Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently expressed a strong desire for Ukraine to bring the ongoing conflict with Russia to a close by next year, primarily through “diplomatic means.” This statement comes as both nations brace for a potential Donald Trump comeback in the political arena.
February 2025 is significant as it signifies the third anniversary of Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine. Over the past few months, Russian forces have been making substantial gains against Ukraine’s outnumbered and outgunned troops.
The looming possibility of Trump’s return to the White House raises numerous questions regarding the future trajectory of this war. The former president has been vocal in his skepticism about U.S. military support for Ukraine. Zelensky suggested that the conflict might reach a conclusion “sooner” with Trump at the helm.
Not too long ago, a resident strolled past a ravaged building in the Donetsk Oblast, a stark reminder of the conflict’s toll.
Zelensky made his remarks shortly after a significant phone conversation occurred between Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. This was the first such interaction with a major Western leader in nearly two years, initiated by Scholz despite objections from Kyiv.
“We need to do everything within our power to ensure this war wraps up next year. It’s crucial we achieve this through diplomatic channels,” Zelensky stated during a radio interview in Ukraine. “This is a matter of utmost importance.”
Despite the absence of constructive dialogues between Russia and Ukraine, Trump’s potential re-election seems to throw a spanner in the works for the war’s future. The former president has frequently claimed he could broker a rapid resolution to the conflict.
“Understanding the Russians’ demands is essential,” emphasized Zelensky.
Putin has repeatedly asserted that he will only consider negotiations if Ukraine is prepared to concede control of the territories currently under Russian occupation. This condition was reiterated during his conversation with Scholz.
However, the Ukrainian president firmly repudiates such terms.
Shifting gears to North Korea, it’s notable that the country is reportedly dispatching troops to engage in the most significant European conflict since World War II. The ramifications of Russia’s invasion extend well beyond Ukraine’s borders.
For weeks, intelligence reports have indicated that thousands of North Korean soldiers are assisting Russian troops in the Kursk region, a strategic area that Ukraine has retaken since early August.
This assistance follows a period of deepening military cooperation between the former communist allies, culminating in a major defense agreement. After months of occupation, as Russian forces retreated, bodies of civilians were discovered in the streets, with some tragically bound and left shot dead.
The international landscape is also shifting, as additional tensions were raised when Germany’s Scholz reached out to Putin. The German Chancellor criticized Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and urged Putin to withdraw his forces.
“We must see a willingness from Russia to engage in negotiations with Ukraine aimed at achieving a fair and lasting peace,” Scholz remarked.
However, this overture didn’t sit well with Ukraine, which described the call as a misguided “attempt at appeasement.” They argued that such moves only serve to lessen Putin’s international isolation.
Scholz faced significant backlash at home as well, with opposition parties denouncing him for providing Putin an opportunity to enhance his “propaganda victory.”
Before reaching out to the Kremlin, Scholz confirmed he had briefed Zelensky and other allies about the call.
The G7 nations, key supporters of Ukraine, reiterated that Russia continues to be the primary obstacle to attaining peace, committing to further sanctions targeting Moscow.
In the eastern part of Ukraine, Russia has been steadily advancing, inching closer to vital hubs such as Pokrovsk and Kurakhove.
Amidst these developments, Zelensky pointed out that Russian forces are sustaining substantial losses, and their advances have “slowed down” in several regions. He highlighted the grim reality of battling a state that does not prioritize the well-being of its own citizens and exhibits an alarming disregard for human life.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
