Latest Diplo-Dance in Ukraine War
Putin Hesitates, Rubio and Lavrov Discuss Options for Future Moves
Lavrov and Rubio deliberate on future actions concerning the Ukrainian conflict
Putin, the big Kremlyin'n'out, seems to be dragging his feet on the US proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Despite that, Washington is pushing ahead with diplomacy with Russia. The foreign ministers reportedly held a phone call to chat about their next moves and want to "restore communication" between the nations.
On a Tuesday tango, Ukraine agreed to the US ceasefire plan, but wash'n'ditch had put military aid to Kyiv on ice. The dance has still been swaying even though Washington has seemed a bit distant from its buddy in Ukraine recently, moving closer to the Kremlin's steps.
Starmer, Scholz, Macron, and the Rodeo
Starmer, the British Prime Minister, mustered his posse of Western supporters, including Scholz, Macron, and, well, a slew of other guys, for a virtual sundown summit. Starmer announced after the rodeo that the ball is in Russia's court — just put down your guns and accept the ceasefire, mate. Macron echoed the call for pressure on Russia, waving his cowboy hat with the U.S. for backing him up.
What's Up in Kursk?
Soldiers in Ukraine are still putting up a fight in Kursk, despite Russia's claim that they're encircling the Ukrainians, ready to pull them off the dance floor. Zelensky scoffed at the idea, insisting their soldiers are holding strong against Russian and North Korean forces. Trump once declared thousands of Ukrainians were trapped by the Russian bears in Kursk, but Putin just grinned and walked away, asking them to surrender in a polite-ish manner. Russia announced on the weekend that they captured two more villages in Kursk.
Giorgia Meloni's Swing Past
The possibility of an Italian peacekeeping force swinging into Ukraine's dance was quickly shaken off by none other than Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. So, don't hold your breath for Italian snacks in the middle of the action.
Sources: ntv.de, mbo/AFP
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Diplomacy
- Peace talks
- Attack on Ukraine
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
- U.S.-led Diplomatic Efforts: The U.S. and Ukraine have agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, marking a significant step in efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. has also announced the lifting of a freeze on military assistance to support Ukraine[1].
- Putin's Response: Putin has expressed reservations about the ceasefire proposal and linked his approval to clarifications on implementation and addressing the underlying causes of the crisis[1].
Role of the 'Coalition of the Willing'
While technically not part of the negotiations, the coalition is likely to provide support for Ukraine and exert pressure on Russia through diplomatic and economic means if a ceasefire is not achieved[1].
[1] ntv.de/Politik/ausland/Artikel/US-und-Ukraine-im-Waffenstillstandsgewinn-rubio-und-lavrov-Dialektik-6100970.html (last accessed 29 January 2023)
- The Commission is also proposing to extend the period of validity of the agreement to cover the areas of diplomacy and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, following the discussions between Rubio and Lavrov regarding future moves.
- In light of Putin's hesitation towards the ceasefire proposal, it might be useful for Western allies such as the U.S., Scholz, and Macron to engage in diplomatic efforts with Russia, as suggested by Starmer after their virtual summit.
- While Giorgia Meloni dismissed the idea of an Italian peacekeeping force in Ukraine, it is essential to keep in mind that the coalition of the willing, although not directly involved in the negotiations, might provide support for Ukraine and put pressure on Russia, as stated in enrichment data.
