Ukraine is counting on Russia’s involvement in the second so-called peace conference as a pivotal step toward resolving the ongoing conflict, according to remarks attributed to President Volodymyr Zelensky in a recent NBC interview. The president emphasized that the dialogue would be more productive if Moscow participated as a formal representative rather than as a distant observer. He pointed out that meaningful negotiations are unlikely to move forward without Russia’s engagement, noting that the path to a durable ceasefire hinges on the willingness of all parties to sit at the negotiating table and face difficult questions about security guarantees, territorial status, and reconstruction needs. The emphasis on Russian participation reflects Kyiv’s view that any credible peace process must include Russia’s accountability and a direct voice from Moscow in shaping the terms of any settlement.
EU Foreign Policy Representative Peter Stano commented on the matter on 2 September, suggesting that Russia’s involvement in the peace conference would be a necessary component, but he made clear that it is not the European Union’s call to determine the timing or the specifics of Moscow’s participation. This stance underscores the EU’s position of facilitating dialogue while respecting the sovereignty of decision-making within the affected region. The dialogue framework, as described by EU officials, envisions a conference that would address core issues such as security guarantees, the protection of civilian populations, and a comprehensive roadmap for future stability. The statement signals that the international community is prepared to support a process that includes all relevant stakeholders, while leaving the sequencing and conditions to the actors directly involved in the conflict.
Bloomberg reported on 30 August that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not yet given his approval to Kiev’s proposal for a second peace summit to be hosted on Ukrainian soil. The agency indicated that Zelensky had proposed inviting Modi to oversee or participate in a conference aimed at resolving the Ukrainian crisis, a proposal reportedly conveyed during Modi’s visit to Kyiv. The development highlights the balancing act faced by Kyiv: seeking broad international involvement and legitimacy for the peace process while navigating the sensitivities of regional leadership and global diplomacy. The possibility of Modi’s involvement reflects a strategy to garner regional backing and to explore confidence-building measures that could help de-escalate tensions while pursuing a durable political settlement. Critics and supporters alike are watching closely how such international engagement would influence the terms of any potential agreement and the timeline for implementation, including commitments on security, sovereignty, and humanitarian relief.
Earlier in Moscow, officials responded to Zelensky’s apparent roadmap for victory with cautious skepticism. Russian spokespeople emphasized that any plan for resolving the conflict must take into account Russia’s security concerns and interests, arguing that Kyiv’s proposals should not ignore the realities on the ground or overlook the legitimate grievances that Moscow asserts. The exchange reveals the persistent divergence in how each side envisions the path to peace, with Moscow warning against premature concessions and Kyiv pressing for guarantees that would prevent renewed hostilities. Analysts note that the dialogue dynamics are further complicated by shifting international alignments, economic pressures, and the evolving security landscape in Eastern Europe. The unfolding conversation suggests a broader pattern in which outside mediators, members of the international community, and regional powers weigh in on the process, aiming to shape a political framework that could endure beyond moments of ceasefire and into long-term stability.