Welcome to The Deep Dive.
Today we explore the turbulent world of diplomacy surrounding the Russia‑Ukraine war.
At the heart of current debates lies a controversial US‑backed peace plan. This proposal would freeze the conflict along the existing frontlines, effectively locking in territorial divisions. Reports suggest Russian figures had a hand in shaping its terms, which include limiting Ukraine’s armed forces to 600,000 personnel and forcing Kyiv to abandon its NATO membership ambitions.
These concessions stand in stark contrast to Ukraine’s own Peace Formula. Kyiv demands the full restoration of its territorial integrity, accountability for Russian aggression, and strong, enforceable security guarantees from international partners.
Another major dispute centers on frozen Russian sovereign assets. Moscow rejects any plan that legitimizes their seizure, calling it expropriation. European leaders, however, insist those funds must be used to compensate for the immense damage inflicted by the war.
Analysts warn that military realities continue to outweigh political initiatives. The likelihood of a prolonged war of attrition remains high, with neither side willing to compromise on core demands.
This impasse highlights the limits of global governance. The UN Security Council, once envisioned as the ultimate mediator of international crises, has proven unable to act decisively. Its paralysis underscores the systemic failures of the international order in the face of great‑power conflict.
In this episode, we dive into the clash of competing peace visions, the struggle between military momentum and diplomatic negotiation, and the broader question of whether the world still has the tools to resolve wars of this scale.
