Three Years into the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ongoing hostilities have not only inflicted heavy casualties on both sides but also impacted European and international geopolitical, economic, and security landscapes. What are the current characteristics of this war? How far is peace from being achieved?

Reviewing the key milestones of the Russia-Ukraine conflict reveals its emerging characteristics. From the perspective of battlefield dynamics, while both sides engage in confrontation based on military strength and economic power, the conflict has also developed new features through the use of modern technology and communication methods.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is a war of attrition, with Russian forces destroying a significant amount of Ukrainian equipment. According to data released by the Russian Ministry of Defense this month, since the start of the special military operation, Russian forces have destroyed Ukrainian fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, tanks and armored vehicles, and approximately 10,000 artillery pieces and mortars. Statistics from Russia's Kommersant newspaper indicate that before the escalation of the conflict, Ukraine possessed only nearly 10,000 pieces of heavy equipment.

Tactical forms are undergoing changes, with drones becoming a key tactic. Drones are being extensively used on the Russia-Ukraine battlefield. According to statistics from the defense ministries of both countries, Russia has shot down over ten thousand drones, while Ukraine has shot down over ten thousand drones as well. Additionally, Russia's newly developed "Hazelnut" hypersonic missile was deployed in actual combat for the first time.

The nature of hybrid warfare is evident, with the conflict affecting multiple domains. While direct armed clashes are ongoing, invisible battles have also spread to areas such as media, public diplomacy, and economic trade. For instance, Western nations have frozen approximately billions of dollars of Russia's overseas assets, and the European Union has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia. During the conflict, sabotage activities targeting energy infrastructure like the Nord Stream gas pipelines also occurred. Meanwhile, social media has become a crucial platform leveraged by both sides of the conflict, particularly for launching information offensives and recruitment efforts.

Calls for Peace Talks Grow Louder: How Far Are We from Peace? Currently, the situation on the Russia-Ukraine battlefield remains deadlocked, yet calls for peace talks continue to rise. On one hand, both conflicting parties have shown a willingness to "de-escalate" and engage in negotiations. On the other hand, while the U.S. adjusts its policy toward Ukraine, it has bypassed its European allies to restart dialogue with Russia on ending the conflict. Meanwhile, multiple European countries are actively voicing their positions on the Ukraine issue, seeking a role in potential peace talks. This three-year-long conflict may now be entering a new phase, where diplomatic negotiations carry as much weight as battlefield confrontations.

Ukrainian President: Willing to Resign for Peace. On the local date of [Month Day], Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at the "Year of Ukraine" forum held that day that he is willing to resign as president if it would bring peace, or exchange his resignation for Ukraine's accession to NATO. Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine will hold presidential elections after the wartime state is lifted. Additionally, he believes that the frozen Russian overseas assets should entirely belong to Ukraine, rather than being jointly owned by Ukraine and its partners. Regarding recent repeated claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that "the U.S. wants to reclaim the hundreds of billions of dollars invested in Ukraine," Zelensky reiterated on [Day] that the U.S. has only provided Ukraine with approximately [X] billion dollars in aid, and this money was a "grant," not a "debt" that Ukraine should "repay." Zelensky noted that Ukraine has begun auditing its underground mineral resources, which is part of the preparations for signing a minerals memorandum with the U.S. Ukraine hopes to obtain security guarantees, which should be part of the mineral agreement. The initial draft of the new agreement will "no longer be worth [X] billion dollars," though the specifics have not yet been finalized. Zelensky said, "I do not acknowledge the [X] billion dollars (owed to the U.S.). Whether someone likes it or not, we cannot treat grants as debts. I will not sign an agreement that requires ten generations of Ukrainians to repay." Zelensky also stated that he will hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump but declined to disclose the specific timing.

Russian President: Russia is Ready to Return to the Negotiating Table. On the local date, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Peskov stated that Russia remains open to resolving the Ukraine issue through negotiations. Peskov specifically pointed out that the four regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson will not be subject to any form of trade or transfer. Russian President Putin also recently expressed that Russia is prepared to return to the negotiating table regarding the Ukraine issue.

United States: Trump Confident in Quickly Concluding Negotiations. On the local date, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov revealed that preparations for a meeting between Putin and Trump have already begun. Additionally, the next round of U.S.-Russia talks will continue to be held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with the participation of heads of relevant departments. This also means that the level of officials attending this meeting will be lower than that of the first round. It is understood that the adjustment in level is aimed at more effectively addressing specific issues. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump and his team are focused on continuing negotiations with Russia and Ukraine to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Trump is confident that the negotiations can be concluded as soon as possible.

UN Secretary-General: Calls for Comprehensive Peace. On the day, local time, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement reiterating the urgency of achieving a just, sustainable, and comprehensive peace. In the statement, Guterres noted that the Russia-Ukraine conflict not only poses a serious threat to peace and security in Europe but also shakes the fundamental principles and core foundations of the United Nations. He said, "After three years of death and destruction, I once again call for an urgent de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities. I welcome all efforts dedicated to achieving a just and inclusive peace. The United Nations stands ready to support these efforts."

China: Dialogue better than confrontation, talks better than war. On the day, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that although the positions of various parties are not entirely the same, dialogue is better than confrontation, and talks are better than war. China supports all efforts dedicated to peace and hopes that the parties involved will find a sustainable and lasting solution that addresses each other's concerns. China is willing to continue playing a constructive role in the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, taking into account the concerns of the international community, especially those of the Global South, as requested by the parties involved.