This week, Bangladesh’s new interim leader calls for peace. Will Sudan’s army chief attend peace talks scheduled in Geneva next week? More Ukrainians are open to peace talks with Russia as Russia warns against delaying them.
Bangladesh’s new interim leader calls for peace
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed to lead an interim government in Bangladesh following a period of intense unrest and violence. His appointment comes after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India amid widespread protests. Yunus, who was chosen by student leaders, the military, and the president, has urged Bangladeshis to avoid violence and work towards national stability.
The protests, initially sparked by university students demanding reforms, escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations, leading to over 400 deaths (mostly civilians shot by police) and significant property damage. The unrest included attacks on Hindu communities, which have drawn international concern.
In response, Yunus has called for calm and unity, emphasizing the importance of not letting the recent “victory” slip away due to further violence. Meanwhile, India is monitoring the situation closely and has reinforced its border security. International leaders have called for respect for democratic principles and human rights as Bangladesh navigates this transition.
Will Sudan’s army chief attend peace talks?
Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, Sudan’s army chief, remains non-committal about attending upcoming ceasefire negotiations in Geneva, despite U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to attend. The talks, scheduled for August 14, aim to address the devastating civil war that has plagued Sudan for over a year. Gen Al Burhan said he spoke to Blinken on a phone call about the need to address the Sudanese government’s concerns before he commits, including, he said, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacking El Fasher and preventing the passage of food to people in ZamZam camp.
The RSF leader, Gen Al Burhan’s former ally Gen Mohamed Dagalo, has agreed to participate in the talks. However, multiple ceasefire attempts have previously failed or been ignored, prolonging the conflict. Analysts suggest that Al Burhan’s reluctance may stem from his desire to secure a better negotiating position through military gains.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire, with millions displaced and famine conditions worsening. The international community, including the U.S., emphasizes that negotiations are crucial to halting the conflict and alleviating the severe humanitarian crisis.
More Ukrainians open to peace talks with Russia, while Russia warns against delay
Over two years after Russia’s invasion and occupation of Ukraine, there is a noticeable shift in Ukrainian public opinion towards the idea of peace talks with Russia. Recent polls show that nearly 44% of Ukrainians now support official talks with Russia, and nearly a third are willing to cede some territory to end the conflict—over three times as many as a year ago. This change reflects the growing fatigue from the war’s harsh realities, including constant power outages, mounting casualties, and unpredictable Western support.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he wants Ukraine to return to its 1991 borders and joining NATO, refusing to give in to Russia’s demands for territorial concessions and NATO renouncement. The secretary of Russia’s Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, has warned that Ukraine’s delay in negotiating will lead to further territorial losses.
Ukraine has explored alternative diplomatic channels, including inviting China to mediate and put more pressure on Russia to end the war. However, Russia’s conditions and ongoing military actions complicate the prospects for a settlement. Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Russia has controlled approximately 18% of Ukraine, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Additionally, Russia occupies large areas in four southeastern Ukrainian regions, which President Putin, citing historical and cultural reasons, insists Kyiv must fully surrender. The people of Ukraine deserve a just peace, and Russia’s invasion should not be rewarded.
Tara Abhasakun
Tara Abhasakun is a journalist in Bangkok. She has reported on a range of human rights issues involving youth protests in Thailand, as well as arts and culture. Tara's work has appeared in several outlets, including Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.
