The Ukrainian authorities emphasize that negotiations with the US are viewed as an opportunity to end the war, despite Russia not being present at the talks. Recently, Ukraine’s chief negotiator traveled to Miami to meet with US officials, a meeting confirmed by the US but without disclosing details. According to Bloomberg, peace talks remain stalled: President Putin continues to demand the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from parts of Donetsk region that Russia failed to capture militarily.
Despite some progress on certain issues, the status of Donbas and the lack of clear security guarantees for Ukraine remain the main obstacles to further advancement. The US currently lacks sufficient leverage over Russia to produce a rapid breakthrough. The global energy situation, affected by instability in the Middle East and resource shortages, further complicates diplomacy.
Experts believe overcoming the impasse may require broadening the negotiating group to include China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, or the EU. China’s participation is contingent on an equal partnership with the US. So far, there have been no official European proposals to expand talks with China; real initiative would need to come from the US.
For now, the situation is frozen, with each side holding firm and little prospect of significant change before the end of Trump’s presidency. The only way forward is admitting the current deadlock and forming a new coalition model, incorporating a wider range of countries.
Additional attention is drawn to recent contacts between Russian and US diplomats: the latest phone call between Lavrov and a US State Department representative is seen as Russia’s attempt to explain its refusal to honor ceasefires and to press its position amid sensitive energy negotiations and ongoing sanctions.
According to media reports, in the context of ongoing attacks, major changes are not expected. Russia retains a substantial missile arsenal, and the parties primarily maintain their negotiating positions.
