Russia-Ukraine conflict-ceasefire efforts gain momentum

New Delhi, Mar 15: Last week’s developments showcase signs emerging that efforts are underway to establish a ceasefire in Ukraine and prepare for possible peace talks. This follows a recent meeting between a US envoy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Political observers suggest that this could be linked to a potential meeting between Putin and former US President Donald Trump soon, as increased diplomatic and military moves on the ground hint at preparation for future negotiations.

Russia also appears to be pushing aggressively to seize more territory, while Ukraine continues to resist. At the ground zero, defence analysts suggest that both sides seem to be opening up their might, positioning themselves to gain leverage before sitting down for talks or ceasefire.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer convened a virtual summit with Ukraine’s allies to discuss future security guarantees in the event of a peace deal. Most of the meeting was privately discussed. During the summit, international media said Starmer stated that Putin would have to “come to the table sooner or later.” Starmer also told world leaders they must be ready to support any future peace deal.

The summit called by the UK was attended by representatives from 26 countries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. The US representative was not in attendance. The summit’s main aim was to encourage the United States to commit to guaranteeing Ukraine’s future security and put pressure on Russia to be on the table.

Earlier this week, Putin laid out conditions for a ceasefire, but Zelensky dismissed them as “manipulative.” Meanwhile, Trump described his recent discussions with Putin as “good and productive.” Since he took over as President on January 20, Trump has made all-out efforts to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiation table, exercising his diplomatic skills and expressing his determination to help secure a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Trump’s involvement already reflects a complete shift in diplomatic strategy of the US. Trump, with his proactive stance indicating a desire to achieve a breakthrough as soon as possible where traditional diplomatic channels have struggled. Trump is positioning himself as a key player in ending the conflict.

Meanwhile, UK PM Starmer’s remarks reflect growing international pressure on Putin to accept negotiations rather than prolong the war. Stamer when says world leaders need to be prepared to defend any potential peace deal, signals two aspects: either some more serious private negotiations are ongoing or there is a massive concern that Russia may seek to undermine or reject future agreements. His warning about a “coalition of the willing” shows the readiness of Western nations to support Ukraine militarily if ceasefire conditions are violated. On the battlefield, Russia’s defence ministry claimed to have recaptured two villages, Rubanshchina and Zaoleshenka, in the Kursk region, which Ukraine had taken last August.