What do the US, Russia and the European Union want in the Ukraine peace talks?

(CLO) The US, the European Union (EU) and other parties involved are all pushing for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. So what are the interests and desires of the parties?

A meeting between US and Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia earlier this week raised hopes for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine. Here’s a look at the stakes and challenges facing all parties involved.

US and Ukrainian delegations at talks in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service

Russia

President Vladimir Putin's adviser, Yuri Ushakov, stressed that any peaceful solution must "meet Russia's legitimate interests and concerns", rather than simply provide "respite" for the Ukrainian military.

Russia has repeatedly said that peace can only be achieved if Ukraine does not join the NATO military alliance. Russia has also repeatedly demanded that Ukraine hold elections as a condition for peace talks.

In addition, in recent statements, senior Russian officials have repeatedly emphasized their opposition to the presence of Western peacekeeping forces, especially NATO countries, in Ukraine. At the same time, Russia has also confirmed that it is unlikely to return the annexed territories in any peace negotiations. Russia also wants the West to lift economic sanctions.

America

President Donald Trump is trying to gain political leverage by positioning himself as a peacemaker. At the recent meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Charlevoix, Canada, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that a “perfect” joint statement from the G7 would show that the United States has made an important contribution to promoting peace.

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet at the White House. Photo: White House

If a peace deal is reached, Mr. Trump would easily cut aid to Ukraine, in line with his plan to reduce US participation in NATO and force European countries to increase defense spending instead of relying on American resources.

The United States is also interested in gaining access to Ukraine’s resources, including gas and key minerals. Despite the two sides arguing during talks at the White House on February 28, President Zelenskyy later said he was ready to sign the deal.

European Union (EU)

The war in Ukraine has prompted EU countries to increase defence spending amid fears of an escalation of the conflict. Finland and Sweden, which have remained neutral for decades, have formally joined NATO.

Since the war began in February 2022, most EU countries have supported and implemented sanctions against Russia. The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stressed that sanctions help create leverage to support Ukraine. The EU has now imposed its 16th round of sanctions against Moscow.

The EU granted Ukraine official candidate status in June 2022. (Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service)

To curb Russia's growing influence in Europe, the EU has granted Ukraine official candidate status in June 2022.

However, there are still some countries within the EU that are sympathetic or cooperative with Moscow, including Hungary and Slovakia. In addition, Serbia - a candidate country for the EU - also maintains close ties with Russia. In Romania, the far-right presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, who was supported by Russia, was disqualified by the country's Constitutional Court despite winning the first round.

Ukraine

Under pressure from the United States, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his readiness to make concessions. Previously, Kiev firmly stated "no negotiations with Putin" and aimed to "reclaim all territories occupied by Russia, including Crimea and eastern Ukraine."

However, after the White House row, Ukraine sees the resumption of US military aid and intelligence sharing as a victory. What matters most to Ukraine now in ceasefire and peace talks is security guarantees from the US and Europe after the fighting ends.

Ha Trang (according to DW, TASS, KYI)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/my-nga-va-lien-minh-chau-au-muon-gi-trong-dam-phan-hoa-binh-ukraine-post338577.html