Ukraine war likely to end as Putin, Zelensky, and Trump close to diplomatic solution, Russia’s special envoy warns of ‘economic devastation’ if…

New Delhi: Following the Gaza War, the years-long conflict in Ukraine may soon come to an end. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, has stated that the US, Ukraine, and Russia are “very close” to a diplomatic solution to end the conflict. The Russian envoy’s statement comes at a time when tensions have escalated due to the US imposing strict sanctions on Russian oil companies. He stated that the meeting between Putin and Trump has not been cancelled. This statement contradicts Trump’s statement that the Budapest meeting had been cancelled. Kirill said that the meeting between Putin and Trump could take place at another time.

‘Diplomatic solution closer than previously anticipated’

Trump also stated that Russia was not accepting an immediate ceasefire, which is why the meeting was postponed. Meanwhile, Russian envoy Kirill told CNN that diplomatic talks were ongoing. He said, “Dialogue between Russia and the United States will continue, but this will certainly be possible only if Russian interests are taken into account and treated with respect.” He added that a diplomatic solution to the conflict is closer than previously anticipated.

Oil sanctions cost the US heavily

Kirill said, “I believe Russia, the United States, and Ukraine are very close to a diplomatic solution. It’s a major step for President Zelensky to acknowledge the battle lines. You know, Zelensky’s previous stance was that Russia should completely evacuate the area. So, I believe we are very close to a diplomatic solution that can be achieved. The Russian envoy has arrived in the US, and at the same time, the US has imposed major sanctions on Russian oil companies.”

The Russian envoy dismissed the impact of US sanctions and warned that they could be economically devastating. He said this would drive up oil prices and cause distress in the US. Ukrainian officials have ruled out any direct backchannel talks. These leaders have pledged military assistance to Ukraine to protect it from future Russian aggression if a ceasefire is reached to end the more than three-year-long war.

Drone and missile attacks by Russia discussed

The meeting, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will also discuss ways to help protect Ukraine’s power grid from the almost daily drone and missile attacks by Russia as winter approaches. It will also discuss strengthening Ukrainian air defences and supplying Kyiv with long-range missiles capable of striking deep inside Russia. The talks aim to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and accelerate recent measures, including a new round of sanctions imposed by the United States and European countries, targeting Russia’s vital oil and gas export earnings.