Why are multiple meetings scheduled in the U.S. within a single day? Experts interpret

In Geneva, why did the U.S. arrange multiple meetings in one day, from indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. to bilateral talks between U.S. and Russia, U.S. and Ukraine representatives? Why did Russia choose to send officials mainly responsible for economic affairs, rather than diplomats or officials from other departments, to Geneva to communicate with the U.S.? U.S. media reports that Trump said he wants the Russia-Ukraine conflict to end within a month—is this realistic?

Why does the U.S. hold multiple talks in one day?

Chen Yu, Deputy Director of the Eurasian Institute at the China Academy of Modern International Relations: For a long time, the U.S. has been alternating its focus on the two most concerning international issues—Russia-Ukraine and Iran. But in the past month, the U.S. has changed its strategy, increasingly pushing both issues simultaneously. Recently, there were two important talks held consecutively in Geneva, and now multiple significant meetings are scheduled in one day, giving the impression that U.S. representatives are stationed in Geneva to handle these two most challenging issues at the same time.

Chen Yu: Fundamentally, this is because the U.S. is about to enter its midterm election cycle. On one hand, the Republican Party is facing serious challenges, and the Trump administration hopes to achieve diplomatic successes quickly to boost the Republican prospects. On the other hand, by the second half of the year, the Trump administration’s attention may be largely occupied by midterm elections. If these issues aren’t resolved in the first half, it will be difficult for Trump to find time to deal with them later, so they are being pushed forward simultaneously.

Why did Russia choose to send officials mainly responsible for economic affairs to Geneva?

Chen Yu: Russia sent its presidential special envoy for economic affairs, Dmitry Yermakov, to communicate with the U.S. for three reasons.

First, Yermakov has long worked in the U.S. and has extensive contacts there, especially within economic circles, enabling him to establish effective communication channels and exert influence.

Second, Trump’s “transactional diplomacy” focuses heavily on tangible economic interests. Russia hopes to use Yermakov to discuss economic issues with the U.S., leveraging economic interests to push the U.S. to align more closely with Russia’s positions on issues like the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Third, the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains complex and difficult to resolve. In this context, Russia hopes to see a thaw in U.S.-Russia relations first, especially by encouraging the U.S. to relax sanctions on Russia, easing some of Russia’s current economic difficulties.

Is there hope for the Russia-Ukraine conflict to end within a month?

Chen Yu: Currently, the U.S. approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict is still to pressure Ukraine to make territorial concessions. In exchange, the U.S. is willing to offer Ukraine a security guarantee for 15 years, with Europe taking on primary obligations and the U.S. providing support behind the scenes. However, ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict within a month with this plan is probably very difficult.

Chen Yu: From Ukraine’s perspective, the remaining areas in Donbas are still very important because they are located in higher terrain, and Ukraine has long maintained defensive fortifications there. If Ukraine withdraws without fighting, its deep rear areas, especially along the Dnieper River, will be indefensible. Additionally, Ukraine has higher expectations for U.S. security guarantees and the role the U.S. plays. Therefore, Ukraine is reluctant to make easy concessions.

Chen Yu: For Russia, although its current demands focus on territorial concessions from Ukraine, this does not mean Russia has no opinions on security guarantees in Ukraine. Especially as several European countries discuss troop deployment plans in Ukraine, if these plans also become part of security guarantees, Russia would find it hard to accept. So, there is still significant room for negotiation on security issues. Given the complexity of these issues, resolving everything within a month seems quite challenging.

(Article source: CCTV News)