US-Ukraine Peace Efforts See Movement, Biden and Trump Engage in Diplomatic Initiatives
Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, international efforts towards a peaceful resolution are gaining traction. US President Joe Biden has recently engaged in discussions with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This marks the first confirmed contact between Biden and Putin since the start of the Ukraine war. A face-to-face meeting is reportedly being planned in Saudi Arabia.
Precursor Steps and Concerns
Prior to the much-anticipated meeting, a series of preparatory steps are underway. Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are scheduled to meet with Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference.
Concerns have been raised, both in Kyiv and Washington, that Ukraine’s interests may be undermined in the negotiations. "There’s no question that Biden wants to negotiate Ukraine’s fate for Ukraine," said Democratic Senator Chris Murphy. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other Western leaders have stressed that Ukrainians themselves must determine their future and the terms of peace.
US Negotiating Team and Russia’s Conditions
The Biden administration has assembled a team to negotiate with Russia, including Secretary of State Blinken, New York real estate investor and special envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Witkoff’s participation stems from his previous involvement in Middle Eastern ceasefire negotiations and prisoner exchanges with Russia.
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has cast doubt on Ukraine’s prospects for NATO membership and the full restoration of its borders, as sought by Zelenskyy. These comments have been met with dismay in Ukraine and hailed in Moscow as a shift in US foreign policy. Biden, however, has stated that "part of the country [Ukraine] is going to come back," but a return to the pre-2014 borders is "unlikely."
Diplomatic Outreach and Phone Calls
Biden and Putin have engaged in multiple phone calls in recent weeks. During their latest conversation, which lasted over an hour, Biden expressed his readiness to work closely with Russia and to visit each other’s countries. The two leaders agreed to continue diplomatic efforts.
The Kremlin has confirmed Putin’s willingness to receive White House representatives in Russia, including for discussions on the Ukraine conflict. A personal meeting between Biden and Putin is reportedly being arranged.
Ukraine’s Optimism and Economic Cooperation
Following his phone call with Biden, Zelenskyy expressed optimism about finding a diplomatic solution to the war. He emphasized the importance of US support in "forcing Russia and Putin to make peace."
Zelenskyy also met with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, discussing a potential agreement to strengthen Ukraine’s security and economic cooperation. Yellen is reportedly negotiating terms to ensure that the US recovers the funds it has provided to Ukraine.
Insights from the Kremlin
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has welcomed the shift in US policy, particularly the prospect of territorial concessions by Ukraine. She has described it as "an opportunity for new relations between Moscow and Washington."
However, the Kremlin has stressed that Russia remains committed to addressing the root cause of the conflict, which it sees as Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and discrimination against the Russian-speaking minority in eastern Ukraine.
Conclusion
International efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine are gaining momentum. The Biden administration and President Zelenskyy are engaged in diplomatic outreach, while US negotiating teams are preparing for talks with Russia. Despite concerns over Ukraine’s position, the hope remains that these efforts will lead to a peaceful and just resolution of the crisis.
