US and Russia fail to reach consensus on ending the war in Ukraine | DW News

Key Concepts

• 28-point peace plan: A proposed framework for ending the war in Ukraine, initially criticized for aligning with Russian war goals, later revised at Ukraine's request.
• Donbas: A region in eastern Ukraine, a key territorial objective for Russia.
• NATO membership: Ukraine's aspiration to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which Russia views as a security threat.
• Full capitulation: Russia's perceived demand for Ukraine to completely surrender its sovereignty.
• Diplomatic platitudes: Vague, non-committal statements often used in diplomatic discourse.
• Economic cooperation: The potential for renewed trade and investment between the US and Russia, contingent on sanctions relief.
• Sanctions: Economic restrictions imposed on Russia by Western nations.
• Energy infrastructure attacks: Strikes targeting oil terminals, tankers, and other energy facilities, particularly relevant to Russia's economy.
• Shadow fleet: A fleet of tankers operating outside traditional maritime regulations, used by Russia to circumvent sanctions and transport oil.
• Power plays: Deliberate actions or tactics used to assert dominance or influence in negotiations.
• Trauma patients: Individuals suffering severe injuries, often requiring specialized medical care.
• Bone reconstruction: Surgical procedures to repair or rebuild damaged bone, often involving external fixation devices.
• Charitable initiative/foundation: Organizations established to provide aid and support, often in response to humanitarian crises.

US-Russia Peace Talks: Standoff and Divergent Goals

The Kremlin announced that no compromises were reached in recent talks with a US delegation, led by special envoy Steve Whit and Jared Kushner, aimed at de-escalating the war in Ukraine. The US delegation presented a revised version of a 28-point peace plan, which Ukraine had requested revisions for and tentatively backed, after the original draft was criticized for being too aligned with Russia's war goals.

Ahead of the meeting, Russian leader Vladimir Putin rejected what he termed "European demands" and issued a stark warning to European leaders, stating Russia was "ready for war if that's what they wanted." He accused the proposed changes to the peace plan of being designed "to completely block the entire peace process by putting forward demands that are absolutely unacceptable to Russia," with the ultimate goal of blaming Russia for the collapse of peace efforts.

Moscow's Perspective: No Concessions, Strategic Goals Yuri Rashetto, former Moscow bureau chief, interpreted Moscow's cautious initial statements as a sign of dissatisfaction with the US proposals and Ukraine's tweaks. He suggested that Moscow was, in fact, "pleased with how the talks went because they walked in with maximum demands and five hours later didn't budged an inch." Putin's adviser, Yurio Shakov, described the five-hour conversation as "very useful, constructive, and highly substantive," allowing for thorough discussion of "prospects for further joint efforts aimed at achieving a long-term peaceful solution of the Ukrainian crisis." Rashetto dismissed these as "diplomatic platitudes," asserting that for Russia, the talks were not primarily about a ceasefire but about securing two key objectives: getting Donbas and making sure Ukraine never joins NATO.

Kyiv's Perspective: Expectation of Russian Intransigence From Kyiv, DW's Nick Connelly reported that Ukrainian analysts viewed the meeting as further confirmation that "Russia is not going to budge" and "will only accept full capitulation from Ukraine." They believe any deal maintaining Ukraine's effective sovereignty is unacceptable to Russia. Connelly noted a disconnect, with the "outside world" (Europe, White House) appearing more optimistic about the talks than either Ukraine or Russia. While Ukrainian President Zelensky might publicly discuss diplomatic efforts, this is seen as a necessary engagement, with the underlying substance indicating both sides are far from a resolution.

Economic Dimensions and Putin's Power Plays

The talks involved not just politicians but also businessmen, including Jared Kushner, Steve Whitkov, and Putin's negotiator. Yuri Rashetto highlighted that for Russia, ending the war presents an opportunity to restart economic cooperation with the US, which would necessitate the easing or scrapping of sanctions. He mentioned reports of American companies planning to work with Russian energy giants in regions like the Arctic post-war. Interestingly, Ukraine is pursuing similar economic strategies, negotiating major deals with the US, a concept initially proposed by Trump involving US companies developing Ukraine's natural resources as a form of security guarantee. Russia, conversely, aims to leverage its own resources to draw the US closer. Rashetto concluded that while not dominant, "war was part of the talks, too."

