![]() ![]() Moscow's portrayal of the situation reinforces those Western observers who already believe the war is at a stalemate. Perceptions of a stalemate lend weight to those who have suggested from early on that the war can be ended only by negotiations. The Ukrainians may want to continue the fighting the West must intervene to stop them. The implication: The only exit for the West is acquiescence to Moscow's terms. Russia's former president and Putin ally Dmitry Medvedev has warned that the standoff between Moscow and the West will last for decades. To make this strategy work, Putin must persuade Western audiences that Russia is unwilling to lose at any cost, that Russia sees this war as existential. Russia depends on fear and fatigue to weaken Western resolve and fracture the alliance that is crucial to Ukraine's survival. As NATO begins its summit in Vilnius, President Biden could have to reassure nervous allies that the United States is not about to bail out. The White House and State Department said the Biden administration did not sanction or support the secret meetings, but that may not entirely dispel suspicions in Kyiv-or capitals in Europe-that the United States might be looking for an offramp. officials met with Russia's foreign minister this spring to discuss potential talks to end the Ukraine war. ![]() ![]() With no knockout blow from Ukraine and Russia's military leadership caught up in a “Game of Thrones” drama, some will argue it is time to wrap this conflict up before it turns into another “quagmire” or “forever war”-even if that means coercing Ukraine to accept an unfavorable settlement.Īccording to news reports out last week, former senior U.S. Ukraine's spring-now summer-counteroffensive is underway, but progress is slow. Or, worse, not at the table where its future may be decided. Not because of anything happening on the battlefield, but because Western impatience could force Ukraine into the spot it least wants to be in: at the negotiating table with Russia. ![]()
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