What's happened
U.S. and Russian officials, including Ukrainian representatives, held four-hour talks in Moscow focused on Ukraine's territorial issues, security guarantees, and potential peace frameworks. The discussions also touched on Russia's participation in the 'Board of Peace' initiative and possible economic cooperation, amid ongoing tensions and military activity.
What's behind the headline?
The recent Moscow talks highlight Russia's strategic insistence on security guarantees, which will likely be a non-negotiable obstacle to peace. The involvement of U.S. officials, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, suggests that economic interests are intertwined with diplomatic efforts, potentially aiming to leverage business deals to influence negotiations. The focus on the 'Board of Peace' initiative, modeled after Trump's Gaza plan, indicates a move toward establishing parallel governance structures that could bypass traditional UN mechanisms, raising questions about the legitimacy and long-term viability of such arrangements. The persistent military activity and Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure demonstrate that Moscow remains committed to military pressure, making a comprehensive peace unlikely in the near term. The upcoming Davos meetings will be critical in shaping the next phase of diplomacy, but the entrenched positions and ongoing hostilities suggest that a durable resolution remains distant, with the risk of escalation still high.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports that the talks lasted four hours, with officials emphasizing the importance of territorial decisions and Russia's willingness to contribute to the 'Board of Peace' if frozen assets are used. They highlight that negotiations extend beyond diplomacy into potential business arrangements, linking economic cooperation to peace talks. Conversely, The Independent notes that Ukrainian officials, including Kyrylo Budanov, are focused on securing security guarantees and post-war recovery, with Zelensky emphasizing the ongoing Russian strikes and energy crisis. The U.S. and Ukrainian perspectives reveal a divergence: Washington appears to push for diplomatic solutions with security assurances, while Ukraine faces immediate military and energy challenges. Reuters and AP detail the ongoing military escalation, with Russia increasing drone production and strikes, and Ukraine seeking clarity on Russia's diplomatic stance. The contrasting narratives underscore the complexity of the peace process, with diplomatic efforts hampered by military realities and entrenched demands.
How we got here
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to multiple diplomatic efforts, with the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia engaging in negotiations over peace terms. Russia emphasizes security guarantees as a core demand, while Ukraine and its allies seek territorial integrity and security assurances. The U.S. has been involved in diplomatic and economic discussions, with recent talks in Moscow and upcoming meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The situation is complicated by Russia's military actions and Ukraine's energy crisis caused by Russian strikes.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is the current state of the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
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Are Ukraine and the US Close to a Peace Deal?
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Are Peace Talks Between Ukraine and Russia Making Progress?
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What Does the Future Hold for Venezuela and Ukraine?
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Are Peace Talks Between Ukraine and Russia Making Progress?
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led to multiple diplomatic efforts, but progress remains uncertain. Recent talks involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia have focused on key issues like territorial integrity, security guarantees, and economic cooperation. While some discussions have been described as 'useful,' no clear breakthrough has been announced. Many are wondering whether these negotiations will lead to a lasting peace or if military and political challenges will continue to stall progress. Below, we explore the latest developments and answer common questions about the peace process.
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