Recently, professional military officers have become increasingly involved in peace talks over the war in Ukraine, rather than traditional diplomats. For example, US Army Commander Driscoll has met with representatives from Ukraine, Europe, and Russia. On the Ukrainian side, intelligence chief Budanov, General Hnatov, and other security officials participate in these discussions.
The expert highlights that this shift signals the growing importance of the military dimension in negotiations and strategic decision-making. The United States views Budanov positively, strengthening his position despite domestic political conflicts. Military participation is linked to the parties’ focus on resources and each side’s capacity to sustain the war at this stage.
The article analyzes the passive approach of Europe, explores possible scenarios for freezing the conflict, and discusses Russia’s interest in economic recovery after a potential pause in fighting. The expert anticipates new rounds of talks by the end of the year or spring, while noting that a final peace deal is unlikely soon. For now, none of the primary players are ready for an immediate ceasefire, with a “frozen” phase remaining a realistic possibility.
