The war in Ukraine has been raging for 11 days – thousands have died on both sides. And every day the hope fades…
Despite this, the feverish struggle for peace continues behind the scenes. At the moment, however, it is no longer primarily a matter of finding a real solution. The task now is to at least facilitate a truce, perhaps a truce.
And every day counts!
︎ Israel Premier traveled on Saturday morning Naftali Bennet to Moscow – secretly. The Israeli media only found out about it in the evening and spoke of a “secret trip”. Then Bennet stopped by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and informed him about the meeting.
Officially it says: One remains in dialogue about the conflict. Nothing more came out.
︎ The President of France called on Thursday Emmanuel Macron with Putin. The only result was the realization that the Kremlin leader was “very determined” to “control the entire country”.
What is going on behind the scenes?
The federal government is trying to influence influential members of the Putin regime behind the scenes, Dr. Stefanie Babst, former NATO strategy adviser and expert on the Foreign Affairs Committee, in the morning RBB Info.
There are obviously high hopes for the government in Beijing. China currently has the best connection to Moscow. According to Babst, the aim is to use China as a mentor in the conflict.
Beijing has its own interests in ending the war. Because the sanctions against Russia are affecting the global economy. Beijing fears that the sanctions against Russia could eventually have an impact on China itself, on the country’s economy.
BECAUSE: China’s rise is inextricably linked to the development of the world economy. Beijing’s economic ties extend to all corners of the world, particularly to the west. Sidestepping with Russia in a newly formed world order threatens China’s long-term ambitions.
The US government is also involved. In particular, Washington is supporting the government around Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in negotiations with Russia.
US President Joe Biden called Kyiv on Saturday evening. The two talked to each other for about half an hour.
Time is running out!
The most important thing at the moment is to get the two parties to the conflict to agree on a ceasefire.
Because with each new day of war, the fronts harden. “If we do not succeed in establishing a ceasefire or at least a truce, then an escalation of the conflict – also politically – is inevitable,” said the NATO strategist.
A dialogue is already difficult to achieve. According to Babst, the options for action are very limited. Because in the medium term, “the fate of Ukraine is very closely linked to its own political survival.”
By the way, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson already has ideas about how to get involved in the negotiations. He presented a six-point plan for dealing with the conflict. Central point: maximum economic pressure on the government in Moscow.