The European countries held a summit over Ukraine. According to multiple sources including the British Broadcasting Corporation and Cable News Network, while peace talks are going on for the resolution of the Ukraine war in Saudi Arabia, European countries held a meeting in France. The delegations from the United States and Russia — including the Russian foreign minister and the US secretary of state — held peace talks after the prone call between the presidents of both countries and there will be further peace talks on the Ukraine War. The peace initiative of the Trump administration is a praiseworthy step and will help solve the Ukraine war, which has killed hundreds of thousands and led to other notable impacts.
The ending of the Ukraine war, which has been going on for around three years, through peace negotiations is desired and will be beneficial on many grounds, not only for Russia and Ukraine but also for other countries including the United States and European countries. Notably, peace initiatives were not altogether absent for ending the Ukraine war but they were not given a priority. Because of several reasons including the unwillingness of the parties involved in the war, the earlier peace steps including the China-proposed Peace Plan and the Peace Initiatives of several African countries did not see the light. Though the latest peace initiative taken by the new US president, who made drastic changes in the US approach to the war in Ukraine, is promising, it has various challenges to deal with for reaching an acceptable resolution to it.
Pertinently saying, neither the President of Ukraine nor the leaders of the European countries have been asked to join the Saudi Talks held between the United States and Russia, leading to dissatisfaction. The absence of Ukraine and European countries from the peace negotiations may not lead to an acceptable resolution of the war, which has deteriorated the relationship between Russia and Europe to an unprecedented level. While the presence of the European countries in the peace process will help reduce the distrust and tensions between Europe and Russia at least to a certain extent, its absence will encourage an arms race and can increase their rivalry in the future too, increasing the chance of a larger war.
Photo credit: https://edition.cnn.com/.
While Ukrainian President Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out accepting a peace deal negotiated without Ukraine, European leaders have expressed anger about the resolution of the Ukraine war through the peace process in which they are absent, leading to concerns. But given that the US-Russia peace talks, which brought to an end a three-year freeze on direct contact between Moscow and Washington, is the beginning of the process, not the final talks, there is a chance of involving Ukraine and European countries in it — though the US and Russia agreed to form high-level negotiating teams to discuss a settlement to the war and there is not yet any clear indication of their involvement.
But whatever the challenges may be, the peace process is desired to be continued for an earlier resolution to the Ukraine war. Even if European leaders were absent from the Saudi peace talks, their future inclusion will help bring lasting peace. But remaining strict in the respective positions will make the ongoing efforts difficult to be successful in ending conflicts and reaching peace. Good intentions and commitment are also vital for ending the war earlier.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
