taz.de
US-Russia Talks Exclude Ukraine Amidst Renewed Rapprochement
Following the Munich Security Conference and a Putin-Trump phone call, US and Russian delegations will meet in Riyadh to discuss bilateral relations and the war in Ukraine; Russia refuses to cede occupied territories; Ukraine will not participate in talks excluding it.
- What are the immediate implications of the US-Russia meeting in Riyadh, particularly concerning Ukraine's territorial integrity and involvement in the peace process?
- Following a phone call between Presidents Putin and Trump and the Munich Security Conference, Kremlin-friendly media outlets celebrate a new US-Russia rapprochement. A meeting between US and Russian delegations will take place in Riyadh on Tuesday, focusing on bilateral relations and the war in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated Russia won't return occupied Ukrainian territories, citing resources located in those areas.
- How does the reported Russian control over 70 percent of rare earth elements in occupied Ukrainian territories affect the geopolitical dynamics and potential negotiation outcomes?
- This rapprochement highlights shifting geopolitical dynamics, with Russia emphasizing its resource control in occupied Ukrainian territories, which includes 70 percent of rare earth deposits. The exclusion of Ukraine from US-Russia talks underscores a potential power imbalance and raises concerns about future negotiations. Lavrov's comments about the West's supposed desire for war further escalate tensions.
- What are the long-term consequences of excluding Ukraine from direct negotiations between the US and Russia, and how might this impact future peace efforts and Ukraine's sovereignty?
- The upcoming US-Russia meeting in Riyadh, excluding Ukraine, may set a precedent for future negotiations. This could marginalize Ukraine's role in decisions about its own territory, potentially leading to further conflict or concessions against its interests. Selenskyi's planned meetings in the Middle East aim to diversify economic partnerships, mitigating reliance on Western support.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introductory paragraphs frame the situation favorably towards Russia, highlighting Putin's supposed successes and downplaying the Ukrainian perspective. The phrasing such as "runs smoothly for Russia's president Vladimir Putin" and celebration of the "new rapprochement between Washington and Moscow" showcase a pro-Russia bias. The article focuses on Russian actions and perspectives more extensively than those of Ukraine.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language such as "Hitlers Mörder" and "Nazi-Manieren" (Hitler's murderer and Nazi manners) when quoting Lawrow, which heavily influences reader perception of the Ukrainian government. The phrasing "völkerrechtswidrig besetzt hält" (illegally occupied) is a neutral description but the overall context contributes to a negative portrayal of Ukraine's position. Alternatives could be more neutral descriptions or adding context from other sources to present a more balanced view.
Bias by Omission
The article omits mention of potential counterarguments to Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territories, such as international law and the condemnation from numerous countries. It also doesn't detail the economic or humanitarian consequences of the war for either Ukraine or Russia, focusing primarily on political maneuvering.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by portraying a simplistic view of either cooperation or continued conflict between Russia and the West, ignoring the complexities of potential intermediary solutions or negotiated settlements.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Russia refusing to cede occupied territories and employing strong rhetoric against Ukraine. This directly undermines peace, justice, and strong institutions, particularly international law and norms.