Description: Ukraine’s Head of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, has reportedly delivered a proposal to its Russian counterpart for renewing the peace talks. The development arrived as Russia continued its aerial attacks on more than 10 cities and regions across eastern Ukraine, launching more than 340 drones and up to 35 cruise and ballistic missiles. Last week, US President Donald Trump, lifted the restrictions regarding weapons deliveries to Ukraine and promised to impose additional sanctions on Russia if the country does not agree to the renewal of the peace initiative. Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, has stated that Russia was prepared to engage in peace negotiations, however, accomplishing its military goals remained a priority for President Putin. Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has renounced Trump’s sanctions threats and accused the US administration of distancing Ukraine from peace negotiations through the supply of weapons. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia for what he called were barbaric attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population and emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement, demonstrating preparedness to meet with Putin. The last round of peace talks in Jun ended expediently with previously agreed prisoner exchanges and without any progress.
Impact: Ukraine’s preparedness to reengage in peace talks comes on the back of escalated Russian military aggression and growing pressure from the international community on Russia. Europe’s imposition of sanctions and the constant sanctions threats by US President Trump coupled with the replenished military aid to Ukraine, have not had any effect so far as Russia has refused to change or modify its position on the war in Ukraine. Russia would most probably refuse Ukraine’s proposal to reengage diplomatically without any predetermined conditions while upholding an advantageous position on the frontlines. Ukraine aimed at exploiting the momentum caused by Europe’s sanctions and Trump’s realignment, however, the lack of political signals and diplomatic initiative on the Russian side indicates that no changes or progress would be made towards ending the war.