Bangladesh, May 17 -- The Ukraine conflict, now well into its third year, could have ended within weeks of its start if not for Western interference, according to Vladimir Medinsky, the head of Russias negotiating delegation at the early peace talks in Gomel and Istanbul. In comments made after a significant prisoner exchange agreement between Russia and Ukraine, Medinsky emphasized that early peace was within reach-until political pressure from Western allies, particularly the United Kingdom, allegedly pushed Kyiv to prolong the war.

Medinskys reflections come at a critical time, as the war continues to claim thousands of lives, devastate infrastructure, and reshape international alliances. He contends that Ukraine had an opportunity to...