Elusive truce: On the U.S. and the Russia-Ukraine war

Russia must give up its maximalist position and end the war

The Trump administration’s frustration over the lack of progress in diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war was evident in Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks in Paris last week. After talks with America’s European allies, he warned that the U.S. would “move away” if there was no progress “within days”. U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to endorse the comments. Despite Mr. Trump’s campaign promise to end the war “within 24 hours”, months into his presidency, he remains far from building a consensus on even a temporary ceasefire. If he expected the Russians to jump on a proposal for a ceasefire in return for some Ukrainian concessions, he has miscalculated. The U.S. has already ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine and declared it would not be part of any post-war security guarantees for Kyiv prior to direct negotiations with Russia. It also arm-twisted Ukraine into proposing a 30-day ceasefire. However, while Mr. Trump appears focused on an immediate cessation of hostilities, the Kremlin has insisted that any ceasefire deal must be part of a comprehensive peace agreement that addresses its core security concerns. The U.S. is reportedly circulating a new proposal to end the fighting — shared with European and Ukrainian officials, it has the U.S. prepared to recognise Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014 following a contentious referendum, as Russian territory. The plan also takes NATO membership “off the table” for Ukraine and seeks to freeze the conflict along the front line, effectively leaving the territories Russia captured since the war began in 2022 in its hands. After responses from Ukraine and Europe, the U.S. plans to approach Moscow. But Russia has stuck to its maximalist positions, which include rejecting security guarantees for Ukraine and insisting on its demilitarisation.

Wars rarely end through maximalist positions. While Russia has made territorial gains, it has also paid a price. Ukraine, despite its apparent weakness on the battlefield, signals that it is ready to continue the fight, with western support. Europe has also made it clear that it will continue backing Ukraine — with or without American involvement. For any lasting peace in Ukraine, it is important to address Russia’s legitimate security concerns. However, the Russian demands that Ukraine limit its defence partnership with its allies or accept restrictions on its military capabilities are untenable for any sovereign nation. So, Mr. Trump should continue to strive for common ground between all the parties — the U.S., Ukraine, Europe and Russia — for a durable peace, instead of appeasing just one power.

Published - April 22, 2025 12:10 am IST