The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been going on since February 2022 and has resulted in mass casualties. As talks have shifted towards peace and trade, it is questionable if even temporary peace is necessary, and what trade will have to do with the ever-evolving crisis.
Past Events for Contextualization
In 2014, Russia annexed the Ukrainian territory of Crimea; though Crimea had considerable autonomy in Ukraine, the territory was legally Ukrainian. This annexation heightened tensions and was a precursor to this current crisis. In the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been the aggressor and is opposing peace talks as they are presented by the Ukrainian position. Peace talks started early in the months after the fighting started. Two years later, in 2024, the two sides outlined their terms for a peace deal. Ukraine wanted Russia out of all of Ukraine’s land claimed by Russia, a security guarantee by the Russians, and Russian leaders to be prosecuted for war crimes. Russia’s terms were that they keep the land they occupied at the signing of the agreement, the stopping of Ukraine joining NATO, and the ending of sanctions on Russia as a whole. These talks broke down instantly, as seen by the outlined terms that are extremely contradictory.
The United States of America and its position in recent years
During the Biden administration, the United States was committed to the safety of Ukraine and committed aid for “as long as it takes.” Congress, during that time period, also supported the defense effort through funding via the gifting of outdated military armaments that were never going to be used in the United States military at any level. The military aid was accompanied by massive sanctions against Russia and its allies. During the second Trump administration, the policy surrounding aid changed. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared that the returning of Ukraine’s borders before the 2014 initial crisis was “an unrealistic objective.” In further negotiations, the United States is considering concessions to Russia, this worries the other allies of Ukraine, namely many members of the European Union over the possible switching allegiances of one of their biggest allies.. The dialogue around the war, coming from the White House, has stopped calling the Russian forces explicit aggressors in this conflict. Ceasefire talks have started, with a deal being drafted by The United States and Ukraine on peace and proposed to Russia, but it ended up falling through.
Current Events
A three day ceasefire by Russia was declared from May 8, 9, and 10th to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War Two. Ukraine declined, calling it a “sham” as both sides accused each other of violating it. According to Reuters, “Reuters journalists at a field hospital near the front line in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya region saw soldiers being brought in with combat injuries sustained since the Russian ceasefire began (Reuters).” Alternative to a ceasefire, new deals have arisen. The United States has entered into deals over coveted mineral deposits and mining rights that are called a “minerals for muscle” agreement with Ukraine. This deal comes with no explicit security guarantees, but the investment in Ukrainian security is necessary for mining opportunities to be successful. This also comes with a change to the language around the crisis from the White House, denouncing Russia’s actions. New ceasefire talks have started with a deal being drafted by The United States and Ukraine and proposed to Russia but it has fallen through nearly instantly.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a conflict that has lasted a grueling three years and shows terrifyingly slow movements towards peace. Talks on both sides are constantly breaking down and as this fighting continues, it is questionable which side will break first. This conflict is not slowing down, as both sides are steadfast in their desire for conflicting objectives.
