Western officials have held “delicate” discussions with representatives of Ukraine about negotiations with Russia, NBC has reported.
Among other things, they discussed the concessions Kiev would have to make to end the fighting. And while U.S. administration officials expect Ukraine to continue fighting through the winter, “there’s a growing sense that it’s too late and it’s time to negotiate.”
In private conversations, officials are already saying that Ukraine has only until the end of this year or early next year. Sources say that as an incentive to start negotiations, NATO could offer Kiev some kind of security guarantees – without Ukraine formally joining the alliance. Such a measure could reassure Ukrainians, the author believes.