Recent days have seen important developments in diplomatic efforts to address the war in Ukraine. Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Xi Jinping, who also spoke with Vladimir Putin. These leaders remain key figures in the ongoing talks seeking an end to the conflict. According to The Wall Street Journal, Putin is not winning the war and the West and China should adjust their approach to him. The article notes that Ukraine and the West’s positions are strengthening, and Western sanctions hold potential for further pressure.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has publicly stated that Russia does not seek peace, though he claims not to participate directly in the negotiations. The Ukrainian delegation is holding a strong and consistent diplomatic line. Western media, meanwhile, notes changes and strengthening in the makeup of Ukraine’s negotiating team, which could impact the progress and outcome of the talks.
After the round of negotiations, Putin called Xi, who then soon after spoke with Trump. The leaders discussed Venezuela, Iran, Russia, and the war in Ukraine, as well as the prospects for peace, though no concrete results were announced. The intensity of these contacts reflects a heightened focus on a possible settlement.
The Wall Street Journal insists that Putin is engaged in a war of attrition and not making significant advances, and argues Ukraine should continue to receive more support. The key to ending the conflict, the Journal says, is more pressure on Russia, not Ukraine. Meanwhile, there are reports of sabotage on railway tracks in Russia’s Tambov region, disrupting fuel deliveries to the front.
Western financial support continues: On the day of the talks, Europe announced €60 billion for defense and €30 billion for Ukraine's budget. This signals sustained and growing EU backing for Ukraine.
In domestic news, a Ukrainian MP has been detained by the SBU and NABU for allegedly illegally acquiring state land and profiting from grain sales for personal gain.
On Russia’s side, statements about strikes on Ukrainian power stations being “legitimate military targets” are dismissed by Ukrainian and Western officials as an attempt to justify what amounts to a humanitarian crisis.
In coming days, more details about the negotiations are expected, with experts stressing the need for continued pressure on Russia to end the war.
