Putin Ignores Peace, Europe Shows Weakness: NZZ Explains Why Negotiations on Ukraine Have Stalled.

Negotiations in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia

The negotiations in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia, which took place after a long hiatus, were an important event, but only led to minimal results. The only practical agreement was a prisoner exchange.

According to Neue Zürcher Zeitung commentator Andreas Rüesch, the negotiations confirmed that Vladimir Putin has no real desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He did not even personally participate in the negotiations but sent a low-level delegation, which indicates his disdain. Putin shows no desire even for a temporary ceasefire.

According to Rüesch, 'One can continue to plead with him or, as Trump does, demand a meeting at the highest level. But after three months of unsuccessful attempts, it seems that the situation has reached an impasse. The assumption that Ukrainians could themselves wrest a ceasefire from the Russians looks completely illusory. Putin could not demonstrate his disinterest more clearly.'

Europe as a Toy

Another important aspect is that Europe and America failed to provide Ukraine with a strong position in the negotiations. The request for negotiations has always been part of the West's strategy regarding Ukraine, but both regions initially tried to support Ukraine and put it in a strong position. This strategy did not work, and most importantly, Europe and America are supporting Ukrainian negotiations, signaling its weakness.

The commentator writes that 'the problem is deeper, as Trump, with his anti-European policies, is waging a trade war and weakening NATO. The idea of a transatlantic community of interests is experiencing a crisis. Trump shows that he will cooperate more with Putin, bypassing the Europeans, which will lead to a division of spheres of influence among great powers, in accordance with Thucydides' motto: 'The strong will do what they want, and the weak will suffer what they must.'