Russia-Ukraine talks: Third round close to ending the war
The Kremlin announced on Friday that preparations are underway for a third round of talks aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, following a second round hosted by the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. This announcement comes amid intense diplomatic efforts led by international powers, primarily the United States, to try to end the protracted conflict, which has directly impacted global stability.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the second round of negotiations, held on Wednesday and Thursday, was characterized by "constructive and very difficult" work. While no major breakthrough was announced on contentious issues, particularly the disputed territories, the two sides did manage to exchange dozens of prisoners on the same day, reflecting the existence of effective communication channels despite the intensity of the fighting.
The context of the conflict and the challenges of negotiation
These talks are of paramount importance as the war nears its fourth year. The Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, triggering the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II. This conflict has drastically altered the world's geopolitical map, leaving widespread destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure, millions displaced, and suffering heavy casualties on both sides.
The territorial issue remains the biggest obstacle for negotiators, with Kyiv insisting on the return of all its territory, including the regions annexed by Russia, while Moscow maintains that recognition of the new reality on the ground is a precondition for any settlement. However, the continuation of internationally mediated dialogue, as seen in Abu Dhabi, indicates a desire on the part of the parties to avoid further escalation that could draw the world into a wider conflict.
International influences and the American role
Internationally, the United States is actively seeking to end the war, which has cast a dark shadow over the global economy. Military operations and reciprocal sanctions have triggered global energy and food crises, as well as unprecedented inflation rates affecting most countries worldwide. Washington and its allies fear that the continuation of the conflict could erode the global nuclear security system, particularly given the expiration of some strategic nuclear treaties between major powers.
In response to a question from the Russian news agency RIA Novosti about the date for resuming talks, Peskov confirmed that "there is no specific date yet, but it will be soon." The world remains on tenterhooks awaiting the outcome of this third round, hoping for a compromise that will halt the bloodshed and restore stability to the region, despite everyone's awareness of the difficulty of the task and the complexities of the military and political landscape.
