The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the diminishing prospects for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. A senior UN official stated Thursday that the hope for diplomatic resolution is barely alive, citing the recent surge in large-scale Russian attacks across Ukraine.

Dashed Hopes and Escalating Violence

Rosemary Dicarlo, the UN undersecretary-general for political affairs, highlighted the stark contrast between initial diplomatic optimism and the current reality. After a cautious hope for diplomatic progress, instead of advances to peace, we saw a brutal push of large-scale Russian attacks across the country, Dicarlo said.

She specifically referenced the intense drone attack Ukraine endured from Sunday night into monday, involving a record 355 drones, following a weekend of significant strikes.

The Fragile State of negotiations

Despite ongoing efforts, the path to peace remains uncertain. The hope that the parties be able to sit and negotiate is still alive, but barely, Dicarlo noted, conveying a sense of frustration after a brief period of diplomatic enthusiasm.

Talks relaunched in mid-February by washington to achieve a diplomatic conflict settlement, which began in February 2022 with Russia’s large-scale attack on Ukraine, have not yet yielded results.

kremlin Awaits kyiv’s Response

The Kremlin stated Thursday that it is awaiting a response from Kyiv regarding its proposal for new talks in Istanbul next Monday. Ukraine, however, accuses Russia of stalling and demands Moscow clarify its conditions before any meeting takes place.

Calls for Cease-Fire and International Pressure

dicarlo urged an immediate and unconditional cease-fire as a prerequisite for a peace process that will take time.

John Kelley, acting assistant ambassador for the U.S., echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that prolonging the war is not in anyone’s interest, including Russia. He warned, If Russia makes the wrong decision and continues this catastrophic war, the United States will have to consider withdrawing from negotiation efforts to put an end to the conflict, adding that additional sanctions are still on the table.

Ukraine has called for sanctions against Russia to be strengthened. According to assistant Ukrainian ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn, Russia does not show any real intention to arrest its war. So we have no choice but to intensify international, political, military and economic pressure.

Russia’s Rebuttal

Russian ambassador vassili Nebenzia rejected thes accusations, accusing Kyiv of trying to prolong the war and vowing to continue Russian operations until the situation changes.He stated, No new sanction against Russia or new arms deliveries to Ukraine or any other opposed measure against Russia will prevent the unavoidable military defeat of the Zelensky regime.