Ukrainian President Volodymyr <a href="https://www.archyde.com/we-will-respond-decisively-if-russia-attacks-ukraine/" title="We will respond "decisively" if Russia attacks Ukraine“>Zelensky expressed on Saturday his desire to conclude the ongoing war with Russia by the next year utilizing “diplomatic means,” amidst the backdrop of mounting tensions as both nations brace for the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2024.
As February 2025 approaches, it will signify the three-year anniversary of Moscow’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has seen Russian forces gain significant ground in recent months, capitalizing on their numerical superiority over Ukrainian troops, who remain outmanned and outgunned.
The potential return of Trump to the U.S. presidency next year has raised profound concerns about the conflict’s trajectory, especially as the Republican president-elect has voiced his opposition to continued U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, advocating instead for a rapid resolution to the war.
In an alarming development, North Korea — a crucial ally of the Kremlin — has reportedly dispatched thousands of its soldiers to assist Russian forces in countering a persistent Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region, as indicated by Western officials.
Zelensky indicated that he anticipates the conflict may come to a closure “sooner” than predicted with Trump’s presidency, suggesting a shift in dynamics that may impact negotiations.
His remarks followed a significant conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, marking Putin’s first interaction with a major Western leader in nearly two years, initiated by Scholz despite objections from Kyiv.
“For our part, we must do everything we can to ensure that this war ends next year. We have to end it by diplomatic means,” Zelensky emphasized in a candid interview with Ukrainian radio, underlining the critical importance of swift diplomatic resolutions.
Despite the current lack of meaningful discussions between Russia and Ukraine, the prospect of Trump’s re-election has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the conflict, as he has consistently signaled a preference for expediting negotiations to cease hostilities.
“We have to understand what the Russians want,” Zelensky remarked, acknowledging the complexity of the diplomatic landscape ahead.
Putin has persistently demanded that Ukraine surrender the territories occupied by Moscow, a condition he reiterated in his recent phone call with Scholz, which drew fierce opposition from Zelensky.
North Korean involvement
In a startling turn of events, North Korean troops have been sent to bolster Russian forces in the most significant military engagement on European soil since World War II, indicating a deepening military alliance between the two historically connected nations.
Western officials have warned for weeks that thousands of North Korean soldiers have already been engaged in support of Moscow in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have made considerable inroads since early August.
This escalation comes on the heels of a historic military pact between Moscow and Pyongyang, signaling an alarming trend of increased military cooperation between the two former communist allies.
Officials in South Korea have vocally condemned North Korea’s involvement, with Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, during a diplomatic visit to Ukraine, expressing concerns that this development not only exacerbates the Ukrainian conflict but also poses significant risks to the security in East Asia.
With a firm pledge of further support, Iwaya underscored the far-reaching implications of North Korean military participation amidst the ongoing crisis.
Iwaya’s diplomatic visit included a stop in Bucha, a town near Kyiv notorious for atrocities committed during the early stages of the war, where horrific revelations emerged following the Russian military’s withdrawal.
Scholz’s outreach to Putin led to a backlash from Ukraine, which accused him of an “attempt at appeasement,” arguing that the call would hinder rather than help, minimizing Putin’s isolation on the global stage.
Berlin responded with statements clarifying that Scholz condemned Russia’s aggressive actions and urged for a withdrawal of forces, but the impact of his call drew criticism from both Ukrainian officials and within his coalition government.
On the other hand, the G7, comprising several of Kyiv’s most robust allies, firmly stated that Russia remains the primary obstacle to achieving a just peace in Ukraine, reaffirming their commitment to imposing sanctions against Moscow.
As the G7 leaders underscored their unity in support of Ukraine, they marked a solemn milestone of 1,000 days since the onset of the invasion.
Amidst continued Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, particularly nearing critical territories such as Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, Zelensky noted that despite heavy losses on the Russian side, the aggressor’s advance has shown signs of slowing in certain areas.
Emphasizing the grim realities of the conflict, Zelensky remarked on the challenges faced, describing Ukraine’s struggle against a regime that appears indifferent to human cost and casualty rates in pursuit of territorial gains, highlighting the complex and tragic nature of the ongoing war.
**Interview with Dr. Anna Petrova, International Relations Expert, on Ukraine’s Diplomatic Efforts Amid Rising Tensions**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Petrova. President Zelensky recently expressed his hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the war with Russia by next year. Given the complexities of the situation, how realistic do you think this goal is?
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me. Zelensky’s call for a diplomatic end to the conflict underscores the urgency of the situation. However, achieving this goal is highly contingent on several factors, including international dynamics, the internal politics of Russia, and indeed, the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. The challenges are immense, especially with Russia gaining ground and North Korea’s military involvement adding a new layer of complexity.
**Editor:** Speaking of North Korea, what impact do you think their involvement will have on the conflict and Ukraine’s negotiating power?
**Dr. Petrova:** North Korean troops joining Russian forces is a significant development that not only boosts Moscow’s military capacities but also changes the strategic calculations for Ukraine and its allies. This military support suggests a deepening of the military alliance between these two countries and could embolden Russia in its demands, complicating any diplomatic efforts by Ukraine. It may also prompt a stronger response from NATO and lead to a recalibration of foreign policy in East Asia, particularly concerning South Korea and Japan.
**Editor:** Given the recent conversation between Putin and Chancellor Scholz, what message does this send regarding the potential for meaningful negotiations?
**Dr. Petrova:** This conversation is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it indicates that Putin is still willing to engage with Western leaders, which could provide a channel for negotiations. However, the insistence on Ukraine’s territorial surrender as a precondition poses a significant hurdle. Zelensky’s apprehensions are well-founded—diplomacy in such a context is fraught with risk and the potential for misinterpretation of intentions.
**Editor:** How do you see Trump’s potential return to the White House affecting U.S. support for Ukraine?
**Dr. Petrova:** Trump’s approach to foreign policy has historically been characterized by a preference for rapid resolutions and limited military involvement. If he were to return, it could result in a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine, likely reducing military support and pushing for negotiations that may not align with Ukraine’s interests. This uncertainty complicates Ukraine’s position and could embolden Russia to pursue more aggressive strategies under the assumption that U.S. backing is waning.
**Editor:** What strategies do you think Ukraine can implement to best position itself in future diplomatic negotiations?
**Dr. Petrova:** Ukraine must focus on building a solid coalition with its allies, reinforcing its military capabilities while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic avenues. Establishing clear communication with Western leaders about its red lines and priorities is crucial. Additionally, Ukraine could benefit from engaging in multilateral discussions that involve not just traditional allies but also countries like China, which could play a balancer’s role in influencing Russia.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insights. As the conflict continues to evolve, it will be critical to monitor these developments closely.
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, the next few months will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of this conflict.
