Ukraine war could end if Russia withdraws territories

In an interview, Rainer Rudolph, Vice-Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine. He emphasized that the conflict could end quickly if Russia withdrew from Ukraine's internationally recognized borders. Rudolph spoke at the 2025 Raisina Dialogue and shared insights on Europe's role in global issues. Rudolph noted that while the U.S. and Ukraine are seeking a peace deal, Russia continues its aggression. He pointed out recent drone attacks on Ukraine despite talks of a ceasefire. He expressed skepticism about Russia's intentions, urging that their actions, not words, should be the basis for analyzing the situation. During his discussion, Rudolph addressed Europe's involvement in the Middle East. He defended the idea that Europe is working towards peace, noting substantial humanitarian aid sent to Gaza by European countries. However, he acknowledged that there isn't a unified European strategy due to differing national interests. The German diplomat highlighted the need for Europe to enhance its security investments. He agreed with the U.S. perspective that Europeans should take more responsibility for their defense. This comes amid rising tensions with China and the need for Europe to maintain its autonomy while cultivating strong trade ties, especially with India. Rudolph mentioned that both Germany and India share interests in various areas, including security in the Indo-Pacific and climate change. He expressed optimism about finalizing a free trade agreement between the EU and India by 2025, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in these challenging times. Overall, Rudolph’s insights reflect a need for European unity and a proactive approach in addressing global security challenges and regional cooperation.