Motaher Hossain
The demand to end the war between Russia and Ukraine and establish lasting peace is a common aspiration of ordinary citizens in both countries. For this, millions of people have continuously raised their voices in the streets. Not only within those nations, people around
the world have shown similar expectations. Numerous protests and demonstrations have been held across the globe in support of peace. However, neither side of the conflict has heeded public opinion, continuing the war since February 24, 2022,
when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.From the outset, the invasion was internationally condemned as an act of aggression. The
conflict has triggered Europe’s biggest refugee crisis since World War II. More than 8.8 million Ukrainians have fled the country, over 200,000 have been internally displaced, and over 60,000 people have been killed.On that fateful day in 2022, Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine with an aim to seize Kyiv, the capital. However, they were forced to retreat in the face of fierce Ukrainian resistance. For
the past three years, Ukraine has fought valiantly to protect its sovereignty and independence. The conflict largely centers on Crimea and parts of Donbas, which are internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory. Earlier, a resolution was passed in the Russian parliament
authorizing President Vladimir Putin to use military force in Ukraine—after Russia had already begun its military operation under the name “Return of Crimea.”Historically, Ukraine became a founding member of the Soviet Union on December 30, 1922.More than seventy years later, with the fall of the USSR in 1991, Ukraine emerged as an independent nation. On August 24, 1991, Ukraine formally declared independence, which was confirmed by a referendum later that December.It is well known that war leads to severe human rights violations—and this war is no different. Nothing has been spared: women, children, the elderly, hospitals, fire services, ambulances, and even food stores have been targeted. Since gaining independence from Moscow in 1991, Ukraine has faced continuous instability.
According to the UN Human Rights Office, around 50,000 civilians have been killed—mostly due to explosive weapons. Since the 2022 invasion, millions of Ukrainians have fled or been displaced. By the end of 2024, about 3.7 million were internally displaced
and 6.9 million Ukrainians were living as refugees or asylum seekers abroad. According to CNN, analyzing data from the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War, Ukraine has lostabout 12% of its territory since the invasion. Since the beginning of the war, the U.S. has been Ukraine’s largest donor, providing $95billion in military, humanitarian, and financial aid—now under threat from the Trump
administration. Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized this spending during his 2024 election campaign and hinted at a transactional approach—offering aid in exchange for access to Ukraine's rare minerals. President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected such proposals.
Additionally, due to recent suspension of USAID funds by the Trump administration,Ukrainian NGOs have suffered greatly—leading to staff layoffs and the shutdown of suicide prevention hotlines and HIV detection projects. For the past three years, Ukraine had been the
largest recipient of USAID funding. Still, there is a glimmer of hope from recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump,
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Klitschko recently told the BBC that Ukraine may have to concede some territory as part of a peace deal. Under pressure from Trump, he said such a move might be necessary for a temporary
peace—though he admitted it would not be fair. However, President Zelensky has consistently rejected any territorial concessions and insists Ukraine will not abandon its land. Russia also objects to Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO and the European Union.President
Trump and Foreign Minister Lavrov have made statements fueling hopes of a ceasefire.Trump, without playing political games, has called for a ceasefire, even asking Zelensky to accept Crimea as part of Russia—a proposal Zelensky has declined. On his social media
platform "Truth Social," Trump wrote that Zelensky’s rejection could prolong the war and its bloodshed.
In a Time Magazine interview, Trump stated, “Crimea will stay with Russia,” claiming that the issue was inherited from former President Barack Obama. Crimea, a southern peninsula of Ukraine, was annexed by Russia in 2014. Zelensky has repeatedly refused to recognize
Russia’s claim to it.The U.S. and the EU are actively working to end the conflict. On April 17, representatives from the U.S., Ukraine, and European nations met, and Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff presented a ceasefire proposal. The Europeans and Ukraine countered with a separateproposal. The differences between the two are notable.Recently, during the late Pope Francis’s memorial service in Vatican City, a bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelensky took place. The Times reported that the meeting yielded “fruitful discussions” on ending the war. The U.S. proposal excluded itself from a future “coalition of willing nations,” led by the UK and France, to guarantee Ukraine’s security. However, the Europeans prefer a stronger NATO-style commitment that includes the U.S. and promises aid in the event of further
attacks. Another key issue is the fate of occupied Ukrainian territories. The U.S. proposal suggests legal recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea and acceptance of its control over regions like Luhansk—ideas not supported by Ukraine or its European allies.Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov told CBS News that Moscow is ready for an agreement,though certain details need careful resolution. He added that President Trump seems to be the only world leader who understands the need to resolve the root causes of this conflict, though
Trump has yet to clarify his full plan. CBC security correspondent Frank Gardner commented that Trump’s envoy Witkoff has  already met Putin four times—indicating that Europe and even Ukraine are being sidelined. The Kremlin and White House appear to believe they can settle the issue alone. Despite Russia’s failure to capture Kyiv and install a Moscow-friendly regime, it seems to be pursuing a “Plan B.”Gardner suggests Russia’s Plan B is to exploit NATO’s weaknesses, prolong peace talks,paint Ukraine as the obstacle, and dangle U.S. business opportunities in Russia as incentives.Notably, Ukraine had agreed to a 30-day ceasefire plan prepared by Washington on March 11—without preconditions. Russia did not accept it. Now the focus has shifted toward a full- fledged peace treaty, largely on Russia’s terms. Under these circumstances, the likelihood of an immediate ceasefire seems slim. Europe is not willing to concede to Russia, and Trump’s willingness to trade concessions may not satisfy Ukraine. Therefore, a quick ceasefire appears unlikely. War, conflict, and instability benefit no nation or its people. Instead, they destroy peace and cause immense human and economic loss. The hope remains that Russia and Ukraine willthemselves take the initiative to end the war and ensure lasting peace. Global leaders mustalso intervene urgently to mediate a resolution.

The writer is a journalist and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Climate Change Journalist Forum