Russia is willing to work with President-elect Donald Trump to improve relations with Ukraine, but only if the U.S. makes the first move, according to Kremlin officials. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia could be ready to negotiate regarding its military operation in Ukraine if the U.S. showed a serious willingness to engage in dialogue. Trump’s pick for Ukraine envoy, retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg, also expressed that both Russia and Ukraine appear willing to negotiate an end to the war due to heavy casualties, damage to infrastructure, and a sense of exhaustion after over a thousand days of conflict.
The war in Ukraine has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Russia reportedly losing tens of thousands of soldiers and Ukrainian energy infrastructure suffering extensive damage. The conflict has led to an average of 1,200 soldiers being killed or injured per day, according to U.S. estimates. Russia’s recent Christmas Day bombardment against Ukraine’s power grid further escalated tensions, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemning the attack as inhuman. Ukraine has also experienced losses in terms of territory, which could weaken morale and contribute to a desire for peace talks.
Kellogg is set to travel to Ukraine in January for an information-gathering trip, indicating a potential step towards negotiations. He compared the situation between Russia and Ukraine to a cage fight where both parties are ready to tap out, suggesting that a referee, represented by incoming President Trump, could help facilitate a resolution. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to peace talks in Slovakia, following an offer from the country’s prime minister. However, it remains uncertain whether Ukraine would agree to hold talks in Slovakia, as the country’s leadership has been opposed to sending more military aid to Ukraine.
Overall, the possibility of peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. appears to be gaining momentum, with all parties expressing varying degrees of willingness to negotiate an end to the conflict. Russia has indicated a readiness to engage in discussions if the U.S. takes the first step, while Ukraine has faced significant losses in terms of casualties and territorial control. The involvement of President-elect Trump could potentially act as a mediator in the negotiations, facilitating a resolution to the protracted war in Ukraine. The offer of Slovakia to host peace talks adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as it remains to be seen whether Ukraine would agree to the location given political considerations.
