Russia, according to Putin, aims to secure a triumph over Ukraine, while Trump pursues a ceasefire.
Taking Stance: Russia's Insistence on Peace Terms in Ukraine
President Vladimir Putin maintained his conviction that Russia would reach its strategic objectives in Ukraine as he asserted the nation's unity in backing his war. Speaking at the May 9 Victory Day military parade, Putin emphasized, "Truth and justice are on our side. The entire country, society, and people support the participants in the Ukraine conflict, and that spirit of resilience we've always experienced brings us only victory."
Russia "will forever rely on our unity for military and peaceful affairs, achieving strategic goals, and resolving tasks in the name of Russia, its greatness, and prosperity," Putin declared to the troops assembled on Moscow's Red Square.
US President Donald Trump appealed for a 30-day ceasefire in Russia's conflict with Ukraine to commence negotiations for a permanent peace agreement. Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his readiness to abide by a 30-day truce, Putin has so far stayed firm on his invasion's demands before agreeing to a ceasefire.
"It's to be hoped that a respectful ceasefire will be maintained," Trump said in a social media post. "If the ceasefire is not observed, the US and its partners will enforce additional sanctions." In his speech, Putin made no mention of Trump's ceasefire call, although he announced a temporary truce from May 8-10 for the 80th anniversary commemorations. Ukraine declined to pledge to this pause, expressing concerns about the safety of international dignitaries attending the Moscow parade.
Among the leaders gracing the parade were Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, and several other heads of state from countries like Venezuela, Cuba, Vietnam, and numerous former Soviet republics.
Chinese troops joined Russian soldiers on Red Square during the ceremony, indicating the "no limits" friendship between the two leaders declared before Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Armed forces from thirteen countries participated in the parade according to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov.
The Soviet Union's victory, after sacrificing 27 million lives during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), is a shared memory for families across the former Communist bloc, including Ukraine and Russia. The Kremlin has been capitalizing on this common history to drum up support for Putin's war in Ukraine by maliciously portraying the Ukrainian government as led by "fascists" and labeling Russian soldiers as successors of those who fought the Nazis.
Apparently disregarding Russia's role in igniting Europe's worst conflict since World War II by invading Ukraine and occupying parts of its territory.
In the Shadows: Behind the Scenes Negotiations
The White House has expressed growing disappointment with the lack of significant progress in talks leading to a peace agreement, following Trump's unsuccessful attempts to end the war within the first 100 days of his presidency. While top US officials have previously threatened to abandon negotiations unless a resolution is reached soon, Trump stated on Thursday, "I remain dedicated to achieving Peace between Russia and Ukraine, collaborating with the Europeans."
Russia's primary demands in negotiating a settlement with Ukraine include:
- Non-NATO Status: The relinquishment of Ukraine's aspiration for NATO membership and the guarantee of a neutral, non-allied status.
- Recognition of Annexed Territories: International recognition of Russian control over Crimea, Sevastopol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
- Demilitarization and Denazification: The enforcement of "demilitarization and denazification" processes within Ukraine to address perceived neo-Nazi influences.
- Lifting Sanctions: The removal of all sanctions imposed on Russia and the return of frozen Russian assets.
- Protection of Russian Interests: Ensuring the rights and protections of Russian speakers in Ukraine.
The US has submitted a proposal to freeze the conflict along its current frontlines, thereby granting Russia de facto control over the territories it occupies. The Trump administration has also expressed willingness to acknowledge Crimea as Russian territory and has accepted Russian demands for Ukraine to abandon its goal of NATO membership.
A meeting between Putin and Trump is upon us, according to Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin foreign policy advisor, though a confrontation in Saudi Arabia during Trump's upcoming Middle East trip is unlikely. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was the lone European Union leader to attend the military parade, considering Baltic states denied his government plane overflight permission to reach Moscow.
The friendship between China and Russia, dubbed as "no limits," has been demonstrated through Chinese participation in the Red Square parade, reinforcing their mutual camaraderie. In February 2022, the invasion of Ukraine marked the beginning of this bond.
- Hopefully, the proposed 30-day ceasefire in Russia's conflict with Ukraine, initiated by US President Donald Trump, will be respected by both parties to enable negotiations for a permanent peace agreement.
- Among the demands Russia has presented in negotiations for a settlement with Ukraine are limits on Ukraine's aspiration for NATO membership, recognition of annexed territories, demilitarization and denazification, the removal of sanctions, and the protection of Russian interests.
- The camaraderie between China and Russia, often referred to as "no limits," was evident in the Chinese troops joining Russian soldiers during the military parade on Moscow's Red Square, indicating the strong friendship between their leaders.
- Amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Europe, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the general news landscape has been dominated by political discussions revolving around ceasefires, peace terms, and international negotiations.
