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 a strong desire to bring an end to the ongoing war with Russia by the following year, emphasizing the importance of achieving this through “diplomatic means.” This announcement comes as both nations brace themselves for the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, a development that could dramatically influence the current geopolitical landscape.
February 2025 will mark three years since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. In recent months, Russia’s military has reportedly made significant gains against Ukrainian forces, which remain outmanned and outgunned in the ongoing conflict.
With Trump potentially regaining power in the United States next year, there are rising tensions and uncertainties regarding the future of the conflict. Notably, the Republican president-elect has previously critiqued ongoing U.S. military support to Ukraine, leading to speculation on policy changes.
Meanwhile, North Korea, identified as a crucial ally of the Kremlin, has dispatched thousands of its troops to assist Russian forces in countering a Ukrainian offensive in the strategically important Kursk region near the border, as reported by Western intelligence officials.
Zelensky’s comments come shortly after he indicated that the war’s conclusion could occur “sooner” than initially anticipated should Trump return to the presidency. He stressed the urgency of addressing the conflict and the need for meaningful negotiations to ensure peace.
A day prior, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in his first substantive phone conversation with a major Western leader in nearly two years, speaking with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz initiated the call despite objections from Kyiv, and afterward, Zelensky reaffirmed the necessity for diplomatic resolutions.
“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 stated during an interview with Ukrainian radio, highlighting his commitment to resolving the conflict diplomatically. “And this, I think, is very important.”
Despite the lack of meaningful discussions between the conflicting sides, the prospect of Trump’s re-election has shrouded the future of the protracted war in uncertainty, as he has continuously announced intentions to strike a rapid agreement to bring an end to the hostilities.
“We have to understand what the Russians want,” Zelensky articulated, emphasizing the necessity of comprehending the opposing side’s demands.
Putin has firmly stated that he would only engage in dialogue with Ukraine provided that Kyiv concedes territory currently occupied by Russian forces. This condition was reiterated during his conversation with Scholz on Friday, which the Kremlin acknowledged.
Zelensky, however, has outright rejected Putin’s demands regarding territorial concessions. The complexity of these negotiations further complicates any potential pathway to peace.
North Korean involvement
North Korea’s decision to send troops into Ukraine highlights the widening ramifications of Russia’s invasion beyond Europe, with global security stakes escalating significantly. This extensive military collaboration between the two historically aligned nations further solidifies their alliance.
Reports from the West have indicated that thousands of North Korean soldiers are actively participating in operations supporting Moscow’s military efforts, particularly in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have made gains since early August.
This move follows a notable strengthening of military ties between Russia and North Korea, which culminated in the ratification of a landmark defense pact earlier this week. South Korea has vehemently condemned its neighbor’s involvement, fearing escalated tensions in the region.
Japan’s foreign minister, participating in a visit to Ukraine on Saturday, expressed similar concerns, stating, “This will not only deepen the severity of the Ukraine situation but also have extremely significant implications for East Asia’s security situation,” and pledging continued support for Ukraine.
During his diplomatic visit, Iwaya traveled to Bucha, a town outside of Kyiv notorious for its devastating history of atrocities committed by Russian forces against civilians during the early phases of the conflict. Following Russia’s withdrawal after a month-long siege, dozens of civilian bodies were discovered within the town, some showing signs of execution-style killings.
G7 by Ukraine’s ‘side’
The Ukrainian government expressed anger following Chancellor Scholz’s outreach to Putin on Friday. The German government announced that Scholz condemned Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine and called for the withdrawal of Russian troops.
Scholz’s statement also urged Russia to exhibit a willingness to negotiate with Ukraine aimed at establishing a just and lasting peace. However, Ukraine characterized this dialogue as an “attempt at appeasement,” arguing that it would ultimately serve to lessen Putin’s international isolation.
The Chancellor faced backlash domestically as well, including criticisms from the conservative opposition party which accused him of granting Putin a “propaganda win” through this communication.
Prior to contacting Putin, Scholz conveyed that he had discussed the situation with Zelensky and kept other Western allies informed of his diplomatic efforts. Subsequently, on Saturday, the G7 nations reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine, declaring that Russia remains the principal impediment to achieving peace.
“We will remain united by Ukraine’s side,” the Group of Seven industrialized nations affirmed in a statement that coincided with the 1,000-day mark of the invasion. Despite claims of steady advances by Russian troops in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky noted a report of heavy losses inflicted on Russian forces and an eventual slowing of their advances in certain regions.
In a broader context, Zelensky remarked on the profound implications of the war, asserting that Ukraine is “at war with a state that does not value its people, that has a lot of equipment, that does not care how many people die,” underscoring the cruel nature of the ongoing conflict.
What does Dr. Petrova believe are the key factors influencing the potential resolution of the Ukraine-Russia war?
**Interview with Dr. Anna Petrova, Geopolitical Analyst, on the Ukraine-Russia War and the Potential Impact of Donald Trump’s Return to Power**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petrova. With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing a strong desire to end the war with Russia through diplomatic means, what do you think the chances are for a resolution in the near future?
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me. President Zelensky’s commitment to pursuing diplomatic channels is crucial, especially as February 2025 marks three years since Russia’s invasion. However, the complexities of the situation, especially Russia’s demands for territorial concessions, complicate meaningful negotiations. For peace to be achieved, both sides need to enter discussions with a genuine commitment to compromise.
**Interviewer:** With the potential for Donald Trump’s return to the White House, how do you think U.S.-Ukraine relations might change?
**Dr. Petrova:** Trump’s past criticisms of U.S. military support for Ukraine have indeed raised concerns. If he is re-elected, we could see a significant shift in American foreign policy, which might diminish the support Ukraine has relied on. This unpredictability adds a layer of complexity to an already strained situation.
**Interviewer:** North Korea’s involvement by sending troops to assist Russian forces has raised eyebrows globally. What impact does this have on geopolitics?
**Dr. Petrova:** North Korea’s military support to Russia signals a deepening alliance between the two nations, which can escalate tensions not only in Europe but also across East Asia. The historical relationships suggest potential shifts in regional power dynamics, increasing security risks and concerns for countries like South Korea and Japan, as we’ve seen in their responses.
**Interviewer:** Zelensky has indicated that understanding Russian demands is key to negotiations. From your perspective, what do you think Russia is truly after?
**Dr. Petrova:** Russia’s insistence on territorial concessions indicates a broader strategy to legitimize its annexation of parts of Ukraine. They are likely seeking recognition of these gains, which is fundamentally at odds with Ukraine’s sovereignty. This impasse highlights how critical understanding each other’s strategic goals is for any progress in negotiations.
**Interviewer:** In light of these developments, what do you see as the next steps for Ukraine and its allies moving forward?
**Dr. Petrova:** Firstly, Ukraine needs continued international support, both military and diplomatic, to bolster its negotiating position. Secondly, active engagement from Western powers in facilitating dialogue could prove essential. The international community must remain united in its stance against aggression and provide Ukraine with the necessary tools to defend itself while navigating the complex negotiations ahead.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insights into this multifaceted conflict.
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for Ukraine, and continued global attention is vital.