The NPI "Ask What You Want to Know" series is a forum in which leading researchers discuss issues of current interest and field questions from the moderator and attendees. In this session, two experts described the current situation and the prospects of the war in Ukraine.

Moderator

Fujisaki Ichiro, Former Ambassador of Japan to the U.S.; Advisor, NPI

Panelists

Matsuda Kuninori, Former Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine

Hirose Yoko, Professor, Keio University; Senior Fellow, NPI

The main questions from the moderator and attendees were organized and posed to the panelists on the day of the event as follows.

1. What is your assessment of the May 19th phone call between U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin?
2. Might President Putin declare a temporary ceasefire then resume attacks and blame Ukraine?
3. How do you assess the current state of the conflict?
4. Russia is not using tactical nuclear weapons and seems to be taking a relatively restrained approach in its attacks on Ukraine--is there a reason for this?
5. Professor Hirose writes that China is trying to keep its distance from the Ukraine issue--but is it still trying to reap opportunistic benefits?
6. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has announced a 10-point peace plan--couldn't it have been more focused?
7. Contrary to what is said in the U.S., Ambassador Matsuda writes that Ukraine had anticipated Russia's invasion--is that correct?
8. What are the prospects of the Ukraine war? How will it be resolved? What role should Japan play? How is the stability of Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin? What role should the U.S. play?
9. Will India, as part of the Global South, remain militarily dependent on Russia and not side with Ukraine?
10.Will President Trump continue to refuse to provide arms to Ukraine?
11.What is the morale of the Ukrainian people and is there any war-weariness? What are the Ukrainian government's efforts to boost morale and how effective are they?