In Washington, the idea of exiting the war is being promoted again. Donald Trump is trying to replicate the effect he aimed for in the Middle East and deliver results in the Ukrainian direction. The formula is simple: a peace council, prisoner exchange, media emphasis on a “new approach.” But the reality is that Moscow is not showing interest.
The Telegraph writes that the US is effectively striving for peace at any cost. Bridget Brink put it more harshly: such “peace” does not become real peace.
Washington proposed a 28-point project that was supposed to be a starting point. Donbas remains with Russia, Ukraine renounces NATO. In return, Moscow commits not to attack. For Kyiv, this looked like a loss of strategic positions. Allies reacted sharply — too many conditions, too few guarantees.
Negotiation tracks continue. Geneva and Middle Eastern meetings create an illusion of movement but change nothing in essence. There are talks about a meeting between Zelensky and Trump — also without confirmation. Trump set a deadline, later withdrew it. Tactics, not strategy.
There are also historical parallels. Tatiana Stanovaya reminds us: Russia twice rejected diplomatic packages, accompanying the refusal with military attacks. Whitcoff, having switched from Gaza to Ukraine, is trying to impose dynamics, but the situation is more complex than it seems from Washington.
Zelensky faces internal pressure. Putin shows no interest in compromise. Moscow demands the fulfillment of its conditions without adjusting its line.
Deputy Director of the Russia and Eurasia Program Orysia Lutsevych considers the plan part of Russia’s game for time. Talks about negotiations give Moscow the opportunity to prolong the pause, ease sanctions pressure, and stabilize positions.
Meanwhile, shelling does not cease. November 25 — 22 missiles, over 460 drones, destroyed objects, casualties. This shows how much the Kremlin’s statements about “readiness for dialogue” diverge from actions.
European and Ukrainian diplomats are trying to change the parameters of the plan, but the outcome depends on one person in Moscow. His approach remains the same: waiting, strikes, an attempt to blur support for Ukraine.
We analyze in detail what the new American initiative means, how it fits into the region’s strategy, and what risks it creates for Kyiv, in the material on NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency, where analyses of the positions of the US, Europe, and Moscow are collected.