Western countries are holding a private discussion on possible peace terms between Russia and Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports, citing sources familiar with the issue.
According to the newspaper, almost all leaders and high-ranking officials avoid public statements that could constrain Kyiv.
It is noted that today the USA and its allies do not see great prospects for ending the conflict in Ukraine through negotiations, “given the high stakes for victory on both sides.”
At the same time, the newspaper writes that European countries are determined to continue providing economic and military aid to Kyiv.
According to The Washington Post, US President Joe Biden's administration, on the one hand, is calling on Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to be open to negotiations with Russia, on the other hand, insisting that the Ukrainian side publicly refuse to participate in peace talks as long as Vladimir Putin leads Russia, the newspaper reports.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also stated that Kyiv should decide independently whether to negotiate a ceasefire or not.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia's good will in negotiations with Ukraine is known and is not subject to any change. He noted that Kyiv is not currently seeking to discuss possible agreements. Meanwhile, according to the head of Russia, in order to achieve them, it is necessary to "sit at the negotiating table and come to an agreement."
