No victory, no peace: Ukraine, Russia both lack clear route — NYT
Ukrainian soldiers (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine, like Russia, currently has no clear path either to a lasting peace or to a decisive victory for either side, while the United States, acting as a mediator in negotiations, is now focused on the war in Iran, reports The New York Times.
The outlet says Europe is increasingly preparing for a prolonged conflict, while prospects for a diplomatic settlement between Kyiv and Moscow are weakening.
US shifts focus
President Donald Trump and his negotiating team are currently more focused on the situation surrounding Iran. This diverts Washington's attention from actively advancing peace talks on the war in Ukraine.
At the same time, without an active US role and significant pressure on Russia, achieving any agreement appears unlikely.
War of attrition
The media notes that the situation has effectively reached a deadlock: Ukraine is forced to continue a war of attrition, largely relying on its own resources.
At the same time, neither side has a decisive advantage that would allow for a quick change in the course of the war.
No visible mediator
Analysts also note that there is currently no obvious mediator capable of effectively influencing both Kyiv and Moscow.
In addition, earlier expectations of a quick end to the war have not materialized. As expert James Sherr noted, more than a year after bold statements about a possible rapid settlement, the parties remain essentially in the same positions as at the start of negotiations.
Thus, according to Western analysts, Russia's war against Ukraine is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a prolonged confrontation with no clear prospect of a quick resolution.
Note that although peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have stalled, the sides carried out a prisoner swap on April 24. A total of 193 soldiers were returned home from captivity.
At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on April 23 that Russian claims of capturing significant territory do not reflect reality and explained the actual situation on the front.
According to him, the line of contact remains difficult and dynamic. Ukrainian forces repel hundreds of enemy attacks daily and hold their positions under constant pressure.
