Ukraine is once again relying on the support of its European partners as its main lever in resolving security issues and the conflict. Negotiating with the US alone is complicated, especially under American pressure regarding talks and compromises tied to Donbas.
Recent discussions, including those in Miami attended by the Ukrainian defense minister and the chief of staff, focused not only on diplomacy but also on purely military topics—troop withdrawal, control over the Donbas situation, and security guarantees. Progress on key issues remains elusive. According to participants, both sides are maintaining a strict information blackout due to the sensitive nature of the discussions and to avoid leaks.
The US is insisting on compromises similar to Russian demands regarding Donbas, complicating mutual understanding. On other aspects, such as security guarantees, some technical advances have been made. The Ukrainian delegation is pursuing a strategy of constructive dialogue, declining key concessions while engaging with the US and conveying updates to European partners—Britain, France, Germany—on developments and future prospects. Overall, the situation remains difficult, with progress on Donbas stalled.
