Sanna Torén Björling: Ukraine would need a different peace broker than the USA

From the perspective of Dagens Nyheter, a leading Swedish newspaper, the current mediation efforts for the conflict in Ukraine, particularly those involving the United States under Donald Trump, are viewed with significant skepticism. The commentary argues that a successful mediator must command the trust of all parties involved, a condition that is currently unmet given Ukraine's damaged trust in the U.S. and the perceived self-serving nature of conversations between Trump and Putin.

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A successful mediator needs to enjoy the trust of all parties.

The article highlights that while Trump claims to have proposed a ceasefire, the initiative's origin is disputed, with Russia suggesting it was their proposal tied to Victory Day celebrations. This ambiguity, coupled with Russia's history of violating ceasefires, fuels Ukraine's distrust. The commentary points out that Russia has shown no credible signs of wanting to cease hostilities, with daily attacks continuing despite high-level peace talks.

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I suggested Putin a small ceasefire

Furthermore, the piece suggests that the ongoing conflict in Iran has inadvertently benefited Russia by distracting the U.S. and increasing Russian oil revenues. This geopolitical shift complicates the situation, making the U.S.'s role as a neutral mediator even more questionable. From a Swedish viewpoint, the reliance on a mediator with such perceived conflicts of interest raises concerns about the genuine prospects for a lasting peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a more impartial and trusted party to facilitate negotiations.

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I suggested Putin a small ceasefire