MOSCOW, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Eurasian region has remained a focal point on the global stage throughout 2024, grappling with persistent conflicts and instability.
Despite these challenges, the complex international landscape has not deterred Eurasian countries from their historical pursuit of peace, cooperation, and development. Their aspirations for lasting peace and common prosperity remain unwavering.
ESCALATING UKRAINE CRISIS, RISING TERRORIST THREATS
The Ukraine crisis, now exceeding 1,000 days, shows no signs of abating. It has inflicted mounting casualties, devastated infrastructure and displaced countless families. The risk of spillover into neighboring regions grows with each passing day, further complicating prospects for peace.
In August, Ukrainian forces launched cross-border operations in Russia's Kursk region, supported by U.S.- and NATO-supplied long-range precision-guided weaponry.
In response, Russia intensified strikes on Ukraine's military and energy infrastructure. November saw Russia firing its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile on the city of Dnipro.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved updates to the country's nuclear doctrine, allowing the use of nuclear weapons in response to conventional missile attacks supported by nuclear powers.
Beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the region continues to face the menace of terrorism.
In March, a tragic terrorist attack at Moscow's Crocus City Hall claimed over 140 lives and left 550 injured, marking one of the deadliest attacks Russia suffered in decades and underscoring the urgent need for enhanced regional security measures.
HEIGHTENED TENSIONS
The year 2024 witnessed heightened tensions between Russia, the region's major country, and the West, as the United States and its NATO allies continued to exacerbate the situation in Ukraine.
In March, Putin was re-elected Russian president with a landslide victory of 87.28 percent of votes. For many observers, Putin's reelection is a sign of continuity and a reaffirmation of Russia's resolve to resist Western pressure while emphasizing national sovereignty, security, and stability.
Russia has repeatedly cautioned against NATO's growing presence in Asia-Pacific and its expanding influence in the South Caucasus.
In December, Putin warned that Western countries are pushing Moscow to its red line and announcing plans for the mass production of its advanced Oreshnik weaponry.
In response to the conflict, the European Union imposed three additional sanction packages against Russia in 2024, the latest in December targeting shadow fleets seeking to evade the Western oil price cap on Russian exports.
Most analysts agree that the conflict has profoundly reshaped relations between Russia and the West, making any kind of partnership extremely difficult.
MULTILATERAL COOPERATION
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, regional nations are increasingly turning to multilateral frameworks like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS to foster stability and development.
In July, leaders of the SCO member states convened in Astana, Kazakhstan to discuss cooperation in political security, economic and trade investment, transportation, energy, and culture and people-to-people exchanges, and adopted 25 key documents.
The summit underscored the importance of maintaining regional security, combating the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism, and separatism, upholding the SCO Charter's objectives, and advancing the Shanghai Spirit with determination.
According to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the SCO has become an effective mechanism for fostering interstate relations, guided by the principles of the Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development.
The recently concluded BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia once again emphasized the region's growing interests in achieving lasting peace and sustained development.
During the summit, leaders from the Global South and Eurasian countries discussed important issues such as world peace and stability, governance reforms, development, and the international financial structure.
CHALLENGES AND HOPE
As winter grips Ukraine, the human toll of its conflict with Russia has grown ever more dire. According to the UN, over 14.6 million Ukrainians required humanitarian assistance in 2024, with millions expected to remain dependent on aid into 2025.
Public sentiment on both sides increasingly favors peace, with over half of Ukrainians now supporting negotiations, according to a recent Gallup poll. Similar trends are emerging in Russia.
While U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed confidence in his ability to resolve the conflict quickly, most experts consider an immediate resolution improbable due to fundamental differences in negotiation stances.
Analysts predict prolonged negotiations will be interspersed with continued fighting, as both Ukraine and Russia seek to strengthen their positions ahead of Trump's inauguration.
Meanwhile, the year 2025 promises to be pivotal for the region, with significant events on the horizon.
The year 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of World War II with commemorative events planned in countries, including Russia, to reaffirm a shared commitment to upholding historical justice.
Besides, SCO member countries will convene for their annual summit, aiming to promote shared prosperity and steer global governance toward a more equitable global governance framework.
Amid the uncertainties and challenges, the call for peace and collaboration grows stronger, offering hope for a more stable and cooperative future in Eurasia. ■
