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.
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Saudi Arabia Hosts Peace Talks
- The US and Russia held Ukraine peace talks in Saudi Arabia, excluding Ukraine and European nations.
- This meeting was hosted by Saudi Arabia, a nation previously shunned for the Khashoggi incident.
Differing Goals
- Russia has a clear set of goals, including lifting sanctions and controlling Ukraine.
- America's goals remain unclear, but their focus on economic outcomes aligns with Trump's thinking.
Trump's Nobel Ambitions
- Trump's primary goal is likely a Nobel Peace Prize, prioritizing a quick resolution over strategic advantage.
- The US appears to be giving up key advantages, raising concerns about Trump's deal-making abilities.