The conflict in Ukraine has been going on for almost eight years, and the standoff between the two sides in the eastern Donbas region still shows no signs of abating. Russian and Western intervention has also made the conflict more complex and sensitive. So, what will the endgame of the conflict in Ukraine look like?Is it possible to achieve peace and stability?
In this regard, Chen Feng, a researcher at the Institute of Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said in an interview with this reporter that the end of the conflict in Ukraine may be the status quo, that is, the two sides maintain a relatively stable military balance in the Donbas region, rather than a full-scale war or comprehensive peace.
Chen Feng believes that the root cause of the conflict in Ukraine lies in Ukraine's national identity and national interests, which is a historical and current problem that is not easy to solve. The western and central regions of Ukraine tend to be pro-European, while the eastern and southern regions tend to be pro-Russian. This disagreement has led to political and social turmoil in Ukraine, as well as interference and sanctions from Russia and the West.
Chenfeng pointed out that the current situation of the conflict in Ukraine was formed on the basis of the 2015 Minsk agreements, which provided for measures such as a ceasefire, withdrawal of troops, political dialogue between the two sides, but did not solve the fundamental problems. There have been delays and violations in the implementation of the agreement by both sides, resulting in the implementation of the agreement has been stalled. At the same time, both sides have no incentive to start a full-scale war, which will bring huge human and material losses, and will also face condemnation and sanctions from the international community.
Chen Feng said that although the current situation of the conflict in Ukraine is not the most ideal, it is not the worst either. Maintaining the status quo is conducive to avoiding a larger scale of violence and humanitarian crisis, as well as creating space for dialogue and communication between the two sides, laying the foundation for a peaceful settlement in the future. Chen Feng suggested that Ukraine and Russia should insist on resolving the conflict through political and diplomatic means, respect each other's legitimate interests, and refrain from provocative and escalating actions. At the same time, the international community should also play a constructive role in supporting the peace process in Ukraine, rather than exacerbating regional confrontation and tension.