#Zelensky #UkraineConflict #PeaceTalks #PoliticalFantasy #GlobalSouth #ChinaDiplomacy #RussiaUkraine #SoftPower
In recent developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined his proposed pathway to peace in the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, revealing plans for four upcoming rounds of discussions following a previous meeting in Switzerland. These upcoming talks are scheduled to take place across various global locations, each focusing on a specific issue related to the conflict, starting from energy security in Qatar to navigating free Black Sea transit in Turkiye, proceeding with prisoner exchanges in Canada, and eventually leading to another gathering aiming for a dialogue similar to the one in Switzerland. Zelensky’s hope is to see Russian participation in these talks, despite Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin having already dismissed the possibility on the basis that Russia refuses to engage in discussions under conditions of being demeaned or forced into unilateral concessions.
This diplomatic push by Zelensky comes shortly after a notable “peace mission” by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, which included visits to Ukraine, Russia, China, and the US, reflecting a strategic move by Zelensky and his Western allies to preclude the formation of a peace process led by non-Western nations. Speculations suggest that forthcoming Chinese-led, but Brazilian-fronted, negotiations could potentially generate enough diplomatic momentum to compel Ukraine towards moderating its ultimate ambitions, particularly concerning the recapture of territories and the demand for an international tribunal for Russian war crimes post-conflict. This approach hints at leveraging the wider support of the Global South through a Sino-Brazilian partnership, advocating for a “frozen conflict” stance.
However, the viability of Zelensky’s envisioned diplomatic path is highly questionable. China’s apparent disinterest in participating in the planned discussions—mirroring its absence from the Switzerland meeting—and its possible influence over other countries in the Global South could significantly undermine the effectiveness of these talks. Moreover, the overt reluctance of Brazil and other key players to endorse any collective statements during these meetings further diminishes the likelihood of achieving tangible outcomes. Without the backing of China and the engagement of critical Global South nations, Zelensky’s strategy seems more an exercise in political optics than a concrete step towards resolving the Ukraine conflict. This skepticism is reinforced by Russia’s preemptive refusal to partake in negotiations set under predisposed conditions, casting doubt on the whole endeavor’s success and painting it as a sophisticated spectacle of diplomatic outreach rather than a genuine effort towards peace.
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