Ceasefire Proposals and Victory Day Declarations Amid Escalating Tensions
CAPITAL — May 16, 2024 — International relations are strained as global leaders grapple with proposals for a ceasefire, punctuated by Russia’s Victory Day celebrations.Recent developments see former U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, with the UK imposing sanctions on Russian tankers. These events follow the backdrop of Russia’s Victory Day parade,and raise questions about the path forward—more on this below.
Geopolitical Tensions Escalate: Ceasefire Proposals and Victory Day Declarations
Ceasefire Proposal on the Table
Amid ongoing conflict, former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Russia too agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire with Ukraine. The proposal includes a stern warning: any breach of the agreement would trigger sanctions. This call for de-escalation follows a conversation between Mr.Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Mr. Trump took to social media to amplify his message, stating: Negotiations with Russia and Ukraine are still continuing. The United States calls for an ideal 30-day unconditional ceasefire. If the ceasefire agreement is not complied with,the United States and its partners will impose further sanctions.
Did you know? Unconditional ceasefires require all parties to stop fighting without preconditions, differing from negotiated ceasefires that may involve specific terms.
Ukraine’s Conditions for Peace
President Zelensky addressed the situation in a video speech, emphasizing the need for Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment to ending the war. he stated Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire, but with clear stipulations.
Ukraine is ready to have a full ceasefire for 30 days from now. But this must be a real ceasefire, no missiles or drones can be launched, nor can it launch an attack on the frontline.
Mr. Zelensky said.
Pro Tip: Monitoring ceasefire compliance often involves third-party observers or satellite technology to detect violations.
UK Announces Sanctions on Russian tankers
Adding pressure on Russia, the British government, under Prime Minister Stamer, is set to announce sanctions targeting as many as 100 Russian tankers. The announcement is expected at the Joint expeditionary Force Security Alliance meeting in Oslo. These sanctions are in response to the tankers’ alleged role in transporting meaningful amounts of crude oil and involvement in damaging Ukraine’s infrastructure.
According to the UK government, these tankers have transported over $24 billion (approximately S$31.2 billion) of crude oil sence the beginning of last year.Some of these tankers are also implicated in the destruction of critical infrastructure within Ukraine.
victory Day Parade and Putin’s Declaration
Russia commemorated Victory Day, marking the victory in the Patriotic War of World War II, with a parade.President Vladimir putin delivered a speech on Red Square, reinforcing Russia’s stance on the conflict.
Truth and justice are on our side. The entire country – our society, our people – supports participants in special military operations…this spiritual power always brings us victory.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
Mr. Putin has consistently referred to the war against ukraine,which began in february 2022,as a special military operation.
Approximately 1,500 Russian soldiers who participated in the parade had previously fought in Ukraine. Additionally, Moscow displayed drones used in the conflict for the first time during the parade.
More than 20 national political leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended the military parade. While North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was not present, he sent a flower basket to the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang.
China’s Viewpoint
Zhu Feng, dean of the School of international Relations at nanjing University, commented on the geopolitical implications of these events. He noted that Mr. Xi’s presence at the parade indicates China’s desire to maintain and develop relations with Russia, despite external pressures. mr. Zhu also suggested that Mr. Kim’s absence reflects Russia’s respect for China and a desire to avoid sending signals of a new Cold War.
Mr. Zhu Feng believes that China firmly refuses to recreate the situation of China, Russia and North Korea joining the war during the Korean War in 1950, and therefore does not want the North Korean leader to appear in the military parade stands.
The relationship between Russia and North Korea has recently come under scrutiny, notably after confirmation that North Korean soldiers were fighting against Ukrainian forces in the Kursko region of Russia.
