Europe Asia News

As U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war regain momentum, Chinese international relations expert Teng Jianqun said the fundamental disputes between the parties must be resolved in order to achieve lasting peace.

U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and held talks aimed at reviving peace negotiations on Ukraine. The envoys are expected to visit Kyiv the following day, while Russia and Ukraine were also reported to have agreed to halt attacks on each other’s capitals during the visits by the U.S. representatives.

Teng said the current geopolitical environment offers a genuine, albeit fragile, opportunity for peace, adding that it is important for the United States to refocus its strategic attention on the Russia-Ukraine war.

Teng said, “The fighting on the front has largely reached a stalemate. Therefore, we are going through a critical period in which both sides need to pause hostilities and seek a solution through negotiations.”

Teng said continued U.S. communication with Moscow and Kyiv creates the necessary groundwork for a possible ceasefire, while noting that significant issues remain unresolved.

Teng said, “Asking Russia to withdraw or expecting Ukraine to accept a peace plan in exchange for territory is not acceptable to the parties. Therefore, territorial sovereignty remains the fundamental issue. Security guarantees for Ukraine are another key issue. I believe the conflict will continue unless these two issues are resolved.”