Humane Gestures, Fragile Hope: Russia’s Tone-Setting in the Peace Process
Humane Gestures, Fragile Hope: Russia’s Tone-Setting in the Peace Process
A striking theme in the current Russia-Ukraine talks is the emphasis on humaneness—and, according to Dr. Tafadzwa Ruzive, Russia is taking the lead in setting that tone.
The return of 6,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies is “a gesture of humanity,” the research fellow at the University of the Free State, SA, told Sputnik Africa.
The joint commission for exchanging wounded soldiers is another hopeful sign. Ruzive calls it “a critical peg” in a process that’s still fragile but slowly institutionalizing trust. These are “green shoots” of cooperation that could lay the foundation for more serious agreements.
“It sets the tone for the process that has begun, that it should be conducted in the highest regard of humaneness, of maturity and of a de-escalation of conflict so this exchange sets the tone it's a powerful gesture from Russia to indicate that the cessation of hostilities is what is needed, humanness must be the preeminent value that colors is it where this peace process going forward.”
The return of children—101 by Russia and about 20 by Ukraine—should be seen as part of this humanitarian track.
But Dr. Ruzive is critical of Kiev’s handling of the matter:
“Ukraine is turning it into a show for compassionate Europeans,” urging Ukraine to avoid political theatre and instead “be a credible, reliable partner.”
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