Illustration: Liu Rui/GT
On Tuesday, delegates of the US and Ukraine held talks in Saudi Arabia. According to the joint statement released after the meeting, Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30‑day cease-fire. The Ukrainian side stated that the cease-fire would take effect as soon as Russia agrees. This development has attracted widespread attention from the international community. On Wednesday, the Russian side responded, saying that it was reviewing the joint statement issued after the US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, and added that contacts with the Americans were planned in the coming days, "during which we expect to receive complete information."
"Don't call it a breakthrough, as there is still a long way to go before lasting peace." This was the opening remark in the BBC report and remains a point of international concern. The Wall Street Journal noted that a number of thorny issues are likely to confront the two sides, as well as the White House, in the event Russia accepts the cease-fire and negotiations begin in earnest. Analysts believe that key issues - such as the territorial and security demands of Russia and Ukraine, the effective implementation of a cease-fire, and the coordination of various interests - were not addressed in the outcomes of the recent US-Ukraine talks, rendering any future "real negotiations" highly uncertain. Nevertheless, the meeting has taken a step toward breaking the deadlock and drawing all parties closer to the negotiating table. Every effort that promotes a peaceful resolution of the crisis should be supported and serves as a starting point for constructive interaction among all stakeholders.
People have noticed that multiple European parties have voiced their welcome following the US-Ukraine talks. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the EU is ready to play its full part, together with its partners, in the upcoming peace negotiations. Leaders from the UK, France, Greece, and other countries also mentioned "lasting peace" in their statements, although with different emphases. Europe's positive response itself is part of the progress toward a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis, reflecting a shared aspiration for a fair, enduring, and binding peace agreement accepted by all parties. It may also serve as a driving force in advancing the peace process.
As the Ukraine crisis has dragged on for over three years, calls for a political resolution through dialogue have grown louder, and the international community has a deep desire for a cease-fire and lasting peace. However, at this critical juncture in negotiations, all parties must exercise patience and wisdom. With many uncertainties still present, fostering an environment and conditions for negotiations requires all sides to abandon a confrontational mind-set.
A cease-fire is a necessary "first aid measure," but to fundamentally resolve the Ukraine crisis, a systematic "treatment plan" is still needed. At its core, this involves advocating for and practicing a new security vision that is common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable, while rejecting and opposing the erroneous practice of prioritizing one party's security over others and pursuing one's own "absolute security." Security is mutual and equal; the security of one country cannot be built on the insecurity of others. It is essential to promote and implement this new security vision in order to truly achieve long-term peace and stability on the Eurasian continent and in the world. Given the current lack of corresponding solutions to a series of critical issues, all parties involved need to exert greater wisdom to seek creative solutions. The international community should maintain patience, provide space and support for promoting multilateral coordination, trust-building mechanisms, and the reconstruction of regional security frameworks.
The talks between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia have opened a window for easing the Russia-Ukraine situation, but the duration of this window depends on the sincerity and efforts of all parties involved. The international community should seize this opportunity and adhere to the three principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no fanning by any party over the flames, playing a constructive role in promoting peace and dialogue. Only by jointly addressing the root causes of the crisis and finding a balanced, effective, and sustainable security framework can the dawn of peace gradually rise over the European continent. We look forward to all parties finding a sustainable and lasting peace solution that addresses everyone's concerns through dialogue and negotiation.
