From war of choice to war of perseverance

For diplomacy to work in ending the conflict in Ukraine, the key players have to be persuaded that it is in their interests to come to a negotiated solution.

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairing a meeting with members of the country's Security Council via video link on March 3, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS

NEW YORK - "Ripeness is all," noted Edgar in Shakespeare's King Lear. When it comes to negotiations to limit or end international conflicts, he is right: agreements emerge only when the leading protagonists are willing to compromise and are then able to commit their respective governments to implement the accord.

This truth is highly relevant to any attempt to end the war between Russia and Ukraine through diplomacy.

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