Ukraine: what can new talks achieve?
The Russian government has proposed resuming negotiations on a ceasefire in Istanbul on Monday and said it will set out its terms in a memorandum. Meanwhile, at a meeting in Berlin on Wednesday German Chancellor Friedrich Merz assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Germany would provide five billion euros in military aid.
Low expectations
La Stampa comments:
“Russia is proposing a new bilateral meeting with Ukraine in Istanbul, which Kyiv will have to accept. Refusing it would be a mistake - even if Kyiv doesn't believe it will lead anywhere - because nothing on the Moscow side points to an offer of a ceasefire, which would be a priority for Kyiv because negotiating is easier without shots (or missiles and drones) flying overhead. But Ukraine cannot afford to appear to be opposing negotiations, whatever form they might take. Russia's real game is to divide: Kyiv from Washington, the US from Europe, and the Europeans among themselves.”
Moscow playing for time
Writing in 24tv.ua, columnist Vitaly Portnykov sees the likelihood of a standstill:
“Despite the harsh rhetoric against Putin of recent days, Trump is giving the Russian leader the chance to continue stalling, and Putin will gladly seize this opportunity. ... It can be assumed that these negotiations will take place in the same atmosphere as the previous ones: Russia will set conditions that the Ukrainian side probably won't like, and Ukraine will try to at least secure its participation in the talks to avoid incurring the wrath of the US president.”
The war will rage on
The measures announced in Berlin are not conducive to a ceasefire, criticises Der Freitag:
“Kyiv will receive another five billion euros in military aid to keep its army remain combat-ready in the event that Moscow doesn't agree to an unconditional ceasefire. And that is unlikely to happen any time soon, as all involved are well aware. ... Zelensky's visit to Berlin has made abundantly clear that the Merz government wants to do its bit to ensure that the military confrontation can continue, and that Ukraine is able for the task. This effectively rules out the solution options tabled by Russia and the US.”
Russia unnerved
Berlin's ambiguous stance is having a distinctly positive impact, Postimees puts in:
“Germany clearly has no intention of handing over Taurus missiles to Ukraine. However, the German chancellor's announcement that he intends to provide Ukraine with longer-range weapons without restrictions has provoked a very emotional response in the Russian media and social networks. All in all, this minor hype caused by Germany is helping to undermine Russia's unrealistic demands for an end to the war and counteracting its media operations.”
Focus on a diplomatic outcome
Military logic no longer offers a solution, Dnevnik states:
“Deep mistrust between the parties, differing interpretations and conflicting strategic interests are huge obstacles. But this is precisely why diplomatic efforts must be intensified rather than abandoned. International organisations, influential states and neutral actors must play a more active role in opening dialogue, seeking innovative peace proposals and building bridges, even when all roads seem blocked. ... A continuation of the status quo will only mean further destruction and suffering. It's time for the international community to support the need for peace with the same resolve it shows regarding the right to self-defence.”