This article reviews the current state of peace negotiations related to the Russia-Ukraine war. Vitalii Portnikov discusses proposals put forward by US President Donald Trump, the interactions between US, Ukrainian and European parties, and attempts to engage Russia in a more constructive dialogue.
Particular attention is paid to the talks in Moscow involving Steven Withop and Jared Kushner, which failed to deliver significant breakthroughs. Official reactions and challenges faced by US diplomacy in relations with Ukraine and Russia are commented on.
The article also analyzes the European position on supporting Ukraine in 2026-2027, efforts to secure budgetary and military aid, and the pragmatic approach of the EU towards long-term confrontation and financial assistance for the coming years.
Perspectives on sustainable peace settlements and potential future developments in the conflict—including possible deadlocks, continued positional warfare, and uncertainty about meaningful outcomes—are explored. The absence of a fair peace, with Russia retaining control of occupied territories, is discussed. Financial support, long-term sanctions, and economic exhaustion are considered as main Western strategies in supporting Ukraine and containing Russia.
The article concludes with an assessment of the resilience of Ukraine in the coming years, the political calculations of the US and the EU, and the likelihood of the conflict evolving into a protracted, routine confrontation unless major diplomatic progress is achieved.
