Both sides this week have issued statements that are designed to reassure the public that they are actively seeking peace. The reality, however, is that neither side is willing to compromise on their core demands. Russia will not tolerate NATO in Ukraine and Ukraine will not tolerate Russia eating away at it territorial integrity.
The reasons why both sides took up arms has not fundamentally shifted. Neither has there been any weakening of their economic support. Russia is still trading with more than half the world and receiving hard cash from many countries in Asia and Africa, including China, India and South Africa. Ukraine is still benefiting from the enormous economic support of the USA and the European Union. So, to my mind, the stalemate will last at least until 2025.
Rupert Wieloch 