The situation in Ukraine
After two and a half years since Russia annexed Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the situation in the country remains tense. Casualties continue to mount on both sides and the Russian army’s offensive in Kharkiv has put the invaders in an advantageous position. The Ukrainian army is at a moment of maximum weakness, but now there is hope of negotiating a peace deal.
The peace negotiations
Vladimir Putin has been open to negotiating a peace deal if Ukraine and the international community recognize the current borders. This would involve recognizing Russian sovereignty over the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhia, which were annexed by Russia in referendums declared illegal by Ukraine and its allies. However, the government in Kyiv is suspicious of this offer and believes it is a strategy by Putin to avoid the upcoming Peace Conference on Ukraine.
Putin’s vision
According to sources close to Putin, the Russian president would be willing to end the war if he can sell it as a victory for Russia. He would be satisfied with the current territory, as this would allow him to claim that Russia has maintained its sovereignty and now has a land corridor to Crimea. However, this offer would not achieve Moscow’s initial goals, but the Kremlin is beginning to accept that it does not want to prolong the war indefinitely.
The response of the international community
The international community is preparing for the Peace Conference on Ukraine, where a peaceful solution to the conflict will be sought. More than 160 governments around the world have confirmed their attendance, including leaders such as Zelensky (Ukraine), Pedro Sánchez (Spain), Emmanuel Macron (France) and others. However, there is still uncertainty about the presence of Joe Biden (United States). The goal is to find a way to end the war and establish peace in Ukraine.
The current situation
Meanwhile, Putin has stepped up his military threats with tactical exercises near the border with Ukraine. This is in response to alleged Western threats of further intervention in the conflict. While the Kremlin says it is willing to negotiate, it is also showing its military might to show it is not afraid.