On February 24, 2025, marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the United Nations Security Council passed a U.S.-proposed ceasefire resolution. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Russia resumed negotiations in Saudi Arabia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the restoration of dialogue channels with the U.S., while President Donald Trump stated that the conflict could end within weeks and signaled a willingness to visit Russia.

At this critical turning point, Professor Xinbo WU, Dean of the Institute of International Studies and Vice Dean of the Fudan Development Institute, recently gave a telephone interview to 21st Century Business Herald, analyzing the far-reaching impact of the conflict on European security, U.S.-Europe-Russia relations, and the global landscape.

Professor Wu pointed out that the end of the Russia-Ukraine conflict marks the conclusion of the post-Cold War era in Europe. NATO’s eastward expansion had long compressed Russia’s strategic space, ultimately provoking a strong Russian backlash. The U.S., as the primary driver of the conflict, initially played the role of an “instigator and promoter,” seeking to weaken Russia and even force Putin from power. However, after taking office, Trump shifted to the role of a war-ending negotiator, pushing for U.S.-Russia talks while prioritizing American interests.

Europe has become the biggest loser in this conflict—despite bearing immense economic, military, and energy costs, it has been completely marginalized in U.S.-Russia negotiations. Severe rifts have emerged in the transatlantic partnership, yet Europe's pursuit of strategic autonomy remains unattainable due to its lack of strength and internal divisions. Fundamentally, the conflict has been a strategic confrontation between Russia and the United States, with the attitude of the U.S. directly shaping the course of the war.

At the same time, the conflict has accelerated the process of global multi-polarization. Under Western dominance, Trump's unilateralism has weakened the U.S. role in global governance, while Russia has asserted itself as a key pole in the emerging multipolar world. The Global South, including China, is gaining influence and actively promoting multi-polarization. Looking ahead, global governance will increasingly rely on coordination among multiple powers rather than being dictated by a single hegemony.

Translated by Yuyao ZHAO 

Full text in Chinese available at: 

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/fAU5Q4RPevjCXZ6iRdprWg