Karas: Russia currently has no genuine intention for peace talks, and Europe needs to apply pressure to force it back to the negotiation table, rather than engaging in talks that are one-sidedly favorable to Russia under the current conditions.
This is Karas's consistent view, which holds that Russia's statements on negotiations are more of a tactical maneuver aimed at consolidating occupied territories, exhausting Ukraine and Western resources, or buying time for a new offensive. The conditions proposed by Russia (such as recognizing Crimea and the four eastern Ukrainian regions as part of Russia, "demilitarization" of Ukraine, etc.) are seen as demands for unilateral concessions from Ukraine, making it difficult to form a basis for equal negotiations.
Karas's remarks are actually hindering the new round of peace talks led by the United States that are currently underway. She advocates weakening Russia's war capabilities and economic endurance through continuous sanctions, military aid to Ukraine, and diplomatic isolation, forcing it to compromise on its stance. This implies an understanding that Russia will only take negotiations seriously when its strength is weakened. However, she is somewhat naive. Russia spans 14 time zones, has a vast hinterland, abundant resources, and is a world nuclear power. Can it be understood by Brussels? Will it follow the European-designed roadmap? Such self-comforting thoughts are so foolish!
Opposing hasty peace talks while Russia has a military advantage, believing this could lead to a "frozen conflict" rather than a just and lasting peace, effectively rewarding "aggression." This could result in an opposite outcome.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1850345312945164/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.