Ukrainian servicemen take part in a rehearsal for the Independence Day military parade, in the center of Kiev.Thomson Reuters
Startfor Analysis: Window of Opportunity Is Closing in Ukraine
Talks between the United States and Russia over the Ukrainian conflict seem more and more unlikely to make any meaningful headway as Barack Obama's last presidential term comes to a close. Cease-fire violations are a daily occurrence along the line of contact in eastern Ukraine — Kiev reported 30 made by pro-Russia separatists on Oct. 7 alone — and plans to withdraw troops and weaponry in certain locations have had mixed results. After an Oct. 5 meeting between U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland and Russian officials in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said he had "no expectations of a breakthrough."
The two countries have a brief window of opportunity to reach an understanding, but it is rapidly closing. The end of the Obama administration will coincide with the European Union's decision over whether to extend sanctions against Russia, giving Moscow added impetus to reach an understanding with Washington sooner than later. A month ago, movement toward some sort of deal seemed possible as cease-fire agreements were struck in Syria and Ukraine. But in the end, neither held up. The Syrian accord has unraveled completely, and talks between the United States and Russia over the Middle Eastern conflict have been suspended. Meanwhile, fighting in Ukraine has flared up again, despite an initial period of relative peace.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The Ukraine conflict can only be resolved if Kiev gives the Russian-Ukrainians what they want .... a certain degree of autonomy on language, culture, and economics. Unfortunately .... the Ukraine government has shown zero interest to pursue such a policy, even though there is a growing desire among many Ukrainians to now end the war by giving the rebellious east what they want.
