As the war in Ukraine continues to ravage the country, Ukrainian politicians are expressing growing skepticism about the possibility of direct negotiations between Russia and the US regarding the future of Ukraine.
This sentiment was evident at the Firewalling the Future conference held at Cambridge University, where Ukrainian officials emphasized their shift in focus from NATO membership to the broader framework of European security.
The conference, organized by Victoria Vdovychenko and Rory Finnin under the Centre for Geopolitics, gathered diplomats, academics, and military experts to discuss Ukraine’s future amid growing uncertainties. A common theme among attendees, particularly from Ukraine and Eastern Europe, was a deepening lack of confidence in current diplomatic efforts led by the US and Russia.
The recent talks between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia, which concluded without Ukraine’s direct involvement and with no set date for a potential Putin-Trump meeting, left many Ukrainians feeling sidelined. Ukrainian servicemen, diplomats, and academics voiced frustration at being excluded from the conversations that directly affect their country’s sovereignty and security. With Russia occupying significant portions of Ukrainian territory, many believe that international dialogue on Ukraine’s future must be inclusive, not just between Moscow and Washington.
A dominant feeling expressed by many was that the international order, especially with the potential re-election of Donald Trump, could no longer guarantee Ukraine’s safety and geopolitical standing within NATO or any western alliance. As a result, Ukrainian leaders are increasingly advocating for the creation of a European security architecture, one that is more inclusive of Eastern European interests and less reliant on the influence of the US or Russia.
"With the way things are heading, we need a new approach," said a Ukrainian diplomat at the conference. "A security framework that is tailored to our needs, where our voice is heard, and where we are no longer just pawns in a game played by others."
As the discussions continue, the future of Ukraine remains uncertain, with its path to peace and stability seeming more complex than ever.
