Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia: hope or illusion?
Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia: hope or illusion?
On May 24, 2025, direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place for the first time since spring 2022. Despite the ongoing talks, Vladimir Putin remains with his maximum demands, especially when it comes to the assignment of occupied areas of Ukraine. This comprises about 20 percent of the state area, a claim that vehemently rejects Ukraine. The government in Kiev makes it clear that such a assignment would make millions of Ukrainians live under Russian occupation.
The humanitarian organization "Liberico" is active in Ukraine, also in formerly occupied regions. The representative Ira Ganzhorn impressively describes the "complete absence of human rights" during the Russian occupation, which also complicates the negotiations. In the middle of this humanitarian crisis there are several news in the room, including the reception of South Africa's President Ramaphosa by Donald Trump, a German brigade in Lithuania and the ongoing film festival in Cannes.
a challenging year for Ukraine
Ukraine has had a challenging year, shaped by intensive fights. After an offensive in the Ukrainian army in the Kursk region, Russian attacks on Donetsk and Charkiw as well as energy systems and cities. According to estimates, Russia used four drones and rockets in autumn 2023 than in the same period of the previous year, which had the situation more escalating.
Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election in the USA also ensures uncertainty in Ukraine. Trump has declared the end of the war to a priority, but it remains unclear how peace can be achieved in concrete terms. The scope of future US military aid is currently uncertain what the position of Ukraine continues to weaken.
hopes for negotiations
Despite the adversity, there is still a surprisingly high optimism in Ukraine, since 83-88% of the population believe in a possible victory. Nevertheless, there is also pessimism, especially in worry about inadequate western support. The proportion of Ukrainians who are willing to endure the war as long as necessary is about 60%.The topic of negotiations is increasingly gaining acceptance; The proportion of those who categorically reject negotiations has dropped from one third to 12%. While many Ukrainians see talks as a possibility to regain occupied areas, they reject the assignment without substantial security guarantees. 64% are against talks with Russia if they are not underpinned with real western security guarantees.
NATO membership is considered the only guarantee against future attacks, while 31% see their own nuclear weapons as the best security guarantee. A defense alliance with the United States, the United Nations Peace forces and troops from European countries are also discussed as potential options. Politologist Wolodymyr Fesenko emphasizes that Trump could change a lot for Ukraine, but lack a clear strategy for sustainable peace.
Putin's buffer zone and the reaction of Ukraine
In addition to the negotiations, Putin announced the creation of a buffer zone along the border after visiting the Kursk region. Details on the location and depth of this zone have not yet been published. This decision ensures criticism from Ukraine, which Putin's plans regarding Russia's lack of interest in peace. Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha accused Putin of refusing the conditions for peace and continued to be responsible for the persistent killing. The Ukrainian Ministry made it clear that Putin could establish this buffer zone in its own area.In Ukraine, the pursuit of peace and the recovery of territories remain in the foreground, while the situation is still tense and the international political landscape is changing quickly.
sueddeutsche.de , dw.com , zdf.de
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Ort | Kyjiw, Ukraine |
| Quellen | |
Kommentare (0)