The Russia-Ukraine crisis has been going on for more than ten months. Since the beginning of the ‘Special Operation’ by the Russian army in Ukraine, thousands have been killed, millions are displaced and many energy infrastructures are damaged, along with many other consequences. The war, moreover, brought heavy impacts on many countries around the world especially in economic terms. But there is no convincing ray of hope for the resolution of the crisis. Even if the possibility of talks remains, there is no convincing advancement toward talks among the parties to end the crisis in acceptable ways. Consequently, the impacts of the war on the whole world may be more devastating in the coming days, given that the crisis remains unresolved.
There are several possible ways that can bring an end to the crisis. One of the ways may be the use of nuclear weapons by Russia, as is often said. This can help Russia to completely defeat Ukraine within a short time and compel Ukraine to accept its terms and end the war. But it will lead to the deaths of many Ukrainians and other far-reaching consequences. Moreover, it may result in more sanctions against Russia which can lead to further economic consequences. The United State mentioned several times that Russia will face more consequences if nuclear arms are used. The use of nuclear arms may also escalate into a war between Russia and NATO, though it remains unclear whether any direct war will happen between Russia and NATO.
Another way may be to continue the war with conventional weapons, as it is going on now. Supplying arms and providing financial and other supports by the west may help Ukraine to continue the war for a long and carry out more strikes against Russia and compel Russia to pull back, given that the west’s support is associated with continued sanctions on Russia and Russia is unable to continue the war for economic or other causes. But there is no guarantee that Russia will be defeated. Along with the continuation of indiscriminate attacks over Ukrainian cities, this can result in the Russia’s use of nuclear weapons, spread the war and bring devastating outcomes. Russia mentioned several times that it will use nuclear weapons if there is no alternative.
But another option may be to end the crisis with talks. Talks among the parties can lead to an end to devastation, result in a resolution and mitigate the complicated developments that have the potential to escalate the war beyond Ukraine. Hopefully, all the parties have directly or indirectly mentioned for peace talks to end the crisis. Earlier, the United States expressed its interest to talk to Russia about ending the war. Yesterday, Russia also expressed its willingness to talk about the war. But whether peace talks will be held among the parties with the intention to resolve the crisis and how much negotiations will lead to acceptable solutions remain unclear because of the complicated developments of the war, varied geo-economic and geopolitical interests and other causes.
No doubt, the last option is desirable for the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Even if nuclear weapons are used immediately, the crisis will not end without talks. Talks will be needed to come to a resolution sooner or later if the conventional war continues. Both options will bring catastrophic consequences, not only to Russia and Ukraine but also to the west and other countries in economic and other terms. Even if the war does not escalate between Russia and the west, the latter is likely to face further economic consequences, to say the least. Many countries including several western countries are facing troubles with increased inflation and living cost. But the last option, if successfully carried out, can help to improve global economic conditions too.
Talks are desirable for resolving the crisis earlier. But direct talks are important between Russia and the United States, rendered the main backer to Ukraine in the war, with the intention to end the crisis. Direct talks are also vital between Russia and Ukraine. Even if there are challenges to peace talks, effective measures are needed to make sure that talks are held among the parties including Russia, the United States and Ukraine. The role of France may be helpful to bring the parties to the discussion table. Other parties including the United Nations and Turkey may also play important roles in holding talks. But it is desired that talks lead to acceptable solutions to the crisis.
