In the early hours of March 19 local time, Russian and American leaders held a phone conversation regarding the situation in Ukraine. They discussed peaceful solutions and expressed a desire to improve bilateral relations. This call garnered international attention, and subsequent comments by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, on social media became a focal point for external discussions.
The high-ranking official posted on social media, stating that the call confirmed a commonly held view: the key negotiations on the Ukraine issue are mainly conducted between Russia and the United States. He metaphorically described the international situation as a restaurant, where only Russia and the United States are truly at the table making decisions. Concurrently, using the "menu" as a metaphor, he listed symbolic foods from European countries and likened Ukraine to the "main dish," suggesting that Ukraine is in a passive position in the negotiations rather than being a true decision-maker.
Russian media reporting on this statement also cited a military analyst's opinion. The analyst, in an interview with British media, stated that under the current framework of Russia-U.S. dialogue, Ukraine is "on the menu, not at the table." This remark further reinforced the external perception of Ukraine's role in international negotiations, indicating that its future path may be more influenced by the power games of external great powers rather than its own decisions.
Following the Russia-U.S. call, the Kremlin stated that the leaders of the two countries engaged in a detailed and frank exchange regarding the situation in Ukraine and explored the possibility of a ceasefire and peaceful resolution. The White House, for its part, stated that both sides agreed that the conflict should end with lasting peace and emphasized the importance of improving Russia-U.S. relations.
This conversation and the subsequent statements from Russian officials have drawn international attention. The ongoing power struggles between Russia and the U.S. over the Ukraine issue continue, and Ukraine's own diplomatic and military direction may be further influenced by external factors in future international negotiations.
