Ukraine war talks: What the key players want

The next 48 hours are deemed critical in the ongoing Ukraine conflict as international efforts intensify to seek a resolution. European leaders are set to convene in Paris, while representatives from Russia and the United States are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia. These meetings signal a significant moment in diplomatic attempts to address the war's complexities and find a path toward peace. The key players involved have distinct objectives and demands, reflecting their national interests and geopolitical strategies. For Ukraine, the primary goal remains clear: the restoration of its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Ukraine seeks international support to reclaim control over territories occupied by Russian forces since 2014, including the Crimea peninsula and parts of Eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian government also insists on guarantees for its future security and a clear pathway to Euro-Atlantic integration, including potential membership in NATO and the European Union. Russia, on the other hand, has outlined several conditions for ceasing its military actions. These include Ukraine's official declaration of neutrality, ensuring that it will not join military alliances such as NATO, recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, and the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions within Ukraine. Moreover, Russia is seeking to reshape the security architecture of Europe, aiming to reduce Western military presence near its borders. The United States and European leaders are advocating for a diplomatic solution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity while mitigating further escalation of the conflict. They emphasize the importance of upholding international law and the United Nations Charter, and are likely to continue economic and