Political figures deliberate upon offering assistance to Ukraine

Ukraine, a country in Eastern Europe, once part of the Soviet Union, shares a border with Russia, a vast nation that spans most of Asia and a smaller part of Europe. The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv, while Moscow serves as the capital of Russia.

The relationship between these two nations has been strained for years, with disputed areas such as the Crimean peninsula and the east of Ukraine causing ongoing tension. In 2022, Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine, resulting in an ongoing war.

International law, a set of rules governing how states interact with each other, emphasises that respecting the borders of other countries is an important rule. Treaties between countries and international organizations like the United Nations exist to uphold this principle. Disputes between states are typically resolved through talks, not war, according to international law.

However, in the case of Ukraine and Russia, negotiations have been elusive. Russia has expressed a desire for parts of Ukraine and has been in conflict over these parts since 2014.

The European Union (EU) plays a supportive diplomatic role in peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine. The EU has consistently backed Ukraine's position and urged Russia to stop violence as a prerequisite for negotiations. While the EU has expressed realistic skepticism about fast peace talks, it insists on a peaceful solution without Ukrainian capitulation. However, the EU has not declared a formal position explicitly endorsing a ceasefire agreement yet. The EU emphasises that progress depends on Russia's willingness to negotiate and end its aggression.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine remains a significant nation. It is almost twice as large as Germany but has fewer people. The majority of Ukrainians speak Ukrainian, with a significant number also speaking Russian.

As the conflict continues, the international community will likely remain involved in efforts to broker peace and uphold the principles of international law.