The conflict in Ukraine is reaching a critical point as calls for negotiations grow, but there are concerns about the effectiveness of negotiations with Russia and the lack of clear war aims from Western allies.
### Summary
Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un are planning to meet in Russia to discuss possible weapons deals, which could help replenish Russia's ammunition stocks amid Ukraine's counteroffensive.
Eastern European countries are concerned about Ukraine being pushed into peace talks with Russia, as they believe international partners should focus on supporting Ukraine to achieve a decisive victory.
Officials at the G20 summit expressed a desire for "just and durable peace" in Ukraine, but Russia successfully watered down a statement on the war, avoiding any mention of its military action "against Ukraine."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that a weakened Vladimir Putin will resort to nuclear threats and winter bombings, but urges Western leaders not to panic and emphasizes Ukraine's determination to prevail in the conflict.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to bring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin together for peace negotiations at the UN General Assembly, focusing on avoiding war.
Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, believes that the West must continue its support for the country in order to counter Russia's attempts to exhaust Ukraine and wear out its partners' resolve, as a long war would weaken both Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin.
The Biden administration is considering whether to send long-range missiles to Ukraine, but a final decision has not yet been made, and it is unlikely to happen before the U.N. General Assembly; if approved, the missiles would provide Ukraine with the ability to strike deep into Russian territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has requested weapons and support from North Korea amid the invasion of Ukraine, but experts doubt it will significantly impact the war, according to Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggests that Ukraine is likely to initiate peace talks only when it runs out of resources and would use any ceasefire to rearm with Western assistance again.
Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that he is preparing for a prolonged war in Ukraine, stating that Kyiv could potentially use any ceasefire to rearm and that the US will continue to view Russia as an enemy regardless of the outcome of the 2024 US election.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called for Ukraine to cancel the ban on negotiations imposed by President Zelensky, emphasizing the need for dialogue and suggesting that talks could be a way for Ukraine to replenish their reserves and reinvigorate their army.
Ukraine's military offensive against Russian forces in the south and east has made limited progress, prompting discussions about whether the US and other Western countries should provide more powerful weapons or seek a negotiated settlement.
Former President Donald Trump welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin's support for his plan to end the war in Ukraine, causing concern among Ukrainian leaders who fear it would involve giving Ukrainian land to Russia.
Biden warns against Russia brutalizing Ukraine without consequences, emphasizing US support for Ukraine and its efforts for a diplomatic resolution; he also urges the UN to uphold the UN Charter in addressing the Russian invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls on Donald Trump to provide concrete details and take action on his promise to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine, stating that simply giving up Ukrainian land is not a peace formula.
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants the war in Ukraine to end as soon as possible, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but the conflict shows no signs of finishing after almost 19 months.
Ukraine needs to shift its focus from post-war recovery to preparing for a long war, as a ceasefire or peace talks with Russia are unlikely, and instead should aim to ensure it has the staying power to thrive despite the ongoing conflict, according to The Economist.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that while Russia is open to negotiations regarding Ukraine, it will not consider any proposals for a cease-fire as it believes it has been deceived before, and suggests that the issue will ultimately be resolved on the battlefield; Lavrov also criticizes the West for allegedly disregarding the seriousness of the conflict and accuses them of failing to fulfill obligations and negotiate in good faith.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized Ukraine's 10-point peace plan at the UN, stating that the war would have to be resolved "on the battlefield" if more realistic terms were not offered.
As support for Ukraine from its international allies declines, there are concerns that Russia may exploit weaknesses and fractures in Ukraine's partnerships, particularly as elections in allied countries approach, and tensions between Ukraine and Poland heighten over agricultural exports.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is confident that Ukraine and Poland will resolve their current crisis in relations, emphasizing their commitment to finding a constructive solution and dispelling the narrative of Ukraine's alleged ungratefulness for help from Poland during the Russian aggression.
GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine that mirrors Richard Nixon's 1972 deal with China, but fails to acknowledge the current relationship dynamics between the US, China, and Russia, potentially reinforcing the friendship between China and Russia instead of pulling Russia towards the West.
Ukrainian President Zelensky warns that Russia is relying on eroding U.S. support to win its war against Ukraine, as funding for Ukraine becomes a contentious issue among House Republicans.
Russia expresses its deep concern about the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and calls for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful negotiations with international assistance.
