Global tensions and prospects for peace: U.S.-Russia dialogue on Ukraine War

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring you today's most pressing issues from across the globe, I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

As the war in Gaza entered a ceasefire, the world is keeping close tabs on how the three-year-old war between Russia and Ukraine will unfold, especially with new leadership in the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said that his administration has already had very serious discussions with Russian officials about the war and that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin could soon take significant action toward ending the conflict.

Putin echoed Trump's assertions that the crisis could have been avoided if he remained in office, indicating his willingness to engage in dialogue.

NATO's ongoing support for Ukraine and talks of potential peace negotiations are also ongoing as the world struggles to find a path to end the war.

For more on this, we invite Ban Kil-joo, Assistant Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Welcome, Professor.

Also joining us is Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Thank you for joining us.

(DAVIS) 1. So let's start with Dr. Davis, Trump has suggested that the U.S. is engaging in "very serious" discussions with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict. What are the possible implications of such talks, and how could they impact future diplomatic efforts in the region?

(BAN) 2. Now to Professor Ban. How do you assess the potential benefits and risks of direct U.S.-Russia negotiations in this context?

(DAVIS) 3. So the war in Ukraine is ongoing for the third year, at this point Dr. Davis, what role can the U.S. realistically play in ending the conflict, and how might this role evolve under the Trump administration?

(BAN) 4. Putin has echoed Trump's claim that the conflict in Ukraine could have been avoided if Trump had remained in office. Professor Ban, Do you agree with this assessment? What could have been different in U.S.-Russia relations during Trump's first term that may have prevented the current crisis?

(BAN) 5. NATO Chief Mark Rutte mentioned having "ideas" for potential peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia but kept them a secret.

However, he says it will be effective in preventing Putin from trying to conquer Ukraine again. Professor, How realistic is this goal, and what steps should NATO and the West take to ensure this happens?

(DAVIS) 6. According to Rutte, NATO's primary focus should be supporting Ukraine with weapons and training. Dr. Davis, How effective do you think this approach has been so far in helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia's military advances?

(BAN) 7. Meanwhile, as for North Korean involvement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently warned that North Korea could send an additional 20,000 to 25,000 troops to Russia. How do you see the changes and how significant is this development Professor Ban?

(DAVIS) 8. Dr. Davis, How do you view Russia's increasing ties with North Korea? With North Korea's recent military support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, what impact could this have on Russia's military capabilities and its position on the global stage?

(BAN) 9. With the reported losses of North Korean troops in Russia and the fact that they are gaining modern warfare experience, how might this influence the future military capabilities of North Korea Professor Ban, especially if they return to their home country?

(DAVIS) 10. Russia's increasing collaboration with the likes of Iran and North Korea has raised concerns about a new "axis" forming. Dr. Davis, How do you assess the strategic significance of this alliance for Russia? What does it mean for global security?