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The Fourcast

Ukraine peace talks: what do Russia and US really want?

Feb 18, 2025
In this conversation, Bronwen Maddox, Director of Chatham House, and Lindsey Hilsum, Channel 4 News’ International Editor, dive into the complex Ukraine peace talks in Saudi Arabia. They discuss the stark absence of Ukrainian representation and the implications of American and Russian strategies. The dialogue explores the economic motivations influencing these negotiations, the need for a united approach involving Europe, and the shifting dynamics of international relations, highlighting the tensions that shape global diplomacy today.
27:18

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Quick takeaways

  • The exclusion of Ukraine and European nations from initial peace talks highlights the complexities and inequities in international diplomatic negotiations regarding the conflict.
  • The differing strategies of the US and Russia underscore a power imbalance, with Russia aiming to reclaim influence, while the US remains focused on economic interests and relationships.

Deep dives

The Dynamics of Peace Negotiations

The ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia reveal complex dynamics, especially highlighting the absence of crucial parties such as Ukraine and European nations from the initial talks hosted by Saudi Arabia. The juxtaposition of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov facing each other symbolizes a significant moment in international diplomacy, where the two dominant powers appear to control the narrative without the input of those directly affected by the conflict. The motivations of the negotiators are also under scrutiny, with discussions centering around how the US seeks to balance its interests in Ukraine's resources while simultaneously managing its relationship with Russia. This situation raises questions about fairness and inclusivity in mediating a resolution that would ultimately benefit all involved parties, rather than just the major powers at the negotiating table.

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