Putin's Diplomatic Tactics and Warnings Putin's pre-meeting warning to European leaders about Russia being "ready for war" was interpreted by Rashetto as a classic "power play" to "show who is boss." This was exemplified by Putin keeping Kushner and Witkov waiting for three hours, a common tactic, during which the Americans were given a tour of Moscow. The subsequent five-hour meeting was likely "more like a history lecture from Putin to a New York real estin." The context for Putin's aggressive stance was the growing attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure, including oil terminals and overseas tankers on the Black Sea, with another Russian tanker reportedly hit recently. These strikes are seen as damaging Russia's energy sector and ultimately targeting Putin's finances.

Ukraine's Strategy: Continued Resistance and Economic Warfare

Nick Connelly outlined Ukraine's post-meeting options, emphasizing the need to continue engaging with Trump's diplomatic efforts, despite low optimism. Ukraine has observed a pattern where Trump introduces a "Russian plan," attempts to pressure Ukraine, and then Europeans help revise it. Consequently, Ukraine plans to "carry on fighting on land and... at sea."

Connelly highlighted the effectiveness of recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil tanks and the "shadow fleet," which is a primary source of cash for Putin's regime. These actions are a direct response to Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, such as the recent strike on a Turkish ship importing liquefied gas on the Danube. Ukraine's strategy is to inflict similar damage on Russia, aiming to "make sure that you run out of money in the hope that eventually that leads to Russia being more imbeable some kind of deal running out of resources to carry on the the invasion here on land." These attacks on Russian shipping are seen by Ukraine as "really work[ing]."

Humanitarian Impact: The Dedication of Ukrainian Surgeons

As Russia's full-scale invasion approaches its fourth anniversary, both sides are enduring heavy losses. The video featured a Ukrainian couple, Oxana and Stannislav, both surgeons, who are volunteering their skills to treat the war wounded. For four years, their lives have revolved around treating trauma patients, conducting consultations, and performing operations to help Ukrainian soldiers return to service.

Specific Medical Procedures and Resource Challenges Stannislav specializes in large bone injuries. He described a case where a man was missing a piece of bone; they rebuilt the bone, inserted a device, and are now "lowering the bone millimeter by millimeter every day until it connects with the native bone," a process that encourages new bone growth. Resources are scarce, forcing the doctors to seek supplies from private and international foundations when state provisions are insufficient. They also provide free consultations to wounded soldiers at their private clinic. A notable statistic mentioned is that "traditionally, 85% of the wounded return to service after their injuries," underscoring their critical role in "keeping personnel combat ready" and "strengthening our country."

Personal Sacrifice and Resilience The couple's commitment is deeply personal. After fleeing Bucha for Kyiv in February 2022, Oxana's parents attempted to leave occupied Bucha the following month. Their car was shot at by Russian soldiers, resulting in Oxana's mother's death and her father's severe wounding. Her father's harrowing escape involved hiding in a shed, navigating through gardens to avoid gunfire, and walking through checkpoints. In Kyiv, Oxana herself operated on her father, who had a shot-through right arm and a head injury, stating, "his life depended on me, on you for a very long time." In honor of her mother, Oxana founded a charitable initiative and later a foundation that aids displaced persons and military personnel. The couple remains steadfast, vowing to continue their work as long as their help is needed.

Conclusion

The recent US-Russia talks underscore a deep chasm between the parties, with the Kremlin reporting no compromises and Putin asserting Russia's readiness for continued conflict. While the US presented a revised peace plan, both Moscow and Kyiv remain highly skeptical of a diplomatic breakthrough, with Russia focused on territorial gains and preventing Ukraine's NATO integration, and Ukraine viewing the talks as a necessary but ultimately unpromising engagement. Economic interests, sanctions, and strategic attacks on energy infrastructure are intertwined with the military conflict. In response to Russian aggression, Ukraine is intensifying its economic warfare through naval attacks, aiming to deplete Russia's financial resources. Amidst this geopolitical deadlock, the profound human cost of the war is highlighted by the unwavering dedication of Ukrainian medical professionals like Oxana and Stannislav, who exemplify resilience and sacrifice in treating the wounded and supporting their nation.