Calls for Mediation in Ukraine Conflict Grow

Russia's Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, claims the US is unwilling to engage in substantive dialogue regarding the Ukraine conflict, while President Biden and UK Prime Minister Starmer reportedly discussed allowing Ukraine to utilize British long-range missiles against Russia. Meanwhile, German SPD leader Rolf Mützenich has proposed an international contact group to facilitate peace talks, suggesting the participation of nations like China and Brazil to mediate the conflict. Despite calls for diplomacy, Russian President Putin insists that Ukraine requires Western support to conduct deep strikes into Russian territory. Former Ukrainian diplomat Aleksandr Chaly remarked that a peace agreement was attainable in 2022 but has since been lost. Furthermore, while countries express willingness to mediate, former Russian Defense Minister Shoigu's statements indicate that negotiations seem unlikely until control over certain territories is restored to Moscow. Austria has offered to support peace efforts, although its capacity as a mediator is questioned due to its size and political landscape.