Russia signals willingness to improve ties— if Trump makes first move
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia is open to negotiations regarding their “special military operation” in Ukraine, but emphasized that the U.S. must initiate the dialogue. This development brings fresh momentum to the possibility of peace talks as the conflict in Ukraine approaches its third year.
Retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s pick for Ukraine envoy, believes that both Russia and Ukraine are ready to negotiate an end to the war. With heavy casualties on both sides and significant damage to infrastructure, there is a sense of exhaustion that may prompt a resolution to the conflict.
Russia has suffered significant losses in terms of soldiers, with an average of 1,200 killed or injured per day. Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has also been severely damaged by Russian attacks, leading to widespread power outages.
In response to recent hostilities, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s Christmas Day bombardment of their power grid, calling it inhumane. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military has lost territory in Russia’s Kursk region, which could impact morale.
As Kellogg prepares for a trip to Ukraine in January, he believes that both countries are ready to end the war and sees President Trump as a potential mediator. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to holding peace talks in Slovakia, a suggestion made by the country’s prime minister.
It remains to be seen if Ukraine will agree to Slovakia hosting the talks, given their stance on EU military aid. The potential for peace talks offers hope for a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, bringing an end to the suffering and devastation experienced by both countries.
