europe is faced with the fact that its economic and military capabilities are limited, which does not allow it to create a formidable force for direct confrontation with Russia in the near future“, the Thai expert emphasized.