Elusive peace

The world has a huge stake in a negotiated end to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza

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PROSPECTS FOR A cessation of hostilities look bleak for the 40-month-long war between Russia and Ukraine and the 20-month-long battle between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza. They are perhaps two of the most consequential conflicts in the world today.

The second round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, like the first round on May 16, did not provide any major breakthrough, barring a deal to swap sick and wounded prisoners of war, those under 25 years of age, and bodies of slain soldiers. While Russia proposed a two- or three-day truce "in certain areas", it rejected Ukraine's demand for a "full and unconditional ceasefire" of 30 days. A ceasefire in Gaza — that is being mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt — is equally elusive due to the maximalist demands of both Israel and Hamas.