Following Ukrainian President Zelensky's meeting with US President Trump, we are hopeful that the war between Russia and Ukraine can be brought to an end. The whole world desires peace and undoubtedly this has been one of the most destructive wars in recent history. The death toll has been staggering, and the global fallout—including supply chain disruptions, inflation, and food shortages in parts of the world—has been severe. Moreover, as Trump noted, this war has been so dangerous that the risk of it spiralling into a World War III-like scenario has persisted all along. Therefore, the sooner it can be brought to an end and tensions de-escalated, the better it will be for Ukraine, Russia, and the world as a whole.

Read more

A thousand days since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

While President Trump stressed the importance of reaching a peace deal, the terms under which peace will be achieved remain unclear. Will it come at the cost of territorial concessions by Ukraine? If so, what message would that send if a powerful country can invade another and gain territory in exchange for peace? Would this not set a dangerous precedent—one that makes the world more insecure, unstable, and vulnerable to future acts of aggression?

For peace to be lasting, it must also be just. Therefore, international law should be the sole guiding principle in any peace agreement. No agreement should be imposed by external powers, including the US. It must be remembered that Ukraine is the victim in this war, and its interests should not be sidelined in negotiations.

Read more

The war in Ukraine was not ‘unprovoked’

While discussions of peace have begun—an encouraging first step—it is disappointing that the meeting between the Ukrainian and US presidents did not yield more concrete progress. During their press briefing in the Oval Office, it became evident that tensions persist among all parties involved. Nevertheless, continued dialogue is crucial, as diplomacy remains the only path to peace.

Ending the war between Russia and Ukraine while safeguarding Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty must be a top priority for the global community. The US and Europe, in particular, have a pivotal role to play in achieving a just and lasting peace. To that end, we urge all parties involved to commit to sincere and constructive diplomacy.