Hun Sen Appeals for Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen delivers a speech during a ceremony marking the 46th anniversary of the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in Phnom Penh on January 7, 2025. Photo by AFP
    By:
  • Rin Ousa
  • January 17, 2025, 7:15 PM
  • 00:00 / 00:00

PHNOM PENH – Senate President Hun Sen appealed for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible, urging foreign countries to seek negotiations rather than escalating the fighting. 

Negotiating during fighting is better than fighting alone, Hun Sen said on Jan. 15. Cambodia’s experience was that the sooner this should happen, the better. 

Earlier this week, NATO chief Mark Rutte said Ukraine is not yet in a strong enough position for peace talks with Russia. 

Hun Sen said, “In terms of maintaining peace, the decision to negotiate in Ukraine lies solely with its Ukrainian leader, not the head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or other countries.”

Hun Sen proposed this scenario as president-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House on Jan. 20. There is speculation that there could be a change in the war as Trump promised to support peace talks. 

“However, I am certain that the NATO chief meant the situation on the military front, which Ukraine is losing. Delaying negotiations until Ukraine gains a stronger position would only prolong the death and suffering of civilians,” Hun Sen said. 

The situation would remain unchanged if Ukraine were to join NATO or the EU, Hun Sen said, highlighting the extensive support from NATO, EU forces and the US, including weapons, finance and logistics. The conflict had worsened, not only in Ukraine but globally. 

Prom Thary, a PhD scholar in political science at RUDN University, Moscow, and in public administration at South Korea’s Cheongju University, agreed that negotiations are the best option to find a peaceful solution. 

“No matter how bad the situation is, peace must begin with negotiations as the prolonged war may only lead to a greater loss of resources and affect civilians of both countries,” Thary said. 

While Russia’s demands include keeping occupied territories and stopping Ukraine from joining NATO, Ukraine insists on NATO membership, the withdrawal of Russian forces, and gaining control of Crimea.

“These demands are complex, but both sides should establish their committees to facilitate negotiations, with support from great powers and the United Nations serving as mediators,” Thary said. 

“Both countries should make concessions to promote ending the war as soon as possible. No one should be defeated, but the focus should be on a win-win approach.” 

Foreign countries should support peace talks rather than encourage further conflict, Thary said, suggesting the US, European countries and the UN commit to rebuilding Ukraine’s economy. 

Russia began its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Since then, the UN has adopted several resolutions on the invasion. 

On March 2, 2022, member states adopted a resolution demanding Russia end its invasion and withdraw all its military forces. The results showed that 141 member states were in favor, five were against it and 35 abstained. 

Cambodia voted in favor of the resolution, signaling its support for international law and sovereignty.

On October 12, 2022, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling upon countries not to recognize the four regions of Ukraine, which Russia has claimed. The results were 143 member states in favor, five against and 35 abstentions. 

On July 11, 2024, the UN General Assembly demanded Russia immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine and unconditionally withdraw all military forces from Ukraine. The results were 99 member states in favor, nine against and 60 abstentions. 

Cambodianess

Related Articles