The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has lasted 655 days, and the fighting between the two sides has not subsided. Russia's military operations in Crimea and the Donbas region have sparked strong condemnation from the international community, while also leaving Ukraine facing a national crisis. Ukraine** has always insisted on regaining lost territory, but has been met with strong resistance from Russia. The United States and the European Union have also imposed severe sanctions on Russia in an attempt to force it to withdraw its troops.
However, Russia did not give in, but instead increased its military pressure on Ukraine, even threatening to launch a full-scale war against Ukraine. In this context, Russian spokeswoman Zakharova opened conditions for Russian-Ukrainian peace talks in an interview with AFP. Is this Russia's sincerity, or is it another trick?How will Ukraine respond?
In an interview with AFP, Zakharova said that Russia is ready to engage in peaceful talks with Ukraine, but with three preconditions, according to the Russian news agency Sputnik. First, Ukraine must recognize Crimea as part of Russia and no longer raise any questions about the sovereignty of Crimea. Second, Ukraine must stop its military operations in the Donbas region, agree to implement the Minsk agreements, recognize the autonomy of the Donbas region.
Thirdly, Ukraine must abandon its plans to join NATO, maintain a neutral position and no longer accept military assistance from the United States and the European Union. Zakharova said that Russia will consider withdrawing its troops deployed on the Ukrainian border only if Ukraine meets these three conditions, otherwise, Russia will reserve the right to take all necessary measures.
The Ukrainian side expressed strong dissatisfaction and rejection of Russia's terms for peace talks. In an interview with CNN, Ukrainian Zelensky said that Russia's conditions for peace talks are a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, a violation of international law and humanitarianism, and an insult to the Ukrainian people.
He said that Ukraine will never give up the Crimea and Donbass regions, nor will it give up the right to join NATO, which is a free choice for Ukraine and is not subject to interference from any external forces. He also called on the United States and the European Union to continue to exert pressure on Russia and support Ukraine's sovereignty and security. He said that Ukraine does not want to go to war with Russia, but it will not succumb to the Russian threat, and that Ukraine has the ability and confidence to defend its country.
The United States, which has been Ukraine's staunchest supporter and ally, has strongly condemned and opposed Russia's actions. In an interview with ABC, Biden said that the United States will continue to impose the most severe sanctions on Russia, and will also provide more military and economic assistance to Ukraine to help Ukraine improve its own defense capabilities.
He said that the United States will not tolerate Russia's aggression against Ukraine, nor will it accept Russia's conditions for peace talks with Ukraine, which is a threat to European peace and stability and a challenge to the international order and rules. He also said that the United States will maintain close coordination and cooperation with the European Union and NATO to jointly respond to Russia's provocations and safeguard Ukraine's interests and dignity.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has entered a critical stage, and Russia's terms for peace talks have triggered a strong reaction from Ukraine and the United States, with antagonism and tension between the two sides intensifying, and there is little hope for peace. Does Russia really want peace, or does it just want to achieve its ends?
Will Ukraine, with the support of the United States and the European Union, be able to resist Russian pressure and defend its country?Will the United States be able to effectively restrain Russia's actions and avoid further deterioration of the situation, or even trigger a full-scale war?There are no simple answers to these questions, and they require our constant attention and reflection. Focus on the situation in Russia and Ukraine