Russia-Ukraine War: An Intractable Conflict?

International armed conflicts in the 21st century have become increasingly complex in their sources, evolution, types of confrontations, scale, management, and resolution. This article analyzes the characteristics of intractable international armed conflicts based on the conflict transformation approach and the application of conflict mapping and curve models. The context, actors, causes, issues, and dynamics of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine are examined to determine whether it is shaping up as an intractable international armed conflict. Undoubtedly, the Russia-Ukraine war is a protracted international armed conflict, with significant possibilities of evolving into a broader and intractable conflict. Therefore, it is crucial for the involved parties to seek alternatives through multifaceted and diplomatic approaches to prevent further escalation and find sustainable solutions that promote peace and stability in the region.