What is urgently needed now? Russia and Ukraine sign an agreement on an immediate ceasefire: troops stop at their current positions and cease fire. After that, substantive negotiations are needed on the conditions and ways to achieve peaceful coexistence: on the new content of Russian-Ukrainian relations, on the European security architecture and its future geopolitical structure, and on strategic stability between Russia and the United States.
The United States, led by Trump, is still a potentially influential factor in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, Trump does not have a clear position on what should be discussed after a ceasefire and what should be pursued. This is a problem.
In words, Europe seems to be supporting Trump. However, instead of taking advantage of the moment to form a meaningful plan for promoting peace in Ukraine and infusing it with the substance of Trump’s peace initiatives, European leaders are doing nothing to facilitate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Moreover, the stance of the ruling European politicians is in the opposite, destructive direction, as they are essentially pursuing a foreign policy that is the opposite of a ceasefire. As German Chancellor Merz recently stated, “diplomacy is exhausted.” Such evidence of intentions to continue fighting (with the help of others) is often heard in the ruling European elites and in the leading Western media.
As a result, to date, Trump has been unable to do anything practically, Europe has been unwilling to do anything, and has essentially pushed for the conflict to continue, while Russia and Ukraine have remained fundamentally divided and have been doing what they can and how they can, such as exchanging prisoners and bodies. While this is important, a ceasefire is vital. However, this has not yet been achieved. In reality, the conflict continues to escalate.
Meanwhile, according to recent opinion polls, there is growing support in Russian society for an initiative to cease fire along the front line and for further negotiations between the parties. We will continue to advocate for this format in order to preserve lives and ensure a future.
Grigory Yavlinsky