(VOVWORLD) - The prospect of a peaceful solution for the Russia-Ukraine conflict is dim, given recent developments, dominated by military operations. The West’s tough rhetoric and heavy military equipment transfer to Ukraine could prolong the conflict.
 Ukrainian soldiers fire a Pion a Pion artillery system near Bakhmut on December 16, 2022. (photo: AP) |
The Russia-Ukraine conflict will soon be one year old. But ending the conflict is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Dim prospect for negotiation
Since it launched its “special military operation” in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russia has repeatedly pledged it will carry on the operation until it achieves the goals set by President Vladimir Putin without giving in to any preconditions from Ukraine. With the goal of not letting Ukraine lose, the West has responded to Kiev's requests and provided it with weapons to continue the fight.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin last Saturday said negotiations with Ukraine will be resumed only when Ukraine removes its demands and responds to the actual situation. Vershinin accused Western countries of interfering and influencing Kiev's decisions.
Last November Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky set out conditions for negotiating with Russia, including restoring territorial integrity and compensating all losses. Ukraine said it will not reject talks with Russia if the talks are based on international law, including the United Nations Charter, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Last year Russia and Ukraine negotiated several times, but failed to reach any agreement. Recent developments show a dim prospect of ending the conflict this year. Last Sunday alone saw 424 shellings and 23 attacks by troops.
 A Russian convoy is destroyed in a battle in Kharkiv. (photo: AFP) |
All may lose if the conflict drags on
As hostilities continue and negotiations remain deadlocked, the US and Western countries continue to increase military aid to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Defense Contact Group of 40 countries and organizations met at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss the transfer of military equipment to Ukraine.
The UK said British weaponry and military vehicles could be manufactured in Ukraine. A number of British defense officials visited Kiev to study the opportunity to set up joint ventures to manufacture arms in Ukraine. At a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky in the UK on February 8, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak directed the British Ministry of Defense to assess the long-term possibility of sending fighter jets to Kiev. In January, 11 European countries, Estonia, the UK, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Spain pledged to send more weapons to Ukraine, including tanks, heavy artillery, ammunition, and troops carriers.
Russia has repeatedly warned that the influx of foreign weapons into Ukraine will only escalate tensions and cause more pain for Ukraine.
Analysts warn that no matter how the conflict ends, there will be losses for both Russia and Ukraine. The tough stance and conditions set by both countries make it more difficult to come to the negotiating table.