A pragmatic path needed to bring peace to the Ukraine conflict

As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, the mounting human, economic and geopolitical costs demand a recalibration of approach. Recent developments, including the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, the emergency summit of European leaders, and the UK's intention of deploying troops to Eastern Europe, underscore the urgency of finding a sustainable resolution. These events highlight the growing recognition that the current trajectory of escalation and confrontation is untenable, and that a pragmatic path to peace must be pursued.

The conflict has already resulted in catastrophic loss of life, displacement of millions, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence, while the global economy grapples with the ripple effects of energy shocks, sanctions and rearmament. The longer the war persists, the more entrenched the positions of both sides become, making future negotiations increasingly difficult. Against this backdrop, the international community must confront the uncomfortable reality that absolute victory is a myth, and that a negotiated settlement, however imperfect, offers the best hope for stability.

Proponents of continued warfare—whether in Kyiv, Brussels or Washington—operate under the dangerous assumption that time and resources will eventually compel Russia to retreat. Yet history offers no precedent for such an outcome. Modern conflicts, from Afghanistan to Syria, demonstrate that protracted wars rarely produce clear victors; instead, they corrode societies, empower extremists and create power vacuums. Ukraine's incremental battlefield gains have come at a staggering human cost, with Europe's economy buckling under the strain of energy shocks and rearmament burdens. The notion that Russia will accept total defeat is a geopolitical fantasy.

Recent developments have further complicated the situation. The US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, though inconclusive, signaled a tentative step toward dialogue. Meanwhile, the UK's intention of deploying troops to Eastern Europe reflects a new development of Western strategy but also risks escalating tensions. European leaders, convening for an emergency summit, have grappled with the dual challenges of supporting Ukraine while managing the economic and social fallout of the conflict. These actions underscore the need for a more coherent and pragmatic strategy that prioritizes diplomacy over escalation.

The old paradigms of power and influence are shifting. Instead, a collaborative approach that prioritizes dialogue, compromise and mutual respect is essential for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine and beyond. The international community must recognize that the era of unipolarity is over, and that a multipolar world demands new approaches to conflict resolution.

Europe's role is pivotal in this context. By decoupling from US policy, Brussels could leverage its economic heft to offer Russia sanctions relief in exchange for energy stability while channeling reconstruction aid to Ukraine. This would not only help stabilize the region but also demonstrate Europe's commitment to a more independent foreign policy. The emergency summit of European leaders highlighted the growing recognition that Europe must take a more proactive role in shaping the continent's future, rather than relying solely on the US .

The Ukraine war serves nobody—not Ukraine, bled dry; not Europe, shackled to US priorities; not even Russia, whose pyrrhic gains have cost it a generation of economic progress. The path to peace demands uncomfortable truths: that absolute victory is a myth, and that stability requires engaging adversaries, not isolating them. Diplomacy, however imperfect, remains the least bad option.

As the great ancient Chinese strategist Sun Tzu warned, "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting." In Ukraine, that art must now be the art of peace. In this increasingly multipolar world, the international community must embrace a new vision for global cooperation—one that acknowledges the complexities of our interconnected world and seeks to build bridges rather than walls. Only then can we hope to navigate the challenges ahead and create a more stable and peaceful future for all.

The author is a Beijing-based commentator. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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