The Russia-Ukraine war has been going on for nearly two months, and the two sides have engaged in fierce exchanges of fire on the front line, causing a large number of losses in personnel and equipment. The United States, as an ally of Ukraine, has also stepped up military aid to Ukraine in an attempt to curb Russia's expansion. However, Russia has not abandoned military pressure on Ukraine, but has strengthened its own nuclear and naval forces, as well as military cooperation with other countries. Against this backdrop, the prospects for peace in the Russia-Ukraine war seem very slim, and the storm may be just around the corner.
On November 21, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made a surprise visit to Kyiv and announced $100 million in unmilitary aid to Ukraine to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is the latest U.S. military aid to Ukraine, after the U.S. has already provided Ukraine worth about 3$500 million in military aid, including anti-tank missiles, drones, radars and other ** equipment. This move by the United States is undoubtedly a provocation to Russia and an encouragement to Ukraine, which has strengthened Ukraine's determination to confront Russia.
On the same day as the visit of the US Secretary of Defense to Kyiv, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu delivered an important speech at a defense meeting on the situation in Russia and Ukraine and the international situation. He gave a detailed account of the operations of the Russian army on the front line, as well as the modernization and strategic deployment of the Russian army. He stressed that the Russian army is actively defending, effectively containing the offensive of the Ukrainian army and consolidating its positions. He also said that Russia's strategic nuclear forces are an important guarantee, and the Russian Navy is also constantly enhancing its long-range strike capabilities, equipped with hypersonic missiles and multi-purpose submarines. He also revealed that the Russian Navy has completed 50 voyages this year, conducted joint patrols and exercises with countries such as Iran and China, and demonstrated Russia's presence and influence in the world's oceans.
From the speech of the Russian Defense Minister, it can be seen that Russia has full confidence in its military strength and also has a clear understanding of its strategic goals. Russia is not afraid of US intervention and is not willing to compromise with Ukraine. Russia may be waiting for a favorable moment to launch a decisive offensive that will completely break Ukrainian resistance and change the pattern of the war.
And the Ukrainian side has not shown any willingness to negotiate peace with Russia. After the visit of the US Secretary of Defense, Ukrainian Zelensky said that he would not consider negotiations with Russia, and that there could be room for dialogue only after Russia withdrew from the territory of Ukraine. He also said that Ukraine will continue to strengthen cooperation with international organizations such as NATO and the European Union, and strive to join these organizations to protect its interests and security. He also called on the international community to put more pressure on Russia, sanction Russia's actions and support Ukraine's claims.
From the attitude of Ukraine, it can be seen that Ukraine has a firm position on its sovereignty and territory, and also has high expectations for the support of the United States and other Western countries. Ukraine does not consider itself at a disadvantage in the war and is not willing to give up the challenge to Russia. Ukraine may be counting on more aid from the United States and other countries, as well as internal turmoil in Russia, to turn the tide of the war.
To sum up, the prospects for peace in the Russia-Ukraine war are not optimistic, and neither side has shown any willingness to compromise or reconcile, but is stepping up its own military preparations and diplomatic mediation in an attempt to gain the upper hand in the war. The United States, as an ally of Ukraine, is also actively intervening in the war and has launched a hidden game with Russia. In such a situation, the risk of escalation and proliferation of war cannot be ignored, and the arrival of peace will require more time and effort. We can only hope that the two sides can return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and, through dialogue and consultation, find a mutually acceptable solution to put an end to this senseless war.