As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its fourth year, its ripple effects continue to shape global geopolitics, economies, and everyday lives. Let's examine the evolving dynamics of the conflict, the diplomatic efforts for peace, and the shifting sentiments on the ground and look at the current situation as well as the shifting US stance and EU commitments that may affect the conflict's outcome.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky would visit Washington on Friday to sign an agreement on rare earth minerals, while the latter said the success of the deal would hinge on the talks that take place and continued US aid.
ISTANBUL -- A Russian delegation arrived at the premises of the US Consulate General in Istanbul on Thursday for talks on bilateral issues, the Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency reported.
Anadolu broadcast live from the premises on the European side of the city, showing a vehicle carrying the Russian delegation arriving at around 9:45 am local time (0645 GMT).
KYIV - Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced Wednesday that his government adopted a set of measures needed for signing the minerals partnership agreement with the United States, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.
"Today the government is making decisions necessary for signing an agreement between Ukraine and the United States," Shmyhal said.
KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that US and Ukrainian teams are preparing for negotiations on Friday.
In his evening address, Zelensky said he will meet US President Donald Trump.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to travel to the US in the coming days, after Washington and Kyiv agreed to terms on a deal over natural resources and reconstruction, sources with knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday.
MOSCOW - The Kremlin has dismissed statements that Russia was open to European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine.
WARSAW - Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Tuesday emphasized the imperative of Europe's active involvement in peace negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine.
European Union leaders pledged fresh support for Ukraine on Monday amid strained relations with the new US administration of President Donald Trump.
MOSCOW - Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's permanent representative to the UN, said the US-proposed resolution on the Ukraine crisis, adopted Monday by the Security Council, is "a starting point" for further efforts toward a peaceful settlement.
"The adopted text is not perfect, but it is essentially the first attempt by the Council to produce a constructive and forward-looking document that speaks of a path to peace rather than fanning the flames of conflict," said Nebenzia.
The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Monday proposed by the United States calling for "a swift end to the conflict" between Ukraine and Russia and urging "a lasting peace" as the world observed the third anniversary of the war.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Monday, in response to a question from a China Daily reporter, said that the United Nations wants to see increased and more positive global cooperation, especially by major players, members, and permanent members of the Security Council. He also emphasized the expectation that all member states reaffirm the principles of the UN Charter and the shared vision they have signed onto.
Willingness to support Ukraine "until it wins" has declined sharply across Western Europe, while more than half of Ukrainians now favor a quick, negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict after it has dragged on for three years, two recent polls have found.
The Kremlin on Sunday hailed the dialogue between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump as "promising", while Ukraine's leader offered to step down in exchange for NATO membership.
ANKARA - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov here on Monday as Turkiye intensified its efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
Leaders from Europe and Canada demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine on Monday by joining Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, to mark three years since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Putin says Russia commits to eliminating root causes of Russia-Ukraine conflict, achieving sustainable, lasting peace solution.
MOSCOW - A ceasefire in Ukraine without addressing the root causes of the conflict could have serious consequences, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned Monday.
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the war has caused hundreds of thousands of casualties and displaced millions of people. In this protracted conflict, the United States plays an important role. The recent US-Russia talks marked a shift in the US policy of isolating Russia in the past three years, and the US may no longer strongly support Ukraine and may promote broader US-Russia cooperation in the future. For Ukraine, it has to face the harsh reality that American support is not eternal but based on interests. In the future, Ukraine will have to reassess its national strategy. No one wins a war, and the only way to resolve differences is through dialogue and consultation.
MOSCOW - Russia remains open to negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, local media reported Sunday, citing Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
"We maintain our openness," Peskov said when speaking about the prospects for a peaceful settlement on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin is consistent in his approach.