The Russian-Ukraine War has lasted for 1,291 days. The stalemate on the battlefield and the political game are intertwined, making the future situation full of uncertainty. Recently, the two sides have once again sent complex and contradictory signals around possible peace negotiations and security arrangements. Ukraine hopes to build a lasting security barrier through international cooperation, while Russia continues to emphasize the need to take into account its own security and warns of Western military intervention.
Ukrainian media reported that Kiev is forming a multinational combat command to prevent new attacks from occurring even after a peace agreement. The headquarters was led by a British major general, and coordination among multiple countries was carried out in Paris and London. This means that Ukraine is trying to bind future security to a broader international architecture. President Zelensky also publicly stated that 26 countries have prepared to take action to ensure Ukraine's security and called for continued pressure on Russia. He knew that if Ukraine did not have tangible external support, it would be difficult to withstand possible risks by relying on its own strength alone.
In contrast to this, Russian President Putin's statement at the Eastern Economic Forum. He proposed in public that he was willing to meet Zelensky, and even said, "If someone really wants to meet us next time, we are willing. The best place is Moscow, the capital of the Russian Federation and the heroic city." Putin promised to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian representatives, "100% guarantee." But he also emphasized that such a meeting is of limited significance and "it is almost impossible to reach an agreement with Ukraine on key issues", and bluntly stated that Ukraine hopes that the meeting will be held at other locations is a "completely excessive requirement." In his opinion, if Ukraine's security issue is not considered, it will not be truly resolved.
Zelensky responded quickly. In the interview, he bluntly stated that he could not go to Moscow while the country was still bombed. "I can't go to Moscow... When my country is hit by missiles every day. This is understandable, and he understands this." He said that Putin's proposal to meet in Moscow was just a procrastination tactic and invited Putin to meet in Kiev. Zelensky also criticized Putin for "playing tricks" with the United States in an attempt to gain more room for maneuver at the diplomatic level rather than promoting substantial peace.
It can be seen from these interactions that it is still difficult for both parties to get close to the most fundamental issues. Ukraine hopes to provide security commitments in the West and even promotes the establishment of a long-term multinational defense system; while Russia insists on stressing that if Western troops enter Ukraine, they will be regarded as a legal target of the Russian army. The opposition of this position is not only reflected in the disputes between negotiation locations, but also in a completely different understanding of the future security pattern.
Overall, the so-called peace negotiations are now more like a diplomatic temptation. Putin released goodwill, but with harsh conditions; Zelensky called for support, but firmly refused to give in. The gap between the political premises between the two sides is too large, making it difficult to produce substantial results even if the meeting is completed. The future direction still depends on the situation on the battlefield. If the conflict continues to fall into consumption, it may force both sides to consider compromise more seriously under real pressure.
But for the moment, the political environment between Russia and Ukraine does not have the mature conditions. Ukraine is trying to strengthen itself with external support, while Russia is constantly putting pressure on the security red line. Peace is still a distant and uncertain option.
