Russia’s war of aggression has thrown relations between the West and Russia back to Cold War levels and right now few seem to believe in a diplomatic solution to the war.
– Until you reach a certain point on the battlefield, there is no room for negotiations, says security expert Richard Fontaine.
Then there may be an opening for conversation
If Ukraine were to succeed in regaining enough territory and we get a situation similar to the one before the invasion on February 24, 2022, there could be an opening for talks, Fontaine believes.
– Even then, I doubt that there would be any acceptance on the part of Ukraine or that Russia would change its strategic goals. But then maybe talks can lead to a truce, he says.
Zelenskyi: Macron is wasting his time
French President Emmanuel Macron is one of those who advocated talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
– It is a pointless dialogue. Macron is wasting his time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week, according to reports Politico.
At the same time, it is important to keep a channel open to Russia, even if it has to be on Ukraine’s terms, says Peter Wallensteen, senior professor of peace and conflict studies at Uppsala University in SVT’s Foreign Office.
– I think you need it, because rightly so, there will come a time when there can be negotiations. But it must be Ukraine’s decision. The bottom line is: when diplomacy runs out, we’re headed for a cliff.
Hear security expert Richard Fontaine in the clip above and watch the whole thing The Foreign Office: All against all in SVT Play from 8 p.m